Big thanks to those who have brought in books for our Book Fair (which was postponed due to the pandemic) and we appreciate the support, but unfortunately our stores are now full to capacity and we cannot accept anymore donations until further notice.
Thank you for your co-operation.
Following government guidelines as from Monday 10th August face coverings will be required when you are in any communal area of the Linskill Centre, the meeting rooms and halls are currently exempt and will be managed by class/group leaders discretion (anyone with a health condition are also exempt). Additional social distancing measures are in place throughout the centre for your safety, including sanitiser stations and a one way system.
If you have any questions please ask at reception on arrival or call 0191 257 8000.
Thank you for your co-operation.
Like many other charities and organisations the Trust has found the last four months particularly difficult, with core revenue streams ceased the team has been sourcing alternative funding to help sustain the Linskill Centre and its community activities. Linskill reopened yesterday and the Trust would like to thank Virgin Money Foundation, Power to Change, RW Mann Trust and North Shields Rotary Club for recent grants and donations to help support the ongoing work of the charity.
The Trust is delighted to announce that following updated guidance from the UK Government the Linskill Centre will open to the public on Monday 6th July, with the opening hours of 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
To keep our staff, members and visitors safe we have implemented a range of social distancing measures throughout our centres. Please take a minute to read through and familiarise yourself with new systems, or alternatively take a brief tour through the centre:
*** Please note Cafe 32 and the Sensory Room are currently closed
Our commitment
We have implemented these changes to keep everyone safe and we hope that you will follow and abide by these new social distancing measures. If at any point during your visit you observe any issues or have concerns, please report to reception.
In the meantime if you have any queries please call 0191 257 8000 or email info@linskill.org
Thank you once again for your understanding and ongoing support – we look forward to welcoming you into the centre.
Firstly, I hope all our members are well and staying safe as we enter the third month of temporary closure at the Linskill Centre. Be reassured that although we are not open to the public there is still a lot going on behind the scenes to adapt the centre in readiness for opening and the remodelling of services to ensure compliance with latest legislation. It has been a challenging time for all organisations and with very little income the Trust is actively exploring grant funding and financial options to ensure the sustainability of the centre and future delivery of community services.
However, we continue to deliver services where we can and reassuringly the number of children attending Linskill Nursery is increasing on a weekly basis as more people return to work, for more information on our childcare provision please email debra@linskill.org or call 0191 270 4243.
Our Community Development team have taken to both traditional and modern technology to connect with both existing and new participants for the engAGE and Encompass programmes. A Keep in Touch postcard was distributed through the doors of over 600 households offering contact points and a friendly voice if required. Online activities and group meet-ups have been enabled through ZOOM with a good take-up and participants have enjoyed coffee mornings, history talks, gardening, keep fit to craft sessions. If you are interested in joining any of these activities please email charlotte@linskill.org or call 0191 257 8000.
As mentioned previously the centre is being prepared for when we can open to the public, unfortunately I cannot confirm when that will be at this stage but be assured, we will be ready. As you would expect there are a few changes to ensure the safety of staff, tenants and visitors including: social distance markings, protective screens in reception, hand sanitiser stations and the introduction of a one-way system around the centre. Further information will be issued when required.
We await government guidance as to when and how we can resume core services such as casual room hire and the opening of Café 32, we will keep you informed of any developments. In the meantime, I hope as many of you as possible take up the opportunity to join in with our community online activities and we look forward to welcoming you back into the centre in the near future.
Thank you for your ongoing support
Simeon Ripley
Chief Executive
The Linskill and North Tyneside Community Development Trust has developed a range of community businesses to support the work of the charity and delivery of community activities.
Over twenty tenant organisations have successfully set up and established businesses and services at the Linskill Centre in North Shields, with key benefits including access to shared services, flexible space and car parking.
The Trust now has a range of good quality refurbished space available in North Tyneside at the Linskill Centre and its Royal Quays and Battle Hill sites. Spaces range from 100-5,500 sq ft and are available on flexible terms and affordable rates. The spaces are suitable for a range of purposes including office, retail, storage and distribution.
To find out more or arrange a viewing call 0191 257 8000 or email info@linskill.org
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TO BE HELD AT LINSKILL CENTRE ON 19 JUNE 2020 AT 10.30am
Due to the ongoing situation with the coronavirus and the need to maintain social distancing, we have considered recent guidance from Companies House and the Charity Commission concerning AGMs and other necessary meetings. In addition, we have given due attention to the relevant clauses and rules set out in our governing document. As a result, our AGM this year will operate in a different way and members are invited to participate in our Annual General Meeting this year by completing proxy forms which have been sent out in the post.
In line with the latest government instruction it is with sadness the Trust is announcing the temporary closure of the Linskill Centre, Battle Hill Multi-Use Centre and the Royal Quays Community Centre. We have endeavoured to keep the doors open for as long as possible to serve our community, but the health and safety of our people and guests is paramount. It is now time to close the doors, to reduce the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
As a Trust we will work with local and regional partners to support those most vulnerable within our community over the coming weeks and will share the details of these as soon as possible. Linskill Nursery will remain open to care for children of Key Workers.
The Trust would like to thank all staff, customers and our community for their ongoing support. When the time is right, we look forward to welcoming you back.
As a result of the coronavirus outbreak and the challenging times being faced, the Trust has taken the decision to postpone the Linskill Book Fair until later in the year.
Please note that book donations are no longer being accepted at the Linskill Centre.
However, the Trust would like to thank all those who have donated books to date and be assured they will be stored.
World Book Day saw the launch of our appeal for the donation of books to support this year’s Linskill Book Fair and help raise funds for the Linskill Centre.
This year’s Book Fair is going to be bigger and better and we need lots and lots of books. For the first time this volunteer run event year will be held over four days from Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th May, including two late evening sessions, providing more opportunity for people to access the Book Fair.
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