A CHARITY that provides vital care services for the vulnerable is calling on the community for support.

Thirsk Community Care is contracted by North Yorkshire County Council to provide a range of services such as meals on wheels and respite for carers of disabled children.

It operates from Thirsk Market place and has volunteers working across Hambleton and Richmondshire.

The charity is heavily reliant on grant funding and the Friends of Thirsk Community Care has set itself an ambitious target to raise £20,000 this year in order to continue providing the best service to residents.

In an effort to garner more local support, the Friends’ organised a networking event at Upsall Castle on Thursday evening attended by members of the local business community and Thirsk MP Kevin Hollinrake.

Georgina Turton, trustee, said that only 17 per cent of all charity donations go towards local causes and the Friends group wants to encourage North Yorkshire residents to think about fundraising for a charity closer to home.

She said: “It is these local charities that can have much more impact on the day to day lives of people.

“The big charities are fantastic but they don’t necessarily have the impact on someone’s life tomorrow.

“If we were to receive a big cheque today we know that it could really influence people’s lives tomorrow.”

With council budgets becoming increasingly stretched, charities such as Thirsk Community Care are vital in plugging the gaps left by axed or stripped back social care services.

Thirsk MP Kevin Hollinrake said: “They are crucially important.

“Clearly as a government we need to make sure that we are making savings wherever possible and this is putting huge pressure on organisations and local authorities.”

Mr Hollinrake said he spent time with a community carer and saw first-hand how important their work is.

Mrs Turton said: “My big frustration over the whole time I have been involved with Thirsk Community Care is that people don’t seem to realise its there, or they think that social services are the providers but it it is actually being co-ordinated by Thirsk Community Care.”

To support the charity, contact 01845-523115 or visit thirskcc.wordpress.com