History of South Ockendon Community Forum (SOCF)
The South Ockendon Forum, as it was initially known, was founded by residents after a conference in 1996 on “Families in the Community”. It became a monthly networking group for those active residents and grassroots workers who took part, many of whom remain active members today. Funding from East of England Development Agency (EEDA) and the National Lottery Charities Board enabled us to take over the lease and refurbish our current Community Information and Advice Centre in Derwent Parade.
SOCF became a Company Limited by Guarantee in July 2000 and was registered as a Charity in April 2001. The charity is managed by a Board of Trustee Directors who are all members of the local community and give up their time voluntarily.
At the end of 2006 the Big Lottery Fund awarded us a grant of £500,000 to run a four year project called the SOAPY (Supporting Ockendon's Adults, Pensioners & Youngsters) Programme, aimed at ‘cleaning up’ areas of health, the environment and social issues. This very successful programme ended in December 2010. Unfortunately, our four staff members had to be made redundant and left SOCF in March 2011.
The Forum has remained open due to a dedicated team of volunteers, working with the Trustees to maintain a community base for the support services so badly needed.
SOCF is very grateful for the support from it's member organisations, it's local councillors and departments within Thurrock Council. We are determined to carry on our work to the best of our abilities to ensure all members of our estates are informed and engaged.
South Ockendon Community Forum
The Forum, 29 Derwent Parade, South Ockendon, Essex, RM15 5EF