Lights shine brightly to aid Telford charity
A charity which helps residents to overcome drugs and alcohol misuse has thanked donors who dug deep to give to the popular Telford Tree of Light appeal.
Telford Aftercare Team (TACT), based in The Lawns, Wellington, has been awarded a cheque for £2,625 by the appeal's trustees.
The dedicated staff and volunteers provide peer-led services including counselling, training, employment to residents struggling to deal with addiction.
It offers service users a structured and daily programme of activities and support with practical issues such as housing, benefits and health needs.
Telford Aftercare general manager 'T' Roberts said: “The donation will help us continue to provide support and reach out to vulnerable people in the Telford area who are experiencing poor mental health and addiction issues.
"If you or anyone you know is suffering from isolation or increased alcohol use due to lockdown and Covid please contact us on 01952 899204 for help.”
TACT also helps to organise the annual Telford Recovery Conference in partnership with Better Tomorrow, in Woodside; STARS, in Priorslee; and rehabilitation farm Willowdene, in Bridgnorth.
The service was set up eight years ago by Rob Eyers, who battled addiction himself, after becoming aware of a lack of facilities in Telford at the time.
He passed away last year.
Despite fundraising challenges brought by the coronavirus crisis the Telford Tree of Light's organisers from the area's Rotary Clubs, managed to equal the previous year's total of £42,000 which now been distributed to the deserving organisations.
Severn Hospice received half the proceeds at £21,000; Hope House £10,500; while TACT, East Shropshire Talking Newspapers, Citizens Advice Bureau and The YMCA Holly Project received £ 2,625 each.
The Telford Tree of Light Trust and committee is made up of members of the four Rotary Clubs in Telford-Ironbridge, Telford Centre, Wellington and The Wrekin.
To join email via admin@telfordtreeoflight.org.uk
