Youth football players at Basildon Boys and Girls Club.Donations

Basildon Boys and Girls Club

November 5, 2018By

Youth Football Club receives game-changing grant

Basildon Boys and Girls Club is a registered charity that provides football coaching and training for children from 7 to 18 years of age with a free Mini Kicker Club for 4-7-year olds. They provide support for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Essex-based youth football club is a key player in the local community, keeping kids active and helping them to chase their footballing dreams.

Our donation of £1,500 will pay for the youth football club’s new kit, footballs and essential training apparatus enabling the kids to play the beautiful game with equipment that’s fit for champions.

“All children should be given the opportunity to play sport, it gives them something to focus on and they love meeting up with their friends each week and being part of a team.
“I have been with the Club for over 25 years and it has been great watching the players progress over time. The younger ones in particular are really positive and just love football so much” – Matthew Bacon, Club Chairman

More About Basildon Boys and Girls Club

Formed in 1963, Basildon Boys and Girls Club has been providing coaching to young footballers for over 50 years, developing sporting skills of several generations of children.
In the Essex County FA Awards 2018 the club enjoyed double success – with their Club Secretary & Welfare Officer winning Volunteer of the Year and the Under 15’s winning the Fair Play Award. The Club has introduced Youth Ambassadors this season, empowering players within the teams to be the voice of the youth at the club, to help the committee shape the future of the club by providing feedback.

The youth football club prides itself on creating a fun and friendly environment for youngsters to play football, but it’s about much more than just kicking a ball around. Respect, fair play and inclusion are at the heart of everything they do. The club’s coaches help children from disadvantaged backgrounds to build confidence, motivation and stimulate their minds as they progress into adulthood.

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Performance at Aldridge Youth TheatreCommunity

Aldridge Youth Theatre

November 1, 2018By

Safe stage for Youth Theatre Group

Aldridge Youth Theatre is a community centre in Walsall that gives local youngsters the chance to express themselves through acting. The registered charity, founded in 1975, provides support to 80 people between 10 and 18 years old, providing them with a creative environment in which to build life skills, confidence and team spirit.

The Axis Foundation’s donation of £2,000 to the theatre will pay for a new Smoke Extractor Fan. This will provide assurance to the community that the building and those inside it will be safe in the event of a fire. This will make the youth theatre health and safety compliant, so that local children can continue to grow, learn and build lasting friendships in a risk-free environment.

More About Aldridge Youth Theatre

The theatre is the cultural hub of the community, putting on regular plays, weekly rehearsals and live gigs, amongst a range of other community activities. For youngsters, it is a great place to meet like minded people and feel like part of the community. They pride themselves on their inclusive environment, which is like an open family to the people of Aldridge. The youth theatre is particularly beneficial to children from disadvantaged backgrounds, as it gives them the opportunity to build on their self-belief and motivation in an environment where they are free use their imagination without fear of judgement.

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Two children who attend Kids Care playing on jungle gym.Disability

Kids Care

October 11, 2018By

Sleepaway camps for children with special needs

Kids Care London runs a summer sleep-away camp called Camp Horizons for children and young people with special needs.

The children are from low-income families who are unable to meet the cost of any holiday let alone that of a special residential camp designed for the specific needs of children with conditions like Down’s syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and Asperger’s Syndrome. These kids are often excluded from accessing mainstream sport and leisure opportunities which require a high level of support.

The Axis Foundation made three donations to Kid Care London, totalling £18,000 (£5,500 in 2013, £5,500 in 2015 and £7,000 in 2016). These donations covered the cost of transport and entrance fees to Camp Horizons in Newham including at Olympic Park and Beckton.

“We wish you could have been there to share the children’s extreme joy. They really enjoyed their time on these fantastic trips. Thanks to the remarkable people at the Axis Foundation, once again, the sun shone on the children,” said Hannah Friedman, Kids Care London Director

“When you donated to Camp Horizon, your grant immediately went to work transforming the lives of so many children with special needs who joined our programme this summer. I want you to know that we truly could not have impacted all these children and their families without your help” – Debra Addis, Camp Horizon

More About Camp Horizons

At Camp Horizons, the two-week summer programme is specifically designed to promote independence, participation and social interaction. The programme also develops confidence and self-esteem.

Whilst enjoying indoor and outdoor activities including music, drama and sporting events, children with special needs meet other children just like themselves. They overcome challenges and embrace new opportunities. And because of the tranquillity of the rural surroundings they can really connect with nature and the great outdoors.

 

 

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Swale Tigers team pose in their new orange football kit.Donations

Swale Your Way Tigers

September 14, 2018By

Mental health football club gets new kit

Swale Your Way is a local support group and their Football Therapy programme encourages those with mental health issues to play sport and improve their quality of life. Indeed, Swale Your Way Tigers Mental Health Football Club has enjoyed tremendous success: they were crowned victors of the FA People’s Cup in 2018. We are delighted that our donation of £3,050 will purchase brand new kit.

“Thanks to our funding from Axis Europe, the Tigers are able to go out in style and play good quality football in their vibrant new kit.  As we all know when you are looking great you feel great and thanks to our funding our players can enjoy going to matches feeling a million bucks!! Thank you to our sponsors” – Toni Golden Team Manager/Coach

More About Swale Your Way and The Tigers

Swale Your Way works with individuals as they overcome obstacles and move forward with their life. Swale Your Way might help someone enter education or return to work or find new hobbies, friends or social activities. They also manage psychological wellbeing, solve housing issues and organise finances.

Swale Your Way also runs many different trips and projects to benefit their service users empowering them to make positive change. These include a very successful allotment group and successful trips using their popular minibus.

Swale Your Way Tigers Mental Health Football Club improves the quality of life of people with mental health issues through sport. Kent FA  – impressed by the Tigers’ success  both on and off the field – have been working with the mental health football club to develop the first mental health football league in the county.

 

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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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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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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 £37,500 to Imber Metz over eight 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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