Eastleigh community centre charity say funding is "huge challenge"
The Liberal Democrats leader and Eastleigh MP visited the centre yesterday
An Eastleigh community centre charity are saying they're facing a "huge challenge" when it comes to funding.
It comes as Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, and Liz Jarvis, Eastleigh MP, visited the centre, Pavilion on the Park, yesterday to call for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme to be improved and enshrined in law.
The centre have received some funding from the HAF programme over the summer, but largely raise funds themselves.
Shirley Anderson, Trustee of Eastleigh Community Trust, said: "We're here to help the community be a better community and work together.
"But it's a really challenging environment right now, this is a huge centre, it needs a lot of looking after.
"So we need to raise funds to do that."
The centre offers different activities like cycling and badminton, as well as host a sensory room for those with additional needs, and a community fridge for those who need it.
She added: "It's a fabulous venue for all sorts of activities, but it's really about making sure it's accessible to everyone.
"To bring people together and to help them to help each other.
"One of our main aims is to have the charity be here to allow and facilitate the community to do things for themselves."
We asked Ms Anderson why these facilities are so important to families.
"I think it's the heart of what we do, not only do we have these amazing facilities, but we have this wonderful parkland here.
"But as I said, it takes a lot of looking after and that's a challenge, keeping it safe and making it the best we can.
"That takes funding."
Liz Jarvis, MP for Eastleigh, visited the centre, alongside Sir Ed Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, yesterday.
She said: "It's hugely important for families to have access to facilities throughout the summer and throughout the year.
"Certainly in holidays where families might be struggling to find childcare or provide entertainment.
"Obviously, going to the cinema or anything like that now is just so expensive.
"Facilities like Pavilion on the Park are so essential because they offer so much for families.
"It's an amazing facility and I'm so proud that we have it in Eastleigh."