Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, delivered a speech at the fourth annual meeting of leading grant-giving charity, Elizabeth Finn Care (EFC), on Thursday 8th November 2007).
The Charity, founded in 1897, helps those who find themselves struggling to survive in retirement, or who are unable to return to work due to a long-term disability or sickness, to have as normal a life as possible.
Key achievements for EFC this year, include:
Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, said:
"Elizabeth Finn Care plays a vital role in improving the lives of those who benefit from its grants, advice, counselling and emergency funding and I'm pleased to have had the opportunity to speak at their annual meeting. Organisations like this play a vital role in the third sector by reaching out to educate the public on voluntary issues.
"The Government is investing more than ever in the third sector, pledging £515 million over the next three years as part of the Third Sector Review. This additional funding recognises the needs of voluntary organisations and emphasises the Government’s commitment to building a culture of volunteering."
Jonathan Welfare, chief executive of Elizabeth Finn Care, said:
“Elizabeth Finn Care is going from strength to strength. In 2006-7 the rise in the number of our beneficiaries exceeded our target and aim to build on that, focussing on those who are below retirement age who are able to return to independent living, while continuing to support older people in recognition for their contribution to society.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
