History of South Ockendon Community Forum (SOCF)
The South Ockendon Forum, as it was initially known, was founded in 1996 after a conference on “Families in the Community”. It became a monthly networking group for those active residents and grassroots workers who took part. 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.
Board Members:
Arthur Barley (Chair)
Ricky Agba
Wendy Curtis
Glynis Pettit
Maggie Pollock
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 (visit the SOAPY Programme page for further details).