The Mayor’s charities 2011/12
When Cllr Aislinn Lee was officially made Mayor of the City and District of St Albans on 18th May 2011 at the Annual Council meeting*, she announced that her charities for her mayoral year are Sure-start St Albans and St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge (SAHWR).
The Mayor, Cllr Aislinn Lee, commented: “I am really delighted that as Mayor this year I have the opportunity to help these two charities. Most of us are fortunate enough to be part of a loving, caring and supportive family but sadly this is not the case for everyone. I chose these two charities because, in different ways, each of these charities plays a really important role in helping and supporting families to bring stability, security and love into their lives.”
St Albans and Hertsmere Women's Refuge provides a service to women and children fleeing Domestic Abuse. Their aim is to provide a safe, comfortable, conflict free environment for them and to provide them with advice and support to enable them to take control their lives.
The refuge accommodates up to 22 families who stay for up to three months in the emergency accommodation and for up to two years in the ‘move on’ accommodation. After this they are assisted by the Resettlement Service. The Outreach Service works across St Albans District. This Refuge is one of the few that accommodates young women from the age of 16 years.
Children who are offered a service from SAHWR have lived in households where they may have suffered physical and / or emotional abuse. Their parents may have difficulties associated with drug and alcohol misuse, and mental ill health and therefore some of the children may have suffered physical neglect.
The refuge, and its associated services, aims to reduce the level of disadvantage that the children have suffered. For many children, the refuge will provide their first experience of what it means to feel safe. There they will have the opportunity to experience a positive, respectful adult / child relationship with the Child Support Worker and the family Key Worker.
Sara Jackson from SAHWR commented: “We’re delighted that the Mayor has chosen us to be one of her mayoral charities for the year. We will use any money raised to continue and maintain the high level of service that we offer the women and children. Below are some quotes from those we’ve helped.”
“I was in despair and then I met with refuge staff and for the first time I felt that somebody believed me and that there was a way out of my desperation.”
“Thank you for being there for me and children........safe at last.”
“I no longer had to suffer in silence.”
The Mayor’s second charity, Sure-start St Albans, provides services to families with children aged 0-5 years, through a group of 10 Children’s Centres across the District.
Children’s Centres offer services which enable children to have the best start in life. Parents, grandparents and carers benefit from family support, outreach services, health services, training and employment and information on childcare.
Lorraine Imber, the Manager of The Alban Way Children's Centres, and Sherry Roberts, the Manager of Lamer Fields Children’s Centre in Wheathampstead, commented: “All the St Albans City and District’s Children’s Centres are thrilled to be selected as beneficiaries of the mayoral year (May 2011-12). Any funds raised will be directed towards children who will benefit from additional support, which will improve their life chances, building on the work we are already undertaking. Below are some quotes from those we have helped.”
“Since the birth of my daughter the Children’s Centre has quite frankly been a life-line!”
“Well done for providing a service for grandparents who need their own support network when caring for grandchildren.”
“The support from staff and other mothers is priceless, as is feeling part of the community which has enhanced my love of living in my village even more, having come from London.”
“Using the drop in sessions for children with additional needs has helped the whole family following the birth of our second child, who is disabled. We are able to come along with our non-disabled child and play together with other special needs children. It is wonderful for bonding and learning new play techniques.”
Cllr Aislinn Lee, The Right Worshipful the Mayor of St Albans City & District.
Contact for the Mayor’s office:
Alison Orde, the Mayor’s Civic Officer
Tel: 01727 819544 E-mail: mayoralty@stalbans.gov.uk
Contact for the press:
Davina Mansell, Information and Communication Officer
Tel: 01727 819316. E-mail: davina.mansell@stalbans.gov.uk
St Albans City and District Council
www.stalbans.gov.uk
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/StAlbansCouncil
Notes:
Webcast of this meeting
* The Annual Council meeting on Wednesday 18 May was webcast, and can be accessed via the Council’s website: http://www.stalbans.ukcouncil.net/site/webcasts.php by selecting “Recent Webcasts Annual Council, Council Council Chamber, District Council Offices, St Peter's Street, St Albans, Herts AL1 3JE Wed 18 May 2011@19.00
People with access to an appropriate computer with broadband internet access and Microsoft Windows media player will be able to view the meeting.
St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge (SAHWR).
If you need help or advice or know someone who does, please telephone
01923-855662 – refuge or
01727-824425 – outreach or visit the website for further information: www.stalbansandhertsmerewomensrefuge.org.uk
Sure-start St Albans
To find out where your nearest children’s centres are, go to: www.hertschildrenscentres.org.uk
For further information:
The Alban Way Children’s Centres 01727 855134 http://www.hertschildrenscentres.org.uk/albanway/
Lamer Fields Children’s Centre Wheathampstead 01582 834758 http://www.hertschildrenscentres.org.uk/lamerfields/
Harpenden Children’s Centre 01582 714211
http://www.hertschildrenscentres.org.uk/harpenden/
St Albans Children’s Centre 01727 891100
http://www.hertschildrenscentres.org.uk/albanway/
Sopwell and Verulum Children’s Centre 01727 774090
http://www.hertschildrenscentres.org.uk/sopwellverulam/
Redbourn and Villages Children’s Centre 01582 688512
http://www.hertschildrenscentres.org.uk/redbourn/
Park Street and St Stephen’s Children’s Centre 01923 673698
http://www.hertsmere-children.co.uk/childrenscentres/parkstreet.php
London Colney Children’s Centre 01727 822196
http://www.hertschildrenscentres.org.uk/londoncolney/