A centre which provides a worthwhile facility for struggling families and children in Leigh has received a much-needed financial boost from a local law firm.
The Stonehouse Contact Centre on St Helens Road in Leigh is staffed by volunteers. It has been in operation for over 12 years and relies heavily on limited available funding and donations. The funding this year has significantly decreased and the centre's future is now at threat.
The centre recently asked local businesses to step in and help to raise the money it needs to stay afloat, and Stephensons Solicitors LLP was happy to hand over a £500 donation.
Vicky Gethin, a partner at Stephensons who acts for parents and children, said: “The Stonehouse Centre is an invaluable resource for vulnerable members of the local community.
“Lots of our Family law clients use the centre. Sometimes following a relationship breakdown, children can lose contact with one parent altogether. In circumstances like this, the centre provides a stress-free environment to assist parents and their children in maintaining and developing their relationship.
“We are pleased to be able to make a financial contribution to support Stonehouse’s work in the local community and I would urge other businesses with a social conscience to consider doing the same.”
The Contact Centre is also organising a series of family events to help raise more funds to keep the service running in Leigh.
This weekend, volunteers from the Centre completed a bike ride from Leigh to Worsley and back again. (Pictured)
On June 19th, they will hold a ‘Music for a Summer Evening’ concert at Wigan Citadel Salvation Army in Scholes, from 7pm. Tickets are available at £3 per adult and children can attend for free.
The Centre is also hosting a Garden Fete on August 21st from 11am with a variety of stalls, a tombola, bouncy castle, cakes and refreshments.
Margaret Picton-Baxter, chairperson of Stonehouse, said: “The Contact Centre’s future existence is in jeopardy without the support of local businesses and support for the events we have planned.
“The Centre continues to struggle for money for bills such as insurance, volunteers’ expenses and other essential items. Donations will enable us to continue the valuable work that our volunteers provide for local families and children.”
To purchase tickets for the Stonehouse fundraising events, or for more information, contact Stonehouse - Margaret Picton-Baxter on 01942 674556.
ENDS
- Stephensons is a top 60 law firm according to the latest edition of leading independent legal directory, the Legal 500. The firm employs 350 staff across six offices, in St Helens, Wigan, Bolton, Leigh and Manchester.
- For more on the firm and its CSR activities, visit www.stephensons.co.uk.