Day Care charity delighted at news of generous legacy Press Release 28th January 2015 Staff, volunteers and Trustees at Winchcombe Day Centre are absolutely delighted that the Centre has received a surprise legacy of approximately £200,000. Chairman of the Trustees John Gerrard, said: “This came as a complete, but lovely surprise.” The money was left to the 30-year-old Centre, a registered charity, by a local benefactor. John said: “We are not able to divulge the name of the local benefactor, but we are extremely grateful for such generosity. This legacy couldn’t have come at a better time as this year the Centre loses all of its public sector funding and will have to find the entire £82,000 annual running cost itself.” Until March 2013 the Centre received £35,000 per annum from the NHS and Social Services to help cover its operating costs. Since then the funding has been greatly reduced and will finally cease this April. John said: “We are very lucky indeed to have a loyal band of supporters and fundraisers in Winchcombe who have helped the Centre cover this serious financial shortfall over the last two years. In 2013 we increased our fees for new and existing members to generate more revenue to offset this funding deficit and as a result our future is now looking more secure.” Trustees and the Day Centre Management Committee will be meeting again shortly to discuss the most effective and prudent ways to both invest and use the donation in support of the local community and the overall aims of the charity. More follows... Mr Geoff Onions, Chairman of the Management Committee and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees said: “We will be considering using some of the legacy for new initiatives to support our current members and potentially extend our services to cater for and attract more members of the community. “We also intend to ask our members, their families and the wider community for their suggestions and ideas on ways we can use some of the funds to enhance and extend our services. Whatever we do, will be in the best interests of supporting elderly people in the town and surrounding area.” The Trustees were keen to stress that although the legacy offers some interim funding security for the Day Centre, it was still vital to continue fundraising for its long-term future and to provide a wider range of services to the community. The Day Centre charity was established in 1984 and now provides day care three days a week in purpose-built accommodation. Its aim is to provide a supported, safe and friendly environment where members can share the company of friends, enjoy lunch, refreshments and if they wish take part in a range of recreational activities. The charity’s services are aimed at those who may be socially isolated, lonely, moderately disabled, have memory loss or are simply frail, elderly and less able to get around. For more information about the Centre and its work visit www.winchcombedaycentre.com Ends Issued by Ruth McDonagh, inspire creative communications, on behalf of Winchcombe Day Centre. m: 0780 909 6036.