A lady feeds a sheep at Stepney City FarmDonations

Stepney City Farm

November 6, 2018By

Flourishing education programme at urban farm project

Stepney City Farm is a working farm, providing environmental education and outdoor learning in Tower Hamlets. The grant of £5000 from the Axis Foundation will purchase desks and chairs for their classroom and replace deteriorated furniture.

“We are delighted to have been awarded this support from Axis. The positive impact on lives of green space, ecotherapy, working with nature and animals, gardening and green-care initiatives is well documented: the Farm provides a free and unique facility for these activities for local communities in the heart of one of the most deprived boroughs in the country.

“Our Classroom facilities are key to delivering our environmental programming, providing an indoor learning space used for our curriculum-linked schools programme, young and adult volunteering sessions, bespoke workshops, family events, and our dementia intervention group. The upgrade to the furniture will make the space infinitely more flexible and increase our capacity to deliver sessions and further develop our programming” – Clare Hawkins, Chief Executive 

More About Stepney City Farm

The farm hosts curriculum-linked activities for over 5,000 school children every year. Local children, many of whom rarely get the chance to travel outside of the city, can grow their own food, experience rural arts and crafts and connect with nature.

The urban farm project is based in Tower Hamlets, an inner-city community in London with one of the highest rates of child poverty in the UK. Their educational programmes enable local youngsters, including young offenders and children with special educational needs, to build life skills and confidence and reduce feelings of isolation.

Their Farmer’s Market provides the area with a source of affordable, organic produce. The ‘Furry Tales’ programme provides animal-assisted therapy to those living with dementia. Their volunteer programme brings together 500 participants a year, including those with higher level support needs benefiting from greencare activities, and workers who are keen for an escape from urban life.

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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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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.Disability

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 2018 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.

And in 2024 we made an additional donation of £12,500 to complete the purchase of a Citroen Enterprise Flexilite minibus with two wheelchair spaces.

“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.

There’s more here

 

 

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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Five Men on summit of Arctic Mountain for Demelza Arctic Challenge FundraiserDemelza

Axis Arctic Challenge

August 17, 2018By

Chilly Challengers Fly the Flag for Demelza on Arctic Fundraiser

Well done to the Axis Arctic Challengers who went all the way to the top of Mount Kebna in the Arctic Circle – raising funds for our Axis Foundation charity partner Demelza

The Chilly Challenge

Axis people Christopher Houlihan, Gary Perfect, Philip Twin John Bull and Daniel Blake decided they would take on the chilly challenges of the Arctic Circle to raise money for Demelza Children’s Hospice, the charity partner of both Axis and the Axis Foundation  supporting children with life-limiting illnesses.

The Adventure Begins!

On the first leg of their Arctic Challenge fundraiser, the team arrived at base camp on the first night – in great spirits if a little burnt and tired! The following day they went from 25 degrees C to minus 10; sweltering heat to hail and glaciers; hot rocky terrain to waist-high snow drifts; suffering cramp, dizziness painful injuries and bearing heavy kit: our Arctic Challengers certainly had to dig deep to reach the heights.

Would they do it again?

In total the Arctic Challenge fundraiser provided £10,000 for Demelza. They said:

“Yes, without a doubt we would do it again. We got a real sense of achievement. We pushed ourselves to a place we did not know existed. Throughout the Arctic Challenge fundraiser, we kept thinking about the kids at Demelza. We had a hard few days. Their entire life is hard. The money we raised will make a difference.”

An exclusive extract from the diary of the Arctic Challenge Team

“No sooner had we left the first valley did our fears become reality, a storm, fearsome freezing winds, hail & snow coming straight at us and whilst we needed to descend quickly our only route back was up into another valley totally exposed and heading into the storm. There was no safe opportunity for photos here. We stuck to what rockery we could but then found open snow to cross, increasing in distance as visibility was so poor and with the weather worsening all the time – thunder and lighting now!

“No option but to continue we pushed and pushed, falling down in snow or twisting ankles on rocks, with one of us even becoming stuck and needing to be dug out! The valley seemed endless and the weather relentless, progress was perilously slow. We were wet, cold through and totally exposed and our gear barely sufficient for such conditions!

“Eventually we began to descend and with it the hail and snow became rain and the wind lessened to allow us look up, what we saw was a long valley and 6 wet cold hikers! Kebna had broken us but not beaten us!”

Axis would like to thank the following for their support, sponsorship and pledges:
Advanced Drains, Camview Security, Clearline, D&D Plumbing & Electrical, Danacom Ltd, Hallowell Electrical, Hydrotech, Leander Services, M&R Ltd, Paul Grindley, Pump Practitioners, PV Electrical, Raysaleccy, Rob Mellish, Roofmaster, SH Plumbing, Synergy and W&K Interiors.

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

For Jimmy

June 22, 2018By

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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