Barnardo's
This is a fund-raising event, with all the surplus going to charity, We hope to obtain sufficient corporate sponsorship to mean that the donation included with your entry fee and any sponsorship you raise goes entirely to charity. In four years, we have helped raise over £50,000 for charity. We would be delighted if you would support our efforts by finding people to sponsor you.
This years charity is Barnardo's South West which is helping more than five times as many disadvantaged children compared to just a few years earlier. Latest figures suggest the charity supports more than 13,000 children and young people from all across the region. Jane Stacey, Director Barnardo's South West, said: "Our startling pace of growth is due to a combination of professional recognition from service commissioners - who appreciate our wide range of skills and experience, and greater public awareness of what we do in the 21st century. For a long time we were still being associated with children's homes, even though the last of these had closed decades ago. But today, people are far aware that we provide a modern and approachable service which can help the most vulnerable children and young people to transform their lives and fulfil their potential.
Barnardo's South West now runs almost 60 of its own projects and is responsible for around 500 staff and a similar number of volunteers. However, the cost of providing such support last year was 12 million, of which 10.5million came from statutory sources and 1.5million from voluntary income - fundraising. Part of this is generated through a network of 20 shops, including stores in Barnstaple , Bideford and Newton Abbot. Last year its biggest annual fundraising event, the Barnardo's Big Toddle half-mile sponsored walk for under-5s, attracted more than 15,000 children who raised almost 100,000.
Locally, Barnardo's South West is responsible for government-funded Sure Start children's centres in Crediton, Cullompton, Dartmouth , Kingsbridge, Heathfield, Newton Abbot, Okehampton, Tavistock and Tiverton, which are managed on behalf of Devon County Council. Teenager Candice (not her real name) saw her life fall apart at the age of 14. Rarely at home due to rows and domestic violence, she was excluded from school for fighting, truancy and swearing at her teachers. She turned to drugs and alcohol, and then started shoplifting as well. She had only ever experienced rejection and disappointment until she was referred to a Barnardo's South West specialist project. Staff listened to Candice and helped her to look at, understand and reflect on what had happened in the past and how it might affect her future. A sexual health nurse provided contraceptive advice which ensured that she always had safe sex. In addition, Candice was encouraged her to enrol on a series of courses to expand her horizons. Today, Candice lives in a children's home away from her family. Candice said: I used to ask myself if this was all my life was ever going to be. But the people at Barnardo's talked to me like I was a mate and they listened to my problems. Thanks to their help, I've calmed down quite a lot and I drink less. I walk away from fights, and now I want to be with boys who respect me. I am even thinking about training to go into childcare. My life is so much better than it used to be.