Dementia charity in danger of closing
Dementia Matters in Powys (DMiP ) holds a fortnightly gathering at the COWSHACC in Welshpool as one of their many activities, but it could end at Christmas unless support is found.
The urgency of the situation was highlighted at last night’s meeting of the Welshpool Town Council meeting who were contacted by two members of the public pleading for help, and this morning the charity’s Chief Officer confirmed the dire state of play.
“We are at threat of closure but are fighting to overcome this funding crisis with many funding bids in place,” Deborah Gerrard told us.
“We have tried to access statutory funding via Powys Regional Partnership Board for many years but to no avail. As a seven-year-old service, the only meeting centres in Wales and part of a national and international network, we’re not that appealing to project funders as we're not new.
“We have a grant in place that covers the cost of our current four meeting centres (including Welshpool) until the end of March 2025, but we have a shortage of core funds, without which the Charity can’t operate.”
Ms Gerrard said that the National Lottery Community Fund in Wales has been a major supporter over the years and that they were “hoping a current bid to their Cost of Living fund is successful”.
At last night’s Town Council meeting, councillors agreed to provide whatever support they could to the charity, but wouldn’t be able to support financially.
Cllr Sally Fitzgerald’s suggestion to connect them with the newly formed Welshpool Community Haven who have restarted Day Centre services from the Ann Holloway Centre, was backed by fellow councillors.
What is DMiP?
An independent charitable organisation that works in partnership with communities, third-sector and statutory organisations to develop and share innovative practice, supporting people living with dementia and those who care for them.
For more information on the charity, visit https://www.dementiamatterspowys.org.uk.
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