A group which has helped stroke survivors in the district for more than 15 years has warned it may have to cut services after feeling the full effects of funding cuts from £35,000 to £19,000.
The cuts to Shipley Stroke Group in 2011/12 have led to them now launching a fundraising campaign to minimise the impact of losing around 48 per cent of their funding from the Primary Care Trust in the last financial year.
Bradford Districts Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is meeting with the group next month and has told them they cannot see any reason why they will not again receive the £19,000 funding. But the cuts mean the group has to desperately fundraise in the hope its 40 members will not suffer.

But co-ordinator Helen Galtress said the self-help group may have to lose art tutors, a beautician and a counsellor, as well as reduce the number of outings for members, unless it can recoup some of the money lost.

“It has affected us quite significantly,” she said. “We feel blessed that we are still getting half, but that doesn’t keep us going. We may have to lose some staff and may not be able to organise the outings we used to.

“We have 35-40 members who have all suffered a stroket.

“We are a self-help group and we employ tutors who encourage that – art tutors, a beautician, a counsellor – and they all cost money.”

In 2011, the Telegraph & Argus reported how the group was hit by burglars, who stole a laptop containing treasured photographs during a Boxing Day break-in at Haworth Road Methodist Church, where it meets.

The computer had contained pictures of one of the group’s founders, John Bavington, and Jean Harris, a long-standing member, who both died unexpectedly just before Christmas. It also contained information on members’ days out and templates for certificates and newsletters for the group.

Mrs Galtress said: “We have been doing fundraising and hope that people will support us. “We know everyone’s in the same boat with the funding available, but we want to continue our work.”

The group will hold a fundraising event for family and friends, with activities including face-painting and a raffle, at the York Street Sport and Social Club in Bingley from 6pm to 9pm on February 2. It will include a meal and costs £10 for adults and £5 for children.

For more information, contact Mrs Galtress on 07970 680258.