Norwood held its first dinner since the start of the pandemic in central London on Monday, at which Michael Gove praised the charity for its “unceasing commitment to caring for its community”.

Addressing more than 230 guests at the Grosvenor House Hotel, the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Secretary added that “the true testament to Norwood’s value is the way it enables the individuals it supports to live their most fulfilling lives”.

Its worth was also reflected in the trust community members placed in it “to be there for some of its most vulnerable members at every stage of their lives”.

Norwood chair Neville Kahn told diners that during the toughest of times, the charity had continued “to provide essential services to the most vulnerable, with many staff putting their own health and safety at risk to support others”.

He also spoke to Norwood resident Laurie Decker about the life-changing support he had received.

More than £430,000 was raised from the dinner, organised by Norwood’s distressed investing committee, towards the £12 million it needs to raise from the community annually to complete its £32 million budget.

Guests said they welcomed the networking opportunities of an in-person event.