Helping young people to be high-flyers
14th May 2021
Young people who have the potential to become the high-flying leaders of tomorrow are being given the chance to achieve their dreams, helped by grants given in memory of a fast jet pilot who tragically died aged just 25.
The grants are available through the Ajvir Singh Sandhu Leadership Foundation (ASSLF) which was established in 2017 and also awards grants through the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF).
Ajvir lived in Essex and achieved his boyhood ambition, becoming an exceptionally talented trainee fast jet pilot in the RAF. In April 2016 he very sadly lost his life when the light aircraft that he was in crashed in North Yorkshire. His inspiring determination and his quest to help others lives on, as the grants given in his name will transform the future for many young people.
Ajvir’s father, Amrik Sandhu said: “We want to support the talented young people of today, helping them to become the leaders of tomorrow, allowing them to spread their wings and fly as high as Ajvir.
“Our mission is to work closely with Essex Community Foundation to identify local young people who have the drive and potential to be the best in their respective fields but may face challenges reaching their goals.
“We also encourage those who receive grants to become generous leaders who give something back to others, reflecting one of the core values which Ajvir lived his life by.”
ASSLF has already supported a young kickboxer who is part of Team GB and he has taken part in many world class competitions. His dream is to become World Champion and then compete in the Olympics.
The fund’s most long-standing project is a mentoring programme at Riverside School in Barking which helps high potential students to have the confidence and self‑belief to reach their academic goals. Another long-term relationship for ASSLF is with 241 Air Cadet Squadron in Woodford, Essex, where Ajvir’s interest in the RAF and love for flying began. Each year, the Fund awards a grant to the squadron to provide extra opportunities to the top performing cadets and those who most reflect Ajvir’s attitude and commitment to achievement.
ASSLF’s largest programme is a partnership with Warwick University Business School. The University identifies candidates who are not only extremely committed to their education but also display strong signs of entrepreneurial potential.
Caroline Taylor, chief executive of ECF said: “Ajvir’s focus and determination made him who he was and ECF is very pleased to be working with his family and the Foundation they set up in his memory.
“It is a tribute to Ajvir that grants are awarded to support talented young people in Essex, particularly those who excel in sport, music, academics and military disciplines.”
Details about the Ajvir Singh Sandhu Leadership Fund can also be found at www.ajvirlf.com.
If you are interested in supporting your local community and would like to talk about how giving through ECF can help, please get in touch with us 01245 355947 or email Perry@essexcf.org.uk.
If you know of a young person who you think could benefit from support, please ask them to get in touch. They can take an eligibility quiz here.
Continuing a family tradition of giving back
27th April 2021
Good fortune and adversity have both been part of life for Jo Pritchard-Barrett and have strengthened her resolve to help others.
Born into a family who once owned the Trebor company, Jo grew up in Ingatestone. When the family’s firm was sold, her father, Ian Marks CBE DL and his wife Angela, founders of Essex Community Foundation, set an inspiring example of how to be an innovative philanthropist.
Jo’s contrasting experiences of being the youngest daughter in a family with a privileged heritage and having her own struggles with cancer and two marriage breakups have given her great insight and an inbuilt empathy with people from all backgrounds.
She has an established charitable fund with Essex Community Foundation (ECF) to help tackle issues that she sees as crucial in society, but many find too difficult to confront.
Caroline Taylor, CEO of ECF said, “Our relationship with Jo is a great example of how we work with our fundholders to tackle issues that matter to them.
“It is a mutually beneficial experience; she has a deep interest in helping people who are so often overlooked or find it difficult to get the empathy and support they really need, and we know the charities and voluntary groups that are tackling these issues in their local communities and need funding to support their work.”
Recent grants have supported projects that are providing training for companies around domestic violence, supporting women working in the sex industry in Southend, supporting victims of rape and abuse and helping children whose parents have an alcohol or drug addiction.
“It is so important that people going through such traumas are given the right support and have some hope, particularly at this time when everything is being pushed to the boundaries,” said Jo.
“If people who have been through abuse and trauma can get the help they need they can move on to recovery and do really well.
“Much of my focus is on children, because I feel that the experiences they have in their early years are vital for their future development.”
Jo’s fund with ECF is called The White House Farm Charitable fund, named after her home in Suffolk. She still has a great affinity with Essex, which is why grants from her fund helps voluntary and community groups giving support to people in the county.
“My mother, Angela, and my father, Ian, who died in 2018, were amazing role models and is an ongoing inspiration to me,” said Jo, who has three children
“When my children were little, life was difficult, becoming a single mum after a divorce. Going through breast cancer and recently the end of another marriage has also been difficult, but I feel stronger and happier now.
“I am lucky to have my family around me, I keep on counting my blessings and more than ever, I want to give back as much as possible to make a difference to others.
“When I was in the beauty business and clients came for treatments they would open–up about their lives. It gave them someone to talk to and gave me a greater understanding of what people go through and some of the issues they were dealing with.
In 2015, Jo was part of a Domestic Abuse Project and a ground-breaking partnership between ECF, two Essex Hospitals and Basildon, Colchester and Tendring Women’s Refuges. The pilot scheme involved specialist Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs) being placed in accident and emergency and maternity departments at Basildon and Colchester hospitals. They offered women immediate and ongoing support, and trained staff at the hospitals to recognise and deal with patients who had suffered domestic abuse.
ECF provided a grant and harnessed additional financial support from other sources, including the AIM Foundation, Fowler Smith and Jones Charitable Trusts and The Mulberry Trust towards the overall cost of the scheme. Jo was part of the committee that was set up to monitor progress of this project which is still in operation and is now delivered by Changing Pathways based in Basildon.
Jo said: “Across the UK, at least two women a week are killed by their partners which is shocking, so when ECF asked me if I wanted to be involved in the Domestic Abuse Project, I didn’t hesitate to say yes.
“It just seemed to be a common–sense approach to look more deeply into the causes, when a woman who has suffered unexplained or frequent injuries comes into hospital. Rather than just patching them up and sending them home they can be relieved of the suffering caused by a harmful relationship.”
Jo describes herself as a practical and hands-on person and she is optimistic about the future and how we can all re-assess our priorities.
“Having a fund with ECF is something I value very much. They can see what sort of person you are and can help you realise what is possible, linking up with your own interests and focussing on issues that are important to you.
“I am proud that my parents founded an organisation that is achieving so much and is keeping their wonderful philanthropic spirit alive.”
To find out how you can set up your own charitable fund, click here.
Helping people to navigate their futures
14th April 2021
Three Colchester-based charities that are helping people to navigate life’s challenges and open new horizons have received vital funding from the Mersea Homes Charitable Fund.
The organisations receiving support in this latest round of grants are Beacon House Ministries, Pioneer Sailing Trust and the 9th Colchester Scout Group.
The Mersea Homes Charitable Fund was set up by the property development firm in 2010 and is managed by the independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation (ECF). Grants are awarded annually to support a wide range of projects and to date local charities and voluntary groups have benefitted from support totalling nearly £45,000.
Stuart Cock, managing director of Mersea Homes, said: “Being a local family run business we are committed to supporting charities and community projects close to home.
“Housing is our business, and we are committed to building quality homes that we are proud of and that people love to live in. Helping those who, for many reasons, find themselves without somewhere to live and want to rebuild their lives, is something we are pleased to support.”
Steve Brown is CEO of Beacon House Ministries who are receiving £4,000. He said, “Thanks to support from local companies like Mersea Homes who are working with ECF, we are able to find out the root cause of individual situations. Helping people to open up about their feelings is key to us providing the right services to help them break the cycle of homelessness and rebuild their lives.”
Stuart continued, “Living on Mersea Island, where a lot of community life is centered around sailing, we see first-hand the positive impact and benefits that water-based activities can have on lives, especially in young people.
“We are pleased to support two local charities that are using sailing as a way to break down barriers and increase their skills.
“The 9th Colchester Scout Group is receiving £1,904 to provide sailing opportunities for their members that will encourage them to challenge themselves, build their confidence and use the outdoors to improve their wellbeing.
“A further grant is given to The Pioneer Sailing Trust, based in Brightlingsea. They are receiving £1,893 to provide organised days on board the Pioneer sailing vessel for families from Colchester and Tendring districts, accompanied by their social worker.
Felicity Lees, from Pioneer Sailing Trust, said: “We are so grateful for this funding as it will enable us to take more families out this year. Being on the sailing vessel allows social workers time to interact with the families they are helping, build trust, encourage them to talk about their problems and work out what longer-term support they might need. It is wonderful that our sailing vessel Pioneer can be used for such positive work.”
Stuart added, “We are very pleased to be working so effectively with the team at ECF. Establishing and growing a long-term charitable fund with them fitted with our ethos of building lasting communities. It also means that each year, and forever, we will give support to causes we see as a priority and those that are making such a difference to people’s lives in the area where we work.”
To apply for funding, click here.
To read how you can support your local community, click here.
Essex welcomes its new High Sheriff
Simon Brice is setting out on his year as High Sheriff of Essex not only with a true sense of resolve, but also a sense of humour.
Taking on the role, which dates back to Anglo Saxon times, is “an honour” says Simon, a farmer, who is proud to be an Essex man, born and bred.
He has become the 841st High Sheriff of Essex and is determined to make current day issues, including domestic abuse, modern slavery, county lines, mental health and rural crime his priorities in his year of office.
“It is a challenge to plan the year ahead, as there are still some uncertainties around Covid restrictions, but I am looking forward to getting out and meeting people face to face as much as I can,” said Simon.
“The voluntary and charity sector and our excellent police, fire and ambulance services, as well as Essex County Council, the unitary authorities and District Councils, have all stepped up to the mark over the past difficult year.
“They all deserve thanks and support as they continue to do a tremendous job to serve the county. I think as High Sheriff it is possible to see things behind the scenes that others don’t have the chance to see. I could be having a discussion with a High Court judge one day, then talking to someone addicted to drugs or a victim of domestic abuse the following day.
“A High Sheriff does not have political allegiance, which I think is important, as people feel they can speak freely in these circumstances. I will be there to give support, to make connections, perhaps open doors and to jolly or cajole where necessary. Even when dealing with difficult issues, I will be doing it with a smile.
“Coming from a family who have farmed near Witham for five generations, we have seen many changes over the years and, just as farming has evolved, Essex will continue to change and adapt as we slowly come out of the Covid pandemic.
“I am looking forward to working with Essex Community Foundation (ECF) who look after the High Sheriffs’ Fund, which gives grants to causes tackling crime and promoting community safety.
“I hope to be able to raise money to add to this fund during the year and as ECF runs the ‘Proceeds of Crime Matched Funding Scheme’ thanks to the support of Essex Police, all donations I receive will be matched on a 2 to 1 basis. This means that for every £2 received ECF will add £1, and if Gift Aid can be claimed it nearly doubles the value of donations.
“It is humbling when you hear how grants from the fund can make a difference to vital volunteer and charity groups and how a little can go a long way in providing help. I am also looking forward to linking with ECF for the High Sheriff’s awards which do a great job towards boosting morale and recognising the excellent work of many organisations in the county.”
Simon has a busy year ahead and he and his wife Emma are planning to hold a garden party in aid of the High Sheriffs’ Fund in September, the same month as their daughter Lucy’s wedding. Their son Oliver is playing an increasing role in running the family’s businesses, allowing Simon more time for his duties as High Sheriff.
“Essex is a remarkable and diverse county, faced with many challenges and I look forward to supporting and working with great people throughout the county in my year of office,” said Simon.
SUPPORT THE HIGH SHERIFF AND YOUR DONATION WILL BE MATCHED!
ECF is pleased to manage the Proceeds of Crime Matched Funding Scheme where donations to the High Sheriffs’ Fund are matched on a 2 to 1 basis. This means that for every £2 received, ECF will add £1, and if Gift Aid can be claimed, it nearly doubles the value of donations.
Donate Now www.justgiving.com/fundraising/high-sheriff-of-essex-2021
Local charity provides vital support for young people
12th April 2021
This year was supposed to be one of celebration for the acclaimed charity, Waltham Abbey Youth 2000, but it became one of the most challenging ever since it was set up 26 years ago.
The Coronavirus pandemic meant that instead of celebrating the landmark anniversary the charity, which provides a wide range of services for young people and their families, had to close down its facilities including its youth clubs and parent drop-in sessions.
But, thanks to a grant from our Coronavirus Response and Recovery Programme and support from other organisations, Waltham Abbey Youth 2000 has been able to continue its vital counselling service for young people, which has been needed more than ever. Until lockdown, the service was based at the local secondary school.
Elaine Fletcher, chairman of trustees for Waltham Abbey Youth 2000 said: “Our counsellor, Angie Pearson, who has been with us for the past 21 years, had to double her hours because of the huge increase in demand. She set up a programme to work from home to keep in touch with vulnerable young people of the town who were having to cope with all the stresses of lockdown.
“More than 1,700 contacts have been made with young people and their parents/carers. Angie developed booklets for the young people to record their thoughts and feelings about COVID-19, to keep them motivated and help provide a sense of achievement. She put into action activities to keep their sense of aspiration alive and also promoted the ideas of relaxation and exercise.”
One of the young people helped by the counselling service said: “The weekly contact helped me cope and stopped me going crazy at times.”
Over the years Waltham Abbey Youth 2000 has received many accolades and last year was one of 23 organisations in Essex to be nominated for a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Elaine said: “2020, which should have been the year of celebration for our 25th anniversary, was and still is a huge challenge. We have had to provide an increased counselling service as demand did not reduce at the start of the school year, and the latest lockdown continued to have a negative impact on young people and their families.”
“We are very fortunate to have received support, including the grant from Essex Community Foundation. Looking to the future, and with restrictions slowly easing, we are determined to establish a homework club and to re-start our very popular cookery clubs. We will also be running our parent drop-in facility when we can, as this has proved such a help to so many people.
“Waltham Abbey has a history of being quite a deprived area, but we know that with the right support the young people of the town and their families can attain so much more.”
The rise of Baby Banks in Essex
18th March 2021
Essex families struggling to afford clothing and other essential items for their newborn babies and children are being given vital help by Baby Banks around the county.
An increase in the need for such support has resulted in Baby Banks being opened in Braintree, Tendring and Billericay. The set-up is similar to foodbanks and parents can use Baby Banks for essential equipment required for bringing up young children, including nappies, wipes and shampoo, as well as larger items such as prams and pushchairs.
Referral come from local nurseries, schools, GPs and community centres.
Andy Payne Warpole, Head of Programmes at Essex Community Foundation (ECF), said: “We have seen a big increase in the number of applications we have received from Baby Banks over the past year. They tell us they have been inundated by requests for help, particularly during the pandemic.
“The rise in demand is due to a number of reasons including reduced salaries while parents were, and continue to be furloughed, job losses, cuts to Universal Credit payments and a rise in the number of people fleeing domestic abuse.”
Baby Bank Tendring received £1,200 from ECF and used this vital funding boost to buy items that they cannot accept as second-hand donations because of health and safety concerns. These include cot mattresses, car seats, dummies, bottles and sterilisers.
Georgia Phillips, Director of Baby Bank Tendring, said: “After watching a Channel 4 Dispatches programme about Baby Banks showing the amazing work being done for local communities, I was inspired to offer the same. We began working with local providers to develop a service which offers pre-loved donated baby clothing, toiletries and equipment to those who need it.
“The support we’ve had from local people who have been so helpful, and their donations have been fantastic. We put out a weekly wish–list on Facebook so people know what items we need and it is amazing to see how generous people are.
“It’s sad that people need our help, but we are so pleased that we are in a position to do it”.
Baby Stuff Braintree is also feeling the pinch caused by COVID-19. Susan Pedder, Trustee, said: “The need for clothes is often seen as below that of food, but children benefit from self-esteem, so as well as keeping them warm, a new coat adds so much to their lives. There are so many people needing support right now that we are having to buy clothing, rather than rely solely on donations. The £1,000 awarded to us by ECF has enabled us to make a big difference to many more children”.
To contact Baby Bank Tendring, email: babybanktendring@yahoo.com.
Baby Stuff Braintree ask that you contact them through their Facebook page.
SUPPORT ECF’S ACORN FUND CHALLENGE and help more local charities like Baby Banks.
ECF is running the ‘Acorn Fund Challenge’, appealing for donations and matching them on a 2 to 1 basis. This means that for every £2 received, ECF will add £1, and if Gift Aid can be claimed, it nearly doubles the value of donations.
Donate online now: https://justgiving.com/campaign/ECFAcorn