New Year fears mount over future of service

17 December 2014

VULNERABLE adults who rely on a leading charity for vital support have issued a pre-Christmas appeal for financial support so the organisation can remain in business.

Good Morning Down, which provides a telephone care and befriending service, is facing a major cash crisis and fears are growing about the organisation’s long-term future.

News of Good Morning Down’s money problems surfaced last week and while it has received cash donations to see it through until the end of the month, concern is mounting about what the New Year holds.

The free service is aimed at adults who feel vulnerable or at risk and is available to anyone who resides in the Down Council area. This week, people who rely on the service issued a plea for help so Good Morning Down can remain in business.

At a get-together at the Patrician Youth Centre in Downpatrick on Monday morning when the pensioners were presented with Christmas hampers, they appealed to anyone who can provide financial support for Good Morning Down to come up with the goods.

Those who rely on the service say securing funding for the organisation — which celebrates its 10th birthday next month — would be the best Christmas present ever.

Over 260 people have benefited from the telephone befriending service which is provided by volunteers five days a week and those who rely on it admit they would be “lost without it.”

Mrs. Esther Edgar, who lives at the Rockschapel Road outside Downpatrick, said only those who rely on the Good Morning Down service realise just how valuable it is.

“We are all concerned at the cash crisis the organisation is facing and hope money to secure its future can be found. Many people depend on the service which is a lifeline for many,” said Esther.

“This is a vitally important service. To know there is always someone on the end of the line who cares about you and who can provide help and assistance on a range of issues is comforting. It makes you feel secure. Everyone who uses the service looks forward to their weekly call.”

Mrs. Edgar said she would be “bitterly disappointed” if Good Morning Down cannot continue providing a service to those who live alone and who rely on the volunteers who provide it.

Linda Baker, who manages the telephone care and befriending service, thanked people who provided donations to see the organisation through until the end of the year.

“We still have some money which will help in the New Year but we need more financial support. We are struggling to keep the service running and hope the statutory organisations which do support us will continue to do so,” said Linda.

“The next few months are crucial and we hope that the level of funding we receive will increase in order for us to continue providing a vital service many vulnerable people rely on. We are determined to keep going.”

Linda said the Good Morning Down volunteers are passionate about supporting the people who rely on the charity and revealed while the service is closed over the festive holiday period, volunteers will continue making contact with those who rely on them to make sure they are fine.

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