The founder of DEPHER has released a heartbreaking statement, saying the organisation will have to refuse their services to those in need.
James Anderson started the Burnley-based charity in 2017 and has worked to support the most vulnerable in society ever since. DEPHER, which stands for Disabled and Elderly Heating Emergency Repairs, has provided a lifeline for thousands of struggling families across Lancashire and the rest of the UK.
But today (April 13), James took to his official DEPHER Twitter page to release a heartbreaking statement. In it, he said that with a “very heavy heart,” he has been left with “no choice” but to refuse their services.
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James explained his decision to stop support for those in need, has come from a lack of support from organisations around him. The statement reads: “Because of no support at all from councils, government, MPs, social services, Age UK, Age Concern, NHS and public sector bodies and charities.
“All of who have received support from Depher over the last six years. We will now have no choice but to refuse our services, this is not a easy decision.
“We will now only be supporting the general public who approach us directly. Our services will continue as usual, but any referrals will be returned.
“I am so sorry that this decision has been made, I have continuously asked for support from all the above, without any response.” The decision to turn down referrals means that some of society’s most vulnerable may miss out on support, including help with paying bills, buying food and fixing or putting on their heating.
Some of the people James and DEPHER have supported include an elderly man from Accrington, who lived without heating or hot water for over two years. James and his team then conducted a free boiler installation for the gentleman, who was scared to say anything for fear of having his pension taken away.
LancsLive also reported on the story of a mum who was left with no money to feed or keep her children warm, after she became a widower following her husband’s death from Covid complications. James shared the mother’s story and stated that he had given the family an electric heater, topped the meters up and also paid for an Asda shop, after it was revealed she had not eaten a “proper meal” for a number of weeks.
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