Huntly advice centre fights for its future after Inverurie centre closes
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GORDON Rural Action (GRA) is battling to survive after losing a key contract to provide advice and information services.
The charity, founded in Huntly more than 40 years ago, announced last week that it was to close its operation in Inverurie, fuelling fears that its base in Huntly would also shut, but a new board and management team are working to consolidate resources and secure new funding for the future.
Income generated from the charity shop, Bargain Box and limited cash reserves will fund GRA's work in Huntly until September 30.
The outcome of a bid for funding to allow GRA to continue beyond the autumn is expected any day and three further funding applications are about to be lodged with decisions on them due in June.
GRA's staff and volunteer team will continue to offer advice and support until April 1 and remain committed to providing advice on subjects from filling in applications to personal care for relatives.
Beyond April 1, they will work on the development of new projects and provide digital assistance at the drop in hub, five days per week.
Bargain Box is to remain open and ways of increasing the shop's income through better gift aid processes and an expanded furniture and homeware offering are being considered.
The interim head of the GRA team, Diane Mathieson said: "This is a very upsetting time. We are worried that local people seeking advice and support will lose this local resource. However, you have to be optimistic to properly help people so we will put all our efforts into doing whatever we can to support those who need us and who have relied on us for so many years, pointing them to where they can find alternative support.”
"The advice centre in Huntly will support existing clients until April 1 when full transition to the new service will commence. Clients in need of advice services will then be assisted by a partnership of Citizens Advice Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council specialist link workers who have yet to be appointed.
"Beyond April 1, GRA will continue to develop its Huntly Advice Hub, a multi-partner, one-stop shop bringing together different agencies under one roof to help quickly and efficiently resolve client issues in a joined-up fashion. The Huntly Hub has been a great addition to the town, receiving positive feedback from both our clients and partner agencies.
"Our aim is to provide “drop in” on demand access to digital equipment and local information services, five days per week, so that clients can access the services they need on demand.
"We would encourage anyone in the local community to come forward with suggestions they may have to enhance the services of the hub on a daily basis."
GRA can be contacted on 01466 793676, by email: enquiries@gordonrural.org.uk or alternatively drop into the hub anytime between 10 am and 3pm, Monday to Friday."
In the past three years, GRA has helped 4827 people.
