On Monday 30 June our CEO Delva Patman visited The Brain Charity. One of the 12 charities we awarded funding to in our first closed round. The visit was designed to learn more about the work we’ve funded.
Firsthand opportunity to see the difference our funding makes
With a mix of social spaces, charity offices and counselling rooms there was lots to see and Delva met staff, volunteers, clients and Bertie the dog. Delva was able to see several activities taking place in the building, including boccia in the gym. Boccia is a Paralympic sport played by disabled people. Sharon Berry, Counselling Manager at The Brain Charity, introduced Bertie the counselling dog who helps people in sessions to feel relaxed and comfortable.
Sharon explained that lots of clients find the presence of Bertie calming and it helps them to feel able to open up and talk.
Delva said,
“It’s been a real pleasure to make this trip to Liverpool. The building has an extremely welcoming feel and it’s clear people are using the space in many different ways. The Brain Café in the foyer was bustling and the session in the gym lively. The building felt like a welcoming meeting place where clients of the charity feel supported and safe.”
Delva Patman and Sharon Berry with Bertie the counselling dog. A group play boccia.
Funding for counselling support of people with neurological conditions
Thanks to players of The Health Lottery, The Health Lottery Foundation has given The Brain Charity £15,000 to support their counselling service. Each year the charity gets approximately 3,000 new referrals. Often once an individual has been referred they stay, so the service is constantly growing and needs ongoing funding.
Thanks to the team at The Brain Charity for giving us such a warm welcome.