'400 jobs hanging in' the balance as charity faces funding crisis

A DESPERATE family have launched a petition calling on the Welsh Government to step in and save a lifeline disability charity facing a funding crisis.

- By STEVE BAGNALL

Mark and Laura Bugby with their son John Bugby from Bala. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography

(Phil Blagg Photography)

Laura and Mark Bugby, from Bala, fear for the future care of their severely disabled son, John, if Anheddau - which supports 140 people from across Gwynedd, Conwy, Anglesey, Denbighshire and Wrexham - is forced to shut its doors.

The organisation, which has helped people with autism, learning disabilities, mental health conditions and complex needs for more than 35 years is battling soaring costs.

It has revealed it is staring at a £400,000 shortfall due to rises in the Real Living Wage and National Employer Contributions - leaving 400 jobs in the balance.

According to Anheddau, it's facing a "ticking timebomb" over the funding and says it may be forced to consider making redundancies in October unless local authorities provide a rescue package to cover its additional costs.

Laura Bugby, who works for the community dental service, said the survival of Anheddau was essential for her son's health and happiness, and praised the work of the charity's staff.

She said: "John has lived in an Anheddau supported house for 11 years, and before that he lived at home with us until he was 19.

"John has a severe learning disability and his house is provided by a housing association and he lives there with another two residents.

"Anheddau provides the 24-hour support that he needs. The charity's staff make sure that he is fed, that he's washed, they do all the personal care.