RUMWELL Farm Shop has chosen new charities to benefit from fundraising this year. 

Children's charity Escape Support Group has been selected by the team and customers at the shop to benefit throughout 2017. 

Anne Mitchell, joint owner of the farm shop, said: “Escape Support Group has been supporting families who have a child, or children, who have disabilities or specific individual needs in the Somerset area for 17 years.

“Escape’s main aim is to provide fun activities, allowing children the opportunity to experience a positive childhood where they are integrated fully, and are able to share experiences that will enhance and enrich their lives, which other children and families may take for granted.

“We’ll be fundraising for it in a number of ways during the year so it can continue to provide activities, days out and occasional holidays for the whole family. We will also be raising awareness of their vital work with families in our local area.

“We have a number of fundraising ideas from a quiz night in our cafe, a sponsored bike ride to a car wash and even a charity afternoon tea. We would like to raise at least £2,000 for the organisation throughout the year.”

The children supported by Escape have a wide range of needs varying from severe learning or physical disabilities, sensory loss, autism and ADHD, to a child with a minor speech delay.

The activities the charity organises boost morale, increase confidence and self-esteem, improve social skills, decrease behavioural difficulties and develop and strengthen friendships.  

Sarah Phippen, team leader at Escape Support Group, said: “Escape is tremendously grateful to Anne, and her staff at Rumwell Farm Shop, for choosing us to be one of their charities of the year for 2017.

“It is fantastic that a local business is able to offer support to a local charity. The work we do relies heavily on fundraising and grant applications. We are so grateful to get help in this area.

"The funds we receive will benefit many families within Somerset, providing them with fun opportunities, spending quality time together, while making new friends.”