Pupils welcome The Haven staff
Schools campaign continues at High Blantyre
Lanarkshire-based charity The Haven Centre continued their schools campaign this week with a visit to High Blantyre Primary School.
The charity, which has centres in Blantyre, Forth and Wishaw, have teamed up with the Hamilton Advertiser and a host of Lanarkshire’s primaries to promote their services across the region.
Organised by the Advertiser, the visit included an informative talk followed by a question and answer session with The Haven’s fundraising officer Scott Cunningham MBE and his trusty guide dog Mylo.
Scott said: “What a very enthusiastic assembly with some excellent questions from the pupils at High Blantyre as I highlighted the services of The Haven and fundraising opportunities.
“We were extremely grateful to be invited along during their Health Week, and delighted that the school, a great friend of The Haven have decided to do a collection during their end of term assembly in aid of the charity.
“Striking up such partnerships with Lanarkshire’s schools has been invaluable and we have had so many wonderful offers to help raise funds for the charity in the coming months. We cannot thank them enough for the support.”
Susan Garry, depute head teacher at High Blantyre Primary told the Advertiser this week: “We are delighted to have made strong links with The Haven as one of our Community Business Partners.
“The Haven provides an invaluable service offering support and care to children and families at a time when they need it most. They also help us to provide our pupils with important information about how their Health and Wellbeing can be supported within the community.
“Our pupils are keen to hear of the ongoing work at The Haven and regularly donate to their fundraising efforts. David and Scott always receive a warm welcome whenever they visit, however the star of the show is always Milo!”
Staff from The Haven will also visit St Cuthbert’s Primary School, Burnbank, St Mark’s Primary, Hamilton and St Bride’s Primary School, Bothwell in the coming weeks.
The Haven offer support for those affected by life-limiting illnesses but staff insist that many still do not know they exist – a fact we now hope to change.
Being diagnosed with an illness such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease is a life-changing event, not only for the individual but for their whole family. The Haven help individuals cope with the physical, emotional and practical aspects of their illness.
If any other schools or businesses would like to support The Haven, or receive a visit, contact Advertiser reporter Leona Greenan on 01698 205179 or via email at leona.greenan@ trinitymirror.com