disadvantaged

Ambition Aspire Achieve: Newham Christmas Toy Appeal

December 18, 2020By

Helping Newham children and families in poverty at Christmas

Ambition Aspire Achieve is a Newham-based charity supporting disadvantaged, vulnerable and at-risk local children and families all year round.

The Axis Foundation has made three donations to Ambition Aspire Achieve’s (AAA) Newham Christmas Toy Appeal.

In both 2020 and 2023 we supported AAA with donations of £1,000. And in 2024 we added £2,000 to support this local friend. Our donations to AAA’s Newham Christmas Toy Appeal bought gifts to help fill the Christmas stockings of 3,000 children living in poverty in Newham as well as hampers for 100 families.

As the Axis Foundation’s parent company’s HQ is a nearby neighbour in Stratford, we are even more delighted to assist AAA. We have backed up our financial donations with volunteering support, delivering Christmas trees in our Axis vans, and picking out gifts for their Christmas Toy Appeal so that each local child referred to AAA can experience a real Christmas day.

2024

“We are hugely grateful to the Axis Foundation for providing kind and generous support to our annual Christmas toy appeal once again. This year we are expecting nearly 3,000 vulnerable children to be referred to the appeal, with so many families in Newham now experiencing rising poverty and hardship this year. Supporting the appeal will make a tremendous difference to the children referred at a time when the devastating effects of poverty are amplified during the season of giving. Thank you once again!” – Johny Boux, Chief Executive

2023

“That’s really great news – the donation will go directly towards purchasing much-needed toys for the appeal this year” – Johny Boux, Chief Executive

2020

2020 was a difficult and challenging year for everyone because of COVID-19. And, for those living in poverty, based in temporary accommodation, who may have behavioural difficulties and be the victims of abuse, Christmas might have been just another miserable day. For some children there would be no family lunch round the table with crackers. No gifts. Not even a stocking.

Kevin Jenkins, OBE, Co-Ordinator of the Newham Christmas Toy Appeal, said: “Thank you for making this difference for our area’s most disadvantaged, vulnerable and at-risk children, especially in this the most difficult and challenging of all years.

“As all the available evidence confirms, it is the poorest families already in need who have suffered the most, and many other families, through no fault of their own, have been pushed into poverty as a result of the hardship and loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The appeal provided: 2,891 children with a Christmas stocking for Christmas morning – helping more children than ever before; 100 families (approx 300 children) with a seasonal food hamper. With my sincere thanks, 2,891 times over.”

What the parents variously said to AAA:

“I need a card that gives you a big hug to show my gratitude for the lovely presents for the children. I have not worked for a while and worried as I don’t have money to spend on Christmas gifts and then the surprise made a huge difference!”

“I am so grateful to you and your team for all these gifts and the way you have supported my family. I am not working and not getting any benefits. We are spending my savings from my business before I became unwell. I would not have been able to buy anything for my girls but because of you, our Christmas is a happy one”

“I have struggled with my mental health this year and to be honest I don’t think I have thought about Christmas or presents. To receive this I am very grateful and it has made me very emotional that people are still looking out for each other. It has uplifted me”

“A massive thank you for our delivery of food and toys today. The children were so so happy and it cheered us all up after a hard week. My eldest said he was close to tears at how nice it was that someone would do that for us. Thank you so much to you and your team and anyone who donated. It really has helped make our Christmas. I hadn’t been able to get dessert or gravy for our Christmas Dinner because we have been isolating and I’m so pleased that we can now have some of the lovely things in the hamper”

More about AAA here

 

 

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canoes and kayaks on river helping disabled young people enjoy paddlesportsDisability

Basingstoke and Deane Canoe Club

December 17, 2020By

Hoist to help disabled young people get in and out of canoes

Basingstoke and Deane Canoe Club, based on the Basingstoke Canal, provides safe paddlesport activities for disabled young people. Paddlesport activities include recreational kayaking and canoeing.

The Axis Foundation’s donation of £2,000 helps buy them a mobile mechanical hoist. This will help paddlers with physical disabilities (in particular wheelchair users) to get on to the water. They can then take part in kayaking and canoeing activities on the canal.

“We are passionate about being able to provide kayaking and canoeing activities to people who would not otherwise be able to participate in paddlesports. The hoist will assist getting paddlers with impaired mobility in and out of kayaks and canoes” – Janella Mansell, Paddlesport Officer

The hoist will help young disabled people from Trealors College, a local school and college for disabled young people. Students currently have to use a swimming pool because of the height of the banks at the club house, Odiham Wharf, Colt Hill in Odiham, Hampshire.

The benefits of paddlesports include independence and better physical and mental wellbeing.

More about Basingstoke and Deane Canoe Club

Basingstoke and Deane Canoe Club is a charity run by volunteers.  The Club is affiliated to British Canoeing. Their specialist coaches are trained and experienced in kayaking with disabled people. They run courses throughout the year, regular taster sessions over the summer and have regular club nights. And, they reach out to their local community offering bespoke taster sessions to youth groups and other voluntary organisations.

More here 

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helping children with autism, child with headphones in front of screenDisability

Time4Autism

December 9, 2020By

Helping children with autism improve motor and cognitive abilities

Time4Autism is run by parents and volunteers to provide activities for children with autism. These activities, which include yoga, drumming and trampoline, help children develop their motor and cognitive abilities.

The Axis Foundation’s donation of £600 buys a Soundsory headset. This is a multi-sensory programme of music (processed with neuro-acoustic modifications) and movement-based exercises, designed to help children with autism improve their motor and cognitive abilities.

Time4Autism will lend the Soundsory system to families within their local community in Milton Keynes so they can help their children at home. This is especially vital when face to face sessions are impossible due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Thank you for the generous gift to Time4Autism! We are so happy to have your support. Through your donation, we can continue working towards supporting children with Autism. Your donation is going toward providing headsets for children with sound sensitivities and sensory problems. You have helped us to lend the system to families, so they can help their children at home. This is especially vital when face-to-face sessions are impossible due to COVID-19 restrictions. Thank you again!” – Jabeen Salam, Treasurer

More about Time4Autism

The charity helps parents and carers to understand their child’s sensory needs and behaviours and supports them in dealing with challenging behaviours.

The Soundsory programme which we have donated also helps children and adults with motor delays, balance and coordination issues, sensory and auditory processing disorders, ADD and ADHD as well as whose on the autism spectrum and with developmental issues.

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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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Group of children learning to develop key communication and motor skills at SkylarksDisability

Skylarks

September 14, 2020By

Helping disadvantaged children with disability gain vital skills

Skylarks provides a supportive and active community for children with disabilities and additional needs. The charity offers inclusive play sessions, therapies and workshops and structured activities. These include Sensory Art, Singing with Percussion, Makaton Sing and Signing. All these activities help the development of key communication, motor and sensory skills.

The Axis Foundation’s donation of £1,500 buys sensory equipment and toys to support these structured activities.

“We are delighted to receive a donation from the Axis Foundation. It has enabled us to purchase new equipment for our interactive Sensory Room. The donation has funded new weighted soft furnishings and a range of audio visual equipment including fibre optic lights, colour changing light panels and more. The room creates a relaxing area for the children to use whilst allowing them to enjoy new experiences and develop communication, motor and sensory skills.

“With the support of organisations like the Axis Foundation, Skylarks can continue supporting disadvantaged children and their families for years to come.

“We really appreciate the funding Axis has provided to purchase this equipment. Skylarks closed for the last 6 months due to Covid-19. However we plan to partially re-open soon so more families can use the equipment you have enabled us to purchase” – Aaron Guiver, Development Manager at Skylarks

More about Skylarks

Whilst supporting disadvantaged children with disabilities, Skylarks, based in Twickenham in south west London, also cares for the whole family. The play sessions at Skylarks offer a safe and relaxing haven for the families in a non-judgemental environment. And while children are accessing therapies and supervised play, parents can access a wide range of peer support, relaxation therapies and informative workshops by specialists such as speech and language therapists and the National Autistic Society.

Over the last three years Skylarks has increased its membership from 550 to over 2,000 children.

Read more here 

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Sophie Hayes survivors of human trafficking blue eye close upEducation

Sophie Hayes Foundation

September 9, 2020By

Supporting survivors of human trafficking

The Sophie Hayes Foundation is the only charity in the UK solely focused on delivering employability support, training and resources for women survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery.

The Axis Foundation’s donation of £1,000 funds travel costs for 50+ survivors of human trafficking so they don’t have to choose for example, from either paying for food or travelling to the support available at The Sophie Hayes Foundation.

“For many of our women survivors, the journey to sustainable freedom and a life without fear is all too often a mere dream. Over a year we work with the women to turn their dreams into a reality. Thank you on behalf of our programme participants, staff, volunteers and board” – Red Godfrey Sagoo, CEO of the Sophie Hayes Foundation

What the survivors say

“Because of SHF I am in college and I have work experience, you make me have confidence in my life.”

“I’ve learnt how to write a CV because I didn’t know. I have confidence that I have my own plan in the future to open my own nursery school. When you come here you know there is options.”

“I was enjoying coming here, seeing different people different face. You helped myself to relax and reduce my problems. I’ve been coming here seeing different things, when we’re in groups we laugh, we joke.”

Covid-19 Update from The Sophie Hayes Foundation

“2020 the year of uncertainty, challenge, exhaustion, compassion, collaboration, triumph and inspiring leadership.

“A year in which the dedication of so many across diverse fields helped weather the ongoing national storm.

As we head towards 2021 with even more uncertainty; I would like to acknowledge the journey of supporting women survivors at Sophie Hayes, has only been possible through amazing colleagues and strong partnerships. Thank you for helping us weather 2020 and we look forward to being stronger together in 2021.”

More about The Sophie Hayes Foundation

There are an estimated 136,000 victims of modern-day slavery in the UK. They are recruited, transported or harboured for the purposes of exploitation. As a result of their horrific experiences, survivors of human trafficking face serious mental and physical health issues.

Through a programme including workshops, coaching and a community survivor network, The Sophie Hayes Foundation helps women rebuild their lives.

Survivors can live independently by increasing their confidence and their social and professional networks. They gain invaluable work experience, training and education.

The Sophie Hayes Foundation is based in London and delivers the programme in London and the south, Birmingham and the West Midlands, Manchester and the north.

Here is more about The Sophie Hayes Foundation

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Students sitting at tables studying to become Mental Health AmbassadorsCommunity

Student Life

September 9, 2020By

Foundation supports Mental Health Ambassador project

Student Life, based in Ipswich, supports the government’s initiative to transform the way that mental health problems are dealt with in our society. They place an emphasis on early intervention for children and young people. The charity also aims to normalise speaking up about mental health and reducing stigma and media stereotypes.

The Axis Foundation’s donation of £4,715 will fund one young person to be trained as a Mental Health First Aid England Instructor. They will deliver Youth Mental Health First Aid and other mental health awareness training courses to students to allow them to become Mental Health Ambassadors, creating a unique peer-to-peer support network.

Young people from school year 10+ will benefit from having access to at least one peer who will offer support and guidance through 1-2-1 discussion, through spotting early warning signs of mental health issues and signposting to additional, third party support.

“We are exceptionally proud of our Mental Health Ambassador project and the unique nature of the work that we carry out in education settings across 3 counties.  Part of the uniqueness is that our own young people – not long out of education themselves – are placed on accredited training through Mental Health First Aid England and having graduated, are training other young people in a very relevant and relatable way. This would not be possible without the support of organisations like the Axis Foundation: and our Trustees, our young team and I are so very grateful for this amazing support” – Richard Stewart, Chief Executive at Student Life

More about Student Life

Student Life works with young people in high schools, sixth forms, colleges and universities providing support and activities to develop their skills, capacities and capabilities, and supporting their mental health as they go through education into employment. This work is currently carried out in over 60 settings in Suffolk, Norfolk and Kent, with plans to extend into 2 additional counties from January 2021.

And there’s more here

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