Charity gets a vital grant from council (From Penarth Times)

Charity gets a vital grant from council

A DINAS Powys charity has been granted just over £3000 by the Vale of Glamorgan Council to replace its community minibus wheelchair lift.

Dinas Powys Voluntary Concern (DPVC) has also been granted £5,750 by the authority for the sixth successive year to enable it to extend a Good Neighbour Scheme.

DPVC, established in 1971, is based at the Community Resource Centre, Murchfield Hall, Sunnycroft Lane.

Council leader Cllr Jeffrey James, along with Dinas Powys councillor Chris Franks, presented a cheque to DPVC chairman Dr Joan Andrews.

He said: "The council is delighted to support a charity which has, for such a long time, sought to improve the quality of life for the elderly, disabled and disadvantaged and acts as a first port of call for individuals seeking special help or advice."

The Community Resource Centre is the administrative base for the charity's activities and, working four mornings a week, co-ordinator Pat Marsh offers help, advice and information relating to a wide range of voluntary and statutory services.

Always eager to attract more volunteers, the charity held a special information day in March, which was supported by the fire and library services and a range of voluntary organisations.

Dr Andrews said: "We are very grateful to the council and local residents and businesses for their continued support and, as always, I cannot thank enough those who work often unrecognised to maintain our various services.

"However, we would like more volunteer help and, in particular, are looking for people to drive the minibus on its regular shopping or library runs, and for other organisations, and also to use their own cars to drive people to hospital or surgery appointments and to man the office.

"This year we will be carrying out a wide-ranging survey to ensure that our services are appropriate for the needs of local residents."