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Weston Spirit folds in the face of stiff competition

Governance | Celina Ribeiro | 10 Jun 2008

Weston Spirit, the youth charity set up by Falklands war hero Simon Weston OBE, has collapsed after failing to secure sufficient funds to keep operating.

Weston Spirit has shut its doors six months after it first revealed it was struggling with financial issues.

The charity’s chief executive Nick Marr said: “In today’s society it’s difficult for smaller charities to survive. A lot of charities are competing for the same funds and it’s been hard for us to raise money for our cause.”

Losses of £640,000

The decision, at the end of May, came after auditors Baker Tilly refused to sign off on the charity’s accounts, revealing that it had losses in the region of £640,000 over the previous year.

The charity had indicated that it was in financial difficulty in December 2007, but had believed at the time that measures it had undertaken would secure its future.

As far back as October last year, Weston Spirit had attempted to address its revenue issue with an organisational restructure. Following that, the youth charity embarked on a private fundraising appeal and attempted to build a partnership with another organisation in order to continue its work.

“We’ve always relied on public generosity and support from the corporate sector and donations from the government and trusts to fund our work,” said Marr. But this was not quite enough, in the end.

Famous supporters

The charity, while small, has attracted high-profile supporters in the past from Cherie Blair to Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy. Current patron Prince Andrew, Duke of York, expressed regret at the collapse of the organisation.

“I really am saddened to hear that Weston Spirit has been forced to close,” said the prince. “I hope, though, that its true impact and the very good work it has done will be felt in many communities for many years to come.”

The charity had been operating for 20 years, in that time helping 85,000 vulnerable young people between the ages of 13 and 25. The young people currently using the services of Weston Spirit will now be directed to national youth work charity Fairbridge.

“Whilst it is very sad day, I am very proud of what we have achieved and would like to express my personal gratitude to our many friends and supporters who contributed to a very special organisation,” said Simon Weston.

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