A 128-year-old charity which helps traumatised, isolated and vulnerable children is extending its work to two south London boroughs – thanks to a six-figure funding boost from the capital’s biggest independent charity funder.
Welcare supports families with children up to the age of 13 who have been exposed to domestic abuse, experienced mental health issues, who are socially isolated or need help making the transition to secondary school.
The south London-based charity is expanding its work in partnership with local schools to Greenwich and Bromley – thanks to a £193,800 grant from City Bridge Trust – the City of London Corporation’s charity funder.
The scheme, which offers group and one-to-one sessions to children, alongside parenting skills classes, has been running as a pilot in Lambeth since September.
City Bridge Trust Chairman Giles Shilson said:
“The children supported by Welcare have often been through very traumatic experiences, such as witnessing serious parental illness or domestic violence in the home.
“This project has a life-changing impact, helping children to develop coping strategies, express their emotions in a healthy way and improve their confidence, resilience and self-esteem.”
Welcare traces its roots back to 1894 when it was founded as the Diocesan Association for the Care of Friendless Girls, and Christian values still underpin its work across south London and east Surrey.
