A CHARITY claims it is missing out of thousands of pounds in collections because of a lack of volunteers.

The Rainbow Centre for Conductive Education in Fareham is appealing for more residents to come forward to offer help.

At present, it has only two volunteers who do their collections despite the fact that they have collection permits for every town centre – the charity says such lack of volunteers means they cannot man the collection points.

The charity needs around 25 volunteers who would be prepared to do a couple of dates in either Southampton or Portsmouth.

Generally this lasts around three hours.

Clare Acklam, fundraising manager said: “It is extremely hard to raise £45,000 per month and even a few donations help.

“We are unable to make the most of the collection permits we have and overall thousands of pounds are being missed out on due to lack of volunteers.”

The Rainbow Centre, on Palmerston Drive, supports children with cerebral palsy and adults with a stroke, MS and Parkinson’s disease and their families.

Through a system of learning called Conductive Education children or participants are encouraged to take an active role in their own development.

Anyone interested in helping should call 01329 289500 or email clarea@rainbowcentre.

org.