Pictured above: Peter Maskell, BHSF chief executive,
hands over the £2,000 cheque to Ladywood Project co-ordinator
Dot Collins, with, second right, Laura Freeman from BHSF, and
social worker Gerardine (ckd) Giblin
Nationwide healthcare insurer BHSF has stepped in to bring aid
to a Birmingham organisation which helps families in one of the
most deprived areas of the UK.
The Ladywood Project, working in an area which not only has the
highest unemployment figure in the UK but also the highest child
poverty rate, helps those on benefits who are still finding it
difficult to support themselves and their families.
The funding of an all-important children's worker at the centre
in St Vincent Street West, ended in December and the project is not
certain of any financial support until next October when it is
hoped there will be a continuation of Children in Need cash.
Dot Collins, the project co-ordinator, said: "The children's
worker position is an absolute necessity to the project.
"There are many child-related issues and the worker goes out to
the community to identify the needs of the youngsters and organise
events for them as well as assist their personal, social and
creative development".
Ladywood Project is part-funded by Birmingham City Council but
relies on external donations and fund-raising events to provide the
services which set out to improve the quality of life of those
local residents on very low incomes.
As part of its corporate social responsibility programme, BHSF
has now donated £2,000 towards funding the children's worker
position.
Peter Maskell, BHSFchief executive, said: "We are a successful
company with our offices in Ladywood not far from the project. We
already help other organisations such as schools and charities in
what is a very deprived area.
"This is the second donation we have made to the Ladywood
Project in recognition of the wonderful work it does in very
difficult circumstances. And the position of children's worker is
crucial to the project.
"We thought we could offer practical help to some of those who
find it difficult to even put food on the table".