A UK homelessness charity has fallen into administration after 51 years of service. The collapse of the charity left the local council 87 people to find new accomodation for.
Access Community Trust, which was founded in 1975, appointed Richard Bloomfield and Philip David Reynolds, both of FRP Advisory Trading Limited, as joint administrators on Wednesday, March 11. The charity, based in Suffolk, provided housing, support and education to vulnerable and homeless people. It has now ceased trading, with 96 staff being made redundant.
East Suffolk Council is working to transfer care for the 87 residents of the charity, which provided housing in Lowestoft as well as services across the wider area. It is reported the council has managed to retain 75 of the bed spaces so far.
Access Community Trust employed 126 people but 96 have now been made redundant. FRP Advisory confirmed that the majority of the remaining employees had been retained to provide care while the transfer of operations is agreed.
East Suffolk Council previously said in a post on Facebook that they were “deeply concerned” by the news of Access Community Trust collapsing. They added that their “priority is to ensure that nobody is left without a safe place to stay or access to essential support services”.
The council continued: “Therefore, we have activated an Emergency Response Plan to ensure that all vulnerable residents currently supported by Access Community Trust continue to receive safe and appropriate accommodation.
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“Through working in partnership with recognised providers during the past 48 hours, we have been able to ensure 75 of the bed spaces will be retained and that residents will be able to remain, with an alternative, trusted support service. We have also agreed a short-term solution to the remaining 12 beds, meaning that no-one will be asked to leave their home today.”
A number of local people have reacted to the news on social media. They agreed the loss of the charity will have an impact on the community.
Lee W L Kettlewell said: “So sorry to hear this. A lot of great people helping those in need. Funding from all over being cut so was always going to be hard.”
Beth-Louise Marilyn Applegate wrote: “This is awful news for those in need! As a previous resident of an Access Community Trust home, I know just how vital these beds and services are! They support our most vulnerable and help them get back on their feet! They are an essential part of our community.”
