Mayor’s charity appeal passes £20,000 for Nightsafe and Derian House

More than £20,000 has been raised for the Mayor’s chosen charities, Derian House Children’s Hospice and Nightsafe, in under three months, after support from residents, businesses and community organisations across Blackburn with Darwen.

Councillor Mahfooz Hussain was officially made Mayor at the annual ceremony at Blackburn Town Hall on Thursday 21 May.

Councillor Mahfooz Hussain, Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, said: “This achievement reflects the incredible generosity of people, businesses and community organisations across Blackburn with Darwen.

“The support shown for Nightsafe and Derian House has been outstanding, and I would like to thank everyone who has donated, attended events or helped raise awareness.

“Every contribution will help these two charities continue their vital work supporting vulnerable young people, children and families.”

All money raised will be split equally between the charities, with Derian House and Nightsafe guaranteed donations of at least £10,000 each. A new fundraising target of £50,000 has now been set, with more events planned over the year.

Nicola Roscoe from Nightsafe said: “This is absolutely fantastic and will help support the running and continuation of Nightsafe services for the most vulnerable young people across Blackburn with Darwen that are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

“Every night, Nightsafe keeps 27 young people, aged between 16-25, safe and off the streets providing them with a bedspace and meal. Every day 15 – 30 young people access the day centre services including showering and washing facilities, warm meals, food and toiletry parcels, care, support, advice, and guidance. The funds raised from the Mayor’s charity will help support Nightsafe to continue to provide these much-needed services and go a long way in helping the charity reach its £150,000 fundraising target for this year.

“On behalf of Nightsafe and the young people, we thank the Mayor for choosing our charity, and the community and local businesses for their kindness and support as without this Nightsafe would not exist.”

Caroline Taylor, Deputy Chief Executive at Derian House Children’s Hospice, said: “What an incredible achievement. We’d like to say a huge thank you to the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen for choosing to support Derian House this year, and we’re so grateful to everyone who’s donated, taken part in events or simply got behind the fundraising. It’s truly something the community should be proud of.

“It’s brilliant to see the £20,000 target reached so quickly. Every penny really does make a difference and helps us to be there for local children with life-limiting conditions and their families when they need us most. Support like this means we can keep creating special moments, making happy memories and giving families the chance to spend precious time together.”

£10,000 could help fund memory-making activities from family days out, keepsakes families will cherish for years to come, bereavement services, hundreds of hours of specialist care or pay for ten families to enjoy a free week’s holiday together.

Businesses, groups and community organisations that want to invite the Mayor to events or work with him to raise money for the charities can fill out an online form to request attendance.

Form to request the Mayor’s attendance at events.

Although based in Chorley, Derian House cares for children and families across East Lancashire, including 37 children in Blackburn with Darwen. It cares for more than 400 babies, children, young people and their families across the North West.

Nightsafe was set up in 1990 by a group of local people to help homeless and vulnerably housed young people in Blackburn with Darwen and surrounding areas. It provides accommodation, day centres with information, advice and guidance, emergency support and help for young people to play a positive part in their local community.