SADACCA Information

Prior to 1986 SADACCA operated as the West Indian Association, an organisation formed in 1955-56 by a small number of dedicated Caribbean people who had come to this country determined to improve their standard of living. The justification for its existence became apparent because of the lack of available facilities where their children could have a safe and welcoming environment to play and enjoy their youth. This same group of people approached Sheffield City Council with their concerns and were able to secure a prefabricated hut at Oxford Street for use as a youth club. The club was known by the children as the 'bug hut '. The realisation of actual needs of the Caribbean community became more prominent. Subsequently, they got together to identify a larger place to organise community meetings and functions to encourage participation in cultural and educational activities. The group has progressed from humble premises and started forming activities for the unemployed such as the Adult Education programmes and other community facilities to combat deficiencies in mainstream services. Since that time the services of the organisation include childcare facilities, a luncheon club for the elderly, a Saturday school and an advice service predominantly for the African Caribbean community. In 1980 the organisation's dream to expand its services was realised when they identified 48 Wicker St. to house these services. With support from the community especially the architects and labourers who provided their time free of charge, some council officers and business people, what was previously the Old Samuel Osborn Steelworks Building was transformed into a Community Centre. The community centre and Social Club was opened in March 1986 when it started to operate under the name of SADACCA