Trust steps in to support Pro-Action charity facing closure after council cuts
A support organisation for youth and children's groups in the Bishop's Stortford area, which feared closure because of £100,000 council cuts, has been saved.
Trustees of the Sylvia Adams Charitable Trust have stepped in to support Pro-Action.
Chief executive Dave Green said: "We have a hill to climb, but we are excited and very pleased to be here to support the children and young people of Hertfordshire. We will continue to support all those who share the vision to ensure that every young person in this county has access to a variety of high quality, accessible activities which support them in their development and wellbeing."
The registered charity expected to close in June after Herts County Council withdrew £100,000 of its £150,000 annual funding. Pro-Action needs around £380,000 to run each year and earns £80,000 income. Usually, any shortfall is made up by fund-raising.
It works with more than 300 youth and children's clubs and projects across the county. They include Thirst Youth Café in South Street, Bishop's Stortford Volunteer Police Cadets, Bishop's Stortford Hockey Club, YC Herts, Carers in Herts – Young Carers, RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) Herts & Essex Borders and the East Herts Hunt branch of the Pony Club.
The group provides a training programme, with discounted rates for volunteers, in essential areas such as safeguarding. It is also an umbrella body for enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks to ensure those working in the sector can safely recruit.