Offering a haven of hope

Our fundraising work continued to grow with the launch of a new island-wide campaign to support young people

The Spring saw the launch of our new Safe Haven Appeal, raising funds for our respite centres across Northern Ireland and the Republic. The appeal (right) ran through to Christmas and was successful in raising nearly £20,000 to support our work with vulnerable children.

Support for the campaign came from local businesses including AXA NI and AllState, as well as via our ongoing partnership with Ulster Rugby, who supported the appeal throughout the year, organising collections at matches, and a staff Christmas Jumper Day. The club also helped secure a fantastic donation from the Curran Family Foundation and arranged the fabulous Bangor RFC choir to perform and collect at a number of events throughout the runup to Christmas.

It was a busy year for community-based activity too, with a growing number of enthusiastic individuals and community groups raising funds and awareness for Extern, despite the ongoing

We also received support from a number of sporty fundraisers, including Jordan Gough, who took to the pavements for the Belfast Marathon, raising an incredible £3,037 in memory of his

Jake Bainbridge, who organised a five-aside football tournament in the community, raised a fantastic £400 in celebration of World Mental Health Day. And a hardy group of fundraisers –including some staff members - braved dizzying heights to abseil 100ft down the iconic fairytale tower at Belfast Castle (left). Together the group raised a fantastic £2,190 towards our Safe Havens, enabling Extern to keep helping local children in

Online fundraising also played an important role in our work, with Larne