tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201069692011-04-22T00:43:56.604+01:00Sonia Friend - Labour County Councillor for Barton and TredworthSonia Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02513337272608150352noreply@blogger.comBlogger21100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20106969.post-1137419503343201732006-01-16T13:40:00.000Z2006-01-16T13:51:43.376ZThere they go again! The Tories who run the County Council are at it again. This time they want to get rid of ASTRA, a charity that gives young people an alternative to running away, GLOFYSH, which helps vulnerable young homeless people <br /><br /> The Council’s decision to axe funding to Glofysh, ASTRA, Contact a Family and other organisations that provide an excellent service, could put the youth of Gloucestershire in to real danger.<br /><br />I received an email from the Vicar of St. James Church in Tredworth, who is incredibly concerned about the cuts:<br /><br />"Dear Sonia,<br /> <br />I am writing to express my great concern at the proposed withdrawal of funding from Glofysh.<br /> <br />Last year alone they dealt with 1,400 young people at risk of being homeless and they are considered a model of good practice.<br /> <br />If this provision closes these young people will join others sleeping rough and will be at risk of drifting into crime, abuse and anti social behaviour.<br /> <br />What is planned to replace it?<br /> <br />The potential cost to the council, young people and society is great. This seems a very short sighted action.<br /> <br />Could you please forward this email to the members of the Cabinet making this decision.<br /> <br />Yours sincerely,<br /> <br />Robert Simpson<br /> <br />Vicar of St. James Tredworth"<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20106969-113741950334320173?l=soniafriend.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Sonia Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02513337272608150352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20106969.post-1137418796935624182006-01-16T13:31:00.000Z2006-01-16T13:39:58.930ZThe Citizen came to visit us last week, after their negative article about Barton Street. They now appreciate the hard work that the community is putting into the area to make it a better place to live. We visited the Friendship Cafe, GARAS and the ACA (and Jean George in the card shop!)who were all keen to point out that even though the area has some challenges, it is still a great place to live and work. Keep up the good work!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20106969-113741879693562418?l=soniafriend.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Sonia Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02513337272608150352noreply@blogger.com