The Marios Tinenti Centre is based in a deprived area of Loughborough. The area was populated by drug-dealers and drug-related crime. There was a family by the name of Tinenti who decided to take a stand against the dealers in the area and opened their own flat to provide a place where people from the estate could go and report crimes to the police in safety. 

 

Things then started to grow. Charnwood Borough Council noticed the good work that was beginning to change the area and gave a community flat for this work to continue . Unfortunately, Marios passed away before he realised his dream of having a community flat established. But, from it's very humble beginnings, the MTC has grown. We are now open every weekday, 10am - 3pm, except Wednesdays when we open 12noon - 5pm. We have 3 computers and free internet access for residents to be able to do job searches; and a free telephone for people to sort out benefits, bills and such like. We have a free BBQ at least once a year, with games and stalls to celebrate the estate. We have a very cheap day-trip to Skegness (or wherever people choose to go). This helps residents who would not be able to have a holiday. We have many agencies and services to which we can signpost people for help.  We have a police beat-surgery each week to enable people to come and report any issues or concerns they may have, and I am happy to say they often leave with nothing but a cup of tea and a chat. I am not saying that this area has completely turned around but it has certainly  changed. 

We are also able to offer reduced prices for the annual pantomime at Loughborough Town Hall. This allows children and their families to spend quality time together, enjoying one another's company and, therefore, building on the family unit.

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We often have local people who wish to start up groups and/or projects to benefit the surrounding area.  We help them develop their idea and work through the steps needed to set these up.  We will teach them how to use action plans and break things down into manageable chunks.  We help with funding some of these or show them where and how to obtain funding.  The attitudes of people are changing from 'can't do' to 'can do' as they gain a sense of achievement as they see their group or idea begin to grow.  We want to be able to help towards the costs of these little one-off events or small groups.  The people of the area may still be poor but they are rich in community spirit.