As we hurtle towards Christmas, the past few weeks have filled us with plenty of Christmas joy: V2 Radio, the local commercial station for Sussex, asked their listeners to take part in their annual toy appeal, and we were delighted to be the recipient of a huge pile of fabulous toys. The generosity and Christmas spirit didn’t end there, as the Second Sea Lord’s command team decided to ditch their annual secret Santa and instead donate presents to us. As you can see from the pictures above, we received an incredible number of gifts that will make Christmas morning a little more special for some of our young people.
We need to let you know that our office will be closed over the Christmas period from midday on Monday 23rd December through to the Monday 6th January and the team is looking forward to some time off to recharge their batteries after an incredibly busy 2024.
We do appreciate that Christmas is not always an easy time for everyone and that many of you will be struggling at this time of year, for many different reasons. If you do experience difficulties during this period and need some help in an emergency please contact your local authority or the NHS on 111 or www.111.nhs.uk if you need support during this period. If you’re struggling with your mental health, reach out to The Samaritans either through their website or their 24/7 helpline 116 123 (freephone). Mind’s website has some brilliant resources for managing your wellbeing.
Looking forward into the New Year, 2025 is a very special year for us here at The Naval Children’s Charity, as we will be celebrating out Bicentenary: 200 years of supporting Naval children and young people. We would love to have your support during the year in helping us celebrate – is there something that you can do to help us mark such an important milestone? We would love to hear from you and for you to share your love of The Naval Children’s Charity by holding an event of your choice. Why not hold a fundraiser and in return be inducted into the NCC Club 200 Hall of Fame? Whether it is a bake sale, a fancy-dress competition at work or a community event, you just need to let us know and we will help promote it across our website and social media platforms. Contact us for one of our Fundraising Packs. Keep an eye out on our Socials to find out how you can get involved. #NCC200
Finally, I would like to end the year by thanking all of you who have supported us in so many ways in 2024. From our wonderful Major Funders – the RNRMC, Greenwich Hospital, The Seafarers Charity, and Trinity House to the many other Trusts and Foundations and individuals who have donated their time and money, helping us to help our beneficiaries. We would particularly like to thank Sirius Analysis Ltd for their ongoing support. We thank you all.
And to our wonderful children and young people, some of whom have really helped us to understand their lives and challenges this year. We welcome our new Youth Council who have spent some considerable time this year working with us on a project to develop an exciting new range of opportunities, our lovely Young Ambassadors, our President, Vice President and Patrons and our Trustees who dedicate so much of their time to us. And to my amazing team of staff who have worked so hard this year – you are all brilliant.
On behalf of everyone at the Naval Children’s Charity, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Best wishes,
Clare Scherer MBE
Chief Executive Officer, Naval Children’s Charity |
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