A charity which supports people with disabilities in West Essex has been awarded a £3,500 grant to support their work.

Accuro applied for the grant from the Saffron Community Fund late last year, to help with the running costs associated with their Uttlesford, Harlow and Epping groups.

Alison McKeown, senior operations manager at Accuro, said: "We were thrilled to receive the news that our application for a Saffron Community Fund grant was successful, especially because it was to help cover our running costs. 

"Fundraising and grant applications are essential to Accuro being able to continue to provide valuable services, but it is notoriously difficult to get support to help with core running costs, which is why we’re so grateful to the Saffron Community Fund"

Accuro provides regular social opportunities and activities for children, young people and adults living with disabilities, to help them feel less isolated. 

The charity supports around 200 people and currently has four full-time members of staff, 60 club staff and a further 20 volunteers. 

Accuro also runs youth, holiday and Saturday clubs throughout the year.

Alison added: "All our service users want is to be given the same opportunities as everyone else.

"Our clubs promote safety and tolerance, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment, regardless of age or ability.

"2024 marks our 40th anniversary. What initially started as a local support group in Saffron Walden for parents and children with disabilities has grown and transformed into what Accuro is today. 

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"I’ve seen people join our clubs as small children and stay with us into adulthood. It shows how vitally important the services we provide are to people with disabilities."

The Saffron Community Fund is run by Saffron Building Society, in partnership with Essex Community Foundation (ECF).

Claire Hunnable, community business partner at Saffron Building Society, said: "I had the pleasure of visiting one of Accuro’s clubs recently and I found myself walking into such a warm and welcoming environment. 

"Accuro is a special charity, doing amazing work in our communities, and I feel immense pride and joy that the Saffron Community Fund can support the charity."