An open day in the gardens of Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, raised £2,825 for homelessness charities Depaul UK and Depaul International.

he event, held on Friday 6 September to celebrate Depaul’s 30th anniversary, offered guests a rare opportunity to visit the gardens, which are closed for much of the year, opening just once a month in the summer to raise money for various charities.

Depaul staff and volunteers served cream teas, ran a tombola and sold beautiful black-and-white photographs taken by young people who have used Depaul UK services.

Jason Eades, Senior Partnerships Manager at Depaul, said: “We’re so pleased to have given visitors  of which there were more than 350  the rare opportunity to experience the beautiful gardens at Lambeth Palace. It was a wonderful day, enjoyed by all and in support of two fantastic charities.

“We’re particularly grateful for the support that we’ve received from the Lord Bishop of Chichester, whose endorsement meant that we were able to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.”

Depaul UK and Depaul International were able to secure this opportunity after their application to be selected was backed by the Lord Bishop of Chichester, who attended the event.

Tim’s Dairy, a key corporate supporter of Depaul UK, also sold yoghurts, with all proceeds going to Depaul UK.

Chris Timotheou, Managing Director of Tims Dairy, said: “Tims Dairy were delighted to support Depaul to recognise their remarkable work in this, their 30th year of supporting the most marginalised young people across the country.

“This important year aligns with our own 70th Anniversary and to mark the occasion we were thrilled to have the opportunity at the event to sell ‘The London Collection’ yogurt range raising vital funds and profile for the charity.”