Charities given vital cash boost by district council chairman

TWO charities were given a welcome boost when they were awarded funds from East Hampshire District Council (EHDC).

Councillor Keith Budden has chosen the Crossover Centre, in Liss, and Dementia Friendly Hampshire as the charities he will support during his year as chairman.

Ben Love, of the Crossover Centre and Jeff Williams, of Dementia Friendly Hampshire, both received cheques for £210 at EHDC’s full council meeting earlier this month.

Cllr Budden said: ‘The theme of my year as chairman is engagement and these two excellent charities are completely in line with that as they represent two vital lifelines at either end of life.

‘Their work is an important part of the community in Liss and the surrounding area and I am delighted to be able to support them in whatever way I can.’

The money was raised with a collection at the chairman’s civic service at St Mary’s Church, Liss.

The Crossover Centre provides a focal point for the young people of Liss and the surrounding area.

The centre offers evening and holiday activities and a counselling service for young people to air their worries and concerns.

It also provides an outreach service to deter young people from drug use and anti-social behaviour.

Dementia Friendly Hampshire provides a vital support service to those diagnosed with dementia, together with their families and carers.

It helps people to come to terms with their diagnosis and realise that life can continue to be enjoyed to the full.