Hundreds back charity over cuts
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Published Date:
25 January 2011
HUNDREDS of people have shown their support for a Hartlepool lifeline charity that is facing major cuts.A total of 814 supporters have signed petitions to show their backing for the mental health charity Hartlepool Mind.The lifeline charity is facing a funding crisis due to Government spending cuts.
Hartlepool Mind, based in Tees Street, helps 1,500 people a year with personal problems ranging from relationship, money and anger issues to those classed as a suicide risk.
It is set to lose £145,000 a year from the national Working Neighbourhoods Fund to help people with mental health issues get back into work.
And a further £45,000 a year NHS funding to assess people referred to Mind is at risk.In just two weeks 368 people have joined an internet petition while a further 446 have added their signatures to a paper version.
Mark Dougherty, a wellbeing practitioner for the charity, said: "The response has been brilliant. I think word of mouth has just got round.
"The people of Hartlepool want to support us, want the services to continue and want the funding to come in to the organisation.
"A lot of people use our services and want us to be here for the next 10, 15, and 20 years."
Several supporters have also written to the Mail to offer their support.
Dave Kilner, chairman of Hartlepool Indoor Bowls Club, said the club has forged a good working partnership with Hartlepool Mind by working with its staff and clients.
He said: "Since their involvement started with this community-based activity I have noticed considerable personal development in the clients, extending to improvements in self-esteem, confidence, communication and inter-personal skills."
Kevin Gow, who runs Mayfair Golf Centre, in Seaton Carew, added: "The Mind organisation and its employees do a great job. I see this at first hand as around a dozen of their clients regularly visit my driving range.
"This organisation gives great support and it would be a backward step in their recuperation if the funding was to stop."
The full article contains 354 words and appears in n/a newspaper.Page 1 of 1
- Last Updated: 25 January 2011 10:21 AM
- Source: n/a
- Location: Hartlepool
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Hundreds back charity over cuts - Peterlee Today
