Key Takeaways:
- The Hidden Treasure Trust, a charity that aimed to tackle poverty and support those in need, has gone bust due to government changes to minimum wage and National Insurance, rising costs, and a drop in donations.
- The charity, which had two community hubs in Partington, Trafford, has closed, resulting in the loss of 48 jobs.
- Staff were informed of the closure on Christmas Eve, with some expressing fury at the timing, while others praised the charity’s caring and supportive nature.
- The charity’s CEO, Ruth Lancey, has stated that the organization is seeking potential investors and is committed to supporting staff, clients, and customers during the closure process.
- The closure has sparked concerns about the impact on the local community, particularly in the underprivileged area of Partington, where many staff members live and work.
Introduction to the Charity’s Closure
The Hidden Treasure Trust, a Christian-led charity that operated in the Partington area of Trafford, has announced its closure due to financial difficulties. The charity, which had gained charitable status in 2022, had two community hubs, The Hideaway and the Hope Centre, which provided educational and practical support to families and vulnerable individuals. Despite its best efforts, the charity was unable to sustain itself due to government changes to minimum wage and National Insurance, rising costs, and a drop in donations.
The Impact of Government Changes and Rising Costs
The charity’s CEO, Ruth Lancey, has stated that the increases in minimum wage and employer’s National Insurance, with no exemptions for charities, have had a profound impact on the organization. The charity has also faced rising costs, including the cost of living crisis, which has led to a drop in donations and funding. These factors have combined to make the charity unsustainable, resulting in the loss of 48 jobs. The charity’s statement to the Manchester Evening News read: "Despite our very best efforts, we, like many other charities and small businesses, simply cannot keep up."
The Closure’s Impact on Staff and the Community
The closure of the charity has had a significant impact on staff, with some expressing fury at the timing of the announcement, which was made on Christmas Eve. One staff member told the Manchester Evening News: "They’ve made the entirety of their staff redundant on Christmas Eve and told them they won’t be getting paid for the whole of December." However, another staff member, Claire Aikenhead, praised the charity’s caring and supportive nature, saying: "I was at Hideaway from the very beginning… They were fantastic employers. I was a person, not just a number to her and Andy."
The Charity’s Legacy and Future
The Hidden Treasure Trust has a legacy of providing support to hundreds of thousands of visitors to its community hubs. The charity’s Hope Centre has served the people of Partington since March 2020, providing an average of £150,000 worth of food, energy top-ups, and support to the local community each year. The charity’s CEO, Ruth Lancey, has stated that the organization is seeking potential investors and is committed to supporting staff, clients, and customers during the closure process. The charity’s statement read: "We are all devastated that this incredible charity has come to an end in this way… We will do all we can to support our staff, our clients, and our customers as we look to finish in the most positive way possible despite the awful circumstances."
Conclusion and Call to Action
The closure of the Hidden Treasure Trust is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by charities and small businesses in the current economic climate. The charity’s CEO, Ruth Lancey, has called for decision-makers to take note of the charity’s situation and to consider policy changes to alleviate pressure on charities like hers. The closure of the charity has sparked concerns about the impact on the local community, particularly in the underprivileged area of Partington, where many staff members live and work. As the charity seeks to support its staff, clients, and customers during the closure process, it is hoped that its legacy will continue to inspire positive change in the community.
