Community

Onward Homes

June 13, 2022By

Supporting Onward Homes’ important learning and leisure site for local community.

The Axis Foundation is donating £3,540 to purchase Bee habitats and planters and other pollinator friendly items.

“We’re really excited to see the difference that this new community space will make to the lives of our residents on North Hill Street. And we are delighted to have the support of the Axis Foundation with this project. Urban green spaces are so important in boosting health and wellbeing. The items donated by Axis will help bring nature nearer to our customers, whilst supporting pollinators in the process” – Sajida Kerbalai-Blackburn, Social Investment Specialist

More about the project

Onward Homes is creating this new community space from derelict space in direct response to resident feedback and research.  And, as well as building a stronger community the new space will help improve mental health and wellbeing, particularly of those who are isolated or lonely. Residents with no outdoor space will be able to enjoy the planted area. And there will also be educational benefits for community groups and local schools. Onward estimates about 1,000 local people will enjoy the new space.

More about Onward Homes and Axis

Onward Homes is a leading provider of 35000+ homes in the North West. The Axis Foundation’s parent company, Axis, is Onward’s Repairs Contractor. The Axis Foundation was therefore delighted to support this application.

There’s more about Onward Homes here

More about Axis’ work with Onward Homes here

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man in foreground directing two people on film setCare

LivedHealth

June 13, 2022By

Creating videos to help people with MS

People with MS and Parkinson’s host Lived Health‘s patient-led videos which empower patients and support carers.

The Axis Foundation’s 2022 donation of £3,000 helped fund LivedHealth’s video MS101 project in which hosts share their unique and honest perspectives on the issues of receiving and adapting to an MS diagnosis, and interview leading, international MS professionals on a range of topics.

“Many patients with MS feel lonely and isolated as they may not know anyone else with the condition that they can talk to or learn from. We’re incredibly grateful to the Axis Foundation for recognising the importance of patient-led resources and supporting us with our project” – Harriet Arnold, Trusts Fundraiser

The Foundation was delighted to learn that this video has been seen 170,000 times by an estimated 15,000 people in a year.

Second donation

And, in 2023, the Axis Foundation donated £4,000 to LivedHealth to make a follow up series of videos, exploring the topic of people with MS who believe their symptoms are getting worse, but whose belief is not supported by scan results. Thanking the Foundation for our second donation, Harriet Arnold said:

“We would like to extend our thanks to the Axis Foundation for your generous donation of £4,000 towards our “Is Smouldering MS the New MS?” video series. Last year, your donation of £3,000 was instrumental in the success of MS101; we are delighted that you have chosen to continue your support. This cutting-edge research topic could change the lives of people living with MS and, thanks to your donation, we can reach many more individuals in the community.

We are immensely grateful for your contribution to our cause here at LivedHealth. Your kindness will directly help those we serve and our whole team appreciates it. We look forward to continuing this partnership and keeping you updated with the progress of the new video series.”

See LivedHealth’s Thank You video here

More about LivedHealth videos

LivedHealth’s videos on YouTube and Facebook reach a wide and diverse global audience and support people with MS, their loved ones and healthcare professionals. They feature industry-leading international professionals, and provide fellow patients with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make positive lifestyle changes and optimise their engagement with health services.

See one of their videos here and find out more about LivedHealth here

 

 

 

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baby with hand Frankie and OliviaCare

Funds For Frankie’s Family

June 13, 2022By

Supporting a young family

The Axis Foundation was delighted to support Frankie’s family when he received bad news about his health and was unable to work. We donated £1,000 to help support their baby, Olivia, who was born in June.

When Frankie and his partner were expecting their first baby, Frankie found out he had Stage 4 Melanoma cancer. He received the news on Christmas Eve 2021. And in January 2022, he underwent an operation to remove lymph nodes and afterwards started his chemotherapy. Frankie is self-employed, an electrician by trade, and is not able to work because of the treatment. His family is on a low income and unable to help him financially.

Sarah Cooper, Senior RLO at Axis, applied for this grant for Frankie: his family are Sarah’s neighbours, and Frankie was in the same class as Sarah’s son, so Sarah feels a close connection and wants to help.

Thanking the Foundation, Sarah Cooper said: “I spoke to Frankie’s Mum on Christmas Eve when she told me his cancer had progressed from Stage 1 to Stage 4. I went home and was really upset. Then I thought, ‘I can help’ – so I applied to the Foundation for some money to help him whilst he was unable to work. I was absolutely overwhelmed to hear that my application had been successful. Vouchers for the new baby will really help this young family. Frankie’s prognosis is good but he will be monitored for the next ten years. All his family, including his grandparents are extremely grateful to the Axis Foundation for their donation.”

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Care

T.E.A.MS

March 7, 2022By

Improving well-being of MS sufferers

T.E.A.MS (Therapy, Exercise, Active, MS) provides people with MS with physical exercise, improving the mental and physical wellbeing of MS sufferers.

The Axis Foundation donated £1,400 to help T.E.A.MS purchase essential small items including a couch roll, oils, foam and half foam rollers, dyna bands as well as a massage bed.

“This funding will make such a difference to T.E.A.MS users. It will allow us to continue our work providing suitable therapies. Thank you to you and the other trustees for awarding us this grant” – Jacalyne Cebreiro, Sports Therapist, Personal Trainer and Sports Massage Therapist

Massage therapy by their qualified, experienced professionals (with 66 years experience in working with Multiple Sclerosis) is proven to help people with MS both physically (with aches, pain and fatigue) and mentally (relaxation).

More about T.E.A.MS

Everyone at T.E.A.MS has a deep knowledge and understanding of M.S. So, they provide invaluable advice and support, not only for the sufferer but for their families and carers too. And, as well as physical support like massage and exercise, the charity provides friendship and support to sufferers, offering a focus on positive living. Its overall aim is to maintain and improve both the physical and mental condition of those with MS and other similar neurological conditions

“T.E.A.MS has given me advice, exercise and true friendships that helps me immeasurably” – Emma

T.E.A.MS was founded in 2021 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when the restrictions of lockdown meant that therapy for MS Sufferers was even more vital.The charity is based in Brentwood, Essex where Axis works with the local council to support local residents keeping their home safe and comfortable.

More about T.E.A.MS here 

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Care

Little Heroes

March 7, 2022By

Helping children and families affected by Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The Axis Foundation donated £1,200 to help Little Heroes develop their monthly girls club sessions for parents and children. The charity helps families and children affected by ASD.

“This is fantastic news – thank you so much. The funds will really help to be able to make something more meaningful and help the children benefit to the full potential” – Kim Drake, Co-Founder

More about Little Heroes ASD Support Group

Official diagnosis of ASD can take a long time (sometime up to three years). Based in Southend on Sea, Essex, Little Heroes supports families when they need it most: as soon as they discover their child’s needs. They provide support, information, opportunities for respite, social activities and networking opportunities. They also hold weekly drop-in sessions and also organise social activities in the school holidays.

There’s more about Little Heroes here

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Care

Mindful Peak

March 7, 2022By

Support for young carers

Mindful Peak helps young carers to improve their physical and mental wellbeing through boxing and mindfulness. The charity has recently developed BAM! which fuses non-contact boxing training with mindfulness through one-to-one sessions, video and a specially developed App. They developed BAM! with help from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Barnardo’s.

The Axis Foundation donated £1,250 towards film videoing and editing as well as skipping ropes for boxing training.

“I’m delighted that the Axis Foundation saw the value in this project that supports a group of young carers who need this support now more than ever. Thank you and we look forward to delivering this project and sharing the impact” – Luke Doherty, Founder and MD

Helping Young Carers

Young carers face extra responsibilities at home often leaving them feeling lonely or as though no one else understands. They can feel isolated and often miss out-of-school activities or meet-ups with friends. And they often become anxious about the person they care for when they’re away from them. Mindful Peak helps young carers become better able to respond to the specific challenges they face.

More About Mindful Peak

Working in the London Boroughs of Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest and Newham Mindful Peak is a not-for-profit enterprise dedicated to sharing a mindfulness-based approach to performance.

Luke Doherty founded Mindful Peak in 2019. Luke played Rugby for England. He gained a postgraduate degree in Law and Community Leadership and then trained as a mindfulness instructor.

In addition to supporting disadvantaged young people, Mindful Peak teaches mindfulness to elite athletes.They have worked with Saracens and Harlequins rugby clubs, Brentford football club, the GB Skateboarding and British Weightlifting teams among others.

More here

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Disability

Perkisound

March 7, 2022By

Providing recreation and music for people on the autistic spectrum

Perkisound is a recreation centre which is particularly suitable for people on the autistic spectrum. Their outstanding music garden features bright and colourful tubular bells, cowbells, conga drums and a giant marimba.

The Axis Foundation donated £3,000 to help purchase a Duo Metallophone for the musical garden. A metallophone is like a xylophone, but with metal bars instead of wood. Up to four people can play and enjoy playing the Duo. Since its installation in March 2022 the Duo has become one of Perkisound’s most  popular pieces.

“We are so grateful for this donation from the Axis Foundation. The Duo Metallophone is a stunning piece and has really completed the outdoor music area. We believe this is now the best outdoor music garden in the UK. Families and specialised settings really benefit from outdoor activities within this safe environment and we look forward to welcoming 1000s of visitors over the year, enjoying exclusive use of the site, improving skills and enjoying safe recreation time” – Susie Perkins, Co Founder

Second donation

In 2023, the Trustees of the Axis Foundation agreed to a further donation to Perkisound. Our new award of £3,000 will provide handmade interior woodwork (planters, benches and tables) for The Butterfly Barn at Perkisound.

The Butterfly Barn is a new polytunnel, and, featuring nany colourful flowers and plants, will be home to many butterflies.and will provide a sensorily stimulating,  educational and therapeutic experience for visitors to Perkisound. It is scheduled to open in 2024. The Butterfly has been selected as a symbol by some autism organisations as It inspires thoughts of change from chrysalis to butterfly, and represents the beauty of diversity and continued development.

More About Perkisound

Tim and Susie Perkins founded Perkisound in 2017. They are both professional musicians and teachers. And they were inspired to start up the centre by their autistic son who is now a teenager who plays piano every day.

Situated in a semi-rural 2.5 acre site, close to Birmingham, Coventry and Nuneaton, Perkisound aims to promote general health and wellbeing, improve choice of leisure activity, reduce stress and loneliness and increase social networking for carers and families with additional needs. It currently supports 2,800 people. Their only requirement is that one member of the family or group booking a session here has additional needs.

More here

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Cycling club for disabled peopleDisability

Limited Edition Cycling Club 

March 7, 2022By

Helping disabled people access the many benefits of cycling.

The charity enhances disabled people’s lives by ensuring that disabled people and their families and carers can access the physical, emotional, practical and social benefits of cycling.

The Axis Foundation has donated £2,952 to help Limited Edition Cycling Club purchase a second container to store their bikes and equipment. The new container will additionally help the charity expand their range of bikes. And so they can offer more sessions to another 50+ riders.

“The container has made all the difference to our club. It means that we can store the bikes safely and not damage them by having to pile them on top of each other. We have received funding for new trikes and bikes but were not able to buy them as the single container we were using was filled to capacity. Now we can add to our range of bikes and so offer a wider choice to our members. We can increase our membership as well as adding more enjoyment for everyone.

“This second container has also made a huge difference to the volunteers. It is easier and safer to unpack the bikes at the beginning of the session and then store them at the end. I truly believe that we may have lost volunteers if the loading and unloading had not become easier.

“So, having happy volunteers means the club will continue and we will be able to support a group of cyclists and their families that we all feel really committed to. It has made more of a difference that you can possibly imagine” – Nicky Jarrett, Co-ordinator

More about Limited Edition Cycling Club

Limited Edition Cycling Club runs a pool of specially adapted bikes, including recumbents, trikes, handcycles, wheelchair bikes and more so that disabled people can enjoy the joys of riding a bike. They also offer standard two-wheelers so members and their families and carers can enjoy riding together. Trained cycling coaches and volunteers support all riders.

Members enjoy safe riding sessions in a traffic-free environment at Sutcliffe Park, SE9 where there are also disabled toilets and a cafeteria. The charity is based in Eltham in south east London. More here

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Cartoon of woman and shadowHelping sufferers manage depressionCare

Hope in Depression

March 7, 2022By

Helping sufferers manage depression – and teaching them and their carers to understand more about depression too.

‘Providing HOPE to people who believe there is none’, this Ascot-based charity runs six-week courses available to everyone in Berkshire.

The Axis Foundation donated £3,700 towards the production of 500 coursebooks which support these courses.

‘We are thrilled to receive this funding and to know a batch of 500 course books are paid for. We are globally in a mental health crisis, and this can feel like an insurmountable problem but we know there is HOPE and we have a solution that works. The Hope in Depression course saves lives.

“We all need to learn how to get the best from our mental health and to learn that life is to enjoy not endure. Our outstanding speaker films instigate conversation, provide empowering solutions, highlight choice. Discussion creates community, which in turn normalises what each person is going through. And so HOPE grows” – Lisa Owens, CEO and Founder

More about the course

The six-week Hope in Depression course covers brain chemistry; nutrition, physical activity, goal setting and mindfulness. And there are talks from experts plus the support of a psychiatrist, GP, therapist, nutritionist, mindfulness instructor and a fitness instructor. The coursebook to which we are contributing provides all the information from the six-week course. And so it provides a reference guide during the course and support for after the course has finished. It has helpful hints and tips as well as signposting support organisations

More about Hope in Depression

Lisa Owens founded Hope in Depression in 2013. She says: “I was so relieved to experience life after depression that I thought my suffering, my battle and my recovery could have a purpose. I wanted to share a message I didn’t believe for a long time: you can get better.”
More here 

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Charity Ball

2021 Charity Ball raises £340,000

January 10, 2022By

Our 15th Axis Foundation Charity Ball raised £170,000 thanks to the generosity of our guests – our suppliers, subcontractors and supporters.

Axis Europe, parent company of the Axis Foundation, then match funded what was raised on the night to make a grand total of £340,000.

This money will go to fund and facilitate the small, local and impactful causes that the Foundation supports, including over £70,000 to our charity partner Demelza Hospice.

As our Foundation Chairman Peter Varney says: “I can’t thank you all enough for your support. It is no exaggeration to say you have changed the lives of many vulnerable people and communities for the better.”

The Axis Foundation’s 2020 Charity Ball had to be cancelled due to Covid-19. So this 2021’s record-breaking sum has even greater significance for the small local charities the Foundation support who were hit hard by the Pandemic.

The money raised at our 15th ball in December 2021 bring the total sums raised by all Axis’ charity balls to £1,190,000.

 

A very big thank you to everyone who made this happen including:

Our guests and everyone who attended and supported our 15th Charity Ball: A-Z Stone Repairs, AkzoNobel, BJL Electrical and Property Services, Brewers,Bute Group, Bulgaro, Cablesheer,Camview Security, City Plumbing,Clear Line, D & M Plumbing, DMD Installation, DMD Contractors, DMJ, Dynes Motor Group, ENVA, ESTEC Engineering, Example Recruitment, Excel Painting Contractors, Exterior Plas, FFT, Fleet Auction Group, Gertski Wealth Management, Horizon Installation, Howells  Solutions, ICD Solutions,Inner City Fabrications, Integral Environmental Solutions, J & D Pallets, J&S Maintenance, LMP Installations, M & R, Mark Building Maintenance, Marsh, Miranda Double Glazing, Masons Scaffolding, Moorepay, Pioneer Site Services, PSTG Fire Protection, Quay Office Group, Rich Demolition, ROCC, Rose Construction, Russell Trew, Sei Contractor, SLK, Symphony Windows, Thermoserv, TOR Coating, Thomas Mansfield, Employment Law Solicitors, TW Drainage, Ultimate Access Solutions, Ultimate Construction Group, VH Electrical, Virtus Energy, Your Image

All who kindly sponsored our evening: Alandale Plant & Scaffolding and Example Recruitment (our entertainment), Miranda Double Glazing (our violinist Rachel Somerset), Jaw Roofing (our drinks reception)

Those who generously donated to our auction and raffle: AkzoNobel, Alan Curbishley, BG Building, Butler & Young Associates, CMS, Crown Paints, David Moss, Emitwise, Galway Hynes Ltd, John Hayes Axis CEO, Joe Ibrahim Axis MD, Intex Facades, J&S Heating, JLJ Decor, Let It Flow, Parish Print, Pump Practitioners, Stuart Fenn Property Services Ltd,  Geoff Shreeves – Sky TV, Thomas and Thomas

And to those who once again kindly gave their time: Charles Hanson – Auctioneer, Kevin Reynolds – Manager of Soul Connection and Glenn Macnamara, Steve Sutherland – our fantastic MC for the night!

Read here how we scooped the Corporate Foundation category of the Business Charity Awards

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