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25 Nov 2009 (archived)

Grant funding supports local charity

A charity which brings together volunteers willing to give help with those who need it looks set to receive a £2,000 grant from West Oxfordshire District Council.

The Council's Cabinet has recommended that Volunteer Link-Up receives the funding to help it to continue providing support services to residents across the District.

The charity was set up in Witney in 1983 and currently provides support to 709 local residents. Volunteers help with a wide range of tasks such as providing transport to and from hospital, visiting and supporting elderly and disabled people and those with special needs, helping at day centres and assisting those in need with practical work such as gardening.

Volunteer Link-Up provides help to people in Burford, Carterton, Eynsham, Witney and Woodstock, and surrounding villages. The charity has also recently extended its work to give assistance in Chipping Norton and neighbouring areas.

The District Council has financially supported the charity since 1986 and this year sees a £500 increase in funding.

Cllr Jill Dunsmore, the Council's Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "We are extremely pleased to continue supporting this very worthwhile organisation. Volunteer Link-Up does an amazing job and we are very lucky in West Oxfordshire to have such a dedicated charity and residents who are willing to give their time as volunteers to help those in need."

Patricia Chirgwin, manager of Volunteer Link-Up, said: "We are delighted with the continued support given to us by West Oxfordshire District Council. At a time when many organisations are struggling to keep afloat and councils are having to tighten their belts, we are indebted to the District Council for the financial support given to us. We are also grateful for the goodwill, encouragement and assistance offered by the Council throughout the year."

Volunteer Link-Up also receives funding from Oxfordshire County Council, local town and parish councils and the National Lottery. The charity can be contacted Monday-Friday 9am-1pm on 01993 776277.

Visit the Volunteer Link-Up website for more information.

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