New Patronage for Lord-Lieutenant

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner is delighted to become Patron of the Telford based charity Challenging Perceptions.

 

The appointment comes as Challenging Perceptions celebrates its 10th anniversary and looks ahead to the next stage of its development. Founded in 2016, the Telford-based charity supports children, young people and families, with a particular focus on mental health, autism, learning disabilities and more recently dads via the Telford Dads project. Its work includes inclusive activities, wellbeing support, family projects and creating opportunities for children and young people to influence the services and communities around them.

Chair of Trustees, Fiona Doran, said: 

“It is my great pleasure to serve as Chair of Challenging Perceptions and to share in the incredible journey that has seen the organisation make a lasting impact across our communities. Working alongside schools, health services, local government and community organisations, we have helped improve inclusion, challenge stigma, and ensure that the voices of children, young people and families are heard and valued.

We are delighted that the Lord-Lieutenant has agreed to become our Patron. This patronage is a significant recognition of the work that Challenging Perceptions has undertaken over many years and will help champion the charity’s mission, raise awareness of the issues we address, and support our ambitions for the future. Together, we remain committed to building more inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner, said:

“It wasn’t a difficult decision to accept the invitation to become a patron of Challenging Perceptions because it is a vibrant and essential service that I have every confidence is helping to improve lives.   On visiting the Park Lane Centre I was struck by the embracing inclusivity to so many families that are living with the everyday difficulties that mental health, learning disabilities and autism brings.   To have this user-led charity offering such extensive support, advice and friendship can only enhance the quality of life for users”.

Carl Bailey, Founder and Chief Executive, said:

“We are incredibly proud and honoured that His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant has agreed to become Patron of Challenging Perceptions.

What started as a small community group ten years ago has grown into a charity making a real difference to children, young people and families across our community.

This is a very special moment in our history and reflects the hard work and commitment of our trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters, as well as the children, young people and families who are at the heart of everything we do.

We are extremely grateful to the Lord-Lieutenant for supporting our work and look forward to having them alongside us as we enter our next decade.”