About us

Somerford ARC is a registered charity, set up by local residents of Somerford Estate (the Trustees), with the purpose of opening and running a much needed Community Centre. Somerford ARC is run by the board of Trustees, the ARC office manager, and with the valued help of our wonderful Volunteers to benefit all residents of the Grange Ward, Christchurch and the surrounding areas.

Our Aim is to work together for our community

Somerford ARC is 'your Community Centre'. We aim to improve the economic, social and environmental well-being and quality of life for people in the Grange Ward area, especially the residents of Somerford.

We hope to do this by:

• Initiating and supporting a wide range of community projects and events
• Strengthening the network between local voluntary agencies and the community
• Inspiring residents to become volunteers and to take part in the delivery of community activities

Brief Overview of Somerford ARC & It's Facilities

Situated in Somerford, Somerford Alliance Resource Centre (“Somerford ARC”) consists of a few unique rooms. Our IT Suite being fully equipped for training, learning and conferences. The Main Hall offers a large stage and a parquet floor ideal for dance and fitness clubs. There is also a small room that we have named “The Snug”, which is a small comfortable room with a very relaxed atmosphere, ideal for smaller groups who just wish to meet up for a coffee and a chat, or it's ideal for interviews and consultations on a one to one basis.

We have a fully equipped kitchen, disabled toilet and baby changing facilities. The Entrance door, IT Suite door and Main Hall door are wide doorways for easy wheelchair access and the whole centre is wheelchair friendly. There is a large car park, which will accommodate 20 cars.

Why don't you come along to the ARC or contact us to find out if there is an activity that would suit you and meet others who share your interests. Alternatively, if you require a venue for your group, please do contact us. 

Bus's run on a regular basis and are within a short walking distance to the ARC. Bus stops are sited on Somerford Road close to Cooks Furniture Store and McDonald's.

Somerford ARC is a refurbished community centre owned by Sovereign Housing Association and leased to the Residents of Somerford via the vehicle of “Somerford ARC”. A charity set up to enable the Community Centre to survive following the closure of the long standing Centre on the corner of Southey Road and Amethyst Road. 

We are very proud of our achievements over the past few years. We have a huge variety of activities, a bank of great Volunteers, an Office Manager, an Office Assistant and we have many organisations that we work with to support the community in every way. This could not have been done without the support of the community - Thank You All.