Praise for Sutton & Cheam branch as Children's Society celebrates its 125th birthday - Burstow

6.35.26pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 12th Dec 2006

Betty Relph, Phyllis Lymer, Joyce Watkins, Paul Burstow MP, Joan Michael & Janet Little

Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam, joined 5 representatives from the Sutton and Cheam branch of the Children's Society members at an event at the House of Commons to celebrate the Society's 125th Anniversary last week. Mr Burstow, who is an NSPCC Parliamentary Ambassador, has worked closely with the Children's Society in his work to raise awareness of the lack of provision for young runaways.

The Children's Society exists to work for and on behalf of children and young people. Aside from their work on young runaways, earlier this year, the Society commissioned the Good Childhood Enquiry, an independent review of childhood in the 21st century, which began with a survey of over 11,000 children across the country. The panel will begin its consultation in early 2007 and plans to release preliminary findings in 2008.

Mr Burstow hosted the anniversary to celebrate the work done by the Children's Society across the UK, but paid special tribute to the outstanding fundraising efforts of the local branch. In the last 5 years, the branch, which is made up of only 7 people, has managed to raise an astonishing £20,000. The group organised a Christmas Fair in November which took £750.

Speaking at the anniversary celebration, Mr Burstow said:

"The Children's Society have been doing amazing work for the last 125 years, giving a voice to those children who need it most - runaways, children in care, refugees."

"It is down to committed people like the ladies here today that the society is able to continue its good work - their passion and commitment is an example to all of us."