City charity is forced to close after theft probe Children in Need had already frozen grants before collapse of anti-bullying organisation
AN anti-bullying charity at the centre of a police investigation over funds has been forced to close close.
In a long explanation to parents, Birmingham-based Action 4 Bullying cited “abuse of finance” as one of the reasons behind the collapse.
The bombshell announcement followed revelations that the charity had suspended activities amid a police probe.
In June Children in Need – one of the organisation’s key financial supporters – revealed it had frozen funding following allegations that property and cash had been stolen.
At that time Children in Need (CiN) had already handed over £16,457 of a substantial £61,716 grant awarded the year before to be drip-fed to the charity.
The Big Lottery launched its own investigation following concerns over a £9,400 grant it gave to Action 4 Bullying too. In the past, West Midlands Police had also provided funding for the project.
Now, in its Facebook statement, Action 4 Bullying, based at Erdington’s Malcolm Locker Youth Club, has admitted that without a revenue stream there was no future.
The charity shut last Tuesday, stating: “Sadly, the reality is that the serious financial deficit to our accounts, and the purposes the money was used for, is enough to have given all of our funders no further confidence in Action 4 Bullying as a project/charity.
“At no point should funds have been transferred to personal accounts or used for purchases outside of the project, regardless of whether it was going to be paid back.
“Upon further investigation there have been many instances of this dating back for years, including the purchase of personal items, gambling and personal loans to friends and volunteers.”
It adds: “Ultimately, the issue of finances has now become too great to ignore and because of this, CiN and other funders will no longer fund the project. The abuse of finances was more serious than first thought and is the reason CiN have terminated the grant, even with the offer from other organisations to support us.
“CiN view the project as too risky to invest in, based on past management of the funds.”
Children who benefited while with Action 4 Bullying are currently receiv-
The abuse of finances was more serious than first thought Action 4 Bullying statement
ing help from “health and wellbeing” group Compass, based at the same youth club.
Jo and Darren Mahon, whose daughter Casey received help from Action 4 Bullying, are among those demanding answers. The 14-year-old made national headlines in 2016 following claims that tormentors cut off her hair.
“My daughter does not go there anymore,” said Darren. “But she helped with car boot sales. As a family, we gave donations to the charity.
“I’m angry, but it’s the kids I feel for more than anything, because they are the ones who have been let down.”
Action 4 Bullying representatives have been transparent and met those affected, and have pledged to hold another meeting before the year’s end.