PROTESTERS concerned for the future of a Kingshurst-based charity will this week be taking their fight direct to the Council House.
Supporters of DIAL Solihull - a vital lifeline for disabled people - will be making their feelings known when they gather in advance of tomorrow's Full Council meeting.
Many residents were dismayed that the organisation lost out on a key council contract, which has meant the loss of more than £100,000 a year in funding.
The controversial changes to the council's support services took effect last Monday (April 1).
While DIAL wants to remain in Kingshurst, chief executive Alice Singleton has said it now must secure an alternative income if it is to continue.
There was an outpouring of anger about the situation when more than 100 people - from miles around - attended a public meeting at St Barnabas Church last month.
Coun Mark Wilson (Green, Smith's Wood) said recently that feelings were "raw."
Other supporters have taken to social media to voice their frustration.
Posting on Facebook, Kelly Donald said: "I cannot stress how appreciated and valued DIAL are to me, showed me that I can fight for my rights and that I shouldn’t have to feel like a third class citizen just because I am disabled.
"I fear for the future of the disabled residents of Solihull without DIAL - we cannot let the council stamp them out for being too good at what they do!"
In a statement last month the local authority said it would work with organisations which had lost out in the tendering process to discuss "the type of support the council can offer voluntary and community organisations in the future."
It added that residents will still be able to access support via the community advice hubs at The Core, Solihull, and in Chelmsley Wood. These are operated by Age UK Solihull.
DIAL Solihull, which has supported thousands of people over the course of the past few years, has been active in the borough since 1987.
It specialises in providing advice and information to disabled children, adults and carers.
While DIAL wants to remain in Kingshurst, chief executive Alice Singleton has said it now must secure an alternative income if it is to continue.
There was an outpouring of anger about the situation when more than 100 people - from miles around - attended a public meeting at St Barnabas Church last month.
Coun Mark Wilson (Green, Smith's Wood) said recently that feelings were "raw."
Other supporters have taken to social media to voice their frustration.
Posting on Facebook, Kelly Donald said: "I cannot stress how appreciated and valued DIAL are to me, showed me that I can fight for my rights and that I shouldn’t have to feel like a third class citizen just because I am disabled.
"I fear for the future of the disabled residents of Solihull without DIAL - we cannot let the council stamp them out for being too good at what they do!"
In a statement last month the local authority said it would work with organisations which had lost out in the tendering process to discuss "the type of support the council can offer voluntary and community organisations in the future."
It added that residents will still be able to access support via the community advice hubs at The Core, Solihull, and in Chelmsley Wood. These are operated by Age UK Solihull.
DIAL Solihull, which has supported thousands of people over the course of the past few years, has been active in the borough since 1987.
It specialises in providing advice and information to disabled children, adults and carers.
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