CASBA gets a big boost from Charities Aid Foundation

CASBA has received a huge funding boost from Charities Aid Foundation to start the new year. The Northfield-based charity which provides advocacy and support for adults with Learning Disabilities across South Birmingham is delighted to announce a grant of over £70,000 has been awarded to help the organisation recover and rebuild from the impact of COVID19.

Newly appointed CEO of the charity, Ginny Cullen says this couldn’t have come at a better time:

“This is such welcome news for CASBA and all the citizens who rely on the work we do. To be able to go into 2022 with this financial support means we can deliver vital crisis advocacy and build the skills base of our staff and volunteers over the next 15 months. We will also be investing in other ways to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of all our activities.
This gives us a really solid foundation to continue to develop services in response to the needs of the citizens we work for.”

This funding means that CASBA will be able to employ a Crisis Advocacy Worker who can support citizens who are feeling at risk, or vulnerable. The charity has seen a rise in such situations recently, partly due to issues related to COVID19, but also due to safeguarding issues, the need for assistance dealing with Social Services, housing providers, medical professionals, or the police. Many citizens are also finding themselves in financial crises due to benefits issues and coping with changes which are poorly communicated to them.

In addition, CASBA will employ a development worker who can support the development of a Self-Advocacy Group. This will help citizens develop their knowledge and skills so they can speak up for people who have a Learning Disability. This group will also help CASBA to better understand the needs of citizens with Learning Disabilities when developing new activities.

The last two years have shown the importance of accessible online materials, so CASBA will also be investing in a new website that will be Easy Read with pictorial aids. This will improve the way in which they communicate with citizens who have a Learning Disability
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Charities Aid Foundation are also contributing to the general costs of employing key staff at CASBA. These people are essential to the day to day running of the charity and covering their wages will allow time for them to develop new income streams.
Ginny Cullen sums it up, saying: “In uncertain times, the charity is pleased to be able to face the future with the confidence to build on a third of a century working in South Birmingham. We are extremely grateful to Charities Aid Foundation for this.” ​