Charity folds from lack of cash (From The Advertiser Series)

Charity folds from lack of cash

5:39pm Friday 7th September 2012 in News By Lizzie Anderson

A CHARITY that has provided safe play activities for thousands of families for more than two decades has folded.

Despite the efforts of staff and trustees to attract funding, the East Durham Play and Community Network (EDPCN) folded last month, ending 22 years of organising free community activities in Fishburn, the Trimdons and Sedgefield.

Margaret Girvan, who worked for the charity for 17 years, was among five staff to lose their jobs.

She said she was devastated and was still coming to terms with the closure. "We achieved so much in the community and were so successful at engaging with children and families, " she said.

"We tried extremely hard to attract funders, but it became increasingly difficult. I feel as though I have let people down. I know we did all we could, but that is how I feel.

"I would just like to thank everyone who has supported the network over the years."

EDPCN's affairs are being handled by liquidators. Set up in 1990, the charity, which was also a limited company, provided free activities for people of all ages.

However, children were its main focus, and thousands of youngsters have benefited from services such as creche provision, play sessions, art and craft workshops, a toy library and holiday play schemes.