So, what's my story? Why I'm fundraising for Child Action Northwest (CANW).

Hi, I'm Lewis! 👋

And in 2016, aged 17, I was diagnosed with depression. I was doing my A Levels at the time, and had to suspend my studies. I lost my identity, soul and lust for life. I was bed-bound, I lost weight and I simply shut myself off from the world. No appetite to study or socialise.

Then, after a GP referral to CANW, I had counselling sessions for 10 weeks. The counselling from the Charity genuinely turned my life around. Ever since then, I’ve made it my mission to give back.

Today, 9 years on, I'm proud and privileged to be the Vice Chair and Trustee of CANW.

At my lowest point, CANW was there. This charity has undoubtedly shaped me into the person I am today. So I've made it my mission to give back and support young people, their families and communities across the Northwest of England and beyond.

Pictured (left to right): Steve Peddie (Chair of CANW), me (Vice Chair of CANW) and Marguerite Webb (Trustee and former Chair of CANW).

About CANW.

CANW is a charity with a big heart. They have supported children and young people for over 138 years since the formation of Blackburn Orphanage in 1886. Today, CANW offers a range of services to support the needs of children & young people, their families and the wider community. The services include:

1/ Fostering - CANWs works with fantastic foster carers to provide loving, supportive homes for young people who need them.

2/ Young carers - CANW supports young people between the ages of 5-18 with caring responsibilities.

3/ Appropriate Adults - CANW safeguards the interests, rights, entitlements and welfare of children and vulnerable people who are suspected of a criminal offence.

4/ Family autism service - CANW supports families who are seeking or with an Autism Diagnosis.

5/ Emotional health and wellbeing - CANW upport for children and young people, specifically focused on improving their emotional health and wellbeing

6/ Criminal Justice & Social Inclusion - CANW aims to reach and support those who have entered, or are at risk of entering, the criminal justice system. Staff

7/ ProContact - CANW supports separated families involved in ongoing court proceedings

CANW counts on you and your support

Last year, CANW supported over 17,000 children, young people, vulnerable adults and families in the Northwest and across the country.

CANW couldn't do this vital work without the support from hundreds of individuals and organisations across the North West and beyond

Please note - donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.