Charity battle as funding runs out for Parents Advice Centre Keighley

The charity has been forced to surrender the lease on its Russell Street premises following the end of three years of council funding.

But the organisation, known as PACK, has pledged to continue its telephone advice service using mobile phones owned by members.

Manager John Toothill said the volunteers had been trained to provide a wide range of emotional and practical advice, as well as signposting parents to other services wherever necessary.

He added while the phone service remains, the charity trustees will continue to seek new funding so they can reopen at another venue.

Mr Toothill said: “We’re having to downsize. Keighley and Ilkley Voluntary and Community Action is working with us to try to find some funding.

“PACK will still exist. We’ll still be a registered charity. We hope we can secure some funding and come back to life in another venue.”

PACK was launched three years ago with a £36,000 start-up and running costs grant from Bradford Council, designed to last until last month. It was officially opened, with much fanfare, by Immigration Minister Damian Green during a ceremony attended by Keighley MP Kris Hopkins and local councillors.

Mr Green said such volunteer centres were hugely important and a perfect example of what Prime Minister David Cameron called the Big Society.

But this year the council said it could not provide further funding because it faced millions of pounds of cuts to its own budget.

After a campaign to change the council’s mind proved unsuccessful, PACK bosses launched a petition to gain 1,500 signatures, which would force the council to discuss the issue in full council.

Mr Toothill this week said the 1,500 target had almost been reached.

PACK’s popular job club and online training courses have been stopped because there will be no building to hold them in.

But the helpline will be available on the usual number, (01535) 608601, until further notice, with calls diverted to volunteers’ mobiles.