Children First Lewisham

Dec 08: CFL support for parents of children with autism

Children First — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:33:45 +0000

CFL is delighted to announce we are making a grant available to SIGNAL, the Lewisham-based autism support group, to support them with their organisation’s core costs. SIGNAL is run by parents of children and young people with autism spectrum disorders and is very active and successful. It fulfils a range of important functions: services for children and families - physical fun activities and drama classes, days out, a large resource library on autism to mention just a few; social events such as coffee mornings; educational and training events. Greater security for their core costs will help them to plan their future programme with confidence.

Oct 08: Half-marathon raises money for children using Kaleidoscope

Children First — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:18:06 +0000

Karen Ponte, a parent who uses Kaleidscope’s services, has just raised a fantastic £1,250 for CFL by running a half-marathon in October 2008.

The event was London’s first half marathon - Run to the Beat. The event set off from the O2 Centre in Greenwich travelling through Woolwich, Charlton, Blackheath and Greenwich before reaching the finishing line back at O2.

Karen explains: “The idea of the event was that music was played all the way round the route to help inspire your running. On the day the pouring rain stopped many of the planned bands, but it didn’t stop the event being a success. I finished the course in 2 hours 12 mins - and really enjoyed it!”

Karen is even planning another half marathon in March! She is delighted that this money will go towards improving the child-focused atmosphere of the centre - Thank you Karen!

Sept 08: Partnership with The Frank Buttle Trust

Children First — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:23:16 +0000

Children First Lewisham launches Small Grants Programme

Autumn 2008 sees the launch of an important new small grants programme by CFL which will provide further support for Lewisham children and families with additional needs. The Frank Buttle Trust has agreed to administer this programme for us, and we have now allocated a new fund for small grants. Professionals working with children supported by Kaleidoscope will be able to apply to the fund for support towards the provision of essential items, critical to the child and family’s well being.

The Frank Buttle Trust, established since 1953, is a national charity providing grant aid to individual vulnerable children and young people in need. The aim of this small grants programme is to meet the fundamental needs of children and young people, by making a positive contribution where their safety, health or development are at risk.

Sept 05: Lord Rooker - CFL president

Children First — Wed, 11 Jan 2006 15:38:05 +0000

Rt. Hon Lord Rooker, Minister for Sustainable Food and Farming and Animal Health is president of Children First Lewisham (CFL). He generously donated £45,000 to CFL in memory of his late wife Lady Angela Rooker.

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.