Appeals

Southwark Day Centre, founded in 1962 and based in the crypt of St Giles Church, Camberwell, provides non-residential care for single, homeless people. It is open to everyone at all times, whatever their circumstances or problems, and this produces a heavy demand for the facilities. The centre offers basic comforts, such as refreshments and a warm, dry place, and long-term help to those who want to get restarted in society: advice on accommodation and benefits is available, as well as dental and medical treatment, the use of a washing-machine, a telephone and a clothing store. Last year over 10,000 people, with an average age of 30-45, used the centre; but increasing numbers of younger people are now appearing. The crypt is gloomy, overcrowded and in poor condition; the centre has been given a new site on the condition that it commissions and pays for the new building. It estimates that pounds 1.5m is needed.

Southwark Day Centre, 81 Camberwell Church Street, London SE5 8RB, telephone 071-703 2113.

Redland Green Play Equipment Fund has been created by local residents to raise money to buy a complete new set of play equipment for Redland Park playground, in Redland, a district in north-west Bristol. Hundreds of children use the playground every week but the equipment is old and near the end of its life: so far a slide, a seesaw and two climbing-frames have been removed; all that is left are swings, a roundabout and some wooden animals on springs. The fund, which has charitable status through the Redland and Cotham Amenity Society, needs to raise about pounds 20,000 to pay for a new set of integrated wooden equipment similar in design to an adventure playground. They want to buy two sets of equipment for both older children and the under-fives. The fund is holding a Family Fun Day to raise funds - with a tug-of- war and a sponsored bounce - on Sunday 13 September.

Redland Green Play Equipment Fund, 15 Harcourt Road, Redland, Bristol BS6 7RQ, telephone 0272 243038.

The Independent welcomes details of appeals from readers. They should be sent in writing (no more than 100 words) to Joanna Gibbon, Gazette, The Independent, 40 City Road, London EC1Y 2DB (fax 071-956 9358). Please include a daytime telephone number.