A DISABILITY charity under threat of closure will stay open, thanks to the kindness of a south Essex company.

Jan Stevens told how her charity Dial, previously based in Basildon, was about to fold following cuts to funding by Basildon Council.

But she yesterday announced the charity will stay open, albeit on a reduced service, after a company in Grays offered free office space.

Dial is an information and advice helpline for disabled people and anybody with a problem connected to a disability issue.

The announcement came at the same time the charity has been shortlisted for a coveted grant - the Skills and Opportunities Fund.

Dial, which closed in Southernhay Basildon last week, will now offer a skeletal service from Crown House in Grays High Street from Monday, May 15.

Jan, who was unable to disclose the name of the company which offered up the free space, revealed the mood among charity workers remains solemn.

She said: “We are extremely lucky to still be offering our services, however, we are disappointed that we will be going back to basics.

“I don’t know how we will cope, we’ll have to wait and see what happens, but it’s going to be difficult. Of course, things have been pretty solemn.

“But we were fortunate. Somebody in Thurrock asked for our help, but when we said we couldn’t offer our services they offered us the office space.”

The charity had to axe a number of staff and slash various services.

It has dropped from four full-time workers to two part-time workers and went from 12 volunteers to eight.

Jan added the charity will no longer be able to carry out home visits, however, residents can book office appointments. She said: “Thank you to everybody that has supported us over the years and we hope that we will be able to grow again and have a presence back in the Basildon district as well as expanding through Thurrock.”

Last year, Basildon Council cabinet members approved a proposal to give its entire £205,000 annual advice fund to the Citizens Advice Bureau.

It meant Dial and Impact - a charity that specialises in complex legal cases - both lost out on their share of the fund. A temporary helpline is available on 07786 088538. To vote for Dial in the Natwest Skills and Opportunities Fund competition see natwest’s website.