In a unique model for community engagement by a research institute, the Francis Crick Institute has appointed a group of Camden charities to run a health and wellbeing centre for local people within its new building in King's Cross, it was announced today.
The Francis Crick Institute, which will be the largest biomedical research centre under a single roof in Europe when it opens later in the year, will contain a dedicated Living Centre within its iconic new building.
The St Pancras and Somers Town ward, where the Crick is located, is among the most deprived 25% of neighbourhoods in London. The development will be the first new community space to be built in Somers Town for more than 15 years.
A group of Camden charities, Living Centre Partners, has been chosen to run the Crick's Living Centre, which will open in January 2017.
The 450sqm purpose-built community space on Ossulston Street will help improve the health and wellbeing of people living locally. A range of services will be developed with residents to complement successful services already on offer in the area.
Hannah Camm, the Crick's Community Engagement Manager, said: "We're delighted Living Centre Partners has won the contract. The St Pancras and Somers Town ward is among the most deprived 25% of neighbourhoods in London and there is a shocking inequality in life expectancy compared to other parts of the city. The Living Centre is intended to help address this and it's essential it serves the needs of the people who live here. We're determined it will have a positive impact."
Living Centre Partners is led by Somers Town Community Association. Citizens Advice Camden, Voluntary Action Camden, Age UK Camden, Hopscotch Asian Women's Centre, Healthwatch Camden, Origin Housing Association and Training Link are also part of the consortium.
"This is a truly exciting time," said Sarah Elie, Executive Director of Somers Town Community Association. "The partners and I are honored to have been chosen and we are excited to get started on delivering what will be an amazing new facility in Somers Town, working with and for the community."
Dr David Roblin, Chief Operating Officer at the Francis Crick Institute, said: "The Crick's mission is to discover the biology underpinning human health and disease, and in doing so help to tackle some of the biggest health challenges facing humanity, from heart disease to cancer. Through the Living Centre, we will also help improve the health of the local community. This is a new template for how institutes like ours can support their immediate neighbours, and we very much look forward to working with the Living Centre Partners on such an exciting project."
