An award-winning charity that has provided childcare to families in Camberwell for 35 years is facing financial crisis just when its work is needed more than ever before.
Before lockdown, Camberwell After School Project, known as CASP, was supporting over 80 children each week, meaning over 100 parents and carers could work or study without the worry of childcare.
Carmen Lindsay MBE, the charity’s chief executive, told the News CASP had lost almost 70 per cent of its income due to the crisis.
“Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic we had to cancel all our fundraising events and activities and CASP had to temporarily close its three main services, after school, breakfast and holiday play schemes,” she said.
“This has resulted in a loss of a significant amount of income and CASP is now facing a critical financial crisis.
“We want to support parents and carers who need us to return back to work, however, due to government social distancing guidance to limit contact between children and staff, we will now have to reduce the numbers of children we work with to lower the risk of spreading Coronavirus.
“Our dedicated staff team are working flat out to make sure the children who have experienced the most disruption in their young lives due to the closure of schools and loss of routine are given their childhood back.”
She said many parents needed support getting back into the workforce after being furloughed or are now expected to go back into the office or university but are left without childcare.
Ms Lindsay explained: “We are appealing for financial support from the local community and are asking for help in order to save CASP’s vital childcare services from immediate closure.
“We need your help to keep going and any donation will be greatly appreciated.”
You can donate via Virgin Money Giving http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charities/caspuk or Just Giving at https://localgiving.org/appeal/Caspuk1