A CHARITY ball fundraiser in aid of some of Cornwall’s most vulnerable children and young people raised around £11,000.

The proceeds will support BF Adventure’s Big Build Project to replace their end-of-life main facilities, based in old portable buildings, which is essential to mitigate against the risk of needing to close areas of the site and operations, reducing activity and turning away young people in need.

Purpose-built facilities will be designed and built to equip young people to build skills, positive self-belief, confidence and relationships. These include a sensory room, IT training, music room, arts and crafts space, accessible provision and breakout rooms with counselling space.

Some 150 guests gathered at the Falmouth Hotel on March 27 for a three-course meal, entertainment by Jon Martin Magic and a disco with Rewind Radio DJ Dave Dowling. An auction of promises saw “money can’t buy” prizes donated by a range of organisations and individuals, from Harbour Lights Fish and Chips, Falmouth to Tregothnan Gardens near Truro, and Perran Moon MP.

Based in Penryn and Bodmin, BF Adventure uses trauma-informed youth work in the outdoors to empower young people to build resilience, break down emotional, social and physical barriers and unlock their potential.

The demand for services is very high among young people in extremely challenging circumstances, facing learning and/or physical disabilities, abuse trauma, behavioural challenges, mental ill health and more. The charity works with 5,000 individuals annually, of whom 500 live with multiple disadvantages including poverty and social isolation, and 200 receive specialist long-term support.

BF Adventure chief executive Adrian Richards said: “We’re delighted with the outcome of this event and want to say a big thank you to everyone involved. The income will play a vital part in us being able to keep providing a top specialist support service to some of Cornwall’s most disadvantaged young people.”