Blackfriars Station workers present cheque to local charity

In December Network Rail and Balfour Beatty employees on the Blackfriars station redevelopment project raised £644 by holding a Christmas raffle. It was agreed that the money raised through this raffle would then be donated to the Blackfriars Settlement charity based in Rushworth Street.

Last month Network Rail project director Lindsay Vamplew and Balfour Beatty project director Chris Evans met up with Blackfriars Settlement director Julie Corbett-Bird and Cllr Adele Morris to present the cheque and discuss the specific needs of the charity.

"Donations such as the one received from the Blackfriars project are always welcome, especially as the funds are given freely without restrictions on how the money is spent, allowing us flexibility in meeting the needs of disadvantaged people living in the local community," says Julie Corbett-Bird, director of Blackfriars Settlement.

The charity has been supporting the Southwark community for 123 years, and provides practical assistance helping people improve their lives. Blackfriars Settlement offers expertise and encouragement to the local community, creating opportunities for people to reach their educational, economic and social potential.

The community centre's success depends on donations and a high level of volunteers enlisted to help lead community based projects such as creative workshops, work experience opportunities, fundraising initiatives and pro-bono support.