York charity facing uncertain future (From York Press)

York charity Vision For Life facing uncertain future

8:42am Saturday 19th May 2012 in News

AN INDEPENDENT York charity for people with learning difficulties will close after 15 years if it cannot find new trustees.

Vision For Life was set up 15 years ago by Martin Taylor, who himself has learning difficulties and his since become a champion and a voice for those in a similar situation.

However, Martin said the organisation, which only two years ago saw him nominated for The Press’s Community Pride Awards, was now “virtually dormant” and would close without urgent help.

He said: “There’s a problem in York with getting new trustees on board. We have tried to get recruits but people don’t seem to want the commitment of taking something like this on.

“This is a last call because if nobody comes forward, then we might not be around and that means a lot of people in York won’t be heard anymore.”

Mr Taylor, 45, said he started Vision Of Life “from scratch” 15 years ago and that it remained one of the last few independent charities in the city. The organisation has now grown and runs a telephone information service, organises conferences on issues affecting those with learning disabilities and hosts entertainment and fundraising events in York.

He said: “We are looking for a new treasurer who can manage the finances and the funding applications and I’m looking for someone who can help me do some of my own work such as paperwork and organising events. It’s not a lot of work – just a couple of hours a week.

If you can help, phone Mr Taylor on 01904 673314 or email visionoflife@btinternet.com