The Beacon Centre
Our Story
The Beacon Centre is a charitable community hub based in Clayton, East Manchester. Established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2018, the centre was born from an asset transfer with Manchester City Council. The Rector of St Cross Church, Revd Christopher Moore, together with local leaders and residents came together to save a community building and repurpose it as a safe, inclusive space where people could connect, learn, and thrive. From the start, the Beacon Centre has been driven by one goal: to improve health, wellbeing, and social connection in the community.
How It Came About
Extensive consultation with residents, schools, and community groups showed a need for affordable food, social activities, and safe spaces to reduce isolation. The trustees worked tirelessly to secure the building, raise funds, and launch services that addressed these needs. Early initiatives included a community grocer and a luncheon club for older residents—services that continue to anchor the centre today. Now, the Beacon Centre welcomes around 140 participants each week, benefitting hundreds more families across Clayton.
Trustees
The Beacon Centre is guided by a dedicated board of trustees who bring skills from finance, education, faith, and community work:
Our Team
At the heart of the centre is Centre Manager, Kay Symcox. A lifelong Clayton resident, Kay combines a professional background in systems development with decades of voluntary sector leadership. She has co-founded community initiatives, led heritage projects, and brought national recognition through awards for voluntary service. Her skills in fundraising, safeguarding, community engagement, and wellbeing underpin the Beacon Centre’s success.
Kay is supported by a loyal team of 14 volunteers, aged 20–73, who contribute digital skills, counselling, local knowledge, practical support, and more. Freelance instructors and external partners provide specialist services such as dance classes, exercise sessions, and Citizens Advice drop-ins.
Janet Dexter joined the Beacon Centre in September 2025 as the Business Development & Sustainability Manager, following a successful career as the Early Years Locality Lead for Manchester City Council’s Neighbourhoods 4 and 7. Janet has a proven track record in securing funding and building financial sustainability, having raised nearly £80,000 over ten years through successful bids, donations, and partnerships. She brings extensive expertise in project management, strategic planning, and partnership building, having chaired multi-agency boards and led innovative community projects recognised nationally. At the Beacon Centre, Janet’s role focuses on strengthening income generation, developing long-term sustainability strategies, and ensuring the centre continues to grow its impact for the Clayton community
What We Do
The Beacon Centre offers a wide programme of activities designed to respond to the needs of local people:
Our Future
Despite challenges—including a fire in 2024 that temporarily displaced services—the Beacon Centre remains resilient. Plans for 2025 and beyond include reopening a refurbished building, expanding provision for children, young people, and families, and securing sustainability through a Business Development & Sustainability Manager.
Our vision is clear: to be a beacon of hope, wellbeing, and opportunity in Clayton, improving lives through community, connection, and care.
Mission Statement: The Beacon Centre exists to improve the health, wellbeing, and social connections of Clayton residents by providing inclusive, affordable, and community-led services in a safe and welcoming environment.
If you would like to get involved in the Beacon Centre as a volunteer or if you would like to hire the space to run a community service or private party please contact:
Kay Symcox at
[email protected]
[email protected]
07341783552
beaconcentremcr.co.uk
The Beacon Centre is a charitable community hub based in Clayton, East Manchester. Established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2018, the centre was born from an asset transfer with Manchester City Council. The Rector of St Cross Church, Revd Christopher Moore, together with local leaders and residents came together to save a community building and repurpose it as a safe, inclusive space where people could connect, learn, and thrive. From the start, the Beacon Centre has been driven by one goal: to improve health, wellbeing, and social connection in the community.
How It Came About
Extensive consultation with residents, schools, and community groups showed a need for affordable food, social activities, and safe spaces to reduce isolation. The trustees worked tirelessly to secure the building, raise funds, and launch services that addressed these needs. Early initiatives included a community grocer and a luncheon club for older residents—services that continue to anchor the centre today. Now, the Beacon Centre welcomes around 140 participants each week, benefitting hundreds more families across Clayton.
Trustees
The Beacon Centre is guided by a dedicated board of trustees who bring skills from finance, education, faith, and community work:
- Revd Chris Moore (Chair): Rector of St Cross Church, with extensive experience in social action and education.
- David Knott (Co-Chair): Finance Director with expertise in financial management and sustainability.
- Jill Files: Longstanding local resident and former teacher, with deep knowledge of community needs.
- James Hill: Experienced finance director and treasurer of both St Cross Church and the Beacon Centre.
- John Smith: Disability and mobility instructor with a background in customer and safety roles.
- Carl Jones: Chartered Insurance Broker with experience in business development and risk management.
- Revd Helen Kidd: Assistant Curate of Church of the Resurrection & St Barnabas, Beswick and School Crossing Patrol Officer for St Barnabas Academy, Beswick
- Carl McIver: Headteacher of St. Willibrord's R.C. Primary, Vale Street, Clayton, Manchester. M11 4WR
- Andy Yates: Deanery Transformation Support Officer, Manchester
Our Team
At the heart of the centre is Centre Manager, Kay Symcox. A lifelong Clayton resident, Kay combines a professional background in systems development with decades of voluntary sector leadership. She has co-founded community initiatives, led heritage projects, and brought national recognition through awards for voluntary service. Her skills in fundraising, safeguarding, community engagement, and wellbeing underpin the Beacon Centre’s success.
Kay is supported by a loyal team of 14 volunteers, aged 20–73, who contribute digital skills, counselling, local knowledge, practical support, and more. Freelance instructors and external partners provide specialist services such as dance classes, exercise sessions, and Citizens Advice drop-ins.
Janet Dexter joined the Beacon Centre in September 2025 as the Business Development & Sustainability Manager, following a successful career as the Early Years Locality Lead for Manchester City Council’s Neighbourhoods 4 and 7. Janet has a proven track record in securing funding and building financial sustainability, having raised nearly £80,000 over ten years through successful bids, donations, and partnerships. She brings extensive expertise in project management, strategic planning, and partnership building, having chaired multi-agency boards and led innovative community projects recognised nationally. At the Beacon Centre, Janet’s role focuses on strengthening income generation, developing long-term sustainability strategies, and ensuring the centre continues to grow its impact for the Clayton community
What We Do
The Beacon Centre offers a wide programme of activities designed to respond to the needs of local people:
- Community Grocer: Affordable food provision that reduces food poverty and promotes healthier eating.
- Luncheon Club: Nutritious hot meals in a social setting, helping older residents stay connected.
- Physical Activities: Ballroom and Latin dance, seated fitness with boxing, gentle exercise, and Fit & Fun sessions.
- MenZone: A dedicated space for men to chat, play games, and support each other, with plans to grow into a Men’s Shed project.
- CraftAlong: Creative sessions that build confidence, reduce isolation, and support mental health.
- Citizens Advice Drop-in: Easy access to advice, form-filling support, and digital inclusion.
Our Future
Despite challenges—including a fire in 2024 that temporarily displaced services—the Beacon Centre remains resilient. Plans for 2025 and beyond include reopening a refurbished building, expanding provision for children, young people, and families, and securing sustainability through a Business Development & Sustainability Manager.
Our vision is clear: to be a beacon of hope, wellbeing, and opportunity in Clayton, improving lives through community, connection, and care.
Mission Statement: The Beacon Centre exists to improve the health, wellbeing, and social connections of Clayton residents by providing inclusive, affordable, and community-led services in a safe and welcoming environment.
If you would like to get involved in the Beacon Centre as a volunteer or if you would like to hire the space to run a community service or private party please contact:
Kay Symcox at
[email protected]
[email protected]
07341783552
beaconcentremcr.co.uk
