A NURSERY in Colchester has issued a desperate appeal for financial support as it struggles to cope with the rise in energy bills and the cost-of-living crisis.
Stepping Stones Play and Learn Group, graded Outstanding by Ofsted, is a registered not-for-profit charity based at the Wilson Marriage Centre in Barrack Street.
The 32-year-old organisation offers an integrated nursery service for both mainstream children and those with additional needs aged between two and five-years-old.
Bosses at the charity are now issuing a plea for support to local businesses and anyone who could help cover the costs of their key workers’ wages.
Stepping Stones does receive some statutory funding but the nursery is required to fundraise an additional £180,000 every year in order to keep afloat.
Liz Taverner, administration officer at Stepping Stones, said: “We would like to speak to companies interested in funding a key worker for a year or more.
“This would allow us to continue supporting families who find getting the right level of support for their children difficult.
“Our work is vital to so many families in our community and having their child with us safe in the knowledge all their needs are met by means everything to them.
“Fundraising will always be high on the agenda and we welcome charities, community groups and business to support us to continue to provide our much-needed service.”
According to Liz, added financial strain has been placed on the charity as a result of soaring costs and eye-wateringly expensive energy bills.
“We continue to search and apply for grants to cover the increased shortfall in Government childcare voucher funding,” added Liz.
“These grants often want to sponsor new projects that target the latest social concerns, meaning a long-standing support system like Stepping Stones misses out.
“Corporate sponsorship would be so valuable to support our running costs - we feel this could be so beneficial to a business to be involved with their community.
“The joy of being involved with the children is also a very enriching experience for anyone not aware of the needs some of our children have.”
To find out more visit steppingstonesplayandlearn.org.
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