The Cypriot Community Centre (CCC) in Wood Green has been one of the cornerstones of the Cypriot community in the UK since 1979 when it was established by the main Cypriot organisations, both Greek and Turkish of Haringey.
Located in Earlham Grove, London N22 5HJ, it is a place where people from all the communities of Cyprus come together to maintain and develop their Cypriot identity. It aims to provide a bridge of communication between Cypriots from all the various ethnic and religious backgrounds; strengthen the family unit of the Cypriot community; and run important community services in order to maintain their traditions.
In the past, during a visit to the Centre by the Minister of State for Europe, he commented that “If the Cypriot Centre’s co-operative spirit is applied in Cyprus, then there is every chance of success in achieving a comprehensive solution.”
Similar comments have come from the British High Commissioner to Cyprus and the British Ambassador to Turkey. Other politicians are also known to promote the Cypriot Centre’s work worldwide, as an example that Cypriots – Greek, Turkish, Maronite, Armenian, Latin and Mixed Marriages – do live and work together for the common good.
The amazing thing about this organisation is that it runs many essential services for the local community. A dedicated and consistent Staff Team, under the skilled direction of Manager/Co-ordinator, Christodoulos Stylianou and Chair Susie Constantinides, input extra time voluntarily to achieve these services which include a Luncheon Club that prepares a variety of nutritional, balanced Cypriot meals freshly cooked every weekday, and a ‘Meals-on-Wheels’ service for housebound Haringey residents who could benefit greatly from having cooked food brought to them.
The centre also runs a day-care service for the disabled and elderly from Monday to Friday. These services are administered by the Cypriot Elderly and Disabled Group who are based at the Cypriot Community Centre. The Service provides a comprehensive Day Service and caters for the cultural, linguistic and religious needs of /elderly and young adult disabled Cypriots of all backgrounds, including an increasing service for dementia clients. Clients and Staff speak Greek, Turkish and English.
The primary aim of the CEDG is to prevent isolation amongst the elders of the large Cypriot community and is targeted at meeting the needs of Cypriots who are frail, disabled, dementia/mild mental health sufferers, or who require a high level of emotional and physical support. Advice, support, accessing services, advocating on their behalf are important aspects of the work.
These services are run every weekday and new users and visitors are always welcome.
There is also a ‘drop-in centre’ which works in a similar way to a traditional kafeneion/ kahvehane (café) where anyone can go and spend their time. It is a popular place for Cypriots to go during the day and meet their friends rather than staying at home. Every day many people can be found playing tavli/ tavla (backgammon), watching television, reading community and local newspapers, talking and drinking traditional Cypriot coffee. Family and other Carers, Social Workers, etc. are encouraged to accompany whoever they think might benefit from the Centre’s cultural and linguistic support and services.
Additionally, evening classes take place throughout the year to suit all interests, ages, abilities, cultural and language backgrounds. One of the most popular continues to be the Cypriot Traditional Dance classes which are held twice a week to suit all ages. At present Yoga, Drama and Language classes are also offered.
The Youth Floor is permanently set up for table tennis, pool, darts, etc.
There are interesting meetings and talks held throughout the year on a wide spectrum of subjects, in English, Greek or Turkish, depending on the age-group and topic. These are organised by the CCC itself, its affiliated organisations and also other organisations.
Local Council departments and agencies, statutory and non-statutory, the Health Service, etc., hold regular conferences, seminars and training at the Cypriot Centre. The Centre provides full training facilities, appropriate equipment and catering for these meetings and conferences.
You can also obtain advice in Greek and Turkish on housing related issues, an initiative targeted at disadvantaged people who are unable to access services from any other source.
As well as this, both the Cypriot Community Centre and the Cypriot Elderly & Disabled Group liaise regularly with the Cyprus High Commission and Cyprus in order to facilitate our community. Issues include Cypriot Pensions, Cypriot Passports, replacement of Birth Certificates, Welfare, etc.
The Cypriot Community Centre funds these services by generating its own income. It originally funded these services through its partnership with Haringey Council but the council has since stopped its funding. Its main source of income is from its popularity as a venue for functions such as weddings, christenings and dinner & dances, as well as providing full catering services for day and other evening and weekend events. It also has fully equipped conference and seminar rooms that a wide variety of organizations regularly use including Aradippou Association UK, Cypriot Women’s League, Cyprus Turkish Democratic Association, E.K.O.N (United Youth Association), Greek Parents’ Association, Komi Kebir Friendly Association, among others.
All areas and services at the Cypriot Community Centre can be accessed by wheelchair users. It is open 363 days a year, from 9.00am to 11.00pm.
The community centre is run by a board of affiliated organisations based in Haringey. More information can be found at www.cypriotcentre.co.uk, call 020 8881 2329 or email cs@cypriotcentre.co.uk