The Appleby Trust, a long‑established disability support charity with bases in Armagh and Lurgan, is to close for good tomorrow (Wednesday) after losing almost 70% of its annual funding.
In a deeply regretful statement, the directors confirmed they have begun an “orderly closure” of the organisation, bringing to an end more than two decades of work providing training, supported employment and social enterprise opportunities for people with disabilities.
The closure impacts nine salaried staff and a number of additional casual workers as well as 50-plus service users across the sites.
The decision, they directors said, follows the loss of key funding streams – most notably changes to the Growth Fund which stripped away nearly two‑thirds of the Trust’s income – and the failure of repeated efforts to secure replacement finance.
“For more than two decades, the Appleby Trust has been dedicated to supporting people with disabilities through training, supported employment and social enterprise activities,” the directors said.
“Throughout that time, we have helped individuals develop skills, confidence, independence and social connections, enabling them to live fuller lives and play an active role in their communities.”
The Trust said it, like many in the voluntary and community sector, has faced “significant financial challenges” in recent years as government funding has shifted away from covering core costs for frontline charities.
Since the Growth Fund changes were announced, removing almost 70% of annual funding, the Board and leadership team said they had “worked tirelessly” to find alternatives.
“We have spent countless days and hours engaging with funders, pursuing grant opportunities, reviewing our operating model and examining every possible avenue to safeguard the future of the organisation,” the statement continued.
“Unfortunately, despite our very best efforts, these endeavours have proven unsuccessful. The scale of the funding loss has created a financial gap that we have simply been unable to bridge.
“This decision has not come about through a lack of determination or effort. The Board and Leadership Team have exhausted every realistic option available to protect the vital services we provide to people with disabilities across our community.”
The directors were sharply critical of the Northern Ireland Executive, which they said had been warned that organisations were facing a “funding cliff edge” but chose not to provide short‑term support.
“Alongside many others across the voluntary and community sector, we pleaded with the Northern Ireland Executive to intervene and provide a one-year transitional funding arrangement,” they said.
“We made the case that a short-term investment would protect essential services, safeguard jobs and prevent the loss of support for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
“We warned that the sector was facing a funding cliff edge and that, without intervention, valued organisations would be forced to close. Regrettably, those warnings have proven well founded.
“The Executive chose not to provide the support requested, and today the Appleby Trust has become one of the casualties of that decision. The consequence is that vital community services, relied upon by some of the most vulnerable people in society, are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain.”
From the end of September, all of the Trust’s activities will cease, including:
– Print It social enterprise operations in Armagh and Lurgan
– The Gathering Rooms Café in Armagh
– A range of training, support and development services for people with disabilities across the wider community
“The closure of the Appleby Trust will mean the loss of essential services for people with disabilities across our community,” the Board warned.
“The impact will be felt not only by those who directly access our programmes, but also by their families, carers and the wider community who have benefited from their participation and contribution over many years.”
The Trust stressed that its projects were “far more than businesses or training programmes”.
“They are places where people have gained work experience, developed life skills, built friendships, increased their independence and found a sense of purpose and belonging. For many participants, they have provided opportunities that would otherwise not have been available,” the directors said.
“Today is a heart-breaking day for our participants, their families, our staff, volunteers and supporters. We know how much these services mean to the people who rely on them and we share their disappointment and sadness.”
The Trust said its immediate priority now is to work with statutory agencies, funders and partners “to support participants and staff through this transition and to ensure that every effort is made to minimise the impact of closure”.
The directors paid tribute to all those who have been involved with the charity over the past 20‑plus years.
“The Directors wish to place on record their sincere gratitude to our dedicated staff team, funders, customers, partners and supporters, past and present. Their commitment, compassion and hard work have enabled the Appleby Trust to make a lasting difference to the lives of countless individuals,” they said.
“While this marks the end of the organisation, it does not diminish the achievements of those we have supported or the legacy that the Appleby Trust leaves behind. We are immensely proud of what has been accomplished over the years and of the positive impact our participants have made within our community.”
They concluded: “The Appleby Trust’s story is one of inclusion, opportunity and belief in the potential of every individual. That legacy will endure long after our doors close.”
Most read today
PUBLIC NOTICE
