Child plays with parent at CHAT children's charity.Disability

CHAT

September 4, 2018By

Family respite days for children with special needs

CHAT Children’s Respite Charity helps families with children who have special needs in Buckinghamshire. They offer short-term respite care including at-home care packages helping approximately 70 people ever year, alongside family day trips for approximately 40 people.

A little money goes a long way to help CHAT: just £20 funds an hour of respite care and can alleviate the depression and resentment towards the sick child which are common within such families as siblings often lose out on quality time with their parents.

The Axis Foundation’s donation of £500 will fund summer day trips for careworn families to Gulliver’s Land Theme Park in Milton Keynes. The days out will provide entertainment and holiday spirit as well as much-needed respite from care. On top of transport and entrance tickets, the money we donated will contribute towards providing carers to assist the families on the day out.

 “It is a round-the-clock job caring for a sick child, and there is little opportunity for rest or for quality time with other family members. On behalf of CHAT and our families with children who have special needs whom we support I would like to thank Axis for your generous donation. Without the support of organisations like yourself we would be unable to provide these families with the respite care they so need. The respite that CHAT provides to these families is a life line. Thank you”  – Anthea Cass, Charity Fundraiser

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Children show Christmas cards they made with charity Accuro.Community

Accuro

August 18, 2018By

Transport for young people and adults with a disability

For local children, young people and adults with a disability and their families Accuro offers a great range of activities and outings in West Essex. 

Our donation of £5,560 helped transport members to social activities including trips to the seaside. These respite trips reduce loneliness and provide fun, friendship and entertainment.

“Thanks to everyone at AXIS – you have helped make a real difference to people with learning disability in West Essex. We can help our members learn new life skills, as well as reduce social isolation while increasing their confidence and giving them the independence and opportunity to integrate with their local community ” – Natalie Trapmore, Grants and Trusts Fundraiser

More About Accuro

The range of activities for local children, young people and adults with a disability and their families provided by Accuro is extensive. Initiatives for young people include the School Holiday Support Project offering 8-19 year olds with a disability opportunities to participate in leisure and social activities.

The Saturday Play Club offers 8-16 year olds with a range of disabilities and needs the opportunity to engage in constructive and imaginative play within a safe, caring environment developing confidence and self-esteem plus communication, social and life skills.

For adults with a disability, the Adult Friendship Scheme offers opportunities to take part in leisure and social activities.

 

 

See how the people at Accuro spent our donation – and hear their words of thanks as they join us and celebrate our 10th birthday in 2019

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Five Men on summit of Arctic Mountain for Demelza Arctic Challenge FundraiserDemelza

Axis Arctic Challenge

August 17, 2018By

Chilly Challengers Fly the Flag for Demelza on Arctic Fundraiser

Well done to the Axis Arctic Challengers who went all the way to the top of Mount Kebna in the Arctic Circle – raising funds for our Axis Foundation charity partner Demelza

The Chilly Challenge

Axis people Christopher Houlihan, Gary Perfect, Philip Twin John Bull and Daniel Blake decided they would take on the chilly challenges of the Arctic Circle to raise money for Demelza Children’s Hospice, the charity partner of both Axis and the Axis Foundation  supporting children with life-limiting illnesses.

The Adventure Begins!

On the first leg of their Arctic Challenge fundraiser, the team arrived at base camp on the first night – in great spirits if a little burnt and tired! The following day they went from 25 degrees C to minus 10; sweltering heat to hail and glaciers; hot rocky terrain to waist-high snow drifts; suffering cramp, dizziness painful injuries and bearing heavy kit: our Arctic Challengers certainly had to dig deep to reach the heights.

Would they do it again?

In total the Arctic Challenge fundraiser provided £10,000 for Demelza. They said:

“Yes, without a doubt we would do it again. We got a real sense of achievement. We pushed ourselves to a place we did not know existed. Throughout the Arctic Challenge fundraiser, we kept thinking about the kids at Demelza. We had a hard few days. Their entire life is hard. The money we raised will make a difference.”

An exclusive extract from the diary of the Arctic Challenge Team

“No sooner had we left the first valley did our fears become reality, a storm, fearsome freezing winds, hail & snow coming straight at us and whilst we needed to descend quickly our only route back was up into another valley totally exposed and heading into the storm. There was no safe opportunity for photos here. We stuck to what rockery we could but then found open snow to cross, increasing in distance as visibility was so poor and with the weather worsening all the time – thunder and lighting now!

“No option but to continue we pushed and pushed, falling down in snow or twisting ankles on rocks, with one of us even becoming stuck and needing to be dug out! The valley seemed endless and the weather relentless, progress was perilously slow. We were wet, cold through and totally exposed and our gear barely sufficient for such conditions!

“Eventually we began to descend and with it the hail and snow became rain and the wind lessened to allow us look up, what we saw was a long valley and 6 wet cold hikers! Kebna had broken us but not beaten us!”

Axis would like to thank the following for their support, sponsorship and pledges:
Advanced Drains, Camview Security, Clearline, D&D Plumbing & Electrical, Danacom Ltd, Hallowell Electrical, Hydrotech, Leander Services, M&R Ltd, Paul Grindley, Pump Practitioners, PV Electrical, Raysaleccy, Rob Mellish, Roofmaster, SH Plumbing, Synergy and W&K Interiors.

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Children play with child theraeutic equipment donated to Blooming Blossoms.Disability

Blooming Blossoms

August 10, 2018By

Helping disabled and disadvantaged children

The Axis Foundation’s donation of £4,500 to Blooming Blossoms will contribute to providing specialist therapeutic equipment which will help disabled and disadvantaged children to lead independent lives.

The equipment Blooming Blossoms purchased includes a Frame (to be used in conjunction with sensory swings, platforms and bolsters); a Steamroller Deluxe; a Helicopter Swing and a Stargate Swing.

“The donation from the Axis Foundation will make a massive difference in the lives of disabled and disadvantaged children Without the support of Blooming Blossoms many of these children will fail in their education and social lives. On their behalf I say thank you!” – Kayla Lew, Funding Officer

More About Blooming Blossoms

Based in the London Borough of Hackney, Blooming Blossoms is a free learning centre supporting approximately 80 children on a regular basis and upwards of 160 children through the drop-in options and out-of-hours Sunday-funday sessions and holiday play schemes.

Happy Haven here is a state-of-the-art Therapy Centre which offers both conventional and holistic therapies (including Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language, Drama Therapy, Art Therapy, Music Therapy) so that children can hone and improve crucial life skills.
The children attending the learning centre are all from low-income homes and families: Blooming Blossoms offers their therapeutic services to all children referred to them, free of charge.

 

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Smiling members of the Arts For All groupDisability

Arts For All

August 2, 2018By

Vulnerable adults benefit from arts learning holiday

Arts for All helps vulnerable adults with learning disabilities. At the Shoreditch-based charity, friendship and acceptance replace isolation and low self-esteem. Members build up their confidence through working creatively with peers. Here they can learn arts and crafts including drawing, textiles, jewellery and silver-smithing.

Our donation of £5,000 (2018) funded a holiday to Devon. On the holiday, teachers delivered arts and crafts sessions. Members all took every opportunity for activity (swimming, go-karting, golf, badminton, Bollywood dancing, archery, snooker) discarding their sedentary lives with enthusiasm. They all brought home a new skill or hobby once the holiday was over – the best memento!

 “Each person felt they had learned new things that they never thought that they could do. They have come back to London armed with expertise and walking taller. They all know that they did really well and it has made them really feel that they have something positive to offer. All in all this was the most amazing, brilliant adventure. They grew in confidence, learned new creative techniques to bring back to the group in London and they were active all week… Above all the most important thing to me is how HAPPY they all were. They stepped away from their often difficult, isolated and mundane lives into a holiday of friends, fun and a lot of laughter!!

“We are so grateful for this funding from The Axis Foundation who have made this holiday possible. Once again, thank you so much” – Caroline Barlow, Manager and Founder

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Two Children supported by Newlife, with portable hoistDisability

Newlife Foundation

July 30, 2018By

Improving quality of life for two children by purchasing specialist equipment

Newlife Foundation is the UK’s largest charity provider of specialist equipment for children with disabilities and terminal illnesses. In their care areOlivia and Ryan who, at the time of our donation, were both around eight years old.

Olivia has a genetic disorder that affects the nervous system. So, the Foundation donated £2,899 to Newlife towards a specialist bed that will improve her quality of life and provide relief for both herself and her family.

Ryan’s disability means he has to be hoisted in and out of his wheelchair whenever he needs to use the bathroom, have a wash or go to bed. There is a ceiling track hoist in his home but Ryan’s family were very limited to where they could take him. So, the Axis Foundation donated £1,020 to Newlife towards a portable hoist for Ryan, meaning that they can take him to exciting new places for longer periods.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to the Axis Foundation for their support of Newlife and our family – this will make a big difference. Having a portable hoist that we can put in the boot of the car and take with us wherever we want to go will make a huge difference to Ryan’s life. There are endless possibilities. Ryan has never been able to play in a paddling pool in the garden but this summer he will be able to enjoy this simple pleasure. We will be able to be more adventurous about where we go for days out with Ryan and even consider a family holiday” – Ryan’s Mum, Victoria

 

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Axis Foundation trustees receive Corporate Foundation Prize at Business Charity AwardsNews

Axis Foundation wins Charity Award

July 12, 2018By

We’ve Won!!

The Axis Foundation won the Corporate Foundation Category in the highly prestigious Business Charity Awards, sponsored by Third Sector.

The Business Charity Awards were presented at a glitzy black-tie dinner in London’s Marriott Grosvenor Square and recognise the outstanding support given to charities by UK businesses.

The Axis Foundation competed and won in the Corporate Foundation category against larger companies like Credit Suisse and Price Waterhouse Cooper, who are also doing fantastic work through their Foundations.

What our Trustees Said:

“Winning the Corporate Foundation category in the Business Charity Awards is not only a nod to the value of our charity’s activity and purpose, but a lovely way to show recognition to everyone who has helped us along the way” – Axis Foundation Chairman Peter Varney

“I am so happy and proud. Not just about this Award but everything the Foundation has achieved and how many people have supported us raising money and helped to identify the great causes we fund” – Axis CEO and Foundation Trustee John Hayes

What the Judges Said:

“The passion behind this foundation really shines through…Good employee involvement – both in terms of fundraising and in involvement with supported charities. There’s a good mix of funding – from corporate donations, to events, to staff fundraising.”

“The £1m donated figure is worth celebrating and a good way to demonstrate the impact of the Foundation… Axis are rightly proud of what they have achieved. The support of local causes fits well with the company’s purpose. It was good to see the corporate donation broken out versus events and staff fundraising. It feels like they are on a very positive journey.”

What Our Friends Said:

“Well-deserved recognition!” Shooting Star Chase

“Your success is measured by the thousands you have helped” Imber Metz

“Congratulations to all… well deserved” Maypole Project

“Many congratulations to you all… we are proud to work with you” Demelza

We’ve got a lot to celebrate!

We had two reasons to celebrate in 2018. We won at the Business Charity Awards whilst we were in the midst of celebrating a major milestone: donating over £1m to 110 small, local and impactful causes. And in 2019, we followed up with even more joy as we marked our 10th birthday, our Decade of Donations.

What a lot to celebrate!

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Imber Metz football players sat on a pitch listening to their trainer.Donations

Imber Metz

July 2, 2018By

We believe passionately in the importance of the work of Imber Metz, steering young people away from crime and particularly working to reduce knife crime in London.

Imber Metz is the Met Police’s youth engagement project. The charity is one of our longstanding partners whom we are proud to support. The Axis Foundation has donated £35,000 to Imber Metz over seven years.

Our donations help Imber Metz deliver anti-crime lectures and football activities in high-crime and hard-to-reach-areas. The vital projects will benefit around 200 young people.

“Without doubt the most valuable achievement is this: several young people approached Imber Metz to tell of a serious public order situation which could have resulted in knife crime against a named individual. As a result, and due to the close liaison we have with the police, this situation was avoided and a young person’s life saved. Without the Axis Foundation none of the above would have been possible. On behalf of the young people and the project a massive Thank You” – DCI Clive Driscoll, Founder

COVID-19 update

“During Lockdown, we have helped young people who attended our sessions in Lambeth. We have supported them via Zoom and will focus on new projects, including community days and new locations, once conditions allow.

“The future is bright although the last months have been difficult for all. Your assistance gives the communities Imber Metz works with – now and in the future – a chance to start again. As always a massive Thank You” – DCI Clive Driscoll

More about Imber Metz

Imber Metz youth engagement project works to improve the lives of young people in hard-to-reach communities by:

  • promoting work with the police and statutory agencies
  • appointing mentors to convey a strong positive message
  • delivering a strong anti-knife crime agenda
  • engaging young people in football activities
  • focusing on boroughs identified by the Metropolitan Police as Trident Gang Boroughs

Football focus

Our donations have supported the Imber Metz’s youth football project. The project enables Police Officers and young people (who may have lost respect for the Police and the legal system) to spend time together in non-confrontational situations. Together the communities are building bridges and breaking down barriers through sport. In addition, the project helps players build up their social and life skills whilst they receive training in the sport.

The football project used our funds for pitch hire, travel and kit, expanding the project into new areas and involving more socially-excluded youngsters. Imber Metz provides  football for U7, U13 and U18 players and has successfully forged links with many clubs and  community football organisations.

Distinguished mentors

Distinguished mentors supporting Imber Metz youth engagement project include Mr Neville Lawrence OBE, the father of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence, and leading human rights lawyer Joslyn Coburn.

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Youths wearing For Jimmy T-shirts - a charity who safer spaces and communities in South East London.Community

For Jimmy

June 22, 2018By

Creating safer spaces and communities

The Axis Foundation and For Jimmy have consolidated long and special relationship working together in memory of Jimmy Mizen. For Jimmy was founded by the family of Jimmy Mizen, a 16-year old Lewisham boy who was murdered here in 2008 by a fellow young person. Jimmy’s parents, Barry and Margaret, are determined to create a living legacy of forgiveness, peace and hope, helping build safer spaces and communities for everyone – and especially for young people.

We are so grateful to the Axis Foundation for their support and generosity. I promised my son the day he died I would never stop working on his behalf, and I would never forget him. Of course we never have. The support of the Axis Foundation means For Jimmy can continue to work to build safer spaces and communities” – Margaret Mizen, mother of Jimmy

2018: Our millionth £ goes to to For Jimmy

In 2018, we shared a special moment together when the Foundation reached £1m in total donations: this landmark on our road of giving was passed when the Foundation donated £5,000 to For Jimmy.

“We look forward to a long partnership with the Axis Foundation and would like to congratulate – and thank – them all on reaching their £1 million in donations made to charities and causes like ours” – Barry Mizen, Jimmy’s father.

 “We are delighted that our millionth pound is to be given to For Jimmy, a charity that is so close to our hearts and that has had such a positive influence” – Peter Varney, Chairman of the Axis Foundation Trustees

“I’m delighted to celebrate donating one million pounds to causes and charities like For Jimmy that really make a difference and have an impact in their communities” – Alan Curbishley, Patron of the Axis Foundation

Also in 2018: We fund Young Citizens

The Axis Foundation’s donation in 2018 of £10,000 to For Jimmy developed their Young Citizens Programme. The YCP provides the opportunity for young people to identify, plan and deliver a community project which builds their capabilities and self-confidence as well as adding to their passion of making a positive contribution to society.

“We believe we all have the power to build the types of communities we want to live in. We are grateful to the Axis Foundation for their whole-hearted support. Our new Young Citizens Programme has been made possible by your generosity and will make a difference the lives of many young people” – Barry Mizen, father of Jimmy Mizen

2017: Safe Havens

In 2017 the Axis Foundation gave For Jimmy a donation of £5078 funding Safe Haven’ stickers and For Jimmy t-shirts. Safe Havens (inspiring and equipping children and young people to build safer spaces and communities), Good Hope cafes and Talks for Change in schools are three Flagship Programme areas of focus at For Jimmy.

See our video celebrating our 10th anniversary in 2019 as Margaret Mizen explains how For Jimmy used our donation.

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A painter and decorator stood beside branded Bounce Back van.Donations

Bounce Back

June 17, 2018By

Employment opportunities for ex-offenders

Bounce Back is a social enterprise charity providing support and rehabilitation to help ex-offenders find employment. Inside and outside prisons, they provide training in construction so that their people gain the skills, confidence and qualifications to improve their chances of employment in the industry.

The Axis Foundation recently donated a van to Bounce Back so they can get more of their workers and supplies to sites in London and the Home Counties This was the second van we have donated to the charity.

“Our thanks to The Axis Foundation – this [donation] enables us to get the teams in our Social Enterprise out to work… using skills learnt in prison to make a living and turn their lives around” – Bounce Back

Continued support for Bounceback

As well donating two vans and materials to the charity, we have mentored trainees, offered start-up business advice, provided paid work experience and helped Bounce Back’s people find employment. John Hayes, CEO of Axis, spent his volunteer day at Bounce Back, demonstrating the close bond that has formed since Bounce Back was founded.

“Axis is one of the organisations that have been with us from the very beginning. Their support has been over the years has been invaluable and we are extremely grateful.” – Francesca Findlater CEO

More about Bounce Back

Bounce Back has provided employment help for ex-offenders since 2012, working with over 1,000 people. 75% of their beneficiaries go into employment or further training, become skilled painters, decorators and construction workers or set up their own businesses. Beginning as a team of five in 2012, Bounce Back has now grown to a team of 30 providing decorating services for a wide range of clients including Landsec and Elephant and Castle’s Box Park – The Artworks. In addition, they work with schools and private clients. Their future ambition is to expand their operations further and to welcome women and young people from vulnerable groups into their training and rehabilitating programme.

 

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