West London Action for Children
Each month, we’ll highlight a local charity working in a range of ways to make our communities better. This month we talked to West London Action for Children, which helps kids in need and their families in Hammersmith and Fulham and Kensington and Chelsea.
Tell us about the work of West London Action for Children.
West London Action for Children helps families affected by abuse, domestic violence, mental health concerns, poverty, bullying, divorce, bereavement, emotional and relationship difficulties and the challenges faced by parents. Our purpose is to promote the well-being of children in need, working with them, their families and carers to help them achieve positive change. We offer counselling and therapy to vulnerable children and their families; our services are confidential and free to those living in the boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham and Kensington and Chelsea. Our professional team of therapists offer a holistic approach to local children, young people and families, tailored to the needs of the individual.
What are your funding sources?
We rely on the generosity of charitable trusts, companies, local authorities, individual supporters and our own fundraising events.
What obstacles does your organisation face?
Finding adequate funds is always the greatest trial to small organisations and we are no exception. It is difficult to get out the key message of what the charity does and what its impact is. Case studies best show the value of our work and our website covers the services that we have on offer, but showing the importance of the well-being of our clients, and how we can help them make positive changes in their lives, is not an easy message. Thank you for giving us an opportunity to do so here.
Do you hold events throughout the year?
We hold a variety of annual fundraising events, which make up about a quarter of our funding. In September we held an event called Postcards Anon, an annual exhibition and sale of postcard-size original paintings by the famous and not so famous. Paintings are sold anonymously (signed on the back only), with the identity of the artist revealed only after the pictures are sold. These are exhibited over three days and sold on a first-come basis for £25 each. We are thrilled to have had the support in the past of artists such as Dame Elizabeth Blackadder, Mick Armson, Chris Miers, Don Grant, Lucy Loveheart, Clare Mackie, John Rae and Sir Angus Stirling.
In April 2015, we have a small team of supporters who will take part in the Virgin London Marathon. This is an exceptional individual challenge which raises both sponsorship for West London Action for Kids and also awareness of our organisation.
The following month we hold our own run: the WLAC Three Bridges Fun Run around the river at Barnes, Hammersmith and Putney in May 2015. It’s an eight-mile course for runners and a four-mile course for walkers, followed by brunch. Invite the whole family—dogs included!
In June we participate in Nightrider, a charity ride around London with a difference—it’s at night! The Nightrider challenge is an exciting 100km moonlit cycle ride past 50 of London’s iconic landmarks.
Finally, we have six places open to supporters each year in the British 10K London Run—billed as “the world’s greatest road race route”. This exciting run takes you through central London, past such landmarks as Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the London Eye.
We also have a number of other events throughout the year including Secret Suppers, WLAC Brook Green Barn Dance and a Tennis Tournament. Check our website for our calendar of events with more details, as well as our other fundraising efforts.
How can people get involved?
Please visit our website for opportunities to volunteer with WLAC. Our annual meeting will take place at 12pm on 11th November 2014 at St Columba’s Church, Pont Street, SW1X 0BD. This is a chance to meet the WLAC staff, trustees and volunteers and hear more about our work for local children and families. Our guest speaker will be Professor Jane Barlow, specialist in early intervention. You can also find more information on WLAC’s website, follow us on Twitter @WLAChildren and find us on Facebook at West London Action for Children.
