An aptly-named community centre has risen from the ashes after being given a lifeline. 

The Phoenix Centre on Mile Cross Road was weeks away from closure at the end of 2023 but will now receive £95,000 in funding over the next two years.

Gas company Cadent has donated the cash as part of its "Centre for Warmth programme", after people and businesses in the area raised around £20,000 in donations earlier this year.

The additional funding will help the north city community centre offer a range of services such as Citizens Advice support, Priority Services Registration and even cooking courses.

The Phoenix Centre was saved from closing down earlier this year after receiving donations from local businessesThe Phoenix Centre was saved from closing down earlier this year  (Image: Newsquest)

Centre manager Claire Kidman, said: "This is a much-needed boost to help our community who will benefit from extra support and advice during the winter months with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

"The partners involved in the project have the resources, expertise and trusted relationships to best support our diverse communities.   

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"I'm absolutely delighted that we can open our doors and show everyone what we're able to provide, thanks to the support of local businesses and our partnership with Cadent." 

The Phoenix Centre hosts a range of services and activitiesThe Phoenix Centre hosts a range of services and activities (Image: The Phoenix Centre)

Gas company Cadent has donated £95,000 to the community centreGas company Cadent has donated £95,000 to the community centre (Image: Newsquest)READ MORE: Plans to convert annexe into three-bed home along affluent city street

An emergency meeting was held in September last year to look at ways to save the struggling community centre in financial crisis.

The goal back then was to "raise enough money to last six months" according to Colin Lang, former chief executive of Norfolk child bereavement charity Nelson's Journey.

With the help of a JustGiving page, the centre also received funds from a number of local businesses and not-for-profits including Norwich Consolidated Charities, RC Snelling and Mattress Man.

The Phoenix Centre manager, Claire Kidman, said this is a much-needed boost to help our communityThe Phoenix Centre manager, Claire Kidman, called the funding a much-needed boost (Image: Newsquest)