Member Article

Northern Rock Foundation funding secured for 2012.

Northern Rock Foundation funding has been secured for the next year, ensuring that the charity can continue its work to help people who are vulnerable, disadvantaged, homeless or living in poverty.

In 2012, the Foundation will distribute £8.7 million to charitable causes across the North East and Cumbria doing vital work in local communities.

Commenting on the announcement, chief executive Penny Wilkinson said: “In recent months we have seen rising levels of poverty, homelessness and debt in the North East.

“When people are under pressure their mental health can suffer, alcohol abuse rises and incidents of domestic abuse can increase. The Foundation is committed to supporting people in need in our region during these difficult times.”

The Foundation supports a wide range of organisations, including Age Concern Northumberland, Tyneside Mind, the Cyrenians and Newcastle Women’s Aid, all of whom have recently received Northern Rock grants.

Chairman of the Foundation Alastair Balls echoed Penny’s sentiments, adding: “Trustees decided that it was important to keep funding flowing for charities at a time when the need for their services is growing.

“Fortunately, although we did not receive any income from Northern Rock under our funding agreement last year, we still have reserves that we can draw on, for now, to fund the grant programmes.

“We look forward to discussing with Virgin Money, in the coming months, the ways in which the Foundation’s work can be supported and funded in future.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .