Supporting Vital Community Work: Umbrella Family Centre CIC

A Beacon for Families

Umbrella Family Centre CIC is a Community Interest Company established to provide assistance, support, and a sense of belonging to families, especially those from Polish and other Eastern European backgrounds. Their work covers a wide range of activities, from translation and interpretation services to educational programmes, sporting activities and community building events. These services are vital for families navigating life in a new country, helping them overcome language barriers, access essential information, and connect with local resources.

The Challenge: Growing Demand, Limited Space

As the needs of the community have grown, so too has the demand for Umbrella Family Centre CIC’s services. The organisation found itself limited by the size of its premises, restricting its ability to expand programmes and reach more families in need. To continue delivering and growing their valuable activities, a move to a larger space became essential.

Recognising the importance of Umbrella Family Centre CIC’s work, we awarded a grant to help cover a portion of their essential running costs. This funding was designed to empower local VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise) organisations by providing flexible support for core costs. Something often overlooked but crucial for sustainability.

For Umbrella Family Centre CIC, the past 12 months have been transformative. They have been empowered to:

• Move to a larger premises, providing more space for group activities, advice sessions, and community events.
• Maintain and expand their core services, ensuring continuity for the families who rely on them.
• Develop new programmes to meet the changing needs within the community.

Sustaining and Growing Community Support

With support from Prosper Wakefield District and other funding partners, Umbrella Family Centre CIC has been able to continue its essential work, supporting families through language services, educational workshops, and social activities that break down barriers and create lasting friendships. The move to bigger premises has allowed the organisation to welcome even more families, as well as running additional sporting activities such as regular Nordic walking, stand-up paddle board and canoe sessions on the local canals, and to strengthen its role as a community hub.

Looking Ahead

We are proud to support Umbrella Family Centre CIC and organisations like it, whose dedication and innovation are helping to build a stronger, more connected Wakefield. By investing in core costs, we help to ensure these vital organisations have the stability and flexibility to stay open, to adapt, grow, and continue making a difference where it matters most.

At Prosper Wakefield District, we remain committed to championing the voluntary sector and empowering our communities, because when we invest in people, we invest in the future of Wakefield.