Council lifeline for local charity urged

Council lifeline for local charity urged

31 December 2014

DOWN Council is to be asked to help secure financial help for a leading charity which provides vital support for vulnerable adults across the district.

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.

The organisation is appealing for financial support so it can remain in business and Down Council chairman Billy Walker is hoping the local authority can help.

News of Good Morning Down’s money problems surfaced three weeks ago but councillor Walker hopes the local authority can help identify potential funders for the free service which is aimed at adults who feel vulnerable or at risk.

Councillor Walker aims to raise Good Morning Down’s funding crisis at Down Council’s first meeting of the New Year and hopes the charity will secure the cash it needs to remain in business.

“People who rely on this valuable service are concerned about what the future holds for it,” said the chairman. “The service provides a vital link with many people across our district who live on their own, with the cash crisis coming at the worst possible time.”

Councillor Walker paid tribute to those who provide the service to adults who feel vulnerable or at risk, praising their community spirit and unswerving willingness to help others.

“Good Morning Down relies on financial support from statutory bodies and it’s important this continues and that potential new funding streams are identified. I hope Down Council will reaffirm its support for this organisation and provide help in identifying new funders.”

Councillor Walker continued: “Many people depend on the service provided by Good Morning Down which is a lifeline for those who live alone. The service makes people feel secure and it’s essential the organisation that provides it remains in business. I hope money can be found to see Good Morning Down through until the end of the financial year.

“This organisation has suffered funding cuts over recent years and is struggling to keep its service running, a service which the statutory sector does not have to provide due to the efforts of local volunteers. We must never forget this fact.”

Councillor Walker said Good Morning Down staff and volunteers are among a group of many unsung heroes who willingly serve the community. He hopes the appeal for financial support will result in a positive outcome for the organisation and those who rely on the service.

The chairman added: “The next few months are crucial and I hope the worry of funding can be lifted from the shoulders of both the volunteers and service users. This key service must remain in business.”