A “LIFELINE” community group that helps vulnerable people says it desperately needs funds to survive.

Members of the St Denys Activity Group provide hot meals to dozens of people, including some with poor mental health.

Some people who visit the group would otherwise be forced to choose between eating or heating.

However, tragedy rocked the group when its founder, pastor Wilfred Williams, died in March 2021.

 

The St Denys Activity Group is located on Priory Road, St Denys.

The St Denys Activity Group is located on Priory Road, St Denys.

 

Now it is hunting for funding – with around £1,500 needed just to survive and a further £10,000 needed to boost its offering and help more people.

Ramesh Heer, chairman of the group, said: “At the moment, it’s very difficult to get funding because of the Covid-19 situation, as we are a small organisation.

“We haven’t been able to fundraise properly because of the restrictions.

“In the long term, we just cannot keep on going unless we can get some funding. We would love some more funding because the feedback we get is that this group is a lifeline.

“We need a minimum of between £1,000 and £1,500 for the group to survive, which covers food and insurance.”

 

Ramesh Heer, Chairman of St Denys Activity Group

Ramesh Heer, Chairman of St Denys Activity Group

 

Fundraising up to £10,000 would allow the group to put on classes, trips and pay for printers and a website.

Ramesh added: “This group is like a family and attending is like getting a family hug.

“They’re made to feel welcome, they’ve been isolated at home but here they can laugh and joke with each other.

“They are not their illness, that is what they tell me. They forget their worries and whatever their worries are.

“The energy bills are so high that some of our members have to choose between eating or heating.”

One woman who uses the group but did not want to be identified told the Echo: “The energy and warmth is amazing as soon as you come in. There’s something new on every week.”

 

Some of the hot food prepared for vulnerable people who use St Denys Activity Group.

Some of the hot food prepared for vulnerable people who use St Denys Activity Group.

 

Volunteer, Beck Alsford, added: “Volunteering’s really amazing, it’s nice that people feel they can talk to me and then I can communicate their needs and requirements to the rest of the team.”

St Denys Activity Group can be contacted on 07399 877141 or by visiting Priory Road Hall, St Denys on Thursdays between the hours of 11am and 2.30pm.