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Nine Lives has uncertain future
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| Staff and volunteers at Nine Lives which may have to close due to lack of funding. |
A popular Rickmansworth charity is facing an uncertain future after seeing its National Lottery funding withdrawn.
Nine Lives Furniture, established in 2003, provides training and work experience to people living with learning difficulties and mental health problems by teaching them the art of furniture restoration.
The charity, run from a small shop in Wharf Lane, said it will have to close unless it can secure new funding by the end of the year after its latest three-year application for £300,000 to the Big Lottery Fund was rejected.
Manager Tania Metcalf, who helped set up the organisation in 2003, said she could only cross her fingers and hope that new funding would be secured.
She said: "If we don't find £70,000 we will have to close at the end of the year. We will have six staff out of their jobs but, more importantly, 13 volunteers and trainees unable to attend classes.
"We submitted a new bid until 2011 but we were not successful. Unfortunately the panel deciding on the grants had £29 million of bids and only £7 million of grants to hand out so something had to give.
"But we can't complain about the lottery because they have been fantastic to us. Obviously, though, it is very disappointing news for everyone concerned.
"We have achieved so much over the years and want to go on making a difference to people's lives."
Since it first opened for business Nine Lives has refurbished more than 30,000 items of locally donated furniture; provided high quality, Government-accredited training for vulnerable people and helped dozens of people off benefits and back into work.
Elizabeth Jones, who has frequented the shop for a number of years, was one of many customers to lend their report to the charity.
She said: "This is a brilliant cause which helps disadvantaged people fulfill their lives and contribute to society. They also provide great furniture as well.
"I have been shopping there for years and will be gutted if they have to close down.
"It provides a service for everybody. A lot of people can't afford to buy full price furniture so it is a godsend to them. This is a great local charity and we cannot afford to lose it."
For more information about volunteering for or supporting the charity, please visit www.9livesfurniture.org.uk or telephone 01923 718666.
7:26pm Friday 16th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Winston, watford on 9:22pm Fri 16 May 08
National Lottery funding withdrawn.
I know how they feel, the trust I was involved with was assured of a £2m grant only to be told that this would not go through - on asking why we was informed that the majority of funds will be diverted to the 2012 London Games and this was a directive that a lot of good causes would go to the wall over the coming months/years!
National Lottery funding withdrawn.
I know how they feel, the trust I was involved with was assured of a £2m grant only to be told that this would not go through - on asking why we was informed that the majority of funds will be diverted to the 2012 London Games and this was a directive that a lot of good causes would go to the wall over the coming months/years!
Posted by: Auntie, Watford on 10:41pm Fri 16 May 08
Outrageous! Where does all this lottery money go? This charity has helped many people.
Outrageous! Where does all this lottery money go? This charity has helped many people.
Posted by: Mrs B, Chorleywood on 3:06pm Sat 17 May 08
Thsi was a brilliant idea to start with, but the last few times I visted, I watched a lady walk round putting reserve stickers on everything as it was being delivered. When she left, ninelives staff said 'see you tomorrow'. Sorry, but it put me off going there if certain people are allowed the 'cream'
Thsi was a brilliant idea to start with, but the last few times I visted, I watched a lady walk round putting reserve stickers on everything as it was being delivered. When she left, ninelives staff said 'see you tomorrow'. Sorry, but it put me off going there if certain people are allowed the 'cream'
Posted by: OxheyMoron, oxhey on 5:40pm Sat 17 May 08
[quote][bold]Mrs B[/bold] wrote:
Thsi was a brilliant idea to start with, but the last few times I visted, I watched a lady walk round putting reserve stickers on everything as it was being delivered. When she left, ninelives staff said 'see you tomorrow'. Sorry, but it put me off going there if certain people are allowed the 'cream'[/quote] The few times I have phoned regarding donating good quality items to the organisation the staff have declined it saying it didnt meet their 'criteria' and that their clients expect almost brand new modern furniture. Perhaps they should stop blaming the lottery funding and start looking a bit closer to home.
Mrs B wrote:
Thsi was a brilliant idea to start with, but the last few times I visted, I watched a lady walk round putting reserve stickers on everything as it was being delivered. When she left, ninelives staff said 'see you tomorrow'. Sorry, but it put me off going there if certain people are allowed the 'cream'
The few times I have phoned regarding donating good quality items to the organisation the staff have declined it saying it didnt meet their 'criteria' and that their clients expect almost brand new modern furniture. Perhaps they should stop blaming the lottery funding and start looking a bit closer to home.
Posted by: VoR, watford on 6:28pm Sat 17 May 08
Can I donate my Missus?
Very second hand and a bit rough round the edges, an antique in every way... but would love to see her go to someone more well off than me so she could bleed them dry also!
anything above 50p will do!!!
Can I donate my Missus?
Very second hand and a bit rough round the edges, an antique in every way... but would love to see her go to someone more well off than me so she could bleed them dry also!
anything above 50p will do!!!
Posted by: louis on 11:00am Mon 19 May 08
I have also had two items declined, both items of solid wood M&S furniture. One was in almost perfect condition, the other needed the top rubbed down and revarnished.
They didn't look at them, but said that they sounded unsuitable.
I have also had two items declined, both items of solid wood M&S furniture. One was in almost perfect condition, the other needed the top rubbed down and revarnished.
They didn't look at them, but said that they sounded unsuitable.
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