Minibus donated to BARN charity in Redditch for the elderly and disabledCommunity

BARN

June 12, 2018By

Transport for vulnerable and isolated local people

BARN (Bromsgrove and Redditch Network) is a volunteer network in Redditch. Their free-to-ride minibus (BURT) provides mobility for those with dementia, the elderly and disabled – as well as their carers,

This vital service was under threat as BARN’s minibus was old and unreliable. Its constant need for repair was causing cancellations and preventing BARN from expanding the service.

So, the Axis Foundation’s donation of £5,000 will go towards the purchase of a new minibus so that BURT can continue to help vulnerable and isolated people.

“This has made such a huge difference to so many people. BURT is more than just a transportation service for the elderly and disabled.For our users we’re a lifeline, and it is heart-breaking when we have to cancel journeys because our current minibus had broken down again.

“The feedback from the passengers about the new minibus you helped us buy has been really good. The new minibus has been designed to have a lower floor, making it easier for people to get on; the tail lift is smooth and modern, making access that way a safer and more pleasant experience; it is clean and smart, making passenger journeys more comfortable; it has a separate heater in the passenger section just in time for these chilly winter mornings.

“”We really appreciate the contribution you made to purchasing the minibus, and it is already making a difference to our passengers. We can’t thank the Axis Foundation enough for this” – Gary Roskell, CEO

More about BARN

BARN’s transportation service for the elderly and disabled helps people get to dementia clubs, fitness classes for people with disabilities and life-after-stroke sessions. Without the service, many would no longer have the means to visit friends, attend health appointments or even go shopping. (BURT) makes about 6,000 journeys a year providing a lifeline of support.

 

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Smiling residents of Bentilee VolunteersCommunity

Bentilee Volunteers

October 12, 2017By

Social club for adults with learning disabilities

Bentilee Volunteers is a charity which provides social activities and volunteering to children, the elderly and disadvantaged people within the local community.

£2,500 from the Axis Foundation will go towards their Rainbow Club, a social club for adults with learning disabilities, which provides a safe social haven for members to make new friends and take part in creative and interactive activities like drama, music, crafts and dancing, as well as parties and games. In addition, their theatre trips and excursions take members to exciting and stimulating places.

“Bentilee Volunteers were thrilled to receive a donation from the Axis Foundation. The funding will help our Rainbow Project to continue and grow, supporting the good work of our committed staff and volunteers. Above all, it will ensure that this much needed club remains available to local vulnerable people” – Gill McGovern, Funding Development Worker

More About Bentilee Volunteers

Bentilee Volunteers consult with the residents of Bentilee, encouraging them to identify and address the needs of their local area. As a result, they have set up a range of initiatives, helping to raise the quality of life for vulnerable people within the community.  Projects include:

  • The Furniture Shed and Charity Shop (donations and re-sales
  • Youthlink (a club for young people between the ages of 11 and 19)
  • Senior Clubs (luncheon clubs with transport, activities and outings for older members of the community)
  • The Community IT Suite (offering computer training and assistance into employment, training and volunteering opportunities)

 

 

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Women in elderly care smiling and holding ribbons at support groupCare

Bishop Creighton House

October 25, 2015By

Providing care service for the elderly and vulnerable

Bishop Creighton House helps disadvantaged, elderly and vulnerable people, those with learning difficulties and low-income families. Established over 110 years ago and based in Fulham, south west London, Bishop Creighton House provides essential care across West London.

The Axis Foundation’s grant of £2,450 went towards their Homeline project. This is a free telephone befriending service for elderly and isolated people. The service will contact medical and social services and arrange visits from a volunteer for a friendly chat or to help with practical tasks like filling out forms. Homeline ensures that older people are not forgotten and that they have a friendly voice to talk to when they need assistance.

“As a small charity, it really is fantastic to be helped by the Axis Foundation! This will go a long way to maintaining the volunteer-run telephone service. The grant will go directly to providing a daily or weekly Safe & Well check for people (with an average age of 82) who are lonely, isolated or have health issues” – Joy Houghton-Brown, Manager for Older People’s Services

“Our telephone befriending is a wonderful service providing over 1,350 friendship and support calls a week to 154 lonely, older people. Thank you again for your kind support of our project” – Joy Wilson, Manager

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