Facing Challenges to Stay Open

CASP is proud to announce that our organisation has been featured in the local Southwark News. The article highlights the significant challenges we are currently facing in our efforts to remain open and continue providing essential services to our community.

You can read the full article here 👉https://southwarknews.co.uk/area/camberwell/camberwell-after-school-club-set-up-by-local-mum-in-the-80s-is-facing-closure/​

The Heart of CASP: A Mother's Love Inspires a Community
It all began with a simple desire – Carmen’s love for her daughter and a determination to keep her career dreams alive.
When Carmen needed childcare after her daughter transitioned to primary school, the mismatch between school hours and work schedules left her with a tough choice.
But Carmen wasn't one to back down. Instead, it sparked a fire, a determination to build something bigger than just childcare – a community.
 
From Humble Beginnings to a Family Affair
CASP started small, a place for her daughter and a few others facing similar struggles. But something remarkable happened. It wasn't just an after-school program; it was a family. Parents rallied around the cause.
They weren't just users, they were invested. They helped prepare food, organised activities and became a supportive network. CASP became a collaborative effort, ensuring every child felt loved and cared for.
 


CASP takes shape.
A defining moment arrived with the acquisition of a purpose-built building. This wasn't just bricks and mortar; it was a symbol - a physical manifestation of what quality childcare should look and feel like.
The building was used to launch the 1989 Children’s Act, and hosted many parliamentary visitors to promote childcare issues, featured on TV, and hosted visitors from Sweden and other countries to promote child and family services. CASP was seen as a beacon in the community with every child from the local schools begging their parents to attend.
 
Resilience in the Face of Change 
Change is inevitable, Government policies shifted, funding became scarce, and new communities brought new challenges. Regulations grew, paperwork piled up, and the focus shifted from free play to risk assessments. Yet, CASP persevered. The team adapted, navigating the changing landscape with unwavering dedication.
 
What kept them going? 
CASP have survived for 38 years, the pride of surviving where others couldn't.
Picture this, You're strolling through Camberwell Green, enjoying the sunshine, when you see a familiar face. It's a parent you remember from when their child used CASP services! You stop to chat, and they light up, sharing how much CASP helped their child. They tell you about the specific activities their child loved at the time, and how those experiences continue to have a positive impact on them as an adult. It's a heartwarming reminder of the lasting difference CASP makes in children's lives.
 
Today CASP is facing a critical challenge – a lack of funding threatens to close their doors. But the story doesn't have to end here. With your help, CASP can continue to be a source of  support for our community. Please consider donating to CASP. Every contribution, big or small, will make a difference. To donate, please visit our Crowdfunder.
 
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• We've got some fantastic news to share! A massive thank you goes out to the Buchanan Programme & Miles Waller for their incredibly generous donation of £8,000 to CASP! This amazing contribution will make a real difference in the lives of the children we support.

For those who might not know, the Buchanan Programme is an employee-directed philanthropic program at Orbis Investments. This means that their employees, like Miles Waller, get to choose charities close to their hearts to receive donations from the company. We're so grateful that Miles chose C.A.S.P, and for the Buchanan Programme's commitment to supporting local communities!

This donation will go a long way in helping us continue to provide a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment for the children after school. Whether it's funding new art supplies, organizing exciting outings, or simply keeping our doors open, your generosity means the world to us.
 
WANT TO JOIN IN THE GIVING SPIRIT?
We're always looking for ways to keep providing the best possible care for the children. If you're feeling inspired by Miles' generosity,  you can donate directly through our CrowdFunding page.                                                                                                                                     Every little bit helps!

We're thrilled to share some exciting news: thanks to the generous support of the National Lottery Award for All, our community has received funding for a dedicated Special Needs Support Worker.

This funding marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing inclusive care and support for individuals with special needs. It is helping us in our challenge of staying open. 
 
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the National Lottery for believing in our vision and helping us create a safe environment for our children.
 
Help keep CASP open and donate or volunteer to our cause!