Dear Editor
Cuts in funding for services affect people differently, most are appalled at the frequency and the damage it is doing to the local social fabric. But as always, it is those who are in need of services are denied them with all the consequences including further isolation within the community.
Pilton Equalities Project, an organisation in North Edinburgh, runs many services for local people, including :-
Five Day Care Clubs, Classes and Activities in Computer Training, Arts and Crafts, Classes in Literacy and Numeracy. Cooking, A Mental Health Issues Group Class
These activities are attended by approximately 200 people each week.
PEPs Minibuses pick up from and return people to their homes, all the buses are staffed with volunteer escorts. Up to 8o other volunteers help throughout the week with other activities.
Funding cuts from the Council or Scottish Parliament will hit the provision of these services and the very people who are in most need.
PEP makes every effort in appealing to various social and charitable organisations for grants to keep these vital services for local people going but it is not sustainable in the long run if funding cuts continue.
PEPs volunteers did 13,00 hours volunteering in 2016 for local people, adding greatly to the quality of life and indeed their health. As one of those volunteers, the reason for this letter is to raise public understanding of how serious are repeated cuts in funding for local services.
With the best will and efforts volunteers cannot operate on insufficient funding for their organisations.
A. Delahoy.
Silverknowes Gardens
The city council will sets it’s budget tomorrow. The meeting starts at 10am