The Kernos Centre, which has been providing invaluable counselling and wellbeing services to thousands of residents in and around the Sudbury area, has turned 20.
The charity was set up by Christine Boatwright, in 2003. It exists to provide professional counselling and support for people with emotional and psychological difficulties, ensuring those most in need receive appropriate, effective, and ongoing help, regardless of their resources. There are no financial constraints put on those who receive support and most importantly, sufficient time is given to ensure the therapy is effective. Kernos’s mission statement is truly unique. No one is turned away because of a lack of funds.
Christine, and her wonderful team of counsellors and support staff were joined at the end of June by dozens of supporters to kick off the charity’s 20th birthday in the historic Masonic Hall. Sudbury Town Mayor, Jan Osborne set the scene perfectly, “Kernos Centre works tirelessly in tackling disadvantage and addresses the real need within our community. The work they do is vital as they cater for adults and a growing number of children who are experiencing personal difficulty. Many of the clients that Kernos sees cannot get help through the NHS and often find themselves at Kernos’s door”.
Kernos Non-Executive Director Karen Smout read out a number of testimonials from clients and one from a teenager really hit home: “You have saved my life!” The role of local charities is vital and often fills a void that is missing in society and Kernos, through its 20 years has provided support that has helped thousands of local residents.
We would like to thank the Freemasons of Sudbury for their generous contribution to the Kernos centre in donating the Masonic Hall free of charge for this 20th anniversary celebration. They did not hesitate once again to offer their support, as they have done before, at our launch, our fifth, tenth and 15th anniversary. A special thank you to Cathy O’Neill for her time in setting up the hall and then staying with us, serving drinks and contributing to our evening.
Throughout the evening Kernos was supported by a number of students from Thomas Gainsborough School, in neighbouring Great Cornard. The entertainment they provided was exceptional and a wonderful tribute to the strength of the school. Student Amelie Kingston shared with the audience a short anecdote on the importance of the charity to the town and its younger population. It backed up the testimonials made by Karen Smout.
Kernos is needed, but Kernos also needs your support.
Post-covid, society is doing a better job at making people more aware of mental health and wellbeing. Signs and symptoms are being picked up earlier, but in turn, that is creating a greater need for more support. Kernos is funded entirely on donations and contributions and as they look to the next 20 years, there is a clear trend in the help that is being required. The more people that get the support they need means more counsellors are required. That costs money.
There are a number of ways in which Kernos can be supported.
