Worthing charity appoints its first patron in 25th anniversary year

Dr Tim Fooks, the High Sheriff of West Sussex, has spoken of the important work the charity carries out, helping anyone affected by unintended pregnancy, or pregnancy loss such as stillbirth and miscarriage, or following abortion.

A retired GP who has returned to work for the NHS in the current coronavirus crisis, Dr Fooks said: "I am delighted to become a patron of Acorn Pregnancy Counselling Centre.

"In my role as a GP I would see patients affected by unintended pregnancy or pregnancy loss, and I recognise the great value of Acorn’s work in offering clients a safe place to explore their feelings and their options at times like this."

In this current lockdown, Acorn is still able to offer phone and video counselling to clients, while its counselling volunteers and centre manager work from home.

Trustee Patrick Woodward said: "In Acorn’s 25th anniversary year, we are delighted that Dr Fooks has agreed to become our patron. We look forward to learning from his wisdom and experience.

"Dr Fooks is a well-known figure in the medical profession locally, and we value our connections with local GP practices. We believe that his appointment will increase our visibility as a local charity and enhance our credibility to funding organisations. This is an exciting time for Acorn.”

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.