A DESPERATE appeal for donations has been launched by the team at the YMCA in the town centre due to mounting fears that the centre could close due to a lack of funding.

This year the YMCA, which has a base on Winmarleigh Street, celebrated 160 years since it opened its doors in the town in 1855.

But charity is now struggling to continue to deliver its services including the daytime centre, Room at the Inn Homeless Project and the Furniture Project.

Centre manager Susan Blyth, who has worked at the YMCA for more than three decades, said: "Grants, funding and fundraising are hard to achieve with many worthwhile charities and voluntary organisations applying for the same grants. 

"As a result on November 12 our Furniture Help Project has closed temporarily until we are able to secure funding.

"Likewise our daytime services are under threat. 

"The YMCA workers work hard to support and work with people in difficulties.

"If we were to close where would people go for help, action and a place to achieve support during the daytime?"

YMCA community worker Brian Hayes understands more than most what it’s like to be faced with the obstacles and challenges that accompany the struggles of homelessness.

Since turning his life around, he had now dedicated his life to helping others build a better future by working at the YMCA.

He said: "We are the only place in the town to provide somewhere for homeless people to go.

"Because of the cuts we need more funding or we might have to close down.

"You have to ask yourself what will happen to those people who rely on us.

"They have nowhere else to go."

Susan added: "If you believe in the work the YMCA does we would like to hear from you.

“Could you pledge £5 to help us to continue the work we do and to make a difference, and promote improvement and change for people in need.”

For more information call Susan Blyth on 632771 or email warringtonymca@btconnect.com

Or to donate, visit the site below, type in YMCA Warrington and scroll down to the donate button at the bottom.

secure.thebiggive.org.uk/search