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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Two women at Rohan Gardens care home with gardening equipmentCommunity

Rohan Gardens Support Group

December 9, 2019By

We preserve and maintain gardens at Care Home

The Axis Foundation has contributed £1000 to the Rohan Gardens Support Group. The group preserves, maintains and improves the outdoor areas at Rohan Gardens Care Home in Warwick. The donation will also help put on events, like barbecues and tea parties. Because of their work on the garden, more residents will be drawn in to enjoy the fresh air and engage with the community.

The team at Rohan Gardens has been building on the work of a small group of residents led by Sylvia Avery. Sylvia said, “I first came to Rohan Gardens over 6 years ago and my apartment overlooks the main community garden. Looking out I was less than inspired by the bland, no colour vista. So I decided to do something about it.”

Since then, the group has volunteered their own time and money to grow a relaxing space for residents. They have improved the garden by introducing a summerhouse, water feature, gazebo and garden furniture. The group won a gold medal in the Community Gardens category at the Warwick in Bloom horticultural awards 2018/2019.

Secretary of the group, Gary Hawkins said: “Over the past two years we have worked hard to establish the garden as a place for residents to relax in and enjoy the outdoor space. We are investing the money in equipment, topsoil, future planting and other related items. We would not have been able to do so without help from the Axis Foundation.”

The garden is an environment that provides sanctuary for 70 residents living at the care home. It’s a safe outdoor space where people can walk around as well as sit and interact with others. All of this means a higher quality of life for residents making the care home a much brighter place to live.

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Two young girls stood next to plane at bader braves young aviator dayDisability

The Douglas Bader Foundation

December 9, 2019By

Opening up a world of opportunity for disabled children

Douglas Bader Foundation exists to advance and promote the physical, mental and spiritual welfare of persons who are born without – or who have lost – one or more limbs, or are otherwise physically disabled.

Their Bader Braves Young Aviator Days offer disabled children the chance to fly in a light aircraft. Our 2019 pledge of £3,000 meant that at least 40 children could take to the skies!

And our subsequent 2023 donation of £5,000 provides Koala ‘Mitt’ prosthetic limbs to amputee children, opening up a world of opportunity.

“All children have the right to realise their aspirations and discover their true potential” – David Bickers, CEO

Bader Braves Aviator Days

Flying is a brilliant experience for children because it puts a huge smile on their faces. It’s also fun for the family. As one parent said: “My daughter cannot stand or walk, yet she took to the air like a bird, flying over Pembrokeshire squealing with delight. We had such a wonderful day, brilliant – Thank You!”

Young Aviator Days improve life-skills and increase confidence. They help children push their barriers and focus on what they can do, rather than on what they can’t. The whole day includes picnics, a goodie bag, a DVD, and a certificate of bravery for each child.

“As a charity we rely on the generosity of donations,” says David Bickers, CEO. “They enable us to continue offering this exciting and inspirational project to children and their families. The wonderful donation from the Axis Foundation means we can secure the day for next year already, which is fantastic. It is wonderful for the children and their families to know already that the day will go ahead. They cannot wait!”

More here.

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Samson centre patients using electronic standing frames with nursesDisability

The Samson Centre for MS

December 9, 2019By

Funding the purchase of an electronic standing frame for MS sufferers

The Samson Centre provides practical and emotional help for people living with Multiple Sclerosis in Surrey and nearby areas. Our donation of £8000 will buy a much-needed electronic standing frame as well as a mini arm support.

This is such a special piece of equipment – Jackie Payne, Centre Manager

Electronic standing frames improve the quality of life for people with MS. Exercise is difficult because of limited balance, which means certain muscles are rarely used. This can weaken the body and cause a fear of falling. The frames help wheelchair bound people to stand on their own feet and exercise without that fear. They stimulate muscles that need it, while a mini arm support is used for people who need arm strengthening.

The frames play a vital role at the Samson Centre, because they help people to exercise and stay active. A new electronic frame lasts for 10 years and wheelchair users work with them on a daily basis.

Jackie Payne, Centre Manager said: “We are so grateful to the Axis Foundation for their generous donation for the purchase of a new standing frame. This is such a special piece of equipment as it allows wheelchair users to benefit from standing while they are at the Samson Centre for MS.”

More About The Samson Centre for MS

The Samson Centre for MS is a charity based in Guildford, Surrey. They provide physiotherapy sessions, exercise classes, and oxygen treatments, with access to adaptive rowing. Also, they have 3 fitness instructors, 2 rehabilitation assistants and a volunteer coach for the adaptive rowing, working on a part-time basis.

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

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Riders at Scropton Riding for the Disabled with rosettes and a horseDisability

Scropton Riding for the Disabled

December 9, 2019By

Helping disabled people enjoy the benefits of riding

Scropton Riding for the Disabled is dedicated to enriching people’s lives through horse riding. Our donation of £5500 will buy a new horse for the centre, to help more disabled people enjoy the benefits of riding. Scropton Riding for the Disabled is the only centre of its kind in the East Midlands.

Scropton Riding for the Disabled has changed my life – Matthew Dalley, rider at Scropton

Horse riding is an activity that vastly improves health and mental wellbeing. It helps break down barriers for disabled individuals whilst being a fun and therapeutic experience. Phoebe Burns, a rider, said she feels safe at Scropton. “It’s my favourite place to be. I feel unjudged, included, happy and I can spend time with my friends, both human and equine.”

Horses have a great impact on the lives of disabled adults and children, bringing joy to the faces of all the centre’s visitors. Matthew Dalley is another rider at the centre. He said: “Scropton Riding for the Disabled has changed my life, making me the person I am today. Riding has helped me develop in so many ways and now I am both a para rider and volunteer for RDA. I am so lucky to have such fantastic support from the centre.”

Horses are Scropton’s most valuable resource. One horse provides 10,000 sessions over 10 years. A new horse will provide more riding opportunities for more disabled children and adults.

Scroton Trustee Glynis Dalley commented: “The activities we provide here at Scropton make a very real difference to the lives of people who take part. Whether our riders come for therapy or to develop riding as a sport, the benefits spread way beyond their time in the saddle. For many it can be absolutely life changing. Our fantastic horses are key to what we do, and we are very excited that the Axis Foundation is going to help us expand our team, allowing us to help even more local disabled adults and children.”

To find out more, visit www.scropton.com

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Close up of parents and babyDemelza

Benjamin’s story by Liam Hayes

December 7, 2019By

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

This is Benjamin’s story, told by Liam:

“I know many of you will have heard our news because you’ve been overwhelmingly supportive and caring, it’s been felt by both Amy and myself and is hugely appreciated. But I wanted to tell Benjamin’s story because I’m still a proud dad and also because it highlights the importance of charities like Demelza, who Axis supports through our Foundation.

“After a healthy pregnancy we arrived at the hospital excited about the birth and ready to meet our little boy. But our joy turned to concern when the midwifes discovered Benjamin’s heart rate had dropped in the final stages of labour and despite the best efforts of the midwifery team, the lack of oxygen being delivered his organs had left him with severe brain damage.

“Benjamin was transferred to the Oliver Fisher Neonatal Unit in Medway where the doctors and nurses gave him the very best care they could in the hopes of reversing some of the damage done to his brain.

“Very sadly this is something that cannot be predicted in babies and there is no reason as to why it happens. It is all out of anyone’s control. We now know that 3 in 1000 babies are affected by HIE during labour or at birth.

“Benjamin fought hard but despite his courage and determination his brain condition wasn’t going to improve and his little head just wouldn’t tell him to breathe.

“After the medical teams had done all that they could, we took Benjamin to Demelza. They helped us make happy memories, even at the toughest time our family has ever been through.

“We had a teddy bears’ picnic in the garden with Benjamin’s grandparents, aunties and uncles. We held Benjamin whilst we all had tea and cake and listened to music.

“When it was the right time for Benjamin to fall asleep, it was so calm and peaceful. Benjamin didn’t suffer any pain during his short life which gives us some comfort.

“During the darkest days the wonderful staff at the Oliver Fisher Neonatal Unit and Demelza provided support and comfort.

I felt it was important to share this because we’ve had so much support from friends at Axis and the Hospices, Amy and I wanted the chance to say a huge heartfelt thank you to you all.”

Thanks to the generosity of our guests and the people of Axis, the Axis Foundation’s annual charity ball in 2019 raised a record breaking amount for Demelza and the Oliver Fisher Neonatal Unit. More about the charity ball here

More about Oliver Fisher Neonatal unit here

More about Axis and Demelza here

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Group of Dog A.I.D service users and volunteersDisability

Dog Assistance In Disability (Dog A.I.D)

November 26, 2019By

Funding a pet training programme to support people with disability

Dog A.I.D supports people with physical disabilities by offering pet training programmes to their dogs. Our donation of £6,000 will help six pups gain Assistance Dog status through the pet training programme. Assistance Dog status is an international standard recognised by Assistance Dogs International (ADI). Each qualified dog can provide physical and emotional support to their owners.

This can be truly life changing. A huge thank you from all of us – Mike McDonald, Chief Executive

Assistance dogs drastically improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. They help with day-to-day tasks that most take for granted and can perform potentially life-saving interventions. Having a companion also increases confidence, resilience and independence,  vital for people with disabilities. Support from Dog A.I.D, and a lifelong furry friend even helps some return to meaningful employment.

Chief Executive, Mike McDonald, commented: “As a charity Dog A.I.D. receives no Government financial support. So we rely on the generosity of our local communities and Grant Making Trusts. We are absolutely delighted that the Axis Foundation have chosen to support our work with a fantastic £6,000 donation, as part of their 10th Anniversary celebrations. This grant will enable people throughout the UK to benefit from training their own pet dog and this can be truly life changing. A huge thank you from all of us.”

Dog A.I.D have over 100 qualified instructors based throughout the UK. There is a high demand for potential clients, so to find out more visit https://dogaid.org.uk/.

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News

Journey to our 10th birthday

September 26, 2019By

In 2019, we celebrate our Axis Foundation’s 10th birthday. During this Decade of Donations we have given over £1.4 million to 200 small, impactful and local causes.

People power

The people of Axis set the very first Foundation stone with their generosity of spirit.

Axis CEO and Foundation Trustee John Hayes set up the Foundation in 2009 to “formalise and capture all the elements of giving that already existed across the company, particularly giving back in the communities where we were working”.

Axis people – demonstrating never-ending enthusiasm and inventiveness in their fundraising activities – have made the Foundation such a great success in this Decade of Donations that a new Fundraising Hero Award was launched in 2019 to acknowledge their support.

Award-winning Foundation

This universal support throughout the company was one of the reasons the Foundation won the Corporate Foundation Category in the highly prestigious Business Charity Awards 2018. Presenting the award, sponsored by Third Sector, the Judges commented on “good employee involvement” and the “passion” behind the Foundation.

One million landmark

In the same year the Foundation hit the £1m donated mark with a donation to For Jimmy in south east London.

Sticking to original values

The Foundation has stuck to its original remit of helping mainly small, local and impactful causes – in giving a hand up, rather than a hand out. All of the money – that raised by Axis people, plus through a corporate donation and funds raised by generous guests at the Axis Foundation Charity Balls and Golf Days – goes straight to these causes: not a penny is wasted.

 

10th Birthday Year

Our generous Axis people and our clients and supporters made our 10th birthday year a real record breaker with top amounts raised at our Alan Curbishley Charity Golf Day and our annual Axis Foundation Charity Ball.

The Future

With the support of our people, our clients and with the partnership and friendship of our charities, the Axis Foundation looks forward to another Decade of Donations!

 

 

 

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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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