28/7/2006 - A fun day for fundraising at Hawthwaite Lane

Hawthwaite Lane children's residential home in Barrow is opening its doors for a fabulous fun day and balloon race next Wednesday (2 August).

The day also aims to raise funds to go towards a holiday for the young people.

As well as the balloon race, the fun day will have plenty of stalls including a book sale, tombola, cakes, bric a brac, plants, 'guess how many sweets in a jar', refreshments and many other surprises and prizes for all to enjoy.

Alongside the stalls there will be obstacle courses for young and old alike.   Cards to fill in and attach to balloons for the race on the day are now available from council offices throughout Barrow.

The fun day is open to everyone in the area, as the young people are keen to give something back to the local community. As well as a fun day it will be a   fundraising day, with money raised going towards a holiday for residents which will give them a great sense of achievement.

The residential home for looked after children at 229 Hawthwaite Lane is one of six throughout the county run by Cumbria County Council.   It has six bedrooms with 11 full time care staff and three part time staff.      

Hilary Waithe is an assistant manager at   229 Hawthwaite Lane.   She said:

"The fun day is one way we can thank everyone who has supported us in the progress the home has made over the past two years and we hope as many people as possible will come and share the day with us.

"Both the young people and staff have worked really hard for what promises to be a fabulous day out."

Philip Chappelhow is the council's spokesman for Children's Services. He said:

"The fun day is a great way for the young people at Hawthwaite Lane to make a positive contribution to their community which will give them an increased sense of belonging.  

"I am sure everyone from the home and the local area will have a great day, and wish the young people the very best in their fundraising efforts."

Notes for Editors

Cumbria County Council's children's residential care is provided to children and young people aged 12 to 18 years old

Care can be provided for children with disabilities between the ages of five and 11, although the council prefers the option of shared or foster care for children under 12 years old

Staff in children's residential care work closely with the children and young people, birth parents and other family members, shared carers, foster carers and other agencies to enable them to integrate into communities, families and independent living

Children's residential care also aims to promote life chances for children with disabilities so that they can achieve their maximum potential and are socially included

Children's residential care is provided free by Cumbria County Council