Giroscope, a local charity with a colourful 40 year history, has found themselves in an unexpected predicament. This challenge arises only days ahead of the opening of its new Community Enterprise Centre in Hull. Giroscope’s work takes place within the disadvantaged Newington and St Andrew’s wards. They quietly go about the business of empowering local residents to stand up and demand better. The centre is set to open on Friday at 1:00 PM BST, but a theft of plants valued at approximately £250 from the garden display threatens to overshadow the event.
In 2018, Giroscope purchased a former church building and completed a large renovation to remodel it as an enterprise hub. This facility is enabling local people to get housing and gain important skills for the workplace. Furthermore, it houses their capital projects office where they manage all their projects. Now, the hub is playing a critical role as a resource to the community, increasing access and opportunity to spur growth and gain economic stability.
On Wednesday, Modesta Smailiene and Richard Newby from Giroscope’s social enterprise, Sycamore Gardening, planted a beautiful garden display in preparation for the centre’s grand opening. Just one day later, that day of celebration was ruined when thieves made off with a number of plants from the display.
It makes us feel ruined. We were supposed to have a lovely space out here,” explained Simon Church, one of the horticultural crew.
Giroscope’s co-founder and coordinator Martin Newman told the Independent how disheartening the theft was.
All our staff and volunteers have been running themselves ragged in making sure everything is ready for the grand opening. It’s maddening, the day before a major event that everybody’s worked so hard on.
The launch event is just around the corner. Giroscope is now racing against the clock to replace the stolen plants and fill the gaps in the interactive garden. Removal of these plants strips this beautiful community centre of much of its charm. It extends beyond their ability to fulfil the charity’s overall mission – providing a welcoming, engaging space to local residents.
With opening day around the corner, Giroscope remains focused on its mission. Our primary goal is serving the community and providing members with the most valuable resources possible. The theft exposes the harsh reality that charities are struggling with in the most deprived communities. While the pandemic has stalled many initiatives, it has ignited a powerful resolve amongst TPL’s staff and volunteers to overcome this challenge.
