The new manager of Banbury’s Sunshine Centre has set out plans to build on the charity’s longstanding work supporting families while securing its financial future.

William Hall, known as Billy, joined the centre three months ago with ambitions to strengthen its foundations while developing new opportunities for parents and children.

The Sunshine Centre in Bretch Hill was established in 1998 and has supported thousands of Banbury residents with a range of issues.

The charity primarily operates a nursery for children aged nine months to five years, but also runs regular antenatal and postnatal support sessions, domestic abuse drop-ins, health visitor services and provides access to social workers.

The Sunshine Centre’s new senior operations manager, William (Billy) Hall, pictured alongside safeguarding manager Michelle Bennett.

placeholder image — The Sunshine Centre’s new senior operations manager, William (Billy) Hall, pictured alongside safeguarding manager Michelle Bennett.

Mr Hall said bringing nursery and community services together had allowed staff to identify problems early and provide joined-up support to families.

He praised the experience of the team, which has more than 300 years of collective experience, with some employees having worked at the centre for more than 20 years.

He said: “These guys have been doing it for so long, they're such experts in what they do. Who am I to change it?

“I don't want to spoil the brilliant work that happens. Where can I add a couple of little bits to make it better?”

One of Mr Hall’s main priorities is making the charity more financially secure and ensuring it can continue delivering its services for many years to come.

Billy, who has a background in employability and adult skills, said keeping the centre running was a challenge in itself, with everyday costs such as energy bills, building maintenance, safety checks and commercial waste placing pressure on its finances.

The centre originally operated as a Sure Start centre but continued providing its services after dedicated funding ended, managing to keep going for around 15 years through different sources of funding.

The manager said: “The hardest work is keeping the place going, keeping the lights on. The interesting things, like the courses and stay-and-plays and trips, they're great, but the gas bill isn't exciting – and it's big.”

Looking ahead, he also wants to introduce more opportunities to help parents develop practical skills, including budgeting, finding work and managing the challenges of everyday life.

He hopes to support parents whose children are approaching school age to develop the skills and confidence needed for the next stage of their lives.

Another ambition is for the nursery to become a role model for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Almost half of the children attending the nursery have additional needs, and the centre is committed to not turning children away or restricting their hours because of their requirements.

Securing funding to improve the outdoor play area is also on the agenda, with part of the existing space currently condemned.

The manager also wants to raise awareness of the charity's wider community work and encourage more people to get involved through volunteering and donations.

He said his priority was not to reinvent the organisation but to protect its existing work while making it more sustainable for the future.

He added: “It’s about building on the brilliant work already happening here. It's not about reinventing the wheel, but making it a bit better and more secure.”