Extraordinary community generosity will provide vital mental health support for local adults and young people
The remarkable total was achieved thanks to the generosity of guests, sponsors and supporters who attended the annual fundraising evening, organised by the Shiplake College Parents’ Association.
The funds will make a lasting difference to Riverside’s work, helping the charity continue to provide affordable, accessible counselling for adults and young people across South Oxfordshire at a time when demand for mental health support continues to grow.
Guests at the Summer Ball were introduced to Riverside’s work through a powerful and moving film, followed by an address from Riverside Chair of Trustees Catherine Mclaughlin highlighting the life-changing impact counselling can have on for young people and their families. The response on the evening was overwhelming, with extraordinary generosity shown throughout the fundraising.
Sophie Wellings, CEO of Riverside Counselling Service, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved in making this extraordinary fundraising achievement possible. Raising £25,000 is transformational for a local charity like Riverside and will enable us to support more adults and young people experiencing mental health challenges across our community.
Demand for our services continues to grow, and this generosity means more people will be able to access counselling when they need it most. On behalf of everyone at Riverside, thank you to Shiplake College, the Parents’ Association and every single person who donated so generously.”
Sarah Mullens and Jo Broad, Co-chairs of the Shiplake College Parents’ Association, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have raised £25,000 for Riverside Counselling through the fantastic generosity of our Shiplake College Community. While there are so many deserving causes, Riverside truly resonated with our parents as they are right on our doorstep, doing vital, grassroots work to support the mental health and emotional wellbeing of young people. Knowing that these funds will provide accessible, lifeline counselling sessions to young people when they need it most makes every bit of effort incredibly worthwhile”.
Suzy Hobbs, Trustee of Riverside Counselling Service, added: “The Summer Ball was an incredibly special evening and one I don’t think any of us will forget. Seeing so many people connect with Riverside’s work and respond so generously after watching our film was genuinely moving.
We are enormously thankful to Shiplake College, the Parents’ Association, the sponsors, volunteers and everyone who attended. Their kindness and generosity will have a lasting impact on the lives of local adults and young people who need mental health support.”
Riverside would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Shiplake College, the Parents’ Association, the event sponsors, volunteers and everyone who contributed to making the evening such an outstanding success. Together, their generosity will help ensure more local adults and young people can access the mental health support they need, when they need it most.