Relaunch is aimed at saving struggling charity
A charity is getting set to relaunch as it begins a bid to stave off closure.
The Central Scotland Regional Equality Council (CSREC) had its funding cut by several local authorities and could go bust next March when cash finally runs out.
It was founded more than 30 years ago and campaigns for racial equality.
Bosses at CSREC has called in Arun Golinpath as its manager in a bid to turn around its fortunes and attract new funding.
He has experience of working with similar third sector groups.
Director Brian Guthrie said: “We are only secure until March 31 next year.
“We were initially financed by three councils in the Forth Valley but Clackmannanshire has already pulled their funding this year and there is a very real chance that Falkirk and Stirling will pull out as well.
“Like most third-sector organisations we have seen the demand for our services increase in recent years but we have seen major cuts in funding available to us which have hindered our ability to help and support many of the most discriminated against members of our society.
“Sadly, many organisations have been forced to close during these tough and austere times as sources of funding have dried up.
“However, in light of the Scottish Government’s renewed focus on eliminating discrimination, the board of CSREC has decided not to allow our organisation to wither and die on the vine and is taking some bold steps to not only keep the organisation going but also to reinvigorate and re-launch it altogether.
“Our new manager Arun is going to come in, hit the ground running and help us get some new finances in place.”
CSREC chairman Michael Giannandrea said: “Instead of providing assistance and advice, monitoring how the local authorities and other bodies were adhering to the Equalities Act, we have had to rely on seeking funding through doing research projects, as these projects, though worthwhile in their own right, also bring us in some money through management and administration costs which helps us pay for our manager and admin staff.
“But this money is never enough and we have had to rely on our three local authorities.”
