Good Morning Down facing funding crisis

Good Morning Down facing funding crisis

10 December 2014

A KEY service which provides vital support to vulnerable adults across the district is facing a cash crisis.

The Good Morning Down telephone care and befriending service is provided by volunteers, but the organisation requires additional funding to help it through a difficult financial period.

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.

Councillor Naomi Bailie met recently with Good Morning Down officials and hopes the organisation can secure the cash it requires. She explained money is required to make up a shortfall to see Good Morning Down through until the end of the financial year.

“This organisation provides a worthy service to vulnerable and elderly people across this district and it would be a travesty if the service was to fold, particularly so close to Christmas when those who use the service will be relying on it so heavily,” said councillor Bailie.

“The future of the service must be secured and I am informed that a new board have been tasked with looking at alternative financing options as they move into the future.”

The Downpatrick councillor said she understands Good Morning Down receives the bulk of its funding from statutory agencies, but also relies heavily on fundraising and donations. 

She continued: “The shortfall in its expenditure must be met, be that through statutory means or otherwise. South Down MLA Chris Hazzard and myself will raise this issue with the relevant and prospective funders to ensure the future of this group is secured for the short and longer term.”

Good Morning Down's Linda Baker said the organisation celebrates a decade of service to older and vulnerable people across the district next month.

She also revealed 260 people have benefited from the befriending telephone call service available up to five times a week from a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. 

“Over the past five years, Good Morning Down has helped reduce isolation and fear of crime by bringing members out to social events at which information on crime prevention, mental activity and physical activity are all elements,” explained Linda.

“With cuts in funding over the past few years, we are struggling to keep the service running. Our members, some of whom are the most vulnerable in society, depend on a telephone call from Good Morning Down.”

Linda added: "We desperately need help if we are to continue providing this vital service.”