Sheffield community centre to mark milestone anniversary

A Sheffield community centre is celebrating its 25th anniversary by fundraising to help it reach and support more people across the city.
Sheffield Chinese community centre on London RoadSheffield Chinese community centre on London Road
Sheffield Chinese community centre on London Road

Sheffield Chinese Community Centre on London Road works to build bridges between the Chinese in Sheffield and other communities.

It offers a range of vital services including day care for the elderly and a project designed to help young people develop personal, creative and social skills.

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Belinda Shiu, centre manager, says the services it provides are important for addressing a range of issues including mental health.

Having worked at the community centre for more than 20 years, she believes it is the focal point for the Chinese and very important for the community.

The centre plays a particularly key role for individuals whose first language is not English. As well as recreational and social activities, it offers free legal advice and English lessons.

Belinda said: “Those are the people that most need help, they have difficulty in accessing mainstream services and cultural aspects may get in the way.

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If they come here, we understand the culture and we know what works and can help them.

Our work promotes equality, fairness and inclusion, and lots of Chinese members and external organisations have benefited from different kinds of our services.

We are always happy to welcome new people to the centre and the services."

The centre also celebrates special occasions in the Chinese calendar, such as the Dragon Boat Festival, and events that aren't recognised anywhere else in the city.

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Belinda, who previously worked as a community health educator, says the centre represents Chinese Sheffielders but also reaches out to anyone interested in learning more about Chinese culture - everyone is welcome.

The centre is run by volunteers and serves all, regardless of age.

Members of the centre have mainly joined by word of mouth over the years, but it also works with the Citizens Advice Bureau, universities and the council.

Regular drop-in sessions and talks are held at the centre.

Activities are promoted on posters in Chinese supermarkets, libraries, GP surgeries, dentists and hospitals as well as on the Sheffield Chinese community centre website.

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There is also a particular focus on mental health issues and encouraging people to talk more openly about their feelings in a bid to change perceptions.

As the community learns more, they are becoming more open but ‘still need to learn a lot more’, according to Belinda.

The centre is appealing for individuals and businesses to back their fundraising bid and help offer more services to the community.

It first opened on April 25, 1995, and plans are in the pipeline to mark the 25th anniversary.

For more information about activities or the Sheffield Chinese community centre, visit www.sheffieldchinesecommunity.org.uk