Freedom Community Project to Close After 17 Years of Service

It is with deep regret that Freedom Community Project announces it will be closing its services, following 17 years of dedicated service.

After careful evaluation and thoughtful consideration, the Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to commence a phased closure of the organisation, following an extended period of effort to secure sustainable funding. Despite exploring every available avenue, the ongoing difficulties in obtaining suitable grants and funding opportunities, that many other charities are experiencing, has made it impossible to find the financial support required to continue operating.

Freedom Community Project was founded in 2008, and through the tireless work of the team, volunteers, partners, and generous donors, the project has been able to support countless individuals and families across Bolsover and surrounding communities. ‘Freedom’ has provided essential support, compassion, and practical help for people when they needed it most, from tackling food poverty to offering debt advice, employment support, and community engagement. The project has stood as a beacon of hope for many.

“We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and wish to express our sincere thanks to all our staff, volunteers, funders, partners, and the many people who have supported us throughout the years” said Chair Rev. Sean Adair on behalf of the Board of Directors.

“While this chapter is coming to a close, the impact of our work will continue to live on through the people we’ve helped and the
partnerships we’ve formed.”

“As we wind down operations, we remain committed to transparency, accountability, and supporting the communities we serve.

We will be working closely with partner organisations to ensure the best transition we can, there will be phased closure of our services to ensure we can refer our service users to other local support.”

Freedom Community Projects main premises St Bernadettes, which includes the soft play and clothing shop will be closed with immediate effect. However, food bank services will continue to run one day a week, until further notice. We will be working with our network of centres at Bolsover, Shirebrook and Clowne Methodist Churches and South Normanton Salvation Army, with the aim
to continue welcome spaces and café provision.

While this chapter for Freedom Community Project closes, Bolsover now benefits from a growing number of local and regional organisations offering community and welfare support. This increased provision ensures that individuals will continue to have access to help, advice, and guidance. The connections built through ‘Freedom’ have strengthened our local community and Freedom’s legacy will live on through the work it started, the partnerships it inspired and the people it helped.