The West Berkshire Children's Fund was introduced in April 2003 and the funds came from the Government which are designed to help children between 5 to 13 who need extra support. I was invited to attend their celebration event in the Council Chamber.
The Children's Fund Programme Manager, Denise Buchan, introduced the programme and a wide range of representatives gave short talks on their areas of interest. The first was Amanda Richards, Chief Executive of the West Berkshire Education Business Partnership. She explained the extent of mentoring in the area. There was a group of business people from firms such as Vodafone and Bayer who help children with learning difficulties. Rachel Caine from the West Berkshire Youth Offending Team talked about several initiatives, particularly those during the summer holidays. Sue Rollings, the WBC Arts and Leisure Officer and Christina Pepper, the Development of Newbury Corn Exchange, spoke about how the arts can help to build and raise self-esteem in young people. Penny O'Connor from the Family Resource Service, talked about the value of the home and school link, with three students from St Bartholomews School giving a short presentation. David Hogg, WBC's Head of Children's Commission, summed up the morning programme and thanked the contributors.
I left the presentation knowing much more about the Children's Fund that when I arrived.
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