Mayor of Camden hosts celebratory fundraiser for the Anna Freud National Centre

The evening took place at local favourite, Gilgamesh Restaurant in Camden’s Stable Market, bringing together local business owners, mental health professionals and others interested in the work and vision of the Anna Freud National Centre.

The evening kicked off with a drinks reception followed by a three-course meal of Gilgamesh’s world renowned Pan-Asian fare and live entertainment including aerial acrobatics.

Councillor Shah, who has supported the Anna Freud National Centre during her mayoral year, also invited guests to try out the Centre’s SmartGym model. SmartGym combines technology and activity tasks and has been designed with young people most in need of support in mind: those who present with behavioural and conduct disorders, anxiety and depression.

Brenda McHugh and Neil Dawson, co-founders of the programme at the Centre explain how the programme is currently being piloted in schools across London boroughs, including in Camden and Westminster and that it aims to develop transferable life skills and resilience amongst students.

There was also an auction with fantastic prizes including a spa day at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, tickets to the FA cup semi-final, and donated prizes from local Camden businesses, Shaftesbury Theatre, Maharani Restaurant, Nameste Kitchen Camden, Rugged Interactive and the Enheduanna Society, amongst others.

Councillor Shah reflected on the evening, saying:

‘It was a huge success. I would like to thank everyone who attended on the night and everyone who donated an auction or raffle prize. Very special thanks also to Gilgamesh and Market Tech for their very generous sponsorship of the event. A pupil from the Family School, ten year old Joseph Henry, and his mother demonstrated the SmartGym which I hope will very soon be available in our Camden schools.’

Over £20,000 was raised – a great figure. All proceeds will come to the Centre, enabling us to continue to provide the highest quality care for children, young people and their families who are experiencing mental health difficulties.

Jenny Ricketts, our Fundraising Manager, said:

‘We are so grateful to Councillor Shah for hosting the evening and to Gilgamesh and Market Tech for putting on such a wonderful event. The night was a magnificent success and the money raised from this evening will make a huge difference to the children, young people and families we work with’.