Examples of recent grants awarded
Refugee Survival Trust (www.rst.org.uk)
RST focuses on the destitution of asylum seekers and
refugees, providing emergency help and short-term grants to individuals who are seeking asylum and have no other means
of support and often nowhere to live. It is a Scotland wide charity working mainly in Glasgow and Central Scotland.
RST has written several reports about the specific problems and destitution which have been helpful in affecting change in several areas of policy and practice on the ground. The
Foundation's grant of £7,500 per annum for two years was made in June
2011.
Bristol Hearing Voices Network
Bristol Hearing Voices Network offers support to people who hear Voices
by providing an open, free, self-help group. It meets weekly and offers
members a chance to meet regularly, share experiences, and coping
strategies, and build frienships. Additionally, the Network
provides information and training; raises awareness of Voice hearing
and other unusual experiences; and works to promote the development
of better services and support. The Foundation made a contribution of £2,500
towards general running costs in June 2011.
Hastings & Rother Rainbow Alliance
A grant of £3,050 per annum for two years was made towards the running
costs of this charity in June 2011. The Hastings & Rother Rainbow Alliance
works to support people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and Trans (LGBT).
It aims to promote the needs and recognition of LGBT communities and runs
training events for service providers and others to ensure the needs of
LGBT communities are included in local policy and strategies. It also
organises a variety of social events and offers advice and information.
More information at: www.hrra.org.uk
Churches Together
Churches Together with Refugees in Coventry received a two-year grant
from the Foundation in 2009 towards the salary of a part-time
coordinator. This role has been invaluable in progressing the work of
the Coventry City of Sanctuary movement - which aims to enlist the
support and backing of individuals and organisations in building a
culture of welcome for people seeking asylum. The aim is to increase
community cohesion and improve quality of life for all, newcomers and
the existing communities.
Faversham Assistance Centre
Helping almost 200 people a year, The Faversham Assistance Centre (FACE) offers gardening, decorating
and odd-job services to the elderly and frail in Swale
in the South East. They allow people to remain comfortable living at home, ensuring jobs they can't manage are taken
care of. FACE is well-known in the area, alongside practical help,
volunteers and workers provide a welcome and friendly visit for the
clients. The Foundation's grant of £2,800 went towards volunteers'
expenses and running costs of the scheme.
Hubbub
Hubbub is a volunteer-run community outreach project in the West End of Newcastle. In October 2007 it received a three-year grant totalling £13,602 towards the general running costs of its drop-in centre for refugees and asylum seekers. Around 60 people each week attend the drop-in for a range of social activities, general support and friendship. Hubbub also organises trips - such as a visit to Glenridding in the Lake District pictured.
Bright
Bright is a charity through which bright, new and innovative ideas flow. One of these is the Star Wards initiative which received start-up funding from the Allen Lane Foundation in 2005. Star Wards, a national project, encourage the development of good practice in acute mental health wards. It promotes simple, low-cost ways in which to enhance and transform the daily experiences and treatment outcomes of inpatients. The project is well-established and hundreds of wards across the country are signed up.
Darnall Dementia Group
Darnall Dementia Group was awarded £9,000 over three years in October 2008. The grant was towards running costs of the charity which provides a day care facility for people suffering from dementia and their carers. The Group is based in Sheffield and offers a stable and safe enviornment with interesting and stimulating activities for around 30 members. It provides a supportive community where people can participate in various activities such as singing, dancing and flower arranging.
Karibu
The Foundation made a three-year grant of £3,000 per annum towards the cost of a development assistant at this user-led group in Glasgow. Karibu brings together women and children from refugee and asylum seeker communities to promote their integration and to offer access to services and activities. The grant was made in June 2008 to help Karibu develop, run a monthly drop-in, and set up social enterprises to enable the women to use their skills and also make the project sustainable.
Moelfre Over 50's Club
A single grant of £1,600 was made in October 2008 to Moelfre Over 50s Club. The Club, a voluntary community group based on the Isle of Anglesey, caters for around 80 older people and aims to promote active aging, learning, opportunities for volunteering and community involvement. The grant was a contribution towards the costs of activities and a befriending service. The Club offers friendship, social activities and support, and also organises group sessions and regular trips out and visits.
