A RINGWOOD based charity which supports adults with learning disabilities has launched an urgent fundraising appeal to help cover costs over the coming months.

The Stable Family Home Trust has lost a very large amount of income through having to close its Aspire day services at Bisterne, due to the COVID 19 situation, plunging the charity into a huge deficit.

With running costs in excess of £400,000 and without fundraising support from donors, businesses and community clubs, the charity are in need to replace this income to ensure they can continue to provide their services.

CEO Colin Waters said: “In effect, we are seeing increased costs at time when we are experiencing a huge loss of income.

“We operate our supported living services from 10 different locations in Bournemouth and have put into place maximum measures to secure the safety of the people we support; this includes many of our staff team living on the premises for a three week period.

“Our amazing staff have risen to this challenge as they understand how crucial it is to keep people safe.

“Of course, our costs have also risen in terms of needing supplies of PPE and extra staffing hours due to the additional support we have dedicated to looking after our vulnerable clients.”

To support The Stable Family Home Trust and donate, visit: https://www.sfht.org.uk/coronavirus-appeal.