Focus First Fakenham faces uncertain future despite soaring demand

First Focus in Fakenham has been granted £9,500 from the National Lottery’s Community Fund which, along with another fundraising, will help keep the lights on at the Oak Street building until the end of the year.

But manager Clarissa Belson said last year was the charity's hardest to date, and it was still in need of a steadier funding source. 

Ms Belson said: “The lottery thing is fantastic, but I don’t want people to think we are secure, while the grant is a huge help, we need that longer-term securement.

Focus First, which is more than two decades old, saw demand for its services soar by 80pc during the cost-of-living crisis. 

Janet Holdom (right) from Fakenham Area Partnership, and Angela Glynn (left) from Fakenham Town Council with Clarissa Belson, manager of Fakenham charity First Focus (Image: Archant)

Ms Belson said: “We are getting a lot of help from donations, and groups helping, but we are still hunting for that long-term security or a benefactor.

Service users at First Focus' 20th birthday celebration in Fakenham (Image: Archant)

“It's even more important as the demand for our services is even greater than it was at this time last year. 

"There has been a sharp increase in support with access to the internet, helping to apply for funds to support through the cost of living, mental health support, and the use of the community fridge.”

Grants from local courses including Kinnerton Confectionery and Fakenham Auto Club have eased the pressure on the First Focus's bottom line.

The group offers services including CV writing workshops which are supported by volunteers from Kinnerton, a 'warm hub', a community fridge, a new supper club, and a place where people can meet and have a cup of tea. 

It also has arts and crafts, quizzes, bingo, table tennis, board games, knit and natter, and a men without sheds group.