Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Award for woman who helped change life in community
Centre boss recognised for contribution
A woman who helped transform a troubled community has been named as Canterbury’s Civic Champion for 2019
The accolade has been awarded to Paula Spencer, of the Thanington Neighbourhood Resource Centre, by the Canterbury Society for her “huge contribution” to the wellbeing of families in the local area. She is chief executive of the operation and has managed the centre for almost 20 years. It was originally opened to try and combat the lack of facilities for residents and to turn around the estate’s poor reputation. Working alongside the community, she helped create a range of services including a youth club, homework and education clubs, activities, outings and community events, all of which have helped reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the area by more than 50%. She has called for more recognition and support of the important and sometimes life-saving work undertaken by the city’s voluntary sector, especially for young people and those on the edge of society.
The centre has eight staff and more than 30 volunteers who provide a welcoming focal point and safe space for the whole community.
But Miss Spencer remains concerned that parts of our district remain in the top 10% most deprived areas in the UK, which she says “is disgraceful and should be a matter of shame for all of us”.
In her acceptance speech she added: “It is a great honour to receive this award, but it is wholly a team effort.”
She thanked the Thanington community, her staff and trustees for their ongoing and unfailing support, especially Charlotte Maccaul, who has been her chair of trustees, mentor and friend throughout.
Chair of the Canterbury Society, Jan Pahl, said: “We are delighted that this year the award has gone to Paula for the huge contribution she has made to our city over 20 years.” n What do you think? Email kentishgazette@thekmgroup. co.uk.