THE Samaritans have just had a £300K lottery application rejected because lottery organisations ruled they were not helping enough disadvantaged people.
The charity said its application was unsuccessful because it was not targeting asylum seekers, ethnic minority communities, the young and the elderly. Instead the Lottery Fund has given £360K to a group that helps prostitutes, they are known as UK Network for Sex Works Projects.
Has our lottery scheme lost the plot? The Severn Area Rescue Centre wanted £5,000 to replace their ancient Land Rover, which they use to launch the lifeboats. This was rejected. The Pennine Mountain Rescue Team also had their application for £200K refused.
The reason, because neither organisation could provide details of the social background of the people they had rescued.
The mind boggles, can you imagine answering a questionnaire as you are being dragged from a raging sea or being lowered down an icy snow covered mountain side?
Is it any wonder why the people doing the lottery is diminishing.
DEREK BENFIELD
Hawkswood, Covingham
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article