Brighton MP helps charity start fundraising appeal

A counselling service for women in Brighton is trying to raise £15,000 to meet rising demand.

Threshold, the women’s counselling and crèche service run by Brighton Housing Trust (BHT), expects even more call for its services in the coming year.

Caroline Lucas, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, visited Threshold’s premises today (Tuesday 20 March) and met some of the women who have been helped by the charity.

She said: “With women being disproportionately affected by this government’s harsh and unnecessary cuts, it’s more important than ever that we safeguard the crucial services provided by women’s organisations in the city such as Threshold.

“We know that women make up two thirds of the UK’s poorest pensioners and are especially likely to suffer as a result of the cuts to children’s services, support during pregnancy, domestic violence, trafficking services and child benefit.

“So I was delighted to be able to lend my support to Threshold’s new fundraising campaign to raise money to continue providing existing services – and wish the team the very best in achieving their target amount.”

Mel Barnard, Threshold’s manager, said: “Times are tough at the moment and we are seeing more and more women with complex mental health needs.”

She said that many of them had been affected by the economic crisis and were struggling with unemployment and work-related stress.

She added: “We anticipate that the pressure on our services will increase again once the government cuts take effect which is why the Threshold appeal is so important.

“We need to raise £15,000 this year to help us to meet the increased demands on our services.”

To donate to the Threshold appeal, text 70070 THRE50 and include the amount or go to the Threshold Just Giving page or send a cheque to Threshold Appeal, c/o 144 London Road, Brighton, BN1 4PH.