A petition has been set up to make sure that Signposts centres in Stone, Barlaston and Stafford can continue to provide their important community services.
There are Signposts centres in Stone (at the Frank Jordan Centre) and Stafford, with an outreach service operating in Barlaston. A wide range of services are provided, including job clubs, Body4Life health and wellbeing services and food banks, and they also work with a large number of other agencies to signpost local people to the relevant help and advice.
The Signposts Centre is a drop-in centre for all. Its main purpose is to offer hospitality – tea and coffee, toast and internet access are provided free. It is open for anyone to call in, have a chat, socialise, seek support or to browse the internet. Signposts staff are always on hand to help, listen and help those needing outside help who might not otherwise seek it , or have difficulty in doing so.
The service says the number of people it helps has rocketed since the recession.
The centres have in the past been funded by Lottery cash and jointly by Stafford Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and the Clinical Commissioning Group. But the service says there is no indication of adequate funding from April 2014.
Karen Wardell, Signposts manager for Stone and surrounds, said: “The lack of confirmed funding for the next financial year has been a source of increasing concern for us over the last few months. Whilst we receive almost daily confirmation from both clients and other professionals that the Signpost Centres offer a vital service to the community, we have still not had any funding streams confirmed which leaves us in a difficult position.”
Signposts has now launched a petition as it looks to secure funding to maintain its important community services. It states: “I, the undersigned, am a concerned resident who urges our leaders to act now to find the necessary funding to keep open Signpost Centres in the county at a time when the demand for their services is increasing.”
You can sign the petition and say why you think
funding should be renewed by clicking HERE
More information from Karen Wardell or Jo Yendole on 01785 812417 / 07731 795782
Please get in touch if you have benefited from the Signposts services in Stone. Mail jamie@alittlebitofstone.com
