Harwich's Ark Centre being supported by local businesses

The family resource centre came under threat last September due to a lack of funding, with the venue needing between £20,000 and £25,000 each month to keep running.

The nursery – which was celebrating its 70th birthday at the time – was saved thanks to an injection of community fundraising.

This included a ‘firewalk’ fundraising challenge where 14 people walked across hot coals raising £3,000.

Future - The Ark Centre is now expanding its services after being close to closing due to a lack of funding last year, shown their baby group (Image: Submitted)

Manager Claire Bridges told the Standard in December that the fundraising money, combined with two additional grants, meant the nursery and all its umbrella services could now stay open into 2024.

In May, she confirmed all the services are up and running again.

Claire has now confirmed that the brand-new baby room will be opening in September, and said: “We survived a fragile time due to not only successful grant applications but also the amazing support of our brilliant community.

“Going forward we are supported by not only the families that use our services but also a number of local businesses."

Sensory - The Ark Centre's sensory room (Image: Submitted)

Claire said another firewalk fundraiser is planned in the autumn.

The Trafalgar Pub is also supporting the centre, including with its ‘TraFest’ which is due to take place in August.

The Bottle Kiln pub is showing its support with a quiz night which will take place on Monday, August 12.

Claire added: “We are always open to any fundraising ideas so please, if you would like to help, get in touch.

“The Ark Centre is a very special place and the constant support and show of love from our community is what keeps us going.”

To find out more, visit the Ark Centre Harwich’s Facebook page or email nursery@thearkcentregroup.co.uk.