AN independently-run mental health charity, stretched by “a huge increase” in demand for its services, has been thrown a financial life-line by Durham City Freemen.
When the Waddington Street Centre celebrated its 40th anniversary three years ago it provided a front-line safe haven every week for 120 members, all struggling with the crippling stress of modern living, including the tensions of Covid.
Today staff at the centre, in the north of the city, report 200 people now seek support, placing their board under mounting pressure to “take serious action” to cut costs and explore new ways of generating income.
Measures already taken include tapping into reserves, a move which will impact service delivery.
At the core of the centre’s work is a 20-strong team of volunteers, all striving to relieve members home life worries, illness or community conflict through the implementation of a wide range of informal educational activities.
During the enforced closures of the Covid epidemic the centre was given a major face-lift, supported in part by the freemen. The current rise in member numbers reflects the widespread national rise in demand for mental health support.
The freemen’s charitable trust has now responded with a £2,000 gift, already earmarked to help fund a support worker’s role.