The Healey Dell Heritage Centre & Tea Rooms - An un-funded, self-sustaining, non-profit initiative run entirely by unpaid volunteers

Further to a five-month building refurb The Healey Dell Heritage Centre & Tea Rooms opened its doors at Easter 2013. The HDHC is the product of the determined dedication of a small group of associates who set out to save the former visitors centre from permanent closure and inevitable ruin whilst paving the way to tackling numerous social issues impacting on their community.

The group dreamt of refurbishing the run-down building and creating a centre within the Nature Reserve where visitors, walkers, ramblers, groups and families could enjoy essential services and provisions i.e. toilets, wash facilities, snacks / refreshments in addition to nature / wildlife and local history exhibits alongside activities and attractions designed to positively heighten the virtues of the region.

Being aware of council cut-backs and the need for investment in far worthier causes, it was hoped that tearoom sales alone would sustain the centre independently of any outside funding or grants.

Of enormous importance to the founders would be the multiple benefits the initiative could offer to those facing financial hardship caused by unemployment.

Volunteers would gain relevant, meaningful work experience and valuable new skills from a credible, authentic working environment, supported by peers and mentors who genuinely care, empowering participants to emerge inspired and equipped for release from the stigma and hardship of benefits dependency.