With the addition of the new Activities Space, and staff and volunteer training, the vision is to make The George More Than a Pub. It will be accessible and inclusive to all irrespective of their physical, mental or financial situation and set up to provide funded and managed activities aimed at delivery of the 5 wellbeing themes.
A key element in achieving this vision is the recruitment of a Community Engagement Coordinator (CEC) in identifying and reaching out to the local groups, and all parts of the community, to engage and support them in the availability and use of the Activity Space, which is projected to be available in April. In the interim and during the pub restoration the CEC will engage with the community and professionals in a programme of activities to display and explain the heritage of The George and its historic construction.
It is against that background that we are pleased to announce the appointment of Christine Abraham from 1 October.
In introducing Christine, she has a lifelong connection and commitment to volunteering and voluntary sector activity and has spent the last 23 years leading on various community development and infrastructure projects with charities and community groups across Suffolk.
She grew up in the Ipswich area of Suffolk, joined the Suffolk Constabulary on finishing school, then a few years later moved into childcare as a registered childminder and nursery leader at Easton Pre-School and Primary School before joining Suffolk ACRE in 2000, which merged to become Community Action Suffolk in 2013. She progressed to become the Chief Executive of Community Action Suffolk from which she is stepping down at the end of September.
Christine will be a familiar face to many in Wickham Market and surrounding villages as she has had many successful connections over time with local parishioners and organisations.
“I am excited to be given the opportunity to develop the wellbeing hub at the George Community Pub. The hub will provide a space where local families and individuals can be supported to have healthy and fulfilling lives through a range of activities and events”, Christine said.