The journey that led to Faces UK CIC and The Lighthouse Sports and Social Hub began with free community Fit Club sessions delivered by directors Bridie and Gary Stanford back in 2016. These sessions, supported by Active Essex, were designed to encourage local people to become more active, improve their wellbeing and connect with others in their community.
As the sessions grew between 2016 and 2020, it became clear there was a strong demand for accessible community activities and a need for a dedicated space where people could regularly meet, exercise and socialise. This led to the development of The Lighthouse Sports and Social Hub, which officially opened in May 2021 as a welcoming community base for sports, wellbeing and social activities.
The building itself has an important place in the local community. Originally built nearly 80 years ago as a roller skating rink, it has long been a recognisable part of the area. Through renovation and community effort, the space has been brought back to life and transformed into a hub that once again brings people together.
Following the opening of the hub, we began to see an even greater level of community connection and participation. However, we also became increasingly aware that many people were struggling due to the rising cost of living, and there was a growing need for more free activities and community support.
The start of Faces CIC
With continued support and guidance from Active Essex, we were supported to establish Faces UK CIC, allowing us to expand our work and develop more community-led projects. Through Faces UK CIC we now deliver a range of free activities, wellbeing sessions and food support for local families who may be struggling.
As the organisation continued to grow, we quickly found ourselves supporting more people than we had originally expected, with a small team managing a wide range of activities and services. With support from the Business Development Fund from Active Essex, we were able to look deeper into the structure of the organisation and develop stronger systems and processes. This support helped us introduce better organisational tools, including a registration system that allows us to monitor participation and evaluate the impact of our work more effectively.
Partnerships have played a vital role in helping us grow. Active Essex have supported us not only through funding but also by connecting us with organisations such as ATF and the Business Development Fund, providing valuable advice and opportunities to strengthen our work within the community.
Active Essex Foundation and Teen Time
More recently, support from the Active Essex Foundation enabled us to launch Teen Time in January 2025, creating a safe and welcoming space for young people to meet, take part in activities and build friendships. Through Teen Time we are also creating pathways for young people, giving them opportunities to volunteer, take part in training and gain valuable experience that helps build confidence, skills and future opportunities. Some of the teens who joined the programme have now progressed into paid roles supporting wider community activities at the hub, helping to mentor and support other young people.
Teen Time has also been supported by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex through the Community Safety Development Fund, helping us continue delivering the programme and strengthening our work with young people. The programme also supports wider community safety by engaging young people in positive activities and providing early pathways that reduce the risk of antisocial behaviour.
A key part of our work is creating opportunities for people to develop and grow within the community. Several volunteers who started by helping at the hub have gone on to become paid members of staff.
Today, through Faces UK CIC and the Lighthouse Sports and Social Hub, we support over 2,000 people each year through free activities, community programmes and food support initiatives. These programmes aim to reduce isolation, improve physical and mental wellbeing and ensure everyone has access to positive opportunities within their community.
We have spread the word about our work through social media, emails, networking with local partners, community word of mouth and WhatsApp groups, helping us reach more people who may benefit from the activities and support we provide.
From the early Fit Club sessions to the opening of The Lighthouse and the development of Faces UK CIC, our aim has always been to create a place where people feel part of something positive within their community.”
