A FUNDING crisis could result in the closure of the Barnsley Blind and Partially Sighted Association.
The 30-year-old service, which has 8,000 registered users on its books, is run by volunteers but relies on donations and grants.
Around 30 volunteers work for the association and give advice, counselling, help fill in forms and carry out home visits.
But this year could prove to be the end of the service, according to founder Carol Green, who has urged businesses to donate whatever they can to enable the group to continue.
“We are really struggling and it comes at a time when demand is at its heaviest,” Carol told the Chronicle. “We help people of all ages so it’s essential for Barnsley as there’s nothing else like it.
“If we can’t finance it, there is no future and that devastates me. It is going to be a big year and if things don’t improve, we will have no choice but to close.”
The service, based on Regent Street South, dealt with around 13,000 enquiries last year.
“It’s not a case of us just being open during office hours,” Carol said. “Our volunteers go further than that and do many out-of-hours home visits so it’s easier for our users to access information.
“For it to end, especially after so many years, doesn’t bear thinking about as thousands of people will be left without help.”
