A CHARITY which supports communities, former service personnel, ex-offenders and other disadvantaged groups is investing £2m in brand new headquarters in Durham – placing it at the heart of the community it serves.
County Durham based-Finchale Group, works to support people in their own homes who need help to manage money problems; confidence and mental health issues, address drug and alcohol misuse and resolve issues with housing. The charity also delivers vocational training courses.
Finchale Group has signed an agreement with property developer Mandale to build a purpose-built headquarters at Belmont Business Park, which will be ready for occupation in November 2018. The new base will support the professional team as it delivers new services.
The new premises will be named Richard Annand VC House after war hero Captain Richard Annand, who was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1940, and worked for 30 years as a personnel officer at Finchale Training College after the Second World War. Given Finchale Group’s strong links to the armed forces, the building will be opened by a distinguished dignitary.
Melvin Pears MBE, CEO of Finchale Group, said:
“I believe our relocation will make Finchale Group stronger than ever and provide us with the foundation to reach more people across the North East delivering one-to-one support in their homes and communities.”
“We’re incredibly proud of the work we do for people in the North East and our ambition is to expand that work even further afield.”
“Our new home is being created close to public transport, leisure and sporting facilities, a wide range of training and employment opportunities, incorporating training suites, (available for hire) a drop-in centre, fantastic I.T facilities and suite and easily accessible office space (for lease and hire) and parking space all to enhance our clients and our community experiences”
The new base will accommodate the professionally trained team as they deliver new services designed to address complex needs.
Finchale Group has invested in a future-proofed strategy that means it can deliver professional help to even more people in the region.
The build will be overseen by property developers Mandale Group.
Mandale’s estates director Joe Darragh said:
“Mandale is incredibly proud to be part of this hugely significant project. Richard Annand VC House will be a truly first class facility for those who most need and deserve support.“
“The high-quality build and bespoke fit-out will be the result of many months of planning between ourselves and Finchale Group.”
“As local property experts, Mandale has been involved in larger-scale projects but this will be one of the most prestigious we’ve been involved in due to the building’s future use. It’s a privilege to be part of it.”
Finchale Group’s current premises, Finchale Training College, was founded in 1943 as a rehabilitation and resettlement centre for Service personnel returning from active service – now to be developed by Story Homes Ltd.
-ENDS-
Notes to editor
- Website: www.finchale.org
- Twitter: @finchale_org
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/finchale.org
- LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/company/finchale
For further information please contact: Katharine Hawking, Social Media and Marketing Officer, Finchale Group, Tel: 0191 386 2634 x 284, Mob: 07540 963 734, Email: katharine.hawking@finchale.org
