The Open Centre

Learning through personal experience

152 Pear Tree Rd, Derby, DE23 6QD Directions

   Closed today Open Monday 09:00 - 16:00

Business overview

We exist to promote understanding between different communities by celebrating and raising awareness of their faith and cultural heritage.

Established in 1981, the Open Centre is a well respected organisation based in Derby in the East Midlands. We exist to promote understanding between different communities by celebrating and raising awareness of their faith and cultural heritage. We promote good community relations between British citizens, no matter what their background or belief. As part of our activities we work closely with many different communities, faith organisations and places of worship as well as representatives of secular organisations; however the Open Centre is not a religiously based organisation and has no affiliation to any specific faith based groups.

The Need for the Open Centre’s Work

Over 10, 000 school children and adults from the community and local organisations visit the centre each year and these numbers are increasing all the time, with visitors and bookings now being received from other parts of the East Midlands, Staffordshire and further afield.

In May 2010 the Open Centre contracted an external organisation to carry out a feasibility study, the aim to establish the need for the Open Centre services by key stakeholders, schools and residents of Derby City. Extensive consultation with a range of users from local organisations and schools as well as interviews with key partners led to the clear conclusion that the Open Centre is a unique and valuable resource in terms of its contribution to community cohesion within Derby City, the wider county of Derbyshire and beyond. There is nowhere else like the Open Centre – no other organisation offers the services it does to schools and the local community. Its work supports the aims and objectives of local, regional and national strategies concerned with community cohesion and increasing understanding between people of different cultures and religion.

Products & Services

catholic schools

universities

special schools & colleges

sixth form

secondary schools

schools & colleges

primary schools

preparatory schools

independent schools & colleges

grammar schools

girls schools

further education

colleges

boys schools

Reviews

Amazing Service

5
Took my school to the mosque where I was greeted by a welcoming lady, she was explaining things very well and got the classes attention, I would you use service again
Cancel Update
1000 characters limit

an essential service.

4
without organisations like the Open Centre, there would be little or no opportunity for many people to ever visit and learn about other faiths. They provide invaluable opportunities for schools, colleges, and a wide range of other organisations, including employers, to increase understanding between communities. very professional organisation, recommended.
Cancel Update
1000 characters limit

A unique and outstanding resource.

5
As a teacher, I used the Open Centre many times to enhance and embed learning about faith and community. It was always a good experience, efficiently organised and well executed. Sometimes we booked workshops that Open Centre staff would bring to school and sometimes we went to them for faith trails. The children loved it every time. I have joined faith trails for adult groups as well (Magistrates' Court) and these have been very well appreciated. And fun! This work has never been more important.
Retired Primary School Head.
Cancel Update
1000 characters limit

Invaluable

5
In today's world such important work from a positive organisation. Fun too! Now they're developing more work with adults as well as children. Invaluable. Danny
Cancel Update
1000 characters limit

A Great Asset

5
The Derby Open Centre plays a vital role in maintaining community cohesion & educating our children (& ourselves) about our fascinating wider society. It's a life-changer, David Walton
Cancel Update
1000 characters limit