‘Vital’ community services – including a food bank – are under threat after a charity announced redundancies after funding ‘dried up’.
Farnworth Baptist Church said that due to unsuccessful funding applications and other income streams coming to an end, free community services provided through The Well, their community hub, would be cut back.
The charity, which operates in Farnworth and Kearsley, said a redundancy consultation process had started for eight of its 15 staff and working hours for others, including the food bank manager, are set to be cut.
It said redundancies were anticipated in key roles ‘directly serving our community’, including welfare and benefit advice, employability guidance and debt advice. In 2024, The Well experienced unprecedented demand for its services due to the rising cost of living.
The charity distributed 2,329 food parcels to families and individuals across Farnworth and Kearsley. Last year, the Well also generated £2.1m of income for clients through their benefit and welfare advisors, a 23 per cent increase on the previous year.
The Well offers one-to-one support on jobseeking and benefits (Pic – The Well)
Three advisors dealt with 854 individuals in 2024 and 77 per cent of appeals they took on were won. John Bradbury, senior pastor at Farnworth Baptist Church, said: “We’ve had a devastating start to the new year.
“While some roles with limited funding will continue for now, the challenges we face are significant. Our mission has always been to provide high-quality care, support, and advice to those in need, free of charge.
“With the rising demand for services at The Well, this work is more critical than ever. However, without sustainable funding, we face the heartbreaking prospect of reducing or even losing these essential services.
“Owing to health, disability, or financial constraints, many of our service users cannot travel to Bolton to access similar support. Without The Well, many vulnerable individuals and families would be left without the help they desperately need.”
The charity has requested a ‘collective effort from our community’. They said a solution could lie in individual donations.
Mr Bradbury added, said: “If 1,000 people commit to giving £15 per month, we can meet our current funding needs and keep these life-changing services available.
“Your generosity can change lives and sustain the heart of our community.” Donations, both monthly and one-off, can be made here.