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Sugar Group celebrates the golden years
When I am asked to give a talk about the work we do, I talk about the Sugar group as one of the best examples. It is what all public services should be aiming at.
The Sugar Group was one of the first groups born at the Kath Locke Centre when it opened and Big Life began. Decades on it’s still going strong, celebrating its 25th anniversary in style.
In an evening of great memories, Fay Selvan our Chief Executive, was delighted to join forty members past and present, in the Kath Locke’s Valerie Suite, along with relatives and friends, to share a meal and dance the night away to Reggie and soul classics.
Fay, a supporter from the beginning, says
“When we opened Kath Locke Centre all those years ago, the Sugar Group is exactly what we wanted the centre to be all about. For too long people in the community were fed up of services coming and doing things for them or worse, telling them what is best for them. We wanted the Kath Locke Centre to be a resource for local people to help themselves. And now 25 years on, when I am asked to give a talk about the work we do, I talk about the Sugar group as one of the best examples. It is what all public services should be aiming at.
It is led by the community
It is designed by the community
It is delivered in the community,
The group has always had high expectations and a determination to make things happen. I remember when they decided they wanted to go to the Lake District and we couldn’t get a reasonably priced coach. The women in the group just told us not to worry – they would raise the money themselves. And sure enough, they did.
The group should be really proud of what they have achieved over the years, supporting hundreds of people living with diabetes. They have produced a cook book, a comic book on Diabetes and your Feet, contributed to a film about arriving in the UK, and a history of Moss Side markets.
The Sugar Group has lost some amazing people over the years, and it was lovely to remember and celebrate them too.
We sincerely congratulate the Sugar Group on their 25th anniversary and we look forward to seeing what they do in the next 25 years!”
