Welcome to Axis Foundation, the charitable arm of Axis.

Yearly Archives: 2013

Disabled child smiling in his new specialist car seat

Harrison Smith Fund

March 21, 2013By Axis Foundation

Specialist car seat brings mobility

Little Harry’s illness limits his mobility; to help him see more of the world, his parents can purchase a specialist car seat thanks to our donation.

At 13 months, genetic tests diagnosed Harry Smith with 1p36 Deletion Syndrome. This chromosome deficiency affects Harry’s growth, development, speech, hearing, sight, mobility, digestion and motor skills.

Harry’s grandparents set up the ‘Harrison Smith Future Care Fund’ to provide for his future care and Harry’s family and friends host fundraising events including a Valentine’s Day ball which raised £10,000. Harry’s family also applied to the Axis Foundation for £500 Axis Foundation to purchase a specialist car seat, which we were delighted to grant.

The new, lightweight car seat provides added comfort and support through extra-firm armrests. Most importantly, it has a padded swivel base which makes transferring Harry from his wheelchair into the car a much easier process.

“Before we had the new seat it was difficult to transfer Harry without making him feel uncomfortable and hurting our backs leaning into the car” explained Jenny, Harry’s mum.

“We would just like to thank you for donating Harry’s new specialist car seat. It swivels so Harry can be lifted into the car so much easier and is so much more comfortable for him. It will last for a very long time as there is lots of room in it for Harry to grow.”

Donations

Ebony Horse Club

March 9, 2013By Axis Foundation

Horse riding lessons for disadvantaged youngsters

Ebony Horse Club is a charity that runs a horse riding programme for young people in inner-city communities. The project benefits social housing residents from the London Boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark and Wandsworth. It enables children aged 8-16 to experience an activity rarely available in urban areas.

£2479 from the Axis Foundation will pay for 72 children to participate in a two day horse riding introduction course. Keen riders can then to take part in a six-week follow-on programme, also covered by the donations.

“We know from the success of two pilot projects that there is a strong and consistent interest in horse riding from children living in these communities. Unfortunately very few families in social housing can afford to access this type of activity for their children, so they miss out” – Neighbourhood Investment Officer, Maud Gambier-Ellis

The charity has over 16 years experience working with children from disadvantaged backgrounds and has recently opened in Loughborough (Lambeth), one of the most deprived wards in the country. Children are encouraged to take part in many other educational activities including: educational visits, residential trips, and being sponsored for equestrian studies.

“We’re happy to support a cause that provides children with limited opportunities the ability to gain new experiences and skills, in this case the basics of horse riding and caring for animals. But that will also help with the wider development of their listening, communication and team working skills”- John Hayes, Axis Foundation Trustee

Disability

Tabor Centre

March 5, 2013By Axis Foundation

Wheelchair-accessible minibus for disabled adults

The Tabor Centre in Essex provides daytime care for over 80 severely disabled adults and respite for their full time family carers. The Axis Foundation’s donation part-funded the purchase of a wheelchair accessible minibus, used to transport members comfortably and safely.

Anthea Cooper, Tabor’s Centre Manager, explained in her funding application: “Accessible transport is key to our service, without it we cannot operate as our members disabilities mean they’re unable to travel in conventional ways. The day trips this vehicle will facilitate are the only opportunity for many of our members to leave their home and meet other people.”

“Your donation and this vehicle will enhance the lives of our severely disabled members” – Tabor Centre Manager, Anthea Cooper

More About The Tabor Centre

The Tabor Centre has been active for over twenty years, providing professional care and support to severely disabled adults, about 50% of whom have Multiple Sclerosis. The day centre provides educational classes, counselling, therapy and importantly a congenial and friendly atmosphere for people that visit.
Our ultimate aims are the rehabilitation of our members to enable them to participate and become part of their local community and for their carers to have a better quality of life.

Donations

Woodside School

February 1, 2013By Axis Foundation

Help for children with autism and learning difficulties

Woodside School in Bexley supports 215 children with Autism and learning difficulties. A donation of £2,700 from the Axis Foundation has enabled the school to launch two new extra-curricular clubs; an art club and a Tae Kwando club. Both after-school activities will provide an outlet for children to express their energy and creativity and encourage them to build new friendships with their peers.

The school approached the Axis Foundation after their Government funding was cancelled, removing their ability to provide engaging extracurricular activities.

“In addition to the challenges our pupils face with their disabilities, most come from families deemed as financially disadvantaged, which adds additional barriers to them accessing activities outside of school.” Audrey Chamberlain Head Teacher, Woodside School

Both clubs have enjoyed excellent attendance and feedback from the school is that the classes have been well received by the children, and the students who attend regularly have shown improvement in behaviour.

“Both the Art and Tae Kwando after school clubs have now started and the children are enthusiastic and very keen to take part. We used the donation given by the Axis Foundation to buy IT equipment for the art club and safety equipment for the Tae Kwando club which has helped massively.The children are very much enjoying the two new clubs and we couldn’t have done this without the help of The Axis Foundation. Thank you from everyone at Woodside School.” Audrey Chamberlain