Richmond’s new mayor endorsed local charities Skylarks and Cocoon at Richmond Volunteer Fair this week, marking a push to improve youth support in the borough.
Liberal Democrat councillor for North Richmond, Nancy Baldwin, was sworn in as Mayor just hours before reaching the fair attended by over 50 local charities.
She said Richmond has the highest level of volunteerism in the country, with over 750 organisations working on a voluntary basis.
Mayor Baldwin said: “Children are vulnerable early in their lives, whether they have support from families or not, because they don’t know how the world works.
“These charities help them understand the world they live in, how to negotiate it effectively, safely, happily.
“My kids are 38 and 34 and I’m still guiding them!”
Having founded and run a pre-school for 30 years, supporting vulnerable young people has always been close to Mayor Baldwin’s heart.
Skylarks provides vital guidance for families with disabled children, while Cocoon focuses on supporting vulnerable people leaving the care system.
Chief Executive of Cocoon, Adriana Thomas, said: “I know how committed Mayor Baldwin is to combatting isolation in the borough.
“Her support will really help to shine a light on the young care-experienced community who are amongst the most isolated members of society.”
Skylarks’ head of fundraising, Deirdre Carswell, has worked there for eight years after she sought help from it for her two children with additional needs.
She said: “Everyone at our charity is welcome, there is no limit to what a volunteer can bring to us.
“We’re looking for people coming with an open heart, and that’s it.
“Making sure people get support as soon as they need it, before they hit crisis, before the wheels fall off and they feel isolated and lonely, is the best part of the job.”
Mayoral endorsement was strongly welcomed by both charities which run entirely on membership donations from the public.
Alongside these charities, dozens more were present at the fair ranging from the Richmond in Europe Association, a historic transnational exchange programme, to equine-assisted therapy charity Operation Centaur.
To get involved or donate to Skylarks click here, and for Cocoon click here.
Featured Image Credit: Xavi Straw
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