ESEA Community Centre (ESEACC) is pleased to announce the election of its new Board of Trustees and the appointment of a new Senior Management Team, following a successful Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Monday 19th October. This transition marks an important milestone for the organisation, reinforcing its commitment to being led by the community, for the community.
Our newly elected Board of Trustees combines fresh perspectives with invaluable institutional knowledge. The election saw the return of several dedicated trustees alongside the appointment of new members, all of whom bring a wealth of lived experience. ESEACC would like to extend its sincere thanks to its trustee team for their strong leadership and steady navigation over the past year. In particular, we express our deep appreciation to Sophia, who is stepping down from the board, for her dedicated service and contribution. ESEACC also extends a warm welcome to its new board, comprising Danny, Kris, Angie, Jabez, Maria, Lin Fat, Auyeung, Josephine, Shuang, Richard, Alex, and Xiao Da, who joins as a co-optee.
"We are thrilled to welcome our new trustees and to welcome back those who have guided us for years," said Josephine Farrell, Chair. "Our board is unique because it includes many of us who have ourselves navigated the challenges and celebrated the triumphs of our community. This lived experience is our greatest asset as we strive to meet the real needs of our communities."
The ESEACC has had a busy year, celebrating its uniqueness as the first ESEA community centre in the UK and broadening its scope of services. At an Extraordinary General Meeting held on 6 February 2026, our members unanimously approved the organisation's name change, and both Companies House and the Charity Commission have formally recorded the change in the public domain.
Our grand opening ceremony, held on 9 May 2026, was officiated by Mr. Sean Hotung and Madam Mary Yung, attended by local councillors, community leaders, charity personnel and other prominent figures, and with the presence of many members and supporters.
In the last year, ESEACC has successfully navigated a range of internal and external challenges, including changes in the funding landscape and operations. Whilst funding for the luncheon club was lost, the centre retained its core services including the luncheon club, hate crime advice, general advice and the women's project Together We Rise with generous support from its community. The continued backing from its members, visitors, volunteers, donors and partner organisations has strengthened the centre's capacity, and it looks forward to the coming year with renewed stability and a clear sense of purpose.
With Jabez stepping down, the ESEACC is pleased to introduce its new Senior Management Team, who oversee day to day centre operations. The team, comprising David, Jennie, Sarah, Shuang and Yan, is focussed on driving the organisation's mission forward and ensuring that the centre remains a vital hub for support, connection and resources for everyone in the community.
Trustees and staff alike look forward to welcoming you to share a meal or join an activity or event at the centre soon.
Please download our report on ESEACC's activities over the last year.
If you would like to continue to support us, please donate here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/donation-form/save-the-esea-community-centre-campaign
Tatty reports on centre activities over the past year.
Staff and Trustees
AGM attendees