Children's charity needs £80,000 to keep going

A charity has said it could be forced to withdraw some, if not all, of its services without significant funding.

The Me2 Club charity supports children and young people with additional needs and disabilities in Reading and Wokingham but says it needs £80,000 to keep going.

For 22 years it has run inclusive activities for children to help build friendships whilst providing respite for their families.

Chin Davies, chief executive officer, said: "We are facing the most challenging financial time that we have had in our history."

She said the issues were largely down to rising staff and services costs, "coupled with the difficulty to fundraise".

She explained more than 80% of its income came from trusts and foundations but "that pool is becoming more and more competitive".

Ms Davies said: "Reduced funding has lead to a very challenging time. As a charity we have tried lots of different avenues to try and diversify our income.

"We are concerned that without assured income coming in immediately, then we won't be able to continue delivering all our services as they currently are.

"Worse case scenario is we will have to close."

She said demand for services keeps rising and they have increased their numbers year-on-year.

"Our... team is small but mighty and all we can do is remain hopeful," Ms Davies added.

One parent whose son uses the service said: "It has given him access to so many opportunities and positive experiences – I would say it is life changing."

Another Me2 Club parent said: "It is such a wonderfully compassionate and giving organisation. We have been blessed to have access to it."

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