Children First Lewisham supports children and young people with a wide range of additional needs. It raised money for Kaleidoscope - Lewisham Centre for Children and Young People, located on Rushey Green in Catford, South London. The centre opened in the November 2006. CFL raised over £270,000 to help build, equip and give ongoing support to the centre by contributing to a range of additional facilities and enhanced services.

The centre is managed by Lewisham Primary Care Trust and other local statutory agencies. It is the first of its kind to provide such a comprehensive range of integrated services for children and young people who have additional developmental, medical, mental health, social care or educational needs.

Lord Rooker became president of CFL in September 2005. He has visited the centre on a number of occasions throughout its development.

Lady Rooker, his late wife, worked in Lewisham for many years and had a special interest in the care and education of children with additional needs. It is fitting then that the money has been used to equip a soft play area in the centre’s main waiting area. This has been greatly enjoyed and very well used since the centre opened in November 2006.

Lord Rooker said, “I am delighted to help support Children First Lewisham in their fantastic fund raising efforts for such a worthwhile local cause. Lewisham children with special needs will benefit enormously from this wonderful new Centre. I feel proud that the donation in memory of my wife [has provided] an area where children can play, relax and enjoy their time when visiting the centre. The Charity still has much work to do and we welcome any help in our fund raising efforts.”

We look forward to the ongoing support of local people. Families in Lewisham need this Centre and we are determined they will have all the facilities they deserve – with your help we can all make this happen. Visit Write to us and we will send you our information pack.