About us
The History of The Ark Centre
The Ark was founded in 1953, in the aftermath of the Great Flood that devastated Harwich and profoundly affected local families. During this time of crisis, The Ark emerged as a lifeline for the community — a place of refuge, reassurance, and practical support for those rebuilding their lives.
As the community recovered and grew, so too did The Ark. It became a trusted centre where families could access support and education, including the involvement of local health visitors working closely with parents and children. It was from this foundation that our nursery was born, establishing early years care at the heart of our work.
Over the decades, The Ark has continued to adapt to the changing needs of the community. What began as a place of refuge has grown into a vibrant community hub, offering childcare alongside a wide range of services including outreach support, family programmes, health education, and opportunities for respite. Throughout each stage of growth, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to inclusivity, dignity, and support for local families.
In 2022, the existing senior management team took over leadership of the centre, bringing renewed vision and energy. Since then, The Ark has expanded to three nursery rooms and developed a wealth of extended services, strengthening our ability to support children, families, and the wider community.
Central to our continued success is the support of our dedicated Board of Trustees, who believe deeply in the work we do. Their diverse range of experience, skills, and insight adds real value to The Ark, providing strong governance, guidance, and challenge as we continue to grow and thrive.
Today, The Ark stands as a testament to resilience and community spirit — fostering connections across generations and continuing its mission to empower and enrich the lives of families in Harwich.
