Much loved broadcaster Libby Purves OBE is to be the guest speaker at the fifth anniversary celebrations of the Sudbury Counselling charity Kernos Centre next month.
The 58-year-old former Today presenter, who now hosts her own Midweek programme on BBC Radio 4, has chosen to speak on ‘Why Kernos matters to me’. Kernos decided to invite Libby Purves, who lives in Suffolk, because the counsellors were aware of her strongly held belief in the value of psychological support, and the need for greater access to it.
“We are delighted that Libby has accepted our invitation,” says Kernos Director of Counselling Chris Boatwright. “We want to celebrate five years of the Kernos Centre providing counselling support for the people of Sudbury and surrounding area, and at the same time focus on the growing demand for counselling for young people as well adults needing help with a wide range of problems. Despite taking on extra counsellors we are struggling to meet the demand by many people in Suffolk who remain excluded by the NHS from receiving the support that they need”
As Professor Lord Richard Layard the LSE’s centre on Well-being states, ‘The usefulness of therapy has been increasingly recognised but there are people who are not receiving care according to the Nice guidelines, which would never be tolerated for any physical condition‘.
The celebration event is being held on the 21st October at The Masonic Hall in North Street, Sudbury, starting at 6.45pm. The Sudbury Freemasons have provided the Hall free of charge for the evening as their contribution to the charity.
The evening is to be opened by Sudbury’s Town Mayor Councillor John Sayers. There will be examples of creative work on display, from adolescents who have used the Kernos Centre, and will also include a buffet and a raffle, with music provided by a singing quartet. “Everyone is welcome” says Annabel Wyatt, Kernos administrator, “and we would be especially be pleased to see past and present clients and the people who have supported us over the last five years”. Entrance is free and tickets can be obtained by contacting Annabel at the Kernos Centre on 01787 882883.
For more information please contact Chris Boatwright or Annabel Wyatt on 01787 882883