The Action Group have taken ownership of The Prentice Centre from the West Granton Community Trust (WGCT), following a Community Asset Transfer after the WGCT announced their closure in June 2022.
With almost 50 years supporting people across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Falkirk with disabilities, and their families and carers, The Action Group have a many of long standing connections with people across North Edinburgh, and have been based in Leith since 1976.
Stephen Oliver, Chair of the Board for The Action Group, said: “This is an exciting change for us as an organisation, and we hope to develop an inclusive community hub, for those we support, and our staff, now and in the future.
“We are looking forward to a positive future at The Prentice Centre, and are privileged to be able to build on the connections and partnerships, forged by WGCT over many years. We are so grateful to their members, staff and Management committee for working with us so positively on this transfer. We are proud to go forward with their blessing.”
Community Hub Manager for the Prentice Centre, Moira Fenning, said: “It was an extremely difficult decision taken by the West Granton Community Trust, to wind down the charity after serving the local community for 30 years.
“However, the transition of finding new owners for the building, was made much easier by seeing the amazing work carried out by the Action Group, and the exciting future plans they have for the Prentice Centre.
“We would like to take this opportunity to wish them every success in their future work within the community.”
Lisa Williamson, Development Manager for The Action Group, said: ‘The possibilities and opportunities that this move will give us are very exciting.
“We are looking forward to forming new partnerships within the local community, and working on collaborative projects with organisations both locally and across the city, to provide services and spaces for people with additional support needs, their families, and carers.”
The Action Group intend to have the centre up and running within a few months and will initially retain the name The Prentice Centre.
CEO of The Action Group, Linda Tuthill, said: “The Prentice Centre was named after Walter Prentice, a longstanding local activist.
“It was an easy decision for us to choose to continue his legacy for the time being and retain his name on the building, together with our own name: The Action Group @ The Prentice Centre.”
The Action Group ownership was finalised on February 6th.
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