Thousands raised to support local counselling service

A cheque for more than £3,000 has been handed over to the Sudbury-based Kernos Centre from the chairman of Babergh District Council, Adrian Osborne.

The money was raised from his fundraising efforts during his 2021/22 term of office.

He presented a cheque of £3,450 to Chris Boatwright, clinical director of the Kernos Centre, as a result of fundraising during the year, including a sponsored walk and a gala dinner at Hintlesham Hall supported by charitable donations from local residents and businesses.

The Kernos Centre provides professional counselling and psychotherapy to residents offering support to help them deal with a range of mental health issues including acute anxiety and depression, domestic abuse, childhood abuse, eating disorders, self-harming, and suicide attempts.

Mr Osborne said: “It has been a privilege to serve as the Babergh District Council chairman, being able to represent both the council and Babergh residents. My focus during my term was mental health and well-being which is why I chose the Kernos Centre as my chosen charity. They do fantastic work, providing extra support to those who need additional help to deal with the difficult circumstances that life can sometimes throw at us.

“I would also like to thank everyone that has supported these fundraising efforts, and for donating some amazing raffle prizes. I know that every pound raised will go a long way in helping the Kernos Centre to support residents in need of counselling.”

Mr Boatwright added: “We were honoured to be chosen by councillor Adrian Osborne as his charity for the year, whilst chairman of Babergh District Council. His continued support and the tremendous hard work put in to raising this grant, and getting the generous support from our local community, is invaluable to all of us at Kernos and the vulnerable adults and children using our service.

“This grant is so welcome at a time like this, when the mental health needs are so great, and will help Kernos to maintain the mental health support and counselling we provide to local residents, especially to those who have little or no means of financing counselling support.“

Cash and raffle prizes were generously donations by: Krissy Dillon, Jack Glover, the Lindsey Rose, Majestic Wine, the Marquis, Nethergate Brewery, Newmarket Racecourse, Old Joe’s Golf Leisure & Café, the Outlook, Perrywood Garden Centre, Ravenwood Hall Hotel, Saracens Head, Secret Garden Restaurant, Stoke by Nayland Hotel Golf and Spa, Sudbury Street Watch, Tesco and Waitrose.