Norwood is delighted to announce that Cherie Blair has become the Patron of Children's Services for the children and families charity. As a human-rights lawyer and as the Patron of Investors in Children, a national rating scheme for nurseries and childcare providers on the facilities and quality of service they offer to parents, Cherie Blair is well-suited to champion the rights of disadvantaged and disabled children. She has been involved with Norwood's work for several years.
In 2004 she hosted a reception at 10 Downing Street for Norwood where she spoke passionately about the vital children's services Norwood provides as a safety net to children and families in the Jewish community and beyond. In 2005, Cherie Blair visited the Somer's Children & Family Centre in Hackney, which supports families coping with the stresses of family life in the second most deprived local authority in England. She was impressed by the range of services and professional support Norwood provides to the Jewish community.
Norma Brier, Norwood's Chief Executive said, "We are thrilled to welcome Cherie Blair as the Patron of Children's Services for Norwood. She knows how vital it is to ensure that all children, including those with disabilities and socially disadvantages, get the support they need throughout their childhood so that they can reach their full potential in life."
Cherie Blair said, "As a mother, I am acutely aware of the enormous pressures that many families in Britain face today. It is heart warming to see the Jewish Community working with passion for, and commitment to, safeguarding the future for the next generation. I am delighted to be the Patron of Children's Services for Norwood and to be involved with the charity that is working to create a brighter future for some of the most vulnerable members of our community."
In her new role as Patron she endorses the wide range of Norwood's services across London and Berkshire supporting over 7000 children and families each year. This vital work is carried out at children and family centres, Buckets and Spades Lodge - a respite care centre in North London, and the Annie Lawson School for children with profound and complex disabilities, based at Ravenswood Village in Berkshire.
For further information about Buckets & Spades Lodge or about Norwood contact PR Manager, Naomi Creeger on 020 8420 6900 or by email to naomi.creeger@norwood.org.uk
