Pendle community groups Open Door Centre and Positive Action in the Community receive boost as Northern Community Bank donates £2,000

The account holder-owned bank has shared the money equally between a number of organisations providing vital support to local communities, with Colne's Open Door Centre and Positive Action in the Community (PAC) each receiving £1,000.

The funding was approved by account holders at the Community Bank's Annual General Meeting as part of the organisation's ongoing commitment to investing in the communities it serves.

At the Open Door Centre in Colne, the donation will help the charity continue providing essential services for people facing hardship.

Centre manager Nick Alderson said: “We are incredibly grateful to Northern Community Bank for this generous donation and for recognising the importance of community organisations like ours.

“At Colne Open Door Centre, we support thousands of local people every year through our crisis service, free counselling, food support, peer support groups and practical help for those facing some of life's toughest challenges.

"Every day we meet people who are struggling with poverty, poor mental health, isolation, housing issues and financial hardship. Donations like this allow us to continue providing a safe, welcoming place where people can access support without judgement and find hope when they need it most.

“On behalf of everyone at Open Door, thank you to Northern Community Bank, its members and account holders for investing back into local communities and helping us continue this vital work.”

PAC, which provides specialist support to improve health and wellbeing across Pendle, will use the funding to support two of its key local projects.

Engagement officer Leroy Philbrook said the £1,000 donation would benefit residents at Safespace Pendle, its supported accommodation for homeless young people aged 16 to 21, as well as activities at Waterside Youth Club.

He said: "The support from Northern Community Bank will contribute to helping hundreds of local young people and children in Pendle. Thank you."

Northern Community Bank, formerly Pennine Community Credit Union, provides savings accounts, affordable loans and financial education to help people build stronger financial futures.

Development officer Lee Banks said community centres played an invaluable role in supporting people of all ages.

He said: “Many of our local community centres play a vital role in society, helping all areas of the community from young to old. They provide everything from health and wellbeing classes to employment support, warm hubs and, in some cases, accommodation. They are often seen as a lifeline for many people.

“Despite the incredible work they do, many community centres receive little or no regular funding and rely heavily on fundraising and donations to continue supporting local people.

“As a not-for-profit community bank, it is amazing that we can support our community centres and demonstrate our commitment to the people in the areas we serve.”

The initiative follows the bank's Money Matters project, which helps primary school children learn about saving and managing money through interactive educational resources. Northern Community Bank says it will continue supporting both programmes throughout the year.