An arts organisation in Ongar has now reopened, offering a programme of activities to help people develop their self-confidence and social skills in a relaxed and friendly space.

Zinc Arts, which is running a wide range of activities for adults who have learning disabilities, survived closure during the Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to a grant of £10,000 from the independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation (ECF).

This lifeline funding helped to cover their lost income when they had to stop their theatre courses during lockdown and were unable to hire out rooms.

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Sonia Cakebread, programme manager at Zinc, said: “We are so grateful for the grant we received from ECF as without it, we may have had to close down for good, and we could focus on hosting online sessions to continue supporting our clients.

“We also offered our empty premises to 3Food4U, which collects surplus food from supermarkets and donates it to people in need. This extra space meant they were able to increase their distribution, helping over 100 local families to get food, toiletries, clothes and other essential items.

“Our summer programme of activities includes baking, flower arranging, pottery workshops and more. We are so excited to be back.”

Zinc also runs a community café, theatre workshops for all abilities and they use their profits to houses six local families who are homeless.

For more information about ECF and how you can apply for funding or donate to support local charities, visit www.essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk.