Charity Beach Volleyball heads to Brighton
by Ethos public relations
National disability charity, Action For Kids, is asking local businesses to take part in its first ever Beach Volleyball Tournament in Brighton.
The charity is hosting the fun-filled afternoon event on Friday 17 September, from 2pm to 6pm, at NIVEA SUN® Yellowave on the seafront, and is keen to hear from businesses and individuals who are up for the challenge!
It is the first time that Action For Kids is bringing the event - which is already a big hit with city workers in London - to the seafront, and it is encouraging teams from across Brighton and Hove to swap their suits for their sports gear and compete in the exciting tournament.
Action For Kids supports children and young people with physical and learning disabilities and their families and carers across the UK, and is already helping to make a difference to the lives of youngsters in the Brighton and Hove areas.
Sarah Greene, Events Fundraiser at Action For Kids, said: “The Brighton Beach Volleyball Tournament will be a fantastic event and we are really hoping that local businesses will sign up to take part! No experience is necessary and the rules are simple.”
There will be four groups competing against each other and the winner of each group will go through into the semi final – the winners of which will go on to the grand final.
“So if you fancy a team-building event that’s fun and rewarding, please get in touch,” Sarah said.
Trophies will be presented to the winning team and the runner-up at the end of the day and following the grand final, everyone can enjoy a barbeque on the deck.
Action For Kids is looking for teams including men and women, and is asking for each team to pledge to raise a minimum of £400 in sponsorship for the charity.
For more information, please visit the website at www.actionforkids.org.
Posted at 12th July 2010
2010 Beach Volleyball Tournament is a huge success
by Ethos public relations
Suits were swapped for sports gear recently when Londoners competed in the second Urban Beach Volleyball Tournament on Friday 11 June at Broadgate Circle, to raise money for National disability charity, Action For Kids.
14 teams, including those from Intercontinental Hotels, HSBC, ICAP and City of London Police, took part in the tournament to raise money for the charity, which supports children and young people with physical and learning disabilities and their families and carers across the country.
Alpha Smashers, the team from the world’s premier interdealer broker, ICAP beat Mitsubishi in a thrilling final and the 138 players from all the teams were supported by spectators cheering on from the balconies around the court.
The event raised £50,000 for the charity’s invaluable work and will be used to buy equipment and provide aid and support for children with various disabilities.
Sarah Greene, Events Fundraiser at Action For Kids said: “We had a great day. The sun was shining and the competition was keenly contested – and what’s more is that we raised an extraordinary amount of money to help the young people across the country.”
“We rely on donations and are very grateful to everyone who took part and donated as they put a big smile on the kids’ faces.”
For more information about Action For Kids and the Urban Beach Volleyball Tournament, visit the website at www.actionforkids.org.
Posted at 17th June 2010
New report demonstrates benefits of work related learning for young disabled people
by Ethos public relations
The work related learning programme from National disability charity, Action For Kids, has been given the green light from Middlesex University after receiving an independent research report – the very first of its kind.
“The results are fantastic,” said Mike Hayes, Action For Kids Chief Executive.
“The Report, compiled together with Action For Kids Social Return on Investment (SROI) report which places a financial value of £6.37 for every pound the charity invests in this area, demonstrates that the work that we do with the young people – really does have a positive impact.
“We recognise the difficulties young disabled people face when it comes to gaining access to employment and at Action For Kids, our work related learning programme enables young people to develop invaluable skills not only for employment, but also charitable volunteering and community participation.
“And by focusing on young people’s abilities, we provide a positive and supportive environment in which they can really develop their confidence, self-esteem and self-reliance.”
The report, which was commissioned by Action For Kids, is the first piece of research to be produced under the Social Enterprise Research Capacity Building Cluster Voucher Scheme, funded by the Office of the Third Sector and the Economics and Social Research Council, as part of a five-year research programme to develop links between social enterprises and universities.
The report highlights that everyone who attends the work related learning programme plays a vital role in the Action For Kids business as each young person has a clearly defined role and those now employed by the charity, enjoy their ‘paid employee’ status.
The report also shows that in addition to the young people developing actual office skills (keyboard practice, IT skills training, office administration, data entry systems) the supportive environment which nurtures team working, job coaching and enhanced skills training is invaluable for their development.
A further benefit of an integrated working environment, highlighted in the report, means the young people have evidence of the possibility of employment and are supported to achieve and use their initiative when working individually.
The research report was presented to Action For Kids by Dreenagh Lyle, who conducted the research, Professor Eleanor Kofman, and Erin Sanders, a research fellow in the School of Social Sciences.
“As this is the very first research report of its kind, we are delighted to be able to visit Action For Kids and personally hand it to the charity,” said Professor Eleanor Kofman from Middlesex University.
“It is a really innovative way of showing the charity working at its best and we are thrilled with the results.”
Posted at 8th June 2010
Endurance sports enthusiast to hit the Big Apple for one of the world’s largest marathons
by Ethos public relations
An 18-year-old fundraiser from Welling, who enjoys nothing more than pushing his fitness levels, is on a mission to raise £2,000 for Action For Kids in the world’s biggest marathon in New York this year.
Christopher Hughes, who is studying Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying at Loughborough University, is one of 20 runners taking part in the marathon on 7 November to help raise funds for the charity which supports children, young people and their families with physical and learning disabilities across the country.
“I have always been interested in endurance sports,” Christopher said. “And it is my ambition to do an endurance event for every year of my life.
“Taking part in the New York Marathon on behalf of Action For Kids, is the perfect opportunity for me to really put my fitness to the test, and to prepare, I’ve been doing 70 mile bike rides and recently cycled from London to Cardiff. I also run 10km, twice a week, and aim to complete the marathon in less than four hours.”
The New York City Marathon is a major annual marathon with the course running through all five boroughs of New York City, and is one of the largest marathons in the world, with 43,659 finishers in 2009.
Sarah Greene, Events Fundraiser at Action for Kids, said: “It is fantastic to have Christopher and the whole team running for us. They have all set themselves fundraising targets and hope to raise as much as £30,000 for the charity, which is brilliant! We are truly grateful to everyone who is taking part.”
The marathon, organised by New York Road Runners (NYRR) has taken place every year since 1970. It is held on the first Sunday of November and attracts professional competitors and amateurs from all over the world. Because of the popularity of the race, participation is limited to 37,000 entrants chosen largely by a lottery system.
National charity Action For Kids, through its “Towards Independence” programmes, helps disabled children, young people and their families lead more independent lives through the provision of specialist services such as: training in independent living skills and work related learning; a family support service; a national help line and much more. The charity also provides disabled young people, up to the age of 26, with specialist mobility equipment, and an on-going maintenance program to keep wheelchairs working.
The equipment, which is provided on a permanent loan scheme, means that Action for Kids covers the cost of maintaining and servicing the wheelchairs on an ongoing basis, removing a major financial burden from families, the maintenance scheme has also recently been extended to cover privately-owned wheelchairs.
To sponsor Christopher, please visit his personal sponsorship page at
www.justgiving.com/Christopher-Hughes.
To sponsor the Action for Kids runners in the New York Marathon, please visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Newyorkrunners.
And for more information about the New York Marathon, please visit www.nycmarathon.org.
Posted at 18th May 2010
Surrey hopeful to hit the Big Apple for one of the world’s largest marathons
by Ethos public relations
A 22-year-old from Weybridge, Surrey, is in training for the world’s biggest marathon in New York this year to help raise money for national charity Action For Kids.
Charlie Buck, an information management and business studies student at Loughborough University, is one of 20 runners taking part in the marathon on 7 November to help raise funds for the charity which supports children, young people and their families with physical and learning disabilities across the country.
“I have always wanted to take part in a marathon and, as the university does a lot of work with Action For Kids, I was keen to get involved and help raise money for the charity,” Charlie said.
“Competing in the New York Marathon will be a physical and mental challenge for me and I have been doing a lot of running to prepare, including taking part in a half marathon in the Peak District.
“Finishing the Marathon in under four hours is my target, and I hope to raise £2,000 for Action For Kids.”
The New York City Marathon is a major annual marathon with the course running through all five boroughs of New York City, and is one of the largest marathons in the world, with 43,659 finishers in 2009.
Sarah Greene, Events Fundraiser at Action for Kids, said: “It is fantastic to have Charlie and the whole team running for us. They have all set themselves fundraising targets and hope to raise as much as £30,000 for the charity, which is brilliant! We are truly grateful to everyone who is taking part.”
The marathon, organised by New York Road Runners (NYRR) has taken place every year since 1970. It is held on the first Sunday of November and attracts professional competitors and amateurs from all over the world. Because of the popularity of the race, participation is limited to 37,000 entrants chosen largely by a lottery system.
National charity Action For Kids, through its “Towards Independence” programmes, helps disabled children, young people and their families lead more independent lives through the provision of specialist services such as: training in independent living skills and work related learning; a family support service; a national help line and much more.
The charity also provides disabled young people, up to the age of 26, with specialist mobility equipment, and an on-going maintenance program to keep wheelchairs working.
The equipment, which is provided on a permanent loan scheme, means that Action for Kids covers the cost of maintaining and servicing the wheelchairs on an ongoing basis, removing a major financial burden from families, the maintenance scheme has also recently been extended to cover privately-owned wheelchairs.
To sponsor Charlie, please visit his personal sponsorship page at http://www.justgiving.com/Charlie-Buck
To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org
To sponsor the Action for Kids runners in the New York Marathon, please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Newyorkrunners
And for more information about the New York Marathon, please visit www.nycmarathon.org
Posted at 17th May 2010
West Midlands hopeful to hit the Big Apple for one of the world’s largest marathons
by Ethos public relations
A 23-year old from Walsall is in training for the world’s biggest marathon in New York this year to help raise money for national charity Action For Kids.
Nicola Gerrett, who is a PhD Researcher of Environmental Ergonomics at Loughborough University, is one of 20 runners taking part in the marathon on 7 November to help raise funds for the charity which supports children, young people and their families with physical and learning disabilities across the country.
“I have done half marathons in the past so this year I set myself the challenge of completing a full marathon which is how I came across Action For Kids,” Nicola said.
“This is a personal challenge I can achieve if I put my mind to it and I plan to start training six months before going to New York.
“I need to raise £1,500 to take part and anything above that will be a bonus, especially as it is for a charitable cause, and I want to finish the marathon in less than four hours.”
The New York City Marathon is a major annual marathon with the course running through all five boroughs of New York City, and is one of the largest marathons in the world, with 43,659 finishers in 2009.
Sarah Greene, Events Fundraiser at Action for Kids, said: “It is fantastic to have Nicola and the whole team running for us. They have all set themselves fundraising targets and hope to raise as much as £30,000 for the charity, which is brilliant! We are truly grateful to everyone who is taking part.”
The marathon, organised by New York Road Runners (NYRR) has taken place every year since 1970. It is held on the first Sunday of November and attracts professional competitors and amateurs from all over the world. Because of the popularity of the race, participation is limited to 37,000 entrants chosen largely by a lottery system.
National charity Action For Kids, through its “Towards Independence” programmes, helps disabled children, young people and their families lead more independent lives through the provision of specialist services such as: training in independent living skills and work related learning; a family support service; a national help line and much more.
The charity also provides disabled young people, up to the age of 26, with specialist mobility equipment, and an on-going maintenance program to keep wheelchairs working.
The equipment, which is provided on a permanent loan scheme, means that Action for Kids covers the cost of maintaining and servicing the wheelchairs on an ongoing basis, removing a major financial burden from families, the maintenance scheme has also recently been extended to cover privately-owned wheelchairs.
To sponsor Nicola, please visit her personal sponsorship page at www.justgiving.com/Nicola-Gerrett.
To sponsor the Action for Kids runners in the New York Marathon, please visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Newyorkrunners.
And for more information about the New York Marathon, please visit www.nycmarathon.org.
Posted at 14th May 2010
Action For Kids announced as Fundsport UK’s charity of the year
by Ethos public relations
Action For Kids has been chosen by school sports specialists, Fundsport UK, as its charity for 2010.
Fundsport UK, based in Nottinghamshire, delivers a wide range of educational and sport coaching services to schools and local authorities.
Working with a wide range of young people, many of its free activity programmes target disadvantaged children and young people with disabilities, so the link up with Action For Kids was “only natural”, says Mark Craddock, Managing Director of Fundsport UK.
“We are looking to raise up to £5,000 for Action For Kids this year”, says Mark, who himself recently completed the 26.2 mile Brighton marathon in aid of Action For Kids.
Luke Smith, Extended Services Co-ordinator for the Arnold Hill family of schools at Fundsport UK, will also be attempting the Great East swim in June.
“And with further fundraising events planned for later on in the year, we are determined to reach our target,” said Mark.
Action For Kids supports children and young people with physical and learning disabilities and their families and carers across the country. The money raised by Fundsport UK will enable the charity to continue its work to remove barriers to independence for disabled children and young people all around the UK.
Lyn Prodger, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Action For Kids, said: “We are very excited about being selected as Fundsport’s charity partner. Action For Kids relies on the amazing generosity and fundraising efforts of individuals like Mark and Luke and companies like Fundsport in order to provide services all around the UK to support disabled children, young people and their families.”
Mark Craddock added: “We hope that the relationship with Action for Kids goes from strength to strength over the next few months, and that we can make a positive impact with the young people that the charity works with.”
To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.
Posted at 13th May 2010
Staffordshire hopeful to hit the Big Apple for one of the world’s largest marathons
by Ethos public relations
An 18-year-old from Cannock is in training for the world’s biggest marathon in New York this year to help raise money for national charity Action For Kids.
Robert Bell, who is an economics student at Loughborough University, is one of 20 runners taking part in the marathon on 7 November to help raise funds for the charity which supports children, young people and their families with physical and learning disabilities across the country.
“Action For Kids is a terrific charity and I am really looking forward to the marathon and raising as much money as I can,” Robert said.
“I haven’t set myself a target time to finish the marathon - my main aim is to raise £1,500 or more for Action For Kids.”
The New York City Marathon is a major annual marathon with the course running through all five boroughs of New York City, and is one of the largest marathons in the world, with 43,659 finishers in 2009.
Sarah Greene, Events Fundraiser at Action for Kids, said: “It is fantastic to have Robert and the whole team running for us. They have all set themselves fundraising targets and hope to raise as much as £30,000 for the charity, which is brilliant! We are truly grateful to everyone who is taking part.”
The marathon, organised by New York Road Runners (NYRR) has taken place every year since 1970. It is held on the first Sunday of November and attracts professional competitors and amateurs from all over the world. Because of the popularity of the race, participation is limited to 37,000 entrants chosen largely by a lottery system.
National charity Action For Kids, through its “Towards Independence” programmes, helps disabled children, young people and their families lead more independent lives through the provision of specialist services such as: training in independent living skills and work related learning; a family support service; a national help line and much more.
The charity also provides disabled young people, up to the age of 26, with specialist mobility equipment, and an on-going maintenance program to keep wheelchairs working.
The equipment, which is provided on a permanent loan scheme, means that Action for Kids covers the cost of maintaining and servicing the wheelchairs on an ongoing basis, removing a major financial burden from families, the maintenance scheme has also recently been extended to cover privately-owned wheelchairs.
To sponsor Robert, please visit his personal sponsorship page at http://www.justgiving.co.uk/robbellnewyork
To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org
To sponsor the Action for Kids runners in the New York Marathon, please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Newyorkrunners
And for more information about the New York Marathon, please visit www.nycmarathon.org
Posted at 12th May 2010
Chelmsford hopeful to hit the Big Apple for one of the world’s largest marathons
by Ethos public relations
A 23-year old from central Chelmsford is in training for the world’s biggest marathon in New York this year to help raise money for national charity Action For Kids.
Emma Gray, who is studying International Business at Loughborough University, is one of 20 runners taking part in the marathon on 7 November to help raise funds for the charity which supports children, young people and their families with physical and learning disabilities across the country.
“I am really looking forward to the marathon and have already started intensive training,” Emma said. “This is a great personal challenge for me and I have set myself goals to complete the run in 5.5 hours and raise £2,000 for Action For Kids.”
The New York City Marathon is a major annual marathon with the course running through all five boroughs of New York City, and is one of the largest marathons in the world, with 43,659 finishers in 2009.
Sarah Greene, Events Fundraiser at Action for Kids, said: “It is fantastic to have Emma and the whole team running for us. They have all set themselves fundraising targets and hope to raise as much as £30,000 for the charity, which is brilliant! We are truly grateful to everyone who is taking part.”
The marathon, organised by New York Road Runners (NYRR) has taken place every year since 1970. It is held on the first Sunday of November and attracts professional competitors and amateurs from all over the world. Because of the popularity of the race, participation is limited to 37,000 entrants chosen largely by a lottery system.
National charity Action For Kids, through its “Towards Independence” programmes, helps disabled children, young people and their families lead more independent lives through the provision of specialist services such as: training in independent living skills and work related learning; a family support service; a national help line and much more.
The charity also provides disabled young people, up to the age of 26, with specialist mobility equipment, and an on-going maintenance program to keep wheelchairs working.
The equipment, which is provided on a permanent loan scheme, means that Action for Kids covers the cost of maintaining and servicing the wheelchairs on an ongoing basis, removing a major financial burden from families, the maintenance scheme has also recently been extended to cover privately-owned wheelchairs.
To sponsor Emma, please visit her personal sponsorship page at http://www.justgiving.com/ejg
To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org
To sponsor the Action for Kids runners in the New York Marathon, please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Newyorkrunners
And for more information about the New York Marathon, please visit www.nycmarathon.org
Posted at 11th May 2010
Extreme Ironing to make its debut in London half marathons
by Ethos public relations
A fundraiser, who enjoys nothing more that taking part in extreme sports with home appliances strapped to his back, is on a mission to raise money for Action For Kids in two of London’s half marathons this autumn.
Extreme Ironing Man, Simon Small, from Chelmsford, plans to cross the finishing lines at both Run to the Beat on Sunday 26 September, and the Royal Parks Half Marathon on 10 October to help raise funds for Action For Kids who support children and young people with physical and learning disabilities and their families across the country.
Simon, aged 40, says: “I've just returned from extreme ironing in Snowdonia in sub zero temperatures, battling against snow, ice and gail force winds. When I reached the summit of Snowdon I set up my board, took out my iron, and started ironing.
“In the two half marathons, I plan to stop at every mile, get my appliances out and iron an Action For Kids t-shirt.”
Run to the Beat, a unique event where runners aim for the finish line accompanied by a fusion of motivational music, was born after scientific research showed live and recorded music can improve running performance.
The Royal Parks Half Marathon, follows a 13.1 mile route past some of London’s most historic landmarks and through four of the city’s most royal parks - Hyde Park, St. James’s Park, Kensington Gardens and Green Park and is an ethical alternative, with fair-trade bananas and t-shirts made from bamboo for the runners.
Action For Kids, which helps to support children and young people with physical and learning disabilities and their parents and carers, has a limited number of places still available in both half marathons, and is keen to hear from anyone interested in taking part.
Sarah Greene, Events Fundraiser at Action for Kids, said: "With our extreme ironing man amongst hundreds of runners preparing to take part, the half marathons will be great fun and fantastic days out for all the family.
“We have just 20 spaces left for Run to the Beat and 40 for Royal Parks Half Marathon so to avoid missing out, we urge anyone interested in taking part to contact the events team as soon as possible on 020 8347 8111 or email events@actionforkids.org.”
Action For Kids will give runners tailored fundraising and training advice right up to the event.
To find out more about the costs involved and for more information about Action For Kids and its work, please visit their website.
Posted at 31st March 2010
Students set to hit the Big Apple for one of the world’s largest marathons
by Ethos public relations
A group of 16 students at Loughborough University are in training for the world’s biggest marathon in New York this year.
The 16-strong group, from across the UK, including Derby, the West Midlands, Southampton and Chelmsford, will take part in the marathon on 7 November, to help raise funds for Action For Kids who support children and young people with physical and learning disabilities and their families across the country.
Sarah Greene, Events Fundraiser at Action for Kids, said: “It is fantastic to have the whole team of 16 running for us. They have all set themselves fundraising targets and hope to raise as much as £30,000 for the charity, which is brilliant! We are truly grateful to all the students taking part.”
The New York City Marathon is a major annual marathon with the course running through all five boroughs of New York City, and is one of the largest marathons in the world, with 43,659 finishers in 2009.
The marathon, organised by New York Road Runners (NYRR) has taken place every year since 1970. It is held on the first Sunday of November and attracts professional competitors and amateurs from all over the world. Because of the popularity of the race, participation is limited to 37,000 entrants chosen largely by a lottery system.
National charity Action For Kids, through its “Towards Independence” programmes, helps disabled children, young people and their families lead more independent lives through the provision of specialist services such as: training in independent living skills and work related learning; a family support service; a national help line and much more.
The charity also provides disabled young people, up to the age of 26, with specialist mobility equipment, and an on-going maintenance program to keep wheelchairs working.
The equipment, which is provided on a permanent loan scheme, means that Action for Kids covers the cost of maintaining and servicing the wheelchairs on an ongoing basis, removing a major financial burden from families, the maintenance scheme has also recently been extended to cover privately-owned wheelchairs.
To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please click here.
To sponsor the Action for Kids runners in the New York Marathon, please visit this website.
And for more information about the New York Marathon, please click on this link.
Posted at 11th March 2010
See London by night on the Capital's first ever 100km Charity bike ride
by Ethos public relations
The London Nightrider bike ride is a fantastic and unique opportunity to see London by night.
While the capital sleeps, cyclists will be able to make the most of the quiet roads and explore the country's capital city by moonlight.
The first ever 100km night ride, on Saturday 19 June, will start at 11pm at Crystal Palace and cyclists will follow a circular route past over fifty of London's most famous sights.
Some of the key landmarks include Tower Bridge, Piccadilly Circus, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, and the night ride is open to both beginners and experienced cyclists.
Action For Kids, which helps to support children and young people with physical and learning disabilities and their parents and carers, has a limited number of places still available, and is keen to hear from anyone interested in taking part.
Sarah Greene, Events Fundraiser at Action for Kids, said: "This is a very exciting and unique opportunity with hundreds of cyclists preparing to take part.
"There are only 100 spaces left, so to avoid missing out on such a fantastic opportunity, we urge anyone interested in taking part to contact the events team as soon as possible on 020 8347 8111 or email events@actionforkids.org."
Action For Kids will give riders tailored fundraising and training advice right up to the event.
To find out more about the costs involved and for more information about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.
For more information about the Nightrider event, please click here.
Posted at 25th February 2010
New wheelchair for 2012 Paralympic hopeful
by Ethos public relations
A 21-year-old Redditch woman with cerebral palsy is aiming for the 2012 Paralympics in London - thanks to a brand new motorised wheelchair from national charity Action for Kids.
Leanna Horne received her new Pride Quantum Powered Wheelchair in October and is already enjoying her new-found freedom and greater sense of independence.
"This wheelchair is fantastic," she said. "It has really given me a new lease of life and the fact that I can get out and about on my own, and be really independent is just brilliant!"
The new chair means that Leanna no longer has to rely on others around her to do things ? something she particularly didn?t like when she had a manual wheelchair - and is thoroughly enjoying getting out and about on her own. With better mobility and a greater sense of independence, Leanna?s confidence is growing every day.
Leanna is in her second year at Worcester University, where she is studying for a drama degree, and the new chair enables her to get around the campus without any difficulty. Also a keen Shot Putter, Leanna hopes to make it to the 2012 Paralympics, and believes the new wheelchair will really help her to reach her goal.
"I am training as much as I possibly can ? going to the gym and lifting weights at home to build up the strength in my arms, and I really hope I can make it into the 2012 selection," she said. "It would be amazing to represent my country at the 2012 Paralympics, and I feel that this new chair will really help me achieve my dream."
Disability charity Action For Kids provided over ?4,000 to buy and maintain the Pride Quantum Powered Wheelchair, which not only helps to support Leanna and improve posture, but also has a riser facility, so Leanna can now lift herself to reach heights she previously couldn?t get to, which will really help her with the Shot Put.
Sally Bishop, Founder of Action For Kids said: "We?re always pleased to help support young people like Leanna and we are thrilled that the chair is helping make such a valuable difference. We know the chair will offer her fantastic physical and emotional benefits and we look forward to hearing how she gets on over the next few months. We will definitely all be supporting her in her efforts to make the 2012 Paralympic squad as well!"
To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, visit www.actionforkids.org.
Posted at 4th December 2009
Stand-up chair Helps fulfil dreams
by Ethos public relations
A 20-year-old, paralysed after a car accident, has received a new stand-up wheelchair thanks to the support of national charity Action For Kids.
David Follett, from Exeter, was hit by a car as he walked along Exmouth seafront over two years ago leaving him unable to move from the chest down. He suffers from severe muscle spasms in his legs and needs to regularly move them to get rid of the pain.
The new stand-up wheelchair will now not only help David to control the spasms, but it will also mean he will have better mobility and greater independence as he starts a course in Coaching and Fitness at Exeter College.
David, also a member of Devon Racketeers, a wheelchair badminton club located just outside of Exeter, regularly plays in tournaments and is about to compete in the Four Nations Badminton Series taking place in Dublin.
"I?m really looking forward to representing England at the tournament and competing at such a high level,? said David. ?I love badminton and want to go on to teach it to other young people in the future, so this new chair will really help me achieve my dream.
"The new chair has made a massive difference already, because it does really help to control the spasms in my legs, and makes it much easier for me when I am out and about."
Disability charity Action For Kids provided over ?5,000 for the LEVO stand-up wheelchair, which will help grant more efficient cardiovascular activity, improve posture and relieve sitting pressure.
Not only does the charity provide disabled young people, up to the age of 26, with specialist mobility equipment, but it also provides an on-going maintenance program to keep wheelchairs working.
The equipment, which is provided on a permanent loan scheme, means that Action for Kids covers the cost of maintaining and servicing wheelchairs, and now the charity also provides maintenance on privately-owned wheelchairs.
Sally Bishop, Founder of Action For Kids said: "We?re always pleased to help support young people like David. We know that the new chair will offer him fantastic physical and emotional benefits and we look forward to hearing how he?s getting on over the next few months."
To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, visit www.actionforkids.org.
Posted at 17th November 2009
New mugs to help raise charity cash
by Ethos public relations
Students at Action For Kids have designed a new range of mugs to help raise funds for the charity.
Students on the charity?s Work Related Learning scheme produced fish and tree designs for the mugs which are now for available to buy at Loukia?s caf? on Tottenham Lane.
Madeline Alterman, Outreach Officer at Action For Kids, explains the meaning behind the designs. ?We really felt that the trees and fish represent many of the underlying themes of the charity?s work,? said Madeline. ?The tree of life depicts the interconnected strands of work carried out by staff, students and our partners towards a common purpose.
?Alternatively, the image of the fish is taken from the Chinese proverb: ?Give a man a fish and he?ll eat for a day, teach him how to fish and he will eat for a lifetime.? Knowledge and learning are central to our work at Action For Kids so we thought that these designs were a fun way of portraying those messages.?
Action For Kids? students were involved in all elements of the mug project, from researching and producing designs, to voting for their favourites and then promoting them in the local community.
Tanya Arif, aged 32, one of the key students involved in the design project said: ?I am really pleased with how the mugs have turned out and I hope that people will buy them to help raise funds for the charity?.
Mugs can be bought from Loukia?s caf? on Tottenham Lane for ?5 each or you can email partnerships@actionforkids.org to find out more and place an order.
Posted at 3rd September 2009
Let?s get Philosophical!
by Ethos public relations
After the success of a number of pilot schemes, Contour Housing Group has launched a new business service known as Very Philosophical.
Very Philosophical uses ?enquiring discussion? to question, challenge and change community and business environments and as Sam Cooper from Contour Housing Group explains, getting philosophical has incredible results.
?The concept of philosophy may be associated with the ancient Greeks but its still alive and well right here in the North West,? he said.
?It?s not difficult and the fact that we have worked very successfully with primary school aged children is testament to that. It?s actually really good fun and essentially is just a new method of getting people talking to each other - but in a different way.?
Already philosophical enquiry has been used by Contour Housing Group to great effect.? It brings a 'community' of people together by taking part in discussion groups. During the discussions, open-ended questions are used to think about and reflect on key issues. By bringing together these discussion groups participants can discover new ways to listen to each other, demonstrate their reasoning, build relationships and break down barriers.
Contour has used the technique within its own business. Team meetings now use philosophical enquiry techniques not just as a method of brainstroming new ideas and solving business challenges ? but also as team building exercises.
In the community, philosohpical enquiry has crossed both cultural and inter-generational divides. For example, when Contour was challenged with encouraging teenagers and older people to have more understanding of each other in Rochdale 84% of teenagers and 100% of adults who took part said the philosophical enquiry sessions had made them more accepting of people from different age groups.
In Oldham sessions designed to encourage understanding between the British and Asian communities had equally successful results and also resulted in Contour Housing Group winning an award for its pioneering work.
?Any business, organisation or community group looking for an effective and successful way to talk to any audience be they employees, customers, suppliers, residents or the general public will find getting philosophical can have great results,? said Sam.
?Go to www.veryphilosophical.com to find out more about philosophical enquiry, book on a course or even become a philosophical mentor yourself.? You may never look at the world in the same way again.?
For more information visit www.veryphilosophical.com or telephone 0161 875 8132.
Posted at 2nd September 2009
Family's plea to raise funds for son
by Ethos public relations
Peter Langton is in many ways like any other happy, independent 11 year-old boy. He loves spending time on his computer, playing with his twin brother and is a huge Dr Who fan.
But Peter has cerebral palsy, an incurable condition that affects the development and movement of muscles in the body.
Peter needs permanent use of a wheelchair, but his manual one means that he cannot move around on his own - understandably frustrating for an independent young boy who is starting high school next month.
Now his family, who lives in Nyetimber near Bognor Regis, has launched a national appeal to help raise money to buy a new £15,000 powered stand-up wheelchair. National disability charity Action For Kids has just issued a postal appeal to the people of West Sussex to ask for their much needed support.
Peter's mum, Sharon, says that the chair is crucial to her son's interaction with other children.
"Peter is a born leader - he loves to take control and he has never felt limited by his disability," she said. "Peter is so excited about starting secondary school. He's very bright and does very well at school so, to be honest, he spends a lot more time in the classroom with the other kids than outside in the special needs unit.
"As a Dr Who fan, Peter is particularly looking forward to getting involved in Science lessons and the stand-up wheelchair will allow him to join in with all the experiments that his peers will be doing."
Charity Action For Kids supports children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the UK by providing mobility equipment, Work Related Learning and family support.
If you would like to help Peter get his new wheelchair, please go to www.actionforkids.org/downloads/donate-post-form.pdf, or call 0208 347 8111.
Posted at 1st September 2009
Action For Kids rises to the challenge
by Ethos public relations
A team of students at Action For Kids are taking on the Adidas Women?s 5K Challenge in Hyde Park on the 6 September to raise money for the charity.
Action For Kids raised an impressive ?1,000 last year in the 5K, but as Siobhan Nolan, a 19 year old student on the charity?s Work Related Learning scheme explains, they aim to beat that amount this year.
?I?ve been doing a lot of training in the run-up to the 5K, playing more football and tennis,? said Siobhan. ?So I really hope that I can get friends and family to sponsor me as much as possible.?
Siobhan, who lives in Hornsey, has been a student at Action For Kids for three years, but this is her first time taking part in the Women?s 5K Challenge.
?I?m really looking forward to doing it with the rest of the team here and think it will be a lot of fun,? she added.
Money raised through sponsored events like the Adidas Women?s 5K Challenge go towards providing mobility equipment, Work Related Learning and family support to disabled children and young people across the UK.
To sponsor the Action For Kids team, visit www.justgiving.com/actionforkids.
Any one who would like to run for Action For Kids in up-and-coming events can contact Carolyn Mwaniki on 020 8347 8111 or email cmwaniki@actionforkids.org for information and a fundraising pack.
Posted at 28th August 2009
Disability charity welcomes Big Lottery grant
by Ethos public relations
National disability charity Action For Kids has said it is ?thrilled? at being awarded ?476K from the Big Lottery Fund.
The grant is part of a multi-million pound fund for 41 youth projects across London to help run local activities and services that improve the lives of young people.
Maureen Galvin, business development director at Action For Kids said: ?We are absolutely thrilled to receive this funding from the Big Lottery to support our work in enabling young people with learning disabilities to live more independently.
?The money will be used to develop the participation element of our work; creating opportunities for young people who come to Action for Kids to make decisions about the services we provide to them. This could range from saying where they would like to go on a group outing to contributing to business planning and reviewing the work of the charity.
?Learning how to make decisions is particularly important for young people with learning disabilities because it enables them to feel more confident and independent. Many have complex support needs and some have had little or no experience of being able to choose, so we will be providing them with as much practical experience as possible in making decisions so that they can carry the skills into their everyday lives.
?We intend to produce a web-based tool kit on participation for other organisations working with young people to use in a similar way.?
Some of the ?476K grant will also go towards funding a range of multi-media technology for young people with learning difficulties to assist communication, memory and social interaction.
A total of more than ?52 million from the Big Lottery Fund is going to 185 places across England, with just over ?12 million in London alone.
Posted at 26th August 2009
Local MP pops by for lunch
by Ethos public relations
Lynne Featherstone, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, was treated to lunch this week by students at Action For Kids.
The MP, who is a keen supporter of the charity?s work, met staff and students to learn more about what they do and who they help. She was served a lunch of spicy Mexican casserole prepared by students who have been learning how to cook through the charity?s Independent Living scheme.
Siobhain Nolan, 19, a student on the programme at Action For Kids said: ?It is a real pleasure to cook for an MP ? the Gatehouse felt like our own little restaurant.? Fellow student Shruti Gadhvi added: ?We have great times at the charity and we love to do new things. We really hope that Lynne Featherstone comes back soon.?
The MP was given a tour of the Gatehouse, a ?domestic? environment next door to Action For Kids? office which helps to support young peoples? transition from living at home to independent living. The space is also used to deliver workshops for parents and children and provide additional practical training.
Lynne Featherstone said: "I've had a fantastic time today learning about the charity's services, meeting students who are here on Work Related Learning and getting to know the committed team of staff who do such a fantastic job.
?Action For Kids does some remarkable work for disabled children and young people around the UK and I'm so proud to have such a fine organisation on our doorstep."
Posted at 24th August 2009
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