Handy Person service could close without Moray support
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A VOLUNTARY charity which helps older and more vulnerable people carry out out DIY home maintenance has launched a fundraising appeal.
Moray HandyPerson Services (MHPS) aims to raise £10,000 through a community subscription scheme, otherwise it may have to close.
MHPS manager Jane Cotton said the future of the organisation, established 12 years ago, remained in jeopardy.
It has received little core funding over the years and a recent Scottish Government injection of £1.18 million to support services for older people, has seen just £35,000 come to the voluntary sector as a whole, and nothing to the handy person service.
Said Ms Cotton: "Add to this the withdrawal of support to older people of the Care and Repair Service, which helped them do more major repairs to their homes and you get a bleak picture of what it will be like in Moray if you are older and have not the means to keep your home habitable, secure and safe."
As the real effects of the public finance cuts start to be felt, she said the people of Moray have more hard decisions to make about what level of community services they need and whether they are prepared to support them financially.
In the absence of what the MHPS Board considers should be a responsibility of the public sector, they have launched a community subscription scheme.
"We have already have a generous commitment from one local businessman and are looking for other businesses and individuals to sign up as subscribers," said Ms Cotton.
Laura Stuart, chair of MHPS, said it is now down to the people of Moray to demonstrate their support of the handyperson service.
"It is not just the financial support we need to see, which should only be as much as people can afford," she said.
With over 600 clients on their database requiring the service, she wants the wider community to show it is behind the continuation of the service.
"If, on the other hand, the public stay silent on this, then we will sadly have to consider closing the service down at the end of the year," she said.
To become a community subscriber the organisation can be contacted at Victoria House, 10 Victoria Crescent, Elgin, IV30 1RQ or email admin@morayhandypersonservices.org.uk
Donations can also be made online at www.morayhandypersonservices.org.uk
