Magic Carpet, an Exeter-based charity that runs weekly art and drama groups for adults with learning disabilities and mental health difficulties, is to become part of Exeter Community Initiatives (ECI).
The move will benefit both charities allowing them to share resources and save costs.
Magic Carpet has been running for over 40 years but like many small charities, the impact of Covid and the cost-of-living crisis has seen its income fall and costs climb, despite the growth in demand for its services.
Local charity, Exeter Community Initiatives has also recently witnessed a significant drop in funding resulting in redundancies and project closures.
ECI, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, helps people to improve wellbeing and build skills, supports families facing challenges and hardships, and helps communities to thrive.
Tim Goodwin, Chair of Trustees at Exeter Community Initiatives said: “We are delighted Magic Carpet will be joining Exeter Community Initiatives. Like ECI, Magic Carpet has faced increasingly challenging times financially. Both Trustee Boards feel joining forces will strengthen both charities enabling us to save costs by sharing back-office functions, marketing and outreach.”
ECI’s trustee board will also benefit from the addition of Magic Carpet trustees.
Jeanette Sanderson, Magic Carpet Chair of Trustees, said: “The staff team at Magic Carpet will be transferring across to ECI and are looking forward to a bright future as part of a larger organisation, continuing to offer creativity with compassion for those most at need in our community.”
With agreement in place, the process of Magic Carpet joining ECI should be completed by 1st April.