Drug support charity is still open, despite fears

When we last spoke to charity Hawkspring - that offers addiction support to some of the most deprived communities in Bristol -it was to hear that it would have to close its doors by the end of August due to a lack of funding.

But after hearing the struggling charity's story on ITV News, the Matthew Tree Project stepped in to help. It offered Hawkspring a merger, that would enable them to keep running at their base in Hartcliffe indefinitely.

Hawkspring have been struggling since 2013, when Bristol City Council changed the way it funds addiction support services - handing over the reins to five main providers. Hawkspring was among several small, local charities that lost out.

But Hawkspring's manager Lorraine Bush felt that it was crucial that they remain open. The charity operates from a small office in Hartcliffe - one of Bristol's most deprived areas. They have an open-door policy, and have helped over 900 people since they lost their funding in October 2013.

Lorraine Bush says it means the charity now has a lifeline:

The team has had to rely on fundraising alone, and has spent a lot of time campaigning for the council to change its mind. Hawkspring's even had the support of local MP Karin Smyth:

"It's a community that's very strong on self-help and self-reliance. They get on their feet and they do it for themselves. But occasionally it is up to the government and the city council to help them where they are filling the gaps of inadequate services and that's what's happening here. And for me, it's great that they've got a reprieve but actually is it acceptable that the cuts coming in from government - 37% of cuts to local services are coming straight from government into councils and are leaving communities like this to fend for themselves?"

Just last week, Hawkspring submitted a petition of 3,700 signatures to Bristol City Council.

This is what the council had to say

The Matthew Tree Project will take Hawkspring under its wing in six months time - and will allow the charity to keep offering help and support to the people of South Bristol.