Understand
Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington faces potential closure within weeks due to a funding crisis
Overview
Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington, a charity supporting approximately 16,500 older people annually, has warned it could close within six weeks unless it addresses a persistent £14,000 monthly funding gap. Chief executive Fay Scullion cited rising prices, increased taxes, and falling donations as the causes of the crisis, noting that running costs are around £45,000 a month. The independent charity provides essential services including meals, day care sessions, clubs, and a café at Bradbury House in Darlington.
Key points
- Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington warns it could close within six weeks due to a growing funding crisis.
- The charity requires an immediate £14,000 to keep running while pursuing longer-term funding.
- It costs approximately £45,000 a month to run services, but income from donations and other sources is failing to match this.
- Rising prices, increased staff costs, higher national insurance, minimum wage increases, and fewer donations have driven the shortfall.
- The organisation supports about 16,500 older people each year, delivering over 900 meals and 250 day care sessions monthly.
- Service users and volunteers have highlighted the vital role the charity plays in combating loneliness and providing community support.