The Autumn Centre

The Autumn Centre is based in the coastal town of Brightlingsea between Colchester and Clacton-on-Sea. It is run by local volunteers, many of whom have been involved for some years – the charity itself has been established since 1995. Proceeds from its charity shop help to fund two weekly lunch clubs and social interaction for older people in the area.

The Allen Lane Foundation Trustees agreed a grant of £2,000 at their June 2025 meeting. This is to contribute towards running costs of the lunch clubs. The clubs provide a hot two-course meal, and minibuses are used to enable older, more frail people to attend. There are around 100 members, though not all attend every week, a typical attendance would be 35 at the Alresford Club on Tuesdays, and 40 at the Brightlingsea club on Fridays. Overall the clubs help to reduce loneliness and social isolation, and improve the health and wellbeing of older people.