Children show Christmas cards they made with charity Accuro.Community

Accuro

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

For Jimmy

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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Minibus donated to BARN charity in Redditch for the elderly and disabledCommunity

BARN

Transport for vulnerable and isolated local people

BARN (Bromsgrove and Redditch Network) is a volunteer network in Redditch. Their free-to-ride minibus (BURT) provides mobility for those with dementia, the elderly and disabled – as well as their carers,

This vital service was under threat as BARN’s minibus was old and unreliable. Its constant need for repair was causing cancellations and preventing BARN from expanding the service.

So, the Axis Foundation’s donation of £5,000 will go towards the purchase of a new minibus so that BURT can continue to help vulnerable and isolated people.

“This has made such a huge difference to so many people. BURT is more than just a transportation service for the elderly and disabled.For our users we’re a lifeline, and it is heart-breaking when we have to cancel journeys because our current minibus had broken down again.

“The feedback from the passengers about the new minibus you helped us buy has been really good. The new minibus has been designed to have a lower floor, making it easier for people to get on; the tail lift is smooth and modern, making access that way a safer and more pleasant experience; it is clean and smart, making passenger journeys more comfortable; it has a separate heater in the passenger section just in time for these chilly winter mornings.

“”We really appreciate the contribution you made to purchasing the minibus, and it is already making a difference to our passengers. We can’t thank the Axis Foundation enough for this” – Gary Roskell, CEO

More about BARN

BARN’s transportation service for the elderly and disabled helps people get to dementia clubs, fitness classes for people with disabilities and life-after-stroke sessions. Without the service, many would no longer have the means to visit friends, attend health appointments or even go shopping. (BURT) makes about 6,000 journeys a year providing a lifeline of support.

 

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Community Event at Culpeper Community Garden in IslingtonCommunity

Culpeper Community Garden

Local community gardening project is Eden in Islington

Islington’s award-winning Culpeper Community Garden works closely with local organisations who support vulnerable people. Many schools come here to learn about nature. There is a wealth of activities and workshops for adults and thousands of members of the public also visit this haven every year.

The RHS has warmly praised Culpeper, a registered charity, in their London in Bloom competition. “Culpeper is an outstanding example of community gardening in the city… It’s social and therapeutic horticultural at its best.”

“The money from the Axis Foundation, £2,000, will be used for environmental education and gardening sessions with groups and local schools. I am so happy that the Foundation’s grant can further support our projects at Culpeper.

“Culpeper’s a wonderful green community centre in the heart of London where people from every background, advantage and disadvantage can relax and work together in a beautiful green space. I call it a ‘little garden of Eden’. The garden has been a source of pleasure and inspiration to me for over 30 years” – Margaret Pitt, Trustee

More about Culpeper

Culpeper Community Garden is close to several large housing estates in Islington and is run by locals on organic and sustainable principles. It is one of London’s oldest city parks / community gardening in the city projects and land here comprises 46 plots for local residents and groups, communal areas (including a pond, wildlife area, lawn and rose pergola), a community building and a tea hut for members.

Supporting vulnerable people

Culpeper supports the Elfrida Society, the Stuart Low Trust, Room to Heal and Islington Mind. These local organisations help vulnerable people including those with learning difficulties and mental health issues as well as isolated people and asylum seekers. Each organisation has a weekly session at Culpeper and a plot of their own to cultivate.

“This garden is like paradise for us. When I came here, I was very depressed and without hope. It was winter and now for me it’s spring,” – Garden Volunteer

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Members of the Choir With No Name sing togetherCommunity

Choir With No Name

Our notes help Community Choir support homeless and socially marginalised through singing

The Choir with No Name (CWNN) is a community choir for people affected by homelessness and marginalisation. CWNN’s vision is that all people have a place they belong. A place where anyone can come and sing their hearts out. Their mission is to enable as many homeless and marginalised people as possible to beat loneliness and build their confidence and skills through singing. Communal singing is proven to be hugely beneficial for both physical and mental health. So, they were delighted to receive a sum of £5,000 from the Axis Foundation.

“We are thrilled to have the support of Axis Foundation. Our London choir is a positive and non-judgmental space where the most isolated members of the community can build up a network of support, grow in confidence, sing away their worries and get themselves back on their feet.”

“The Axis Foundation’s generosity means that we will be able to continue to run rehearsals in central London all year round, reaching more people affected by homelessness in the city and introducing them to the multiple benefits of singing together.”

“We are extremely grateful, thank you!” – Rachel Clare, Fundraising and Communications Manager

More About our Grant

The Axis Foundation’s £5,000 grant will support the music delivery costs of the London choir, including the Choir Director and rehearsal venue hire fees. Support for these costs in 2018/19 will enable them to offer community choir rehearsals 48 weeks of the year, create 12 gig opportunities for members at inspirational venues across the capital and host 12 outreach singing workshops for people at risk of homelessness and marginalised community members.  The community choir project aims to engage with 230 individuals through their rehearsals and outreach programme throughout the year.

More About The Choir with No Name

The Choir with No Name London is based in the borough of Camden but is open to all boroughs in London. They also run choirs in Birmingham and Liverpool, and launched a brand new choir in Brighton in August 2018. In 2017/18 they worked with 764 marginalised adults across all choirs (278 via rehearsals and 486 via outreach singing workshops). CWNN rehearsals are followed by a hot meal and then the opportunity to socialise. Volunteers do the cooking and provide pastoral care and practical support too.

 

 

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Outdoor and indoor produce growing at OrganicleaCommunity

Organiclea

Accessibility enhancements at community food project

For those with physical disabilities who attend Organiclea in Chingford, gardening is an invaluable physical intervention, developing strength, co-ordination, balance and motor skills.

The Axis Foundation’s donation of £1,000 will increase the community food project’s accessibility for those with disabilities – for example by improving wheelchair access and providing raised beds as accessible outdoor growing areas.

“We were so happy to receive funding from the Axis Foundation, allowing us to improve our facilities for those with special needs, particularly wheelchair users, making gardening more accessible for everyone. I have plans to involve our special needs students in the construction of the raised beds the Axis Foundation have funded, that the same group will then use to grow vegetables, salads and flowers in. Thanks Axis Foundation for helping us with our work!” – Joe Wensley SEN Young People’s Co-ordinator

More About Organiclea

An important community resource, situated in the 12-acre site of Hawkwood Plant Nursery, Organiclea community food project welcomes people from a wide range of backgrounds, ages and abilities. Organiclea currently works with 16 students with special educational needs and regularly works with around 10-15 others with a physical difficulty or disability. Volunteers here benefit from their accredited training offering and Organiclea also works with schools and colleges – including SEN and PRU – housing estates and care homes on projects to do with food growing and the environment.

 

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Gardening tools at Bright Star Welllbeing to promote good mental healthCommunity

Bright Star Wellbeing

Promoting good mental health and social inclusion

Bright Star Wellbeing is a charity which helps people with mental illness and also raises public awareness of mental health issues.

The volunteers here work with local people who may feel isolated due to disability, race, ethnicity or mental health. By offering recreational therapeutic activities, the charity aims to help them to mix within society and their local community – and so promote good mental health and wellbeing as well as bring about an end to their loneliness and isolation.

The clients at Bright Star Wellbeing had expressed a desire to form a gardening group and so be able to plant flowers in memory of one of their members who had recently died. And so our donation of £1,000 made in 2017 purchased gardening equipment and plants so they could realise their dream.

“We are so thankful to have received this donation as it means that the clients will be able to run their own therapeutic gardening group and honour the memory of their friend. This will assist us greatly in maintaining our groups and enabling us to support assist and empower those in need within the local community – to include all and exclude none” – Christine Pearce, CEO

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Smiling residents of Bentilee VolunteersCommunity

Bentilee Volunteers

Social club for adults with learning disabilities

Bentilee Volunteers is a charity which provides social activities and volunteering to children, the elderly and disadvantaged people within the local community.

£2,500 from the Axis Foundation will go towards their Rainbow Club, a social club for adults with learning disabilities, which provides a safe social haven for members to make new friends and take part in creative and interactive activities like drama, music, crafts and dancing, as well as parties and games. In addition, their theatre trips and excursions take members to exciting and stimulating places.

“Bentilee Volunteers were thrilled to receive a donation from the Axis Foundation. The funding will help our Rainbow Project to continue and grow, supporting the good work of our committed staff and volunteers. Above all, it will ensure that this much needed club remains available to local vulnerable people” – Gill McGovern, Funding Development Worker

More About Bentilee Volunteers

Bentilee Volunteers consult with the residents of Bentilee, encouraging them to identify and address the needs of their local area. As a result, they have set up a range of initiatives, helping to raise the quality of life for vulnerable people within the community.  Projects include:

  • The Furniture Shed and Charity Shop (donations and re-sales
  • Youthlink (a club for young people between the ages of 11 and 19)
  • Senior Clubs (luncheon clubs with transport, activities and outings for older members of the community)
  • The Community IT Suite (offering computer training and assistance into employment, training and volunteering opportunities)

 

 

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Group of gardeners at HeadwayCommunity

Headway SELNWK

Helping people with brain injuries

The Axis Foundation donated £350 to Headway SELNWK ,a charitable organisation providing support and services to individuals, family members and carers affected by an acquired brain injury.

To support the therapeutic gardening programme, our donation bought a polytunnel, seeds, compost and garden tools so that members can grow their own fruit and vegetables and also create an outdoor space.

“Being out in the fresh air and gardening helps people to get more energised and the members are all very keen to show people around. It’s been a lovely contribution; it’s just made everything easier so having that contribution is very much appreciated. Your money is going a long way to Headway’s work helping people with brain injuries” – Andy Hirons, Fundraising and Development Co-ordinator

More about Headway SELNWK

Affiliated to Headway UK the brain injury association, the National charity that works to improve life after brain injury, Headway SELNWK is a charitable organisation providing support and services to individuals, family members and carers affected by an acquired brain injury across Bexley, Greenwich, Lewisham, Lambeth, Southwark, Bromley, Dartford and Gravesend. The organisation offers a person-centred service that understands the complexities and problems that may arise after injury particularly with emotions, cognition, memory, communication and behaviour.

Social rehabilitation centres are based in Greenwich and Deptford and provide a friendly, positive and safe environment for all who attend and their Community Support Programme provides choice and a mix of service provision. Headway SELNWK also works in partnership with Kings College Hospital to provide an Early Intervention Project.

More here

 

 

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Child having a horse riding lesson at Vauxhall City farm.Community

Vauxhall City Farm

Horse riding therapy at urban city farm helps disabled and disadvantaged children

Vauxhall City Farm started out in 1977 with local people working voluntarily to transform derelict land into an oasis of country life in the heart of London. Their Horse Riding Therapy Centre has been helping the Vauxhall community since opening in 2002.

The Axis Foundation has been supporting Vauxhall City Farm for many years. We have donated a total of £25,000  to the charity through five separate donations since our first donation in 2006. In addition, Axis people actively volunteered at the farm as it was close to our then Head Quarters.

 “Vauxhall City Farm Riding Therapy Centre has had a very successful year since receipt of payment of the grant from the Axis Foundation. We aim to continue to provide the current number of lessons to disabled and disadvantaged children and sustain the much-valued work for the benefit of local young people. We cannot thank you enough” –  Riding Centre Manager, Linda Hinds 

More About Vauxhall City Farm

Vauxhall City Farm’s horse riding project targets disabled and disadvantaged children in inner-city areas who would not normally have the opportunity to horse ride. In one year the centre provided 1,283 riding lessons to young people and 1,878 riding for the disabled lessons. Their feedback has shown that the horse riding therapy project offers a substantial amount of beneficial factors including increased confidence, relationship building and achieving individual goals, Horse riding and can also act as a form of physiotherapy.

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