A Hatfield children’s charity is gearing up its activities after being chosen as one of the Co-op’s local causes.

Three Hatfield Co-op branches have got behind Potential Kids, which helps support children and young people with autism, ADHD and other special needs.

One per cent of the cost of selected own-brand products bought by Co-op members at these branches will go towards the charity.

Co-founder Angela Gaughan spoke to the Welwyn Hatfield Times in the midst of their preparations for the next ‘stay and play’ sessions, which will take place on March 16 and 30.

“At a time when funds for charitable organisations are becoming more difficult to access, we’re incredibly grateful for this opportunity to make a real difference in Welwyn Hatfield,” she said.

She described the various costs the charity faces, including rent on their new venues, art and craft supplies, as well as equipment for their technology and coding workshops.

“That’s why this Co-op thing is really important,” she said.

Potential Kids relocated recently to new sites after vacating their old home at Beaconsfield Court.

READ MORE: New doors open as Hatfield charity Potential Kids finds three new sites“We’re really very lucky that we have got somewhere, because without it we couldn’t do anything,” said Angela.

The Portakabin they’ve occupied at Breaks Manor, Hatfield, was recently refurbished with the help of Welham Green renovation business Pexhurst.

“We’re really grateful to the community,” said Angela.

The corporate fundraising scheme with the Co-op is being handled via the Welwyn Hatfield Community Voluntary Service (CVS).

The branches supporting Potential Kids are the food and funeral care branches on Bishops Rise as well as the Birchwood branch.

Potential Kids’ dedicated page at the Co-op is: https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/30004For more information about Potential Kids, see: www.potentialkids.org