Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas pledged her support today for Brighton-based Dolphin House Charity by launching its new regular giving campaign.

The fundraising campaign titled ‘Keep Dolphin's Heart Beating' aims to encourage people to set up a regular monthly donation.

The funds raised will go towards sustaining the charity's central Brighton Children's Clinic and developing its outreach work in new areas of the city in 2012.

Caroline, who was at the campaign launch this morning, said:

"Dolphin House provides a unique and important complementary health service for the children and young people of Brighton and Hove - a service it offers regardless of family income.

"The charity also does a great job of going out into the community and reaching people who might not otherwise benefit.

"I very much hope that this appeal will deliver enough funding to ensure that Dolphin House is able to continue their excellent work in promoting good health and well-being in our city."

Dolphin House is appealing to local people to sign up and support them in the run up to Christmas and in 2012.

A regular donation of £10 per month from 150 people could raise £18,000 per annum for the charity - an invaluable sum which will help treat hundreds of local children.

Trustee Alison Pinkham added:

"We know that our cause may be perceived as non-urgent, but the impact of our work is immense and truly evident from the feedback from parents.

"A small donation per month will sustain our work for the longer-term.

"Health is often one of the first casualties of economic hardship so we are keen to increase the reach of our service and ensure more children benefit from natural treatments as part of their overall health care".

The children seen at Dolphin House have a range of conditions from asthma and eczema to digestive disorders and behavioural problems.

Many parents testify that these common conditions can often have an incredibly detrimental effect on a child's learning and development and have a negative impact on the family as a whole.

The relief offered by the natural therapies available through Dolphin House can make a significant difference.

The charity's outreach clinics are located in some of the more deprived areas of the city and offer treatments free of charge to ensure they are accessed by the neediest and most excluded families.

Tackling inequalities in health due to economic and social exclusion is fundamental to the work of Dolphin House.

As for many charities, the challenging economic climate has been tough for Dolphin House too, but with local community support it aims to continue delivery its service for several year to come.

To make a regular donation to Dolphin House, visit: http://www.justgiving.com/dolphinhouse or make a credit card donation via 01273 324790. For more information: http://www.dolphin-house.org.uk/

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• Dolphin House also offers paid adult complementary therapies such as massage, osteopathy, acupuncture, as well as ‘pamper' treatments such as Dr Hauschka foot and body spa. All proceeds from these treatments are donated to Dolphin House Charity.
• All proceeds from the Dolphin House Shop are also donated to Dolphin House Charity.