'We need a Christmas miracle': Oldbury community hub fights to remain open amid fears of 'imminent closure'
An Oldbury community organisation under imminent threat of having to close down for good has made a desperate final plea for help.
The team at SinglePoint Plus, on Birmingham Street, Oldbury, say they need a 'Christmas miracle' this year as they make a final desperate plea for support.
The community hub has announced that it is facing the 'imminent risk of closure' over the Christmas period, only weeks after its new premises was officially launched by the Mayor of Sandwell in November.
The community hub, which has been in operation for more than 13 years, offers thousands of members of the Black Country community a place to find the support, solace, and help they need.
Ms Eve Loveridge, managing director of SinglePoint Plus, has now made an urgent fundraising appeal to help raise £10,000 in a final effort to keep their doors open into the new year.
"People have been in tears, we have had people come to us to offer us items, it's been an amazing show of support," she said.
"The services that we offer are really different for everyone. This is why we are called SinglePoint, because we offer a single location where anyone can get the help they need."
The community hub offers a wide range of support for all needs, including help with mental health and wellbeing, skills, financial guidance, and more.
Ms Loveridge said: "I think there has always been a time for services like ours, especially for our vulnerable residents across the Black Country, families and those seeking jobs.
"Everyone is struggling in some way in this current climate; there are so many issues out there, and there's a real need for services like ours. That's why it's so hard to be where we are now."
Without support, Ms Loveridge said that the organisation may not make it to the new year, meaning that thousands of struggling people across the Black Country will have one less location to find the help they need.
She added: "I think if we close, it will have a real impact in the area. There are already far too few community hubs like ours, and more people than ever need the services.
"Our service offers help for anyone, regardless of postcode or age bracket. If they need help, we have been here and are free to use."
The raised funds will go towards helping to keep the doors of SinglePoint Plue open, and create a safety net for the organisation to seek further funding.
Ms Loveridge said: "This has really been brought on by a series of unfortunate events, from not getting funding to rising costs.
"SinglePoint Plus has always believed in the spirit of community. We have always shown up, and we are now asking our community to shop up for us. You could be the reason we are still here tomorrow. Thank you from all of us."
To donate to SinglePoint Plus's cause, visit the CrowdFunder website.
