The Kernos Centre has received a grant of £245,000 to support our work with local people with mental health issues.
The funding from the National Lottery Community Fund will be spread over 5 years and is to help meet a shortfall in income caused by the effects of the cost-of-living crisis on many of the charity’s disadvantaged clients. The impact of the current financial situation has meant that many of the clients seeking help from Kernos are finding it more difficult than ever to make a contribution towards the cost of their therapy, and as Kernos never turns anyone away for financial reasons, it has placed a new and serious strain on the charity’s finances.
This new funding will mean that Kernos will be able to continue its work offering counselling to several hundred local adults, children and young people every year.
Finance Director Peter Brown said, “We are so grateful to the National Lottery for this wonderful, life-saving grant. It helps to fill a serious gap in our finances that has emerged in the last three years as a result of covid and the cost-of-living crisis, both of which have affected many of our disadvantaged clients. The human cost of failing to deliver effective psychological therapies to those that need them in our community is immeasurable.
“As a charity which receives no statutory funding, we rely heavily on the goodwill of our clients, and many others, to cover our costs. But for many people who need help, and then find there is no effective support from the NHS, the cost of private therapy is out of reach. We try to help all those who need supporting but that of course requires funding. Without this grant it is doubtful we could have continued to meet the cost of supporting so many people.
“We still have a mountain to climb every year in order to raise the remainder of the funds needed to run the Centre, but thanks to the National Lottery we now have a firm foundation for that fundraising over the next five years.”
South Suffolk MP, James Cartlidge said, “Since I was first elected in 2015, I have campaigned for more funding for our fantastic voluntary sector.” As a long- term supporter of the Sudbury Kernos Centre charity, James Cartlidge strongly welcomed the news. He said, “This National Lottery award for the Kernos Centre is therefore fantastic news for Kernos, and everyone who uses their services.”
Emma Corrigan, England Director at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We’re delighted that groups across the country are using our funding to strengthen communities and improve lives. Their passion, creativity and commitment are making a real difference, and this deserves recognition.
Sudbury Town Mayor Jan Osborne & MP James Cartlidge have previously supported the Kernos Centre and came together to show their support once more for maintaining the important service that the Kernos Centre provides.
