natalie's supported charities

There are a handful of charities which I want to tell you about whose work I find really inspiring.
 
KidsAid is a new charity set up by my mum (and some of her colleagues) which works to help children who have suffered from traumatic events, ranging from illness and peer pressure through to family bereavements and break up, domestic violence and abuse. Early intervention to support children brings real benefits to their young lives and will help to ensure these traumas will not manifest in later life, causing them serious problems in the future. KidsAid therapists are all experienced in their field and trained to deal with children and families with a whole range of problems and from all backgrounds. Referral can be via GPs, schools, parents or other relatives or friends, or by the children themselves.
For more information:
www.kidsaid.org.uk

0845 280 2146
 
The first is an initiative called Access Sport which I am a trustee for. It was set up by my good friend Charlie Beauchamp ; and the aim of the charity is to facilitate grass root sport in the UK - in other words getting more kids to play sport. Working with the nation's network of clubs, coaches and volunteers, we seek to address rising obesity levels and social issues by engaging young people in active sports programmes within their community. Access Sport is doing INCREDIBLE work to remove barriers for young people to enjoy sport -  opening up a new world that offers both physical and emotional benefits. We are lucky enough to have some great ambassadors on board who really believe in and back the work we are doing - they include James Cracknell, John Barnes, David James and Josh Lewsey. For more info take a look at the website www.accesssport.co.uk
 

Last but not least it's SPARKS. www.sparks.org.uk Sport Aiding Medical Research for Kids. One reason I like this charity, obviously aside from the awesome inroads it makes in funding cutting edge research for paediatric illnesses, is the great group of people they have working for them. Their Chief Exec John Shanley once told me that he believed people were divided into two categories - 'radiators' and 'drains' one energises and warms you and the other, well, drains you; John said that he would only surround himself with 'radiators' at SPARKS - and as a result they always look after all their supporters brilliantly, and raise heaps of cash to help babies be born healthy and grow up healthy. They really are doing it for the kids!

Please join SPARKS for the seventh annual Fashion Show on Thursday 12th of July, The Guildhall, London. Click here for more information.