This Press Release was issued by The Elizabeth Foundation on Monday 29 June 2009.  We hope that all parents of children currently attending The Elizabeth Foundation in Bradford, will have received our letter sharing this news with them in advance:

The Elizabeth Foundation in Bradford seeks funding by April 2010

A reprieve has been given to The Elizabeth Foundation, Yorkshire regarding its pending closure on July 10th. This is largely due to the impressive response from the parents who have worked together to fundraise and raise the public’s awareness about its success and value.

“These wonderful parents both past and present could not bear to see The Family Centre close its doors to future newly diagnosed deaf children and their families, knowing how much it has helped them.” Says S Metherell, CEO. “They have rallied the support of MPs, like Marsha Singh, raised over £26,000, and spoken publicly giving their reasons as to why the family centre is so necessary in Bradford.”

The cash raised by parents and the way that they have put The Elizabeth Foundation firmly on the Bradford local agenda with education and health authorities, has meant that the charity’s Trustees have been able to put together a plan to try to keep the recession-hit Centre open until the Spring. “We would like to see such valued work continue in Bradford. Securing the regular funding that is vital for the Centre’s future will take time, so we will try to keep going until April 2010 to have a better chance to complete talks with local Primary Care Trusts, Bradford Council and local businesses.” Said Heidi Ormsby, The Chair of the Trustees.  “It is vital that this reprieve time is used well and that our local partners in Bradford find ways to provide the funds needed.  It would be tragic if we managed to hang on until April, only to find that we still lacked enough cash to continue.”

All this would not be possible without the pivotal support from Miles Scott, and The Bradford Hospitals Trust who have said that The Elizabeth Foundation can remain where it is, rent free until April 2010 to develop its partnerships with Bradford and the surrounding area.

“This is an amazing opportunity which is very welcome at this uncertain time.” Says Margaret Southern, the Senior Teacher of the Deaf at The Elizabeth Foundation, Bradford. “The parents have played a major role in keeping our family Centre open and will continue to do so with a renewed energy at hearing this news. I know that they will do all they can over the coming months to secure The Elizabeth Foundation’s long term future in Bradford.”

End…….

NOTES TO THE EDITOR:

*Further info about the registered charity for deaf children to be found online at:

www.elizabeth-foundation.org or contact Margaret Southern, Senior Teacher of the Deaf at The Elizabeth Foundation,  Bradford.  Email:  margaret.southern@elizabeth-foundation.org