A family support charity could face closure unless it secures new funding and new premises.

Family Focus was based at the Cheam Resource Centre for 25 years until Sutton Council took over the building and moved in a new children's nursery.

The support group, which offers help and classes to parents struggling with young children, used to be run by the council and relies heavily on it for a significant chunk of its funding.

But as local authorities budgets are squeezed, the charity has seen its funding cut.

Trustee of the group, Linsey Bilham, says its a double blow. She said: "Our running costs are about £55,000 a year, and the council funding has just ran out. That covered between £20,000 and £30,000 of it, and now we are without a premises.

We might have to close unless someone comes forward to help. We are currently using a scout hut, which we are very grateful for, but it is far from ideal. We have up to ten families in to see us at a time, so we need somewhere bigger."

As the charity provides a warm meal to parents and a play area for youngsters, use of the scout hut is not sustainable, said its trustee.

The group needs to find a venue available in the daytime every Wednesday during term-time which has one main large room for the children to play, one smaller room for group sessions, a kitchen area and an outside area.

Mrs Bilham, said: "We provide invaluable support to families with children under five in the Sutton area who are facing difficulties with their daily lives, desperately needs to find new premises to run its parent support group from. We would be grateful for any help so we can continue the essential work we have carried out for the past quarter century."

For more information or to get in contact with the charity visit familyfocusonline.org.uk/

Councillorr Dave Callaghan, chairman of Sutton’s children, family and education committee, said: “We are very grateful for the valuable service that Family Focus has provided for many years.

“In today’s challenging economic climate, taxpayers expect the council to secure real value for money for every penny spent and Sutton Council is committed to that pledge. We are working to ensure that money is spent to achieve benefits for the entire borough.

“Family Focus is welcome to put in tenders for future contracts that will be awarded and the council is also happy to offer help and advice regarding their premises needs.”

 

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