Freedom Community Project, which provides support in the Bolsover area in Derbyshire, has announced it is to close after being unable to secure long term funding.

The charity provided soft play for children and families, a clothing shop and food bank services at its main premises at St Bernadettes Church and centres across the area.

It will work with the centres with the aim of continuing the provision of welcome spaces and café services.

In a statement the charity said: “It is with sadness that we announce the upcoming closure of Freedom Community Project after many years of dedicated services to Bolsover and beyond.

“Despite extensive efforts to secure long-term funding, the organisation has been unable to find sustainable financial support and must now close.

It added: “We’re deeply grateful to our staff, volunteers, funders and partners who have made Freedom’s work possible – and to everyone who has shared our vision of compassion and community

“We will be working closely with partner organisations to ensure the best transition we can, there will be a phased closure of our services to ensure we can refer our service users to other local support.”

According to the charity register Freedom Community Project is supported by seven trustees and 100 volunteers.

In the last financial record submitted, for the 12 months to March 2024, its income was £379,969, including £81,210 from two government grants, while its spending was £367,247.

Its annual spending has outstripped its income just once over the last five years, when in the 12 months to March 2022 it spent £269,150 and its income was £224,500.

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