The Parish Church of St John-at-Hampstead

1/12/2011

The Children’s Society Susan Woolf

The Children’s Society, despite its long history, adapts to changing needs in our society. Sometimes their projects are taken over by another charity or government department. Other projects are shared with a variety of other agencies including ‘End Child Poverty’. A list can be found on the Society’s website. If you visit that website, you will see some of the words and phrases I’m using.

One of the statements the Society makes is ‘Our Christian values of love, justice and forgiveness underpins the way we work with children and young people.’

They further say, ‘Through our lobbying and research, we seek to influence policy and perceptions at all levels so young people have a better chance in life.’

Some of us attended a workshop here in the Crypt room to learn more about the role of fathers in childrens’ lives today. If you would like more information on The Children’s Society’s Fatherhood Commission, please visit www.childrenssociety.org.uk/fatherhood

The work undertaken by the society includes:
Children’s Centres
Children in trouble with the law
Children at risk on the streets
Disabled children
Young carers
Traveller and Gypsy children
Children affected by adult substance abuse
Post Adoption and care service
Advocacy services

I attended the AGM earlier this year at Church House and was impressed by the careful stewardship of the Society’s resources. I asked if ‘chuggers’ (collectors on the street in tabards) are still an important source of funds. They are still used, but are supposed to be trained to avoid people who obviously do not want to be approached to consider a regular Direct Debit for the Society. The Society’s shops and legacies are also important, as well as fundraising by committees.

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