LAST year was a good one for Childrens Chance, with the highlight being the acceptance by Bishop Nicholas and Mrs Helen Holtam to act as patrons for the charity to help raise the profile in the years ahead.

To this end Bishop Nicholas has kindly agreed to take part in a Question Time-style debate at the Guildhall scheduled for November 12.

With a high profile panel it is hoped to raise awareness of the impact of poverty and debt on children.

Raising awareness of the charity’s work continues to be a key challenge but with help from Southampton solicitors Irwin Mitchell LLP newspaper advertising has helped. Similarly the charity’s Christmas card kindly donated by Salisbury artist Sarah Brumfitt helped raise both awareness and funds and was sold out within just a few weeks.

The original watercolour, commissioned by Childrens Chance, of an Old Sarum snow scene is for sale.

The Rotary Club of Salisbury is going to be helping the charity in 2015 and we very much look forward to the annual swimathon in April.

Demand for ‘chances’ for children continues to rise.

More than 750 children have now been helped, but demand has not been matched by income and the charity is urgently seeking support from schools and organisations as well as individuals if another end of year deficit is to be avoided.

The trustees wish to thank everybody who has supported the work of Childrens Chance and for the on-going help into 2015.

Happy new year!