Group dedicated to making a difference

The Newhaven Community Development Association (NCDA), a non-profit company, has grown rapidly since it began in 1997 and now has a turnover of more than million a year.

Its job is to act as the formal link between the community and the regeneration process in Newhaven.

Its chairman Pam Perry said: 'We began as a group of volunteers looking at the needs of people in the town.

'We now employ 12 staff at three venues, the Hillcrest Centre, Summerhayes and Shakespeare Hall. We currently have 80 member groups and work with local employers, local authorities, the health service, social services, Age Concern and the Citizens Advice Bureau.'

One part of the association, the Newhaven Community Employment Partnership, has helped more than 500 local people with training and employment advice.

In two years it has helped more than 200 people find work.

The NCDA's youth project has already secured 200,000 for a skateboard park and multi-use sports pitches at Fort Road and is applying for a 2 million grant to improve all the sports facilities in the town.

The NCDA is currently researching the needs of the elderly in the town and the Newhaven Childcare Initiative is working with Surestart and the Children's Fund on a 3 million, 10 year project for the under-fours in the area.

It is also working with Seaford Community Association to put on a maritime festival in the spring to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Newhaven Lifeboat.

Mrs Perry added: 'The regeneration of Newhaven is well underway and the NCDA will try to ensure that all residents will benefit from the social and economic benefits the improvements are bringing.'