Sci-Tech Daresbury today announces a new partnership with the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT), marking the beginning of a collaborative effort to support children and families in Halton and across the North West.
Beginning with a launch event from Tuesday 16th – Thursday 18th April, the partnership underscores Sci-Tech Daresbury’s commitment to fostering a positive social impact within its community.
CAFT, based in Cheshire, has been providing enriching experiences for children under 17 impacted by illness, disability, or social disadvantage since 1992. Through residential breaks and day visits, CAFT offers a range of activities tailored to the diverse needs of children, ensuring they have access to inclusive and exciting experiences.
The three-day launch event will see representatives from CAFT joining Sci-Tech Daresbury’s charity committee on campus to raise awareness about CAFT’s mission and the new partnership. They will set up an information stand and engage with the campus community, encouraging those working on campus to get behind the charity’s goal to support families from Halton.
During the launch event, Sci-Tech Daresbury will commence fundraising efforts with a target of raising £2,000 via a ‘bring a pound to work day’ initiative, asking those who work on campus donate a pound to CAFT. This initiative will be the first in a series of activities that will see Sci-Tech Daresbury and the many organisations on the campus raise £10,000 per year for three years to support an additional 650 children from the Halton area. In addition, it is hoped to many people working on the Sci-Tech Daresbury campus to support the work of CAFT through various volunteering initiatives.
The funds raised on the day will directly contribute to supporting 25 families from Halton with the opportunity to attend CAFT’s flagship event, CAFT fest, in June. CAFT fest is a three-day festival aimed at providing children with a memorable and accessible experience. With attractions such as circus skills, puppetry, music, and theatre, CAFT fest offers a platform for children to create lasting memories in a fully inclusive and fun environment.
Helen Crowther, Senior Trust Fundraiser from CAFT, said: “We’re all so excited, and very honoured, to be selected by Sci-Tech Daresbury as its charity partner for three years. This is a wonderful opportunity for our charity to work closely with the businesses across this leading Liverpool City Region campus for the benefit of families from Halton.
“By working together, we will provide day visits to our beautiful countryside location for children whose lives are impacted by illness, disability or social disadvantage, allowing them a rare opportunity to enjoy childhood activities in a fully accessible environment, boosting confidence and independence, and making memories which will last forever.”
John Leake, Business Growth Director at Sci-Tech Daresbury, said: “CAFT is a wonderful organisation working with disadvantaged children and families to create lasting memories and accessible experiences. Sci-Tech Daresbury’s goal is that through our charity partnership with CAFT, we can have a positive and lasting impact on families in Halton, as well as across the wider region.
“Through this partnership, Sci-Tech Daresbury, the Science and Technology Facilities Council and our campus companies look forward to working with CAFT to make a difference in the lives of local children and families, fostering a community of support and inclusivity.”
Paul Vernon, Chair of the Sci-Tech Daresbury Joint Venture Board and Head of STFC, said: “It is an honour to support CAFT and its dedication to positively impact the lives of children and families across Halton who are facing challenging times. CAFT’s commitment to provide enriching experiences that create valuable memories for our community resonates deeply with me, and I’m eager to contribute to this meaningful cause.”
