Gift boxes for seriously ill children in hospitalCare

Tyler’s Trust

January 7, 2021By

Gifts and equipment for seriously-ill children

In 2019, we donated £1,500 to Tylers Trust to support their work giving gifts and equipment to seriously ill children in hospitals.

Their Funding Support Officer, Juliet Stallard, explains how our donation helped them give a little bit extra to local children and their families during the pandemic.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to the Axis Foundation. You kindly donated £1,500 to Tyler’s Trust in 2019 towards essential equipment to support seriously-ill children in hospital. The equipment, DVDs and TVs you provided helped children in 2019. And when COVID hit in 2020, many of the children had to lock down in hospital. So the extra provisions you helped us with helped those children in local hospitals who were unable to get out of bed.

Our further donation

In 2020 the Axis Foundation made a further award of £1,690 to Tyler’s Trust to purchase I-pads and tablets.

More about Tyler’s Trust

Young Tyler underwent extensive surgery and radio therapy following a diagnosis of a brain tumour. During his long time in care, the thoughtful 12-year-old bought two young fellow patients a comic and a toy.Their delighted reaction inspired Tyler. So, in 2014, he founded the charity Tyler’s Trust giving a Gift Box to patients who have been diagnosed with a brain tumour or are suffering from a life threatening condition. Each box contains cheering gifts including a teddy, a bandana, a mug, pens, sweets and a voucher. And, as well as giving gift boxes to family members, Tyler’s Trust also provides additional backup including through an annual family support day.

Tyler has been nominated for several awards in recognition of his courage. In 2018, he received a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his work. He says that his greatest achievement is the creation of Tyler’s Trust, whose patron is TV and radio presenter Fearne Cotton.

There’s more about Tyler’s Trust here

 

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Young disadvantaged children sailingCare

The Ahoy Centre

November 6, 2020By

Supporting vulnerable children

The Axis Foundation donated £3,750 to The AHOY Centre’s Time2Talk programme. Time2Talk provides 1-2-1 emotional and psychological support for vulnerable children. Many children at AHOY come from chaotic home-lives, with little guidance. And these Time2Talk 1-2-1 sessions improve teamwork, self-esteem and leaderships skills.

“On behalf of everyone at AHOY, thank you for believing in our work and helping us to continue to have a real positive impact on people’s lives.

“We have now added our mentoring Time2Talk services to all our main programmes. We will continue to embed this vital piece of support into all additional programmes.

“During the period of your grant, The Time2Talk programme was led by AHOY’s Lead Mentor and qualified Psychologist who worked with a team of qualified mentors. The mentors were also instructors on the activity programme.

“They provided emotional and psychological support to our vulnerable children whilst delivering “on the job” mentoring. And they could recognise any behavioural changes and react appropriately during sessions to support them”  – Danny O’Sullivan, Fundraising Manager

More about Ahoy

The AHOY Centre is based in Deptford, one of London’s most deprived areas. The charity enables disadvantaged and disabled young people to take part in water-based activities and train in life skills.

And there’s more about  AHOY here!

Lockdown update

During Lockdown, AHOY’s virtual hub provided online cooking, nautical theory, drama and fitness sessions for members. And AHOY also cooked and delivered over 1,600 hot meals for vulnerable families. Plus, they provided Covid Capsule activity packs to keep members progressing and engaged.

“As parents of an adult with autism and a learning disability, Lockdown was extremely difficult for us as a family. We were very concerned about T’s mental health. All his activities stopped and his normal routines ended. So we were immensely grateful to AHOY for keeping in touch with the Sailability students and for all the effort that went into reopening the centre” – AHOY parent

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Mum holding baby, CASPA parents of children with autismCare

CASPA

October 22, 2020By

 Support Group for parents and carers of children with autism

Children on the Autistic Spectrum Parent’s Association (CASPA), based in Bromley, Kent, works with around 270 autistic individuals every week. The charity helps build their confidence, sense of self-worth and social and practical skills.

And, as Helen Dyer, Director of CASPA, says: “Parents of children with autism often feel that they are fighting a constant battle. As much as children need a break and understanding, which CASPA provides, parents do too.”

So, our donation of £2,300 will fund a support group based in Orpington, Kent for 100+ parents/carers. They meet and talk, hear and share stories of achievements and struggles. And here they can also discuss ways in which they can help their child with the support of CASPA professionals.

“Just being able to share stories, cry and laugh with other parents/carers in the same situation enables our group members to feel less isolated and ostracised. As they tell us, these groups provide a lifeline when things as an Autism parent get tough.

“This funding is hugely needed and appreciated. It will enable us to keep doing what we do best – providing direct support! Thank you Axis Foundation” – Helen Dyer, Director of CASPA

A CASPA parent says

“The support group has been a lifeline for some of us. It’s a safe place for us to talk and to be able to exchange information on various subjects such as schools, behaviour tips and just to ‘offload’. CASPA goes above and beyond to support our children and our families. This service has definitely saved my sanity on many occasions over the years! We love CASPA!”

More about CASPA

Many autistic people become socially isolated. So they miss out on educational, social and employment opportunities. CASPA runs a wide range of programmes for children, young people and adults on the autism spectrum encouraging them to participate in variety of positive activities. These activities develop social and communication skills and provide learning opportunities, fostering independent living and employment skills.

During lockdown CASPA took their parent support groups online to continue supporting families.

More here 

 

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Man and wheelbarrow standing in front of polytunnelCare

Green Health Thames Valley

October 20, 2020By

Helping people with mental health difficulties

Green Health Thames Valley (GHTV) helps people with mental health difficulties through horticulture-based programmes and activities.

The Axis Foundation’s donation of £4,450 purchased a polytunnel, raised beds and green roofs for the sheds for their community garden in Whitley. 

“We are thrilled with the support from the Axis Foundation. Our new polytunnel is fantastic. It enables us to extend our growing season and provide warm dry space for clients. We have installed new raised beds and have finalised designs for a new green roof which will be created very soon. It’s so exciting seeing these improvements. Thank you to all at Axis Foundation. Your support means so much to us all at GHTV” – Richard Byard, Chair of GHTV

More about Green Health

The horticultural programmes at Reading-based Green Health help marginalised and isolated clients. Here they can engage with nature, create projects and participate in physical activities. They can also socialise with other clients and locally-based volunteers. As a result, they become more confident, less socially isolated and develop new skills that move them closer to economic activity and independence.

In addition to helping people with their mental health, GHTV also aims to protect physical health through encouraging  horticulture-related physical activity and promoting healthy eating.

The charity additionally aims to improve the places and spaces of their local communities.

Find out more about the work of Green Health Thames Valley here.

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Collage showing massage and two women in a bus one in yellow vest, one in bright scarf SEDSCare

Sussex Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Hypermobility Support (SEDS)

October 5, 2020By

Support for people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS)

Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes is closely related to Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD). And Pilates, hydrotherapy, osteopathy, acupuncture, physio and massage all help people with EDS/HSD by strengthening and relaxing muscles.

So, our donation of £3,000 to Sussex Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Hypermobility Support (SEDS) will fund some of these activities which are offered by SEDS’ Hypermobility-aware specialised practitioners, either 1-2-1 or in specialised groups.

“We are very grateful to the Axis Foundation for their donation. The feedback we are getting from those people with EDS/HSD who have participated in physical activities is amazing. In the longer term we believe that sufferers can sometimes learn to improve – or at least maintain – their own physical health. This might mean less reliance on the NHS from damage they can inadvertently inflict on their bodies. It can also improve their mental well-being” – Jane Green, Founder and Chair of SEDS

More about EDS/HSD

EDS/HSD is a multi-systemic disorder for which there is no care pathway. The condition affects connective tissues throughout the body. Common symptoms include: dislocations, pain, Chronic Fatigue syndrome/ME, allergies, fibromyalgia pain, gastro-intestinal problems, anxiety, heart issues plus other associations. The condition is life limiting: many people with EDS/HSD lose careers, colleagues, friends and hobbies.

“The funding has been amazing – I would not be feeling anywhere near as good without it”

“It made a great deal of difference to my mental health whilst shielding in lockdown”

“Enabled me to carry out a much needed Pilates course following a recent emergency spinal operation and this has really helped my rehabilitation … the instructor is fantastic and very knowledgeable about SEDS”

More about SEDS

SEDS advocates actively for members locally in Sussex and also for their families, friends and carers. The charity also works with other organisations to improve awareness and create a care pathway. During COVID-19 the charity conducted successful online EDS/HSD specialised Pilates classes.

Mental health support

Persistent and acute pain affect mental health whilst fatigue adds to the isolation many sufferers experience. SEDS provides further direct support for members with their mental health.

Pictured:  SEDS event day helping members gain confidence and to access travelling; 1:1 Covid-safe deep tissue massage helping muscle spasms rigidity.

Read more here about their work here.

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Case of opthalmic equipment Fight against BlindnessCare

Fight Against Blindness

September 4, 2020By

Supporting children with sight loss and blindness

Fight Against Blindness offers genetic testing, and funds research to find treatments to cure eye disease. The charity also provides psychological support for children and families attending UK Hospital Eye Clinics and helps raise awareness of children’s eye disease.

The charity works at the Eye Clinic Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, the Oxford Eye Hospital (John Radcliffe), the Southampton Eye Unit (Southampton General Hospital), and Bristol Eye Hospital Children’s Unit.

The Axis Foundation has donated £8,460 to develop a Wheelie Ward Suitcase for use at Bristol Eye Hospital Children’s Unit to help the charity’s work supporting children with sight loss and blindness.

“We are delighted that the Axis Foundation are supporting our children” – Sarah Williams, Trustee, Fight Against Blindness

The suitcase will contain essential ophthalmic diagnostic equipment and is portable enabling clinicians to complete full assessments on children who have been admitted to hospital wards and cannot be attended to in the eye department because they are either on the paediatric intensive care units, are too unwell to travel in wheelchairs or are vulnerable to infection due to immune-suppression.

There is more about Fight Against Blindness here

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cheque presentation by the Axis Foundation to Oliver Fisher TrustCare

Oliver Fisher Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

January 7, 2020By

Supporting a Special Care Baby Unit

Liam and Amy Hayes’ son Benjamin Jeffrey John Hayes was born on Sunday 12 May 2019 and sadly passed away 10 days later.

At The Oliver Fisher Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Medway the doctors and nurses gave Benjamin the very best care they could before he was transferred to Demelza Children’s Hospice.

The Axis Foundation’s annual charity ball in 2019 raised record-breaking sums, with the help of our generous and kind guests, which were shared between our charity partner Demelza and The Oliver Fisher Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Read Benjamin’s story by Liam Hayes here and more about our work with Demelza here

More about The Oliver Fisher Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

In 1983, Dr Oliver Fisher created a Special Care Baby Unit in All Saints Hospital in Kent. The unit then had just two special care cots. Now based in Medway Maritime Hospital, the unit has 36 cots including eight intensive care, eight transitional care, four high dependency and 16 special care cots. In 2018, The Oliver Fisher Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, admitted 1226 babies. The unit serves Kent, London and the South East.

The work

The Unit cares for babies born prematurely or who are sick and need intensive care in a highly specialised facility, with skilled staff and sophisticated equipment. It provides all neonatal medical intensive care (excluding cardiology) and also Cooling Therapy for babies with Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy: a brain problem following lack of oxygen and blood supply at birth.

The team

The team comprises two Paediatric Surgeons, jointly appointed with Kings College Hospital, and a dedicated Neonatal Transport Team.

Quality of life

The Oliver Fisher Neonatal Intensive Care Unit has increased the number of babies for whom they care. And the team has also increased the percentage of babies who have survived – and survived well, to have good quality of life.

Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Trust

The Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Trust (OFSCBT) raises additional funds to purchase essential equipment for The Oliver Fisher Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

 

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women victims of domestic abuse faces away from camera tattoo on backCare

Woman’s Trust

December 9, 2019By

Pioneering support for women victims of domestic abuse

Our donation of £3,350 to specialist mental health charity Woman’s Trust will pioneer new group therapy sessions for women victims of domestic abuse.

“We know that some of the biggest issues women victims of domestic abuse have to contend with are around isolation. Group sessions allow them the opportunity to connect with other survivors. So they create networks through interaction. They receive encouragement, support, and empathy in a non-judgemental environment. And many of the women go on to form lasting friendships. Women value the support from each other, which differs to the support received  from agencies, families or friends. It provides the potential for a lasting resolution” –  CEO Heidi Riedel

COVID-19 update from Woman’s Trust

Women arriving at Woman’s Trust report increased/worsened abuse

  •  48% report suffering depression; 44% have suicidal thoughts; 98% report high stress/anxiety (all percentages are higher than pre-pandemic)
  •  65% of women reported 5+ types of abuse whereas before, 46% reported 5+.
  • There are increases in specific types, including sexual abuse (from 29% to 40%) and technological abuse (from 15% to 30%)

In addition, many women are stuck with court cases going nowhere and in unsuitable/unsafe temporary accommodation as all services are halted or delayed due to the pandemic.

“Women are telling us that they were struggling with the idea of their therapy ending with us. We therefore decided to also allow particularly vulnerable and at risk women to attend the group so that they may lengthen their time at Woman’s Trust and benefit from wraparound support that would increase the positive outcomes achieved and enable them to better cope once they had left our service. We ran the two groups using Zoom (rather than face-to-face, due to Covid-19 restrictions)”  –  CEO Heidi Riedel

More about Woman’s Trust

Woman’s Trust is a specialist mental health charity providing free counselling and therapy for women who experience domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is the single largest cause of depression in women across the UK. It has links to drug misuse as well as addiction and other mental health conditions.

The Woman’s Trust has supported more than 14,500 women and provided the equivalent of over £4.5m in vital mental health care for survivors. Their counselling and workshop therapy sessions give vulnerable women a chance to recover and deliver a long-term, positive impact on their mental health.

Abuse victim – In her own words

“I have been in domestic violence relationships for many years and l just bore it. But two years ago I had enough and l left. I do still have a sad days and flashbacks of the events, but l feel much stronger as an individual. I don’t have to ask a permission to do something as l had to before. I am free woman, who is just getting better in getting to know herself again. It is amazing. Woman’s Trust gave me the best support and positive energy to fight for myself and my child.”

To find out more, visit www.womanstrust.org.uk.

 

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Group pictures of volunteers at one of WellChild's Helping Hands projectsCare

WellChild’s Helping Hands project

December 9, 2019By

Making homes and gardens accessible for young people with exceptional health needs

Many children and young people live in homes which are not suitable for their needs. The Axis Foundation has donated £6,250 to WellChild, supporting children and young people with exceptional healthcare needs. Their Helping Hands project regularly enlists volunteers to create safe, stimulating gardens in the homes of sick children.

A donation like this will allow us to offer more help to families who really need it. We are very grateful to Axis for this kind donation to the WellChild Helping Hands programme.”- Lorna Pedersen, Head of Wellchild

Our funding will give at least four more children accessible sensory areas to enjoy. A sensory garden can be a haven for children with complex needs because it’s a place that allows them to develop. It is also a familiar environment, so children get the opportunity to actually enjoy playing outside.

More About Wellchild

Having children with complex conditions often makes going out as a family impossible. So Wellchild’s projects are a lifeline for families who need an outdoor space to spend time in together. The project offers organisations a unique opportunity to have a direct impact on their local community. Through volunteering days companies can have fantastic team building experiences, while improving the lives of many people. WellChild has already worked on over 390 gardens UK wide and has over 90 successful London projects.

To find out more, visit www.wellchild.org.uk.

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young person holding poster standing astride red bike, 10 year logoCare

Cyclists Fighting Cancer

September 9, 2019By

Bikes and adapted trikes for children with cancer

The Axis Foundation donated to £5,000 to Cyclists Fighting Cancer (CFC), a charity which donates bikes and adapted trikes to children with cancer in order to support their work which improves lives and well being.

“The Axis Foundation’s generous donation will allow us to purchase 10 bikes or 3 specialist trikes for those children who are successful in their application to Cyclists Fighting Cancer. Your donation will help us to change the lives of children and young people living with a cancer diagnosis… on behalf of the whole Cyclists Fighting Cancer team, thank you for the generous donation” – Alice Wragg, Fundraiser

More About CFC

We know that cycling is good exercise. And for children with cancer it is even more beneficial. Some children may be unable to ride a conventional bike as a result of treatment – they may have balance issues, numbness, fatigue or have had amputations or be wheelchair-bound. CFC makes required adaptions to bikes and trikes.

Fundraiser Alice Wragg explains: “Exercise is an effective way to improve both the mental and physical side effects of cancer and its treatment. Cycling in particular is a great way for children with cancer to enjoy exercise as it is low impact, sociable and a great escape from hospital visits and ongoing treatment.”

CFC works closely with the 21 paediatric oncology units around the UK, as well as with other charities that work with childhood cancer (i.e. CLIC Sargent, Teenage Cancer Trust, The Rainbow Trust etc). Their specially trained Cancer Exercise Specialists regularly offer advice regarding physical fitness and on-bike and trike applications.

The charity has donated 5,000 bikes and adapted trikes to children with cancer since the charity’s inception in 2005.

 

 

 

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