Demonstration Planned to Stop Funding Cuts for Coventry Charity Outside Council House

Coventry: A demonstration is happening today outside the council house. People are rallying against proposed cuts to services for those with learning difficulties. The Grapevine charity, located on Upper Spon Street, is at risk of losing crucial support for young people with disabilities.

The protest runs from 5:30 PM to 7 PM. It coincides with the council’s final consultation meeting. They’re discussing budget cuts that could impact many vulnerable individuals. One proposal suggests cutting funding for those who don’t qualify for council support.

If the council goes ahead, funding could be slashed by 42%. This means Grapevine’s Help and Connect program, which assists around 80 people each year, would face severe limitations. This program helps individuals find jobs, stay healthy, and plan their futures.

According to Mencap, there are over 7,000 adults with learning disabilities in Coventry. This number doesn’t even include school-age kids who will need support as they grow up. Grapevine leaders say many people come to the city seeking help for mental health issues, housing, and debt.

One user of Grapevine shared their struggles with daily life. They had a close call with traffic but found support through the charity. Now, they’re more independent and enjoy attending social events.

Grapevine’s CEO, Claire Wightman, will be at the demonstration. She expressed understanding of the council’s budget concerns but believes these cuts are misguided. She pointed out that when people fall into crisis, it costs the council even more in the long run.

The consultation period for these cuts ends on January 28. More details about the budget are available online. There’s also a petition against the cuts that people can sign.