Richmond

The Bishop of Kensington, the Rt. Rev. Michael Colclough visited Richmond WelCare in May to present certificates to successful candidates of "An Introduction to Working with Children" course (photo above).

This course run by Merton College in conjunction with Richmond WelCare gives women a basic childcare qualification to help them return to work. Other candidates received a certificate for completing a Parenting Skills course from Merton College.

Richmond WelCare provides social work support and skills to lone parent families who live in the Borough of Richmond. It is part of the Southwark Diocesan WelCare Service but supported not only by the Richmond and Barnes Deanery in the Diocese of Southwark, but also by the Hampton Deanery in the Diocese of London. Hence the visit by a Bishop from the London Diocese.

Southwark and Camberwell

The summer play scheme at Southwark and Camberwell WelCare opened with a great party for children and parents on 27 June. Simon Hughes officially opened this year's play scheme and joined in the party (see photo below). He also received a cheque on WelCare's behalf from the New Opportunities Fund. This money will pay for a new worker to enable the play scheme and after school club to take more children with special needs. WelCare is very grateful to Southwark Social Services Early Years Department for helping get this new money for the scheme.