A FOREST charity which has supported those with sensory loss for more than 20 years is at risk of closure if they can’t find £25,000 by the end of the year.

Manager of the Forest Sensory Services, at Foxes Bridge in Cinderford, Jenny Green says she’s launching an appeal next month to protect the charity’s future.

She said: “Over the last five years we have expanded our services and now have more service users than ever. We don’t receive any statutory funding and need to raise £60,000 each year.

“Since the recession it has become more and more difficult to raise this amount. Grant making organisations always want to support a new project. The services we provide are professional and much-needed but do not qualify as a new project. We need to raise money for core funding.

“We usually manage

to raise approximately £40,000 per year from fundraising, grants and donations and the shortfall has been met from the reserves. We now have funds to last until the end of this year and so we are organising an appeal to raise £25,000. 

“We will launch the appeal on Friday, May 6 at Forest Sensory Services from 10am which Mark Harper MP plans to also attend.”

She added: “Unless we get £20,000 by the end of the year we will have to close which will be a loss to the Forest as there isn’t anybody else who offers what we do. It is a worry.

“I have seen at first-hand the difference we can make to people who have suffered sensory loss and I want to ensure we can continue this work for years to come. Any donations we receive will make a real and long lasting difference to the survival of the charity.”

The charity is also hosting a dinner on June 25 at The Speech House Hotel where local artist Mary Rose Young will be a guest speaker. For tickets call Jenny on 01594 827711.