Clients of Church House were delighted to be amongst the guests at the recent annual fund-raising event for 'Contact'.

The charity was founded in the 1970s by families with disabled children to support each other and pool their shared experiences. Contact helps fill the gaps left by services and, importantly, provides the contact vital for families who feel isolated and alone while coping with the huge range of challenges – practical, financial, and emotional - involved in looking after a disabled child.

Over £266,000 was raised in funds and pledges at a spectacular evening which included an auction of art and promises, while Clare Smyth MBE, the charity patron, and Britain’s only female chef to achieve three Michelin stars in the UK, cooked up a storm by volunteering her skills in the kitchen. All this was kindly facilitated by the recent Lord Mayor, Sir William Russell.

This year, more than ever, this will help the charity make a massive difference to those in need of support. The rising cost of living represents a huge challenge for these families. There are 620,000 families with disabled children in the UK. Bringing them together and helping them take action is Contact’s prime purpose.

You can learn more about the great work of Contact here, and there is also an opportunity to join us by donating to their Winter Appeal click here.