Aik Saath (‘Together as One’), one of Slough’s most successful voluntary organisations that works to stop racial tensions in the area, is facing closure because of funding problems.
The award winning group that is based on Slough High Street has had a funding application rejected by the national Transition Fund.
Rob Deeks, who is Aik Saath’s project manager, stated that he is having problems understanding why they were rejected, although the group was told that it was because of too many other applicants. The group now only has funding for a further six months.
The Transition Fund was created to help charities following government spending cuts. Aik Saath has been running for ten years and works to help stabilise tensions that exist between the Muslim, Sikh and Hindu communities in Slough. They have won many awards and gone to schools and colleges in a bid to share their message of peace.
The project needs £140,000 a year to run and in 2011, 106 young people have volunteered to help Aik Saath. The unfortunate news came just days after the project won the prestigious Diana Certificate of Excellence, from the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award. This award recognises young people aged between 12 and 18 who have worked to improve their communities, organisations or schools.
If you wish to make a donation to this worthwhile project, visit www.localgiving.com/charity/aiksaath