On a visit to Sandville Self-Help Centre in Ton Kenfig Altaf was privileged to meet with its founder, Sister Gwynneth Poacher MBE and learn about the history, operations and challenges of this excellent local charity.
They discussed the the effectiveness of a self-sustaining charity not receiving state funding – thus giving it independence and autonomy.
Sandville looks after carers and the people that they care for regardless of diagnosis, age, ethnicity, religion. All are welcome to make use of their services.
Altaf said: "Charities such as Sandville - which are open to all people with difficulties - save social services and the NHS a massive amount of money. Because they do not receive state funding they have to be self-sustaining. This is important as it means that they are not constantly having to make funding bids to continue providing their services. This gives great peace of mind to the people they help and the volunteers involved, who make a real difference to peoples' lives here in Ton Kenfig".