A well-known Sudbury charity which provides counselling support for children and adults marked its 15th anniversary with a special celebration in the town.

Around 50 people attended the anniversary celebration for the Kernos Centre, in Friars Street, to show their support for the valuable service which the charity provides.

The event was held at the Masonic Hall – which was provided free of charge for the charity – as was the buffet from The Bridge Project in Sudbury.

Graham Hill, Kernos director, welcomed Sudbury town mayor Sarah Page and thanked her for choosing the centre as one of her chosen charities during her term as mayor.

Mrs Page opened the evening and spoke of her support for the vital work that Kernos provides to the community.

She said that since Kernos opened 15 years ago they had received over 3,200 referrals for counselling support for local children and adults.

South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge and Babergh District councillors Adrian and Jan Osborne also attended as ardent supporters of the Centre’s valuable service.

Also among the attendees were Shirley Moore, chief executive of the Befriending Scheme, Ruth and Phil Worsley, from the Sudbury Cancer Support Group, and Rob Allen from the Bridge Project.

Chris Boatwright, director of counselling, said: “The local need and demand for our service is much greater now than when we first opened.

“Kernos have already received 123 referrals so far in 2018 and are currently providing 80 face-to-face counselling sessions per week.

“I do believe we are the ‘net beneath the net’ for so many vulnerable people in our local community.

“We still passionately believe in providing equal access to all. That is why the Kernos Centre was formed, and why we still exist today.”

Peter Brown, finance director, said: “Donations, client contributions and fundraising make up more than half of the revenue for Kernos.

“Our thanks go to all that support us in the community. Babergh District continue to support us year on year with important contributions to core funding, and Suffolk Community Foundation give tremendous support with our grant applications.

“Sudbury town council and parish councils and other local organisations have also supported us with donations towards our centre.”

Lydia Page-Wright, 17, a sixth-form student at Thomas Gainsborough School and Evie Press, 15, a student at Colchester County High School, sang two songs each and were very well received by the audience.

Ami Crowley, 18, also announced that she would be doing a skydive for Marie Curie and the Kernos Centre on August 17.

Mr Cartlidge said: “The Kernos Centre is a fantastic local charity that provides vital services to adults and young people challenged by mental health issues.

“I was very pleased to attend the 15th anniversary celebration and enjoyed the entertainment from local musicians. I commend the Kernos Centre for reaching this milestone.”

For more information, visit www.kernos.org