Charlie House, a children’s charity based in North East Scotland announces CNOOC International have donated an incredible £16,000 towards their vital work providing support and activities to families in the North-East of Scotland.

“In the region of 1,800 children in Grampian have a life shortening condition. When time is short it is more important than ever to be able to make the most of it,” says Susan Crighton, Director of Fundraising at Charlie House. “Our activities give the families the chance to make precious memories together.”

She continues, “Our activities and services are provided to the families free of charge. We want to be sure there are no barriers to families accessing the vital support we provide. This donation from CNOOC International will help to ensure that families have the chance to take part in activities with the knock-on effect of reducing isolation and providing opportunities for them to build peer support networks.”

CNOOC International’s GM Human Resources and Administration, Carol Munro, says:
“We are delighted to continue our longstanding partnership with Charlie House.  Giving back to the communities where we live and work is at the heart of CNOOC International’s values.  We are acutely aware of the effect that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our third sector and those most vulnerable in our society. Our support of Charlie House reflects the importance that we place on the work they do supporting families with children with complex needs, many of whom have been hardest hit by recent events. 

“Both professionally and personally, I know how important these partnerships are to the work of the third sector, but in particular how important it is for them to continue during the toughest of times.” 

“Links with businesses, like CNOOC International, who want to play a part in their local community and support the people of the North East of Scotland are integral to the support we deliver to the babies, children and young people with complex disabilities and life limiting conditions and their families.” Susan adds, “Quite simply their support helps to make our support possible.”

Charlie House’s services which are currently being run virtually include activity clubs, siblings’ clubs, support from the Charlie House Community Nurse, one-to-one emotional and practical support from the Children & Family Support Manager. It is hoped that their bi-annual adventure trip will return in 2022.

Charlie House has a range of fundraising activities including The Big Build Appeal, a public fundraising campaign to raise £8million for a specialist support centre being built on the grounds of Woodend Hospital. The centre will have 8-bedrooms, with additional family accommodation, set in 4 acres of ground. The state-of-the-art building will feature a sensory room, library, spa pool, craft room, teen den, soft play area, therapy room, star room, for end-of-life care & bereavement, outdoor play area and sensory gardens as well as adaptable meeting space and office space for the Charlie House team and medical staff.

KeyFacts Energy: CNOOC International United Kingdom country page