Blackburn children's charity receives £5k boost (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Blackburn children's charity receives £5k boost

9:53am Tuesday 23rd October 2012 in News By Catherine Pye, Health reporter

STAFF at a Blackburn charity that works to improve the lives of vulnerable children are celebrating after winning thousands of pounds to support bereaved youngsters.

Child Action Northwest (CANW) has been handed £5,000 by Lloyds Banking Group Community Fund to expand its GIFTS programme for youngsters who have lost a parent, sibling or close friend.

The charity, which has been based in Whalley Road, Wilpshire, for more than 125 years, beat off competition from groups across the region to take home the prize following a public vote.

Creative partnership manager Harriet Roberts said the award, which will allow more young people aged seven to 16 to access the service, was vital for the youngsters’ development later in life.

She said: “We work in the heart of some of the most deprived communities, there is a lot of poverty in the northwest and wherever there is a need we will work.

“GIFTS is a specific part of our childhood counselling, but there is no funding available for it so we’ve always had to raise money ourselves.We were amazed and thrilled that so many people supported us and the work we do. It’s humbling to know people still hold the charity close to their heart.

“People in the northwest are fiercely proud and like to look after their own, and that has been demonstrated by this particular award.”

As well as supporting bereaved youngsters, the charity trains and recruits foster carers, organises counselling for children, and supports young carers.

The money will see seven youngsters working with two counsellors to improve their emotional health and wellbeing, and relationships with friends and family.

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