After years of uncertainty, the Rainbow Centre has finally found its forever home and the official opening was a moment to remember.
The former Priory Grove Scout hut in Underhill has been transformed into a vibrant hub once again, marking the end of a four-year search for new premises. With a 25-year lease now secured, the centre can look to the future with confidence, continuing its vital work supporting families, young people, and vulnerable residents across the community.With a 25-year lease now secured, the centre can look to the future with confidence, continuing its vital work supporting families, young people, and vulnerable residents across the community.
The Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Danny Rich, attended the ceremony to offer his congratulations, praising the centre’s remarkable range of services, from the weekly food bank and free school holiday activities to the hugely popular martial arts classes that bring together dozens of residents each week.
Much of the celebration rightly focused on the individuals who kept the Rainbow Centre going through the challenging years of transition.
Barnet Community Projects Director Steve Verrall acknowledged that the journey to this moment had not been straightforward, but commended the determination and partnership between the council and the local community that made it possible.
Equally central to the centre’s success is Sarah Snell, the Centre Manager. Praised for her warm and practical approach, Sarah runs the day-to-day operations with a focus on accessibility and dignity ensuring that anyone who needs help can receive it without a referral. Under her management, the food bank now supports around 80 people each week, and new initiatives such as the free school lunch club are already making a difference.
With the doors now officially open, the Rainbow Centre is ready to grow. The new space provides the stability needed to expand services and welcome even more residents from Underhill and beyond.
It was a joyful occasion one that marked not just the opening of a building, but the enduring strength of a community that refused to give up.
To read more about the history of the Rainbow Centre’s relocation and the support from local volunteers, you can view the original article here