Comas, which runs the Serenity Cafe in Edinburgh, has called in the liquidators due to the charity's financial position
A charity which supports those with addiction issues has announced it faces liquidation.
Comas, which operates the popular Serenity Café in Edinburgh, has said it will shut its doors this week with staff being made redundant.
A statement from the charity’s board said that emergency funding options had been examined, however the group’s financial position meant liquidation is the only viable option.
The statement said: “Following a recent financial assessment and review by the chief executive and the board unfortunately Comas is going to have to close and wind up, as our liabilities exceed our assets. Over the last couple of weeks’, the chief executive and the board have explored all options, but I am sorry to say that the board took a final decision on Thursday 1 November that there was no alternative other than to liquidate the company.
“Emergency funding options have been explored, including meeting with two MSPs, but unfortunately there are no quick fixes.
“We looked at all options including administration, CVA and other funding solutions but given the overall financial position we find ourselves in, there is no alternative but to cease trading and liquidate the company.”
A petition to the court for liquidation was due to be filed on Friday (2 November) with the café set to close later this week and all employees set to be made redundant.
The charity faced a challenge earlier this year as it was forced to find new office premises and a new home for its Serenity Café - which provides a space for those in recovery to relax and socialise - for the first time in 10 years. A new home was found at The Pleasance – with staff saying they were delighted at the response from the community.
The statement added that the charity would work with all the people it supports to ensure they are referred to other organisations where appropriate.
It continued: “Until that time (liquidation), we aim to keep the café open for the community and we will endeavour to support community members and volunteers and signpost them to other organisations and services where possible.
“The chief executive and board are extremely sorry that the charity is unable to continue despite the best efforts of everyone that has tried to make this work. We would like to thank you for your support and commitment to Comas and Serenity Cafe, particularly regarding the recent move.”
