A charity which gives crucial help and support for people with learning disabilities has been saved from closure, thanks to a £112,000 lottery handout.
Cash lifeline - Marilyn celebrates the good news with Mencap staff and helpers Picture: LUAN MARSHALL
Staff at Southend Mencap, in London Road, Southend, had been given their redundancy notices as their funding was due to run out at the end of this year.
Their jobs have now been saved for the next three years as the National Lottery's Community Fund awarded a £112,068 cash lifeline.
Marilyn Cartwright, Southend Mencap general manager, said she was delighted when she heard the news.
She said: "It was very tough when we were facing an uncertain future and handing out redundancy notices just before Christmas was horrible.
"To get this was such a relief and it will make a huge difference to us and those with learning disabilities in the area who we support."
Published Wednesday November 26, 2003
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