A Shropshire charity has raised more than £100,000 in a last-minute effort to avoid closure.
Shropshire PCAS (Peer Counselling Advocacy Service), based in Oswestry, launched an emergency appeal late last year after warning it would be forced to close by December without urgent financial support.
Thanks to what it has described as "super-human fundraising efforts" from supporters, including the community, businesses, and clients past and present, the charity has been able to continue operating into the new year.
More funds are still needed to secure the charity’s long-term future.
Simon Arthur, manager of Shropshire PCAS, said: "We were very much in last-chance saloon when we launched our fundraising campaign and have been completely blown away by the level of support we have received from the local community.
"It really has been a super-human fundraising effort, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
"It just goes to show the level of support for the charity and the amazing work we are able to do with some of the most vulnerable people within our community.
"We are delighted to say that £100,000 has been raised in just a few short months."
The charity has supported more than 11,000 disabled and vulnerable adults across Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin for more than 30 years.
Advocates and volunteers at the Oswestry office assist people with complex needs, such as housing issues, safeguarding concerns, social care, health challenges, and energy bills.
Most clients live alone and have no family support.
Demand for the service has continued to grow while funding has become increasingly scarce, placing the charity under serious financial pressure.
The recent funds were raised through a mix of community donations and support from trusts and foundations, including the Wesleyan Foundation Winter of Giving Fund, Severn Trent Community Fund, and Garfield Weston Foundation.
Despite this lifeline, Mr Arthur stressed that the need for support remains urgent.
He said: "We are currently looking for more funds to take the charity in its current format beyond March.
"We have exceptional advocates and a long waiting list of desperate clients so it is important we find the funds to carry on with as many advocates as possible."
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Shropshire PCAS does not receive any statutory funding for its core advocacy services and relies entirely on grants, donations, and fundraising to stay open.
The charity is appealing for continued support from businesses, organisations, and individuals in the community.
To donate or find out more, visit shropshirepcas.co.uk.
