This is my first Christmas message to you as Chair of the newly formed Police Children’s Fund. We have recently rebranded, some of you might have known us as The Gurney Fund and we hope with this rebrand we will raise awareness, increase understanding, restore clarity, improve recognition and extend our reach to the wider Police Family.
New name, new look but our mission remains the same, to provide police children with financial support and stability throughout their educational and developmental years following a significant change in family life.
As we reflect on what has been an exceptionally busy year for the Fund what stands out is the ceaseless generosity and kindness of people despite such uncertain times. So firstly, a big ‘thank you’ to all our contributing police officers, donors and fundraisers. The support given really does make a difference to all those in the Police Children’s Fund family.
I recently had the pleasure of representing the charity at Police Federation Award Ceremonies in Hampshire and Surrey, where Police Children’s Fund the nominated charity. I am extremely grateful for both branches for nominating our charity and the £3,500 raised from these events will be used in the furtherance of our objectives.
I am delighted to say that we have been able to help more people than ever this year and the Trustees have awarded over £630k in weekly allowances, educational grants, mental health support and celebratory payments.
We have welcomed over 70 new beneficiaries this year and we look forward to continuing to support these police families in the years to come.
This year has seen minimal changes to the Board of Trustees, and we have welcomed Rachel Nolan from Essex, representing National Police Chief’s Council.
Together with my fellow trustees, I would like to acknowledge the Board’s gratitude and appreciation for the exceptional hard work from our staff Sherral and Nikki. Their innovative ways of working have taken us into the new era I mentioned last year and the work they do behind the scenes does not go unnoticed. Sherral and Nikki been instrumental in progressing a rebrand to achieve our new name and make our lives as Trustees that much easier.
We are still waiting on news of a new patron and will keep you updated. We also look forward to the launch of our new website in 2024.
May I take this opportunity to wish you and your families a peaceful Christmas and a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.
Tim Packham
Chair