Friendly Trust wins cash aid (From Penarth Times)

Friendly Trust wins cash aid

A PENARTH charity is delighted with a windfall from the Lottery Community Fund.

The Friendly Trust is based in Fairfield Road, Penarth and has been given a £217,000 grant to help finance their projects over the next three years.

As a charity they help adults who have learning disabilities and need financial assistance. Project worker and main employee of the Trust, Alison Brunt said: "We are very pleased to get this money.

"It will help to provide two more project workers and a couple more people to help with admin.

"It also means we can rent an office so there is a central meeting place to get advice and general help."

She added that the Trust had fought for a long time to get registered charity status and then to get the extra funding.

The charity was first set up in July 1998 by a group of concerned parents with children who needed constant support throughout their adult lives.

Some funds are provided by The Vale of Glamorgan County Council special carers fund and other money from the council.

Volunteers give their time to run the committee which deliberates on Trust issues.

The committee is made up of a solicitor, social service employees and concerned parents.

Jim Pearson, who is committee member and has a 39-year-old daughter with learning difficulties said: "It is peace of mind for parents to know that their offspring will be looked after.

"There is no way their children will get any better and will need support throughout their life."

If an adult with learning problems is left a house or some money in a will the Trust will help them manage funds correctly.

When the child's family is no longer there to assist them, the Trust can take care of finances for the son or daughter.

They will pay bills and oversee any monetary matters that need to be sorted out.

For further information contact The Friendly Trust on 029 20408437.