A CHARITY worker has thanked a golf club for its support following the cut of council funding for adult social care.
Throughout 2022 members of Hockley Golf Club, in Twyford, have been raising money for MHA Communities Winchester, a charity supporting older residents and Anthony Nolan, a blood cancer charity.
The donation has been labelled as a "lifeline" for MHA Communities Winchester after grants for adult social care were cut by the county council due to an overwhelming increase in the cost of services. Budget cuts worth £80m were made across nearly all departments in February to make up for the deficit.
The two charities were chosen by club captain Alan Carpenter, as causes close to his heart. Mr Carpenter presented the cheques at the end of the season on Thursday, October 13, with more than £8000 being raised in total from events such as the Captain's Day.
MHA Communities Winchester scheme manager Anna Miles was there to receive a cheque of £6101.42 from the captain. She said: “We are extremely grateful to the captain and members of Hockley golf Club for their generosity in contributing the fundraising efforts over the last year.
“Every year we have to source, apply for and raise funds to enable us to continue supporting older people to live more independent lives. After the confirmation in June this year that, as part of budget cuts, Hampshire County Council was withdrawing the Adult Social Care grants which had previously been available to us to apply to, fundraising initiatives like this are a real lifeline to organisations such as ours.
“Securing income ensures we can make sure our services are sustainable and affordable for our members to take part in. We are also able to offer services at a reduced cost or free of charge to those who are experiencing financial hardship.
"Some of the monies will be used towards our Christmas Gift project through which we ensure all of our members receive a bag of goodies to open on Christmas Day, even more important in the current climate."
MHA Communities Winchester provides support and friendship to older people, living in their own homes across the Winchester District, to help maintain independence, improve well-being, encourage inclusion and reduce isolation. For more go to mha.org.uk/communities/near-me/winchester/.
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