[T]he NSPCC in Cumbria marks the 30th anniversary of its service centre on Wednesday, with the staff there having helped thousands of children across the county in the last three decades.
The charity will launch an exciting new fundraising campaign in the area as its Chief Executive, Peter Wanless, joins VIPs including the Deputy Mayor of Carlisle, Councillor Jessica Riddle, the respected journalist Fiona Armstrong and popular Councillor & Demonstration Chef John Crouch, at a special event to mark the occasion.
Carlisle Service Centre currently offers therapeutic intervention for children who have been sexually abused through its Letting The Future In service, protection of young people from sexual exploitation with Protect & Respect and services for young people with harmful sexual behaviour through Turn The Page.
The service centre in Chatsworth Square was officially opened in 1987 by HRH Princess Margaret. To mark the opening 30 years on as well as a celebratory event bringing together staff, volunteers and fundraisers with a special thanks from the charity’s Chief Executive Peter Wanless; a brand new fundraising campaign will be launched.
The centre provides a safe and welcoming environment for vulnerable children and their families but feels very dated so the plan is to change all that with the launch of a brand new fundraising appeal; the NSPCC’s 30 Years Together For Childhoods Appeal
It is hoped that local businesses and fundraisers will come together to revamp the tired looking centre with a fresh coat of paint, new furniture and new toys for the children to use in their therapy sessions.
Juliet Westoll MBE, Chair of the North Cumbria Branch Fundraising Committee, whose idea it was for the new fundraising appeal said: “The atmosphere at the Carlisle centre is so warm and welcoming with the fabulous staff fully focused on the young people they help I couldn’t help but think how much better it could all be for a lick of paint.
“I hope that the people of Carlisle will get behind the launch of this new campaign through donations, both financial and practical so we can ensure that the children who are helped by the NSPCC in Cumbria over the next 30 years are helped in surroundings that make them feel safe and secure.”
Thirty years is an exceptional milestone and the service centre Manager Iain McKay said “It is tremendous that the NSPCC has been able to commit to Cumbria for so many years, I am so proud that all involved – be they staff or volunteers – show such dedication day in, day out. They make a huge difference to all our children’s lives and to the NSPCC’s fight for every childhood.”
If you would like to get involved with the new fundraising campaign to revamp the Carlisle service centre please contact Sandra Jones, Community Fundraising Manager – Cumbria via [email protected] or call 0113 887 1067.