Back in 1965, two caring ladies from St Mildred’s congregation noticed that some people in the local area were feeling completely isolated. Wanting to make a difference, they joined forces with a small group of local volunteers and began visiting neighbours, offering friendly companionship and help with small tasks. It soon became clear that the need in the community was greater than they had imagined.
Two years later, the group was offered a cosy space at St Mildred’s to organise their efforts and officially became the Addiscombe Churches Welfare Group. By 1968, they were brightening the lives of over 100 local households—whether it was a friendly chat, walking the dog, or helping fix a curtain rail, they were always happy to lend a hand!
Later in 1994, the Welfare Group was no longer part of St Mildred's only, but a much bigger project in the local area. It was then that the name Addiscombe Neighbourhood Care Association was chosen, and ANCA was officially registered as a charity.
Bringing us to the present, ANCA is a small charity with a big heart. Our mission and purpose are to be a helping hand for anyone who needs us. Everyone is welcome at ANCA, regardless of faith, beliefs, or ethnicity.
We are located inside St Mildred's Church Centre, just a stone's throw from Addiscombe Tram Stop, close to all amenities on Lower Addiscombe Road, and several bus routes are nearby.
Parking is free on the main road and most of adjacent roads.
