Tamworth MP Christopher Pincher visited the Staffordshire headquarters of national children’s disability charity Newlife Foundation on Friday (June 29, 2012). His visit, to find out more about the ways in which Newlife supports vulnerable families in his constituency, coincided with the Cannock-based charity’s 21st birthday year celebrations.
Newlife supports thousands of families around the UK through its national Nurse Helpline, by funding essential specialist equipment and vital medical research and campaigning for a fair deal for families. Newlife’s unique recycling and trading business – which exists solely to fund the charity – operates a discount clothing superstore and home wares outlet in Hemlock Way, Cannock, and a separate outlet in Uttoxeter High Street. Last year the business generated more than £2million for the charity.
Mr Pincher commented: “It seems to me it is an amazing operation taking place in one footprint. The retail and sales side provides employment for local people and in turn feeds into the Newlife charity. In terms of the support it provides to hundreds of children, including those in my constituency, Newlife offers a lease of life to so many young people and their families.”
Newlife Operations Manager Stephen Morgan said: “We welcome Mr Pincher’s visit and the opportunity to demonstrate how Newlife’s environmentally-friendly recycling service is generating vital funds to help some of the UK’s most vulnerable children.”
Newlife has provided £639,338 of specialist equipment for 433 children in Staffordshire alone. The charity is currently working with the families of a further 12 children in the county, with equipment needs totalling £38,819.
Newlife CEO Sheila Brown said: “Equipment ‘enables’. It can mean the difference between comfort and pain, engagement or isolation, freedom or a worsening condition. Therefore, our equipment grants are vital to so many children, offering practical support to families. Equipment can range from pain-relieving beds and wheelchairs to specialist seating and communication aids. Equipment costing from hundreds to several thousands of pounds really can revolutionise a child’s life.”
Sheila added: “Calls to our Nurse Helpline have shot up by 70 per cent, year on year, and – because of this huge demand – we are calling on ‘local heroes’ to help us raise money to fund equipment. Newlife guarantees that 100 per cent of any gift or donation will go directly to support disabled children in Staffordshire.”
If you think you can help, the Newlife Community Fundraising Team can be contacted on freephone 0800 988 4640. Any individual or organisation thinking of running a fundraising event is asked to contact the team, who can offer support and guidance.
Pictured from left: Parliamentary assistant Warren Clegg, Newlife Operations Manager Stephen Morgan, Newlife nurse Jane Kersey and MP Christopher Pincher.
Web: https://newlifecharity.co.uk Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/newlifecharity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newlifefoundation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NewlifeFoundation
