Council cuts funds for charity worker
TWO Stamford people could be left without a charity's specialist support service as Lincolnshire County Council has decided to pull its funding.
Adam Simmon and Lucy Slessor are among 155 families across the country who have been receiving support from the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephaulus's comm-unity support advisor.
But the service was dealt a blow after the county council decided to withdraw its annual 17,000 grant – which makes up 70 per cent of the post's funding - from March this year. The salary is 25,000.
The council, which has been supporting the post for 12 years, has now said that it does not meet its criteria as the majority of individuals would not be eligible for social care.
The charity, based in Peterborough, is hoping to overturn the council's decision and is looking for sponsorship and fundraising to keep the post running after current advisor Linda Knight, who is due to retire in March.
Linda, 61, of The Avenue, Carlby, has helped hydrocephalus suffer Adam overcome a gambling addiction and provided medical information for Lucy, whose nine-year-old daughter Bonnie has both spina bifidia and hydrocephalus, a condition that constantly produces a watery fluid on the brain.
Adam, 33, of Axiam Court, Barnack Road, Stamford, said: "I just think it is ludicrous as this is so important.
"Linda gave me support and helped me to sort my life out. She took me to Gamblers Anonymous and stopped me drinking."
Adam began to see Linda in 2003 after she was called in by his parents, Jack and Audrey, of Emyln's Street, Stamford.
He says that he was practically an alcoholic and was gambling on fruit machines and scratch cards. One week he spent 275 from his wages on scratch cards.
He had notched up 6,000 in debt on clothes, a games console and other items.
But he has now turned his life around with help from Linda. He said: "I would like to thank her from the bottom of my heart for all the help and support she has given me."
Lucy has been involved with the charity since her daughter Bonnie was born but began seeing Linda about eight years ago.
Lucy has been helped by Linda in providing medical and educational information.
She said: "Linda has been a real life-saver and the support has been fantastic."
Former occupational therapist Linda said: "It makes a great deal of difference. There are a lot of people out there with these conditions."
County councillor Graham Marsh, executive member for adult social care Graham Marsh said that the council was reviewing contracts that were up for renewal.
He said: "The Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephaulus does not meet that criteria and although we have supported it in the past, the situation does change and we have to ensure we get the best value for money for the people of Lincolnshire."
He added: "With partners, we are looking to invest in additional preventative services for people with disabilities and their families in the future. While we recognise the excellent service provided to people by organisations like ASBAH and would like to support them as much as we can, it is just not possible with the funding we have."
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Weather for Stamford
Friday 25 May 2012
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