So many charities are desperate for money and a huge numbers of people are running marathons, climbing mountains and shaving their heads to raise much needed cash.

But Neil Batey from Deal is not aiming at money making ideas. He just wants to find people who need support from a good cause.

He is employed by The Sailors’ Children’s Society to raise its profile and encourage referrals from those in the Dover and Ramsgate area in need of support in their lives.

“One of the factors that attracted me to the charity was that they offer long term support to young people with regular small amounts of income rather than one off lump sums; they also offer holidays and support with uniforms and PCs.

“So I’m hoping that through this article we can get the good news about our charity out there so that the numbers of children supported by us rises. Many charities need donations from people and organisations, on this occasion we are looking for more opportunities to support people locally!

“We are keen that not only individuals know about us but also that support organisations working with families should know about us too and start to make referrals so that we can support local children in need.

“Their parent or parents must have worked at sea so we are also encouraging people to talk to their social worker, family liaison officer, nursery worker or other support staff.

“Initially, people should look at our website but if they don’t have that facility then contact me on my telephone and I’ll give them details that way.”

He was a youth worker for most of his working life and took early voluntary redundancy from Cornwall County Council.

Neil, 61, and his wife Sue, who live in The Grove, moved from a cottage on Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, to Deal, to be nearer their children. They have been in the town for three years.

He was project manager of the North Deal Community Partnership and is now a volunteer at the Golf Road Centre.

“The centre is going really well and we are beginning to develop new working partnerships to deliver services to north Deal.

“Also, I work for Side by Side Advocacy Service which is part of Age UK working from The Deal Centre in Park Street.

“Since moving here I’ve also taken up cycling – fair weather, non-racing – and have a renewed interest in photography after seeing Nigel Walshe’s exhibition in The Golf Road Centre, which I read about in the Mercury.”

* To contact Neil Batey ring 07854 156 356.