Chairman's Charities

During his year in office Chairman of Council Councillor John Knapman is pleased to support three local charities.

Chairman John Knapman believes that if he can make a real difference to these three institutions alone then his Chairman’s year will have been successful.

St Clare Hospice - Registered Charity 1063631

St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood is a registered charity which cares for people and their families who are affected by life-threatening incurable diseases. St Clare Hospice relies heavily on the support of local people and organisations for three quarters of their funding. They need to raise at least £2,000 a day to enable St Clare Hospice to provide the services that are needed so much.

Chairman of Council Councillor John Knapman said: "St Clare Hospice only receives around 28% of its funding from Central Government, a fact that I find unpalatable. I hope to provide them with electronic injection pumps and new special mattresses, simple things that can make a huge difference to people in the last days of their lives."

St Clare Hospice website (opens in a new window)

Vitalise Jubilee Lodge - Registered Charity 295072

Vitalise Jubilee Lodge, Chigwell offers a variety of accessible residential respite breaks and other services designed for disabled people and carers. They believe that everyone deserves a break and offer respite options with real freedom and choice to disabled people and carers alike. They provide an alternative to traditional respite care by offering breaks in a relaxed, holiday environment but with nursing care and personal support available.

Chairman John Knapman continued: "Jubilee Lodge offers respite care for families who provide 24 hour care for those with special needs. I want to provide a 'WOW' room where residents can play the new technology games such as the Nintendo Wii."

Vitalise website (opens in a new window)

Chigwell Riding Trust for Special Needs - Registered Charity 212644

Chigwell Riding Trust was the first riding centre for people with special needs in the world. It has been established in Chigwell for over forty years. Riding instruction is given to people of all ages and abilities. The riding centre welcomes approximately 160 riders each week. Their aim is to provide people with special needs who might benefit from this activity the opportunity to ride. From the experience these individuals gain through their contact with horses and ponies, it is hoped to create a sense of achievement and confidence. The benefits to riders are plain for all to see and helping riders to reap these benefits can be an enriching experience for all.

Chairman John Knapman concluded: "I have also pledged to give one morning a week to Chigwell Riding Trust for Special Needs. This involves helping children with disabilities to enjoy riding and to gain a real sense of achievement as they trot their ponies around the ménage. I also intend to raise funds towards the payment of shoeing the ponies which in itself comes to £7,000 a year."

Chigwell Riding Trust for Special Needs website (opens in a new window)

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