Signpost which works with young people in and around Watford could shut down

Signpost works with people in Watford, Rickmansworth, and Dacorum, and says despite a long waiting list for its services, finances mean the charity could have no choice but to shut. It has already had to stop taking new referrals.

Acting chief executive Shirena Counter says Signpost, a 45-year-old charity, has found itself in the midst of a “severe, acute financial crisis” and staff have been unable to generate the cash needed to meet its operating costs. She says that Signpost is at a point where it won’t be able to continue into the new year.

She said: "We take people no one else will take, almost a last resort. We provide a service to people are rejected and who have bounced around the system. We are the only place to turn to for some."

Staff and volunteers have launched a campaign to save the charity and they are trying to organise as many fundraisers across Hertfordshire as possible.

They have to raise £20,000 by the end of November.

MOD Pizza, which opens in Watford town centre on November 15, will be donating sales from its launch night to Signpost.

A spokeswoman for MOD Pizza said: “Signpost do incredible things within the community and we are proud to support these guys in their fundraising efforts. We are donating all the money we receive from pizza sales on November 15 to Signpost which we are really excited about.”

Signpost provides counselling, coaching, and other types of support to people living in south and west Hertfordshire. In 2017, the charity helped more than 500 people. Young people come to the charity with many concerns including depression, anxiety and coping with impact of abuse.

To support the campaign, visit https://www.gofundme.com/save-signpost or visit http://signpostcounselling.co.uk/