The Great Parndon Community Association (GPCA) has been operating successfully in Harlow since 1963.  Since its creation we have been managed and staffed by local people, for local people and are a registered charity. We have Community Centres in the true sense of the word. People of all ages, abilities and from all walks of life play an active role within the Centres. Their involvement promotes personal development, self-esteem and self-confidence by us offering diversity of equality and fairness for all, as a provider of facilities and services and as our role as an employer.

Our Motto is

“PEOPLE NEED PEOPLE”

We have a very diverse programme of groups and operating from our venues including some of the following: keep fit and self defence classes, badminton, short mat bowls, craft classes, mixed ability sports, bingo, stroke support groups, football, archery, homeless support group, dog training, carers support groups, pre-schools and full day care nursery’s. We also have 2 social clubs offering a full range of bar related activities including a fully licensed package of SKY and BT Sport viewing, and 4 function venue facilities. Please visit the activities page for our full programme of activities.

The Great Parndon Community Centre’s are situated in an areas of high deprivation and unemployment and the primary aims of the Association are to: 

• Improve the quality of life for the residents of Harlow
• Provide buildings and facilities, services and resources that will support the area and individuals.
• Develop a community spirit & responsibility by encouraging local people to participate in the management & day to day running of the Centres.
• Identify the needs of the area and devise ways in which the Association can respond to those needs.