2020-2021 CHOSEN CHARITIES

2019 CHOSEN CHARITIES

Due to the global pandemic in 2020 and 2021, we were not able to support charities. The funding was focused on resolving covid cases and providing support to local causes.

• ZINTHYA TRUST

  “The year we spent working with WiP was an absolute pleasure, we learnt a lot from the support that was given to us by the WiP team throughout the journey.   We were also grateful for the grant we received as that has helped us support some of the most vulnerable people in our community, especially during the Covid 19 crisis.   Additionally we built good working relationships with the other groups involved so “Thank you” to Women in Philanthropy for choosing us.” Zinthiya

• DEAR ALBERT

  “It was a fantastic project to be involved with and the venues we presented at were wonderful – thank you to all the hosts.

  The support and advice we received from WiP and Community Foundation members throughout the year and especially prior to our public events was invaluable.   The whole experience was notably beneficial to our volunteer peers involved, in support of their own recovery and personal growth.

  The year-long project culminated with a most generous financial contribution from WiP which are investing into the recovery community of Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland … thank you WiP!”   Simon

• OUT OF HOURS CLUB RUTLAND

   “From the Dragon’s Den style interview to our final presentation at Curve we had a fantastic time and learnt so much from the team supporting us, and  from the other two charities on this journey with us, for which we are truly grateful.

  The opportunities given to those presenting to audiences and speaking to WiP members and various other guests gave so much confidence.   Following this engagement now two of the leaders have now become care workers in children’s homes.   It has also opened our eyes to what we really achieve in offering the service we do. It was  an honour and privilege for us to be one of the 2019 chosen charities and an experience that I personally will not forget .  Thank you, Women in Philanthropy!” Jacqui

2018 CHOSEN CHARITIES

• First Step Leicester

  First Step Leicester empowers men and boys aged 13 and over in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to move forward from the negative impact sexual abuse has on their lives. Survivors receive emotional and/or practical support empowering them to rebuild their emotional well-being, self-esteem and confidence through specialised weekly counselling, initially for 26 weeks.

Those under 18 are also supported through art, music and play therapy.  Partners, family members and friends are encouraged to understand their own needs, enabling them to better support the survivor.  Many clients have only recently disclosed to their immediate family and this can bring additional issues to their relationships. By supporting family members to come to terms with the disclosure they are better able to help the survivor to improve mental health and wellbeing

• The Wellbeing Centre

  The Wellbeing Centre supports vulnerable people (18 and over) with a range of mental health issues in Leicestershire and Rutland. It helps them to stay out of crisis, aids their recovery from poor mental health, and provides a weekly daytime and monthly evening café  with access to a range of activities.

These include yoga, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, arts and crafts, badminton, boccia, table tennis, healthy eating, and bread making. The café project is very much user-led with the support of volunteers, with café members involved in its development and scope, which enables the project to be responsive to their needs and requirements, supporting members to build confidence, resilience, reduce social isolation, develop a peer support network & new skills.

• Park Lodge Project provides safe and supported accommodation for 33 young homeless people between the ages of 16 and 25, ensuring they gain the necessary life skills required for independence. Park Lodge supports young people to speak out on issues that affect their lives, and help them to find confidence in their own voice so as support them to reach their aims and aspirations.

Each young person will receive an individual resettlement plan and staff will continue to support them once they have moved on into suitable accommodation to ensure they live successfully within the community.  Support workers assist them with their individual needs which will form their support plan through a variety of methods i.e. one-to-one, group work, drop in sessions, and planned activities and assessments, both formal and informal which are held during the day and evening.

www.parklodgeproject.org

2017 CHOSEN CHARITIES

• The Evington Centre is the only place in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland able to provide specialist care for people with advanced dementia. They are building dementia-friendly gardens to allow residents to enjoy ‘purposeful pottering’.

“As a small, local health charity we were delighted to be selected as one of the three WiP charities in 17/18. It has been great to network with the members of WiP and to talk to them about our dementia garden and activity shed appeal. The money we have received will enable us to begin work on the first of two dementia gardens and we hope that the film you produced for us with DMU will help us to  secure the remaining funds. We would whole-heartedly recommend being a part of the WiP. Thank you so much for your support.”

 

• Centre for Fun and Families improves the lives of children and young people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland by delivering evidence-based groupwork therapeutic programmes and sessions to help tackle anxiety and other mental health issues.

“It was a great honour to be selected as one of  the three Wip small charities. Wip’s overarching aim is commendable in supporting such innovative and effective work carried out by small charities within local communities, across Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland. The networking opportunity was fab. We secured an additional Board member. Plus, the money we received will make an amazing difference to the infra-structure of our organisation, enabling our communications to be more efficient and to reach more families. Thank you for the opportunity.”

• Enables women and their families across Leicester and Leicestershire to overcome personal and social barriers through the provision of childcare, training, group work and one-to-one support, including counselling and advice.

“It was a real honour to be one of WiP’s chosen charities this year. As a small local charity working to support women who have complex needs, we often struggle to secure funds and the support of the wider community. Through WiP we have not only received vital funds for our work but we have also been able to raise awareness of the lives of women who face so many difficulties and obstacles in turning their lives around. The women we met through WiP were really interested in what we do and really got what we are working to achieve. Thank you so much for the opportunity (and the cakes !)”

2016 CHOSEN CHARITIES

The WiP Fund organised the making and funding of the films shown below to support 2015 and 16 chosen charities. This initiative was sponsored by DMU who gave time and expertise to the projects. These films help raise awareness of the role of the charities and will increase their chances of support and interest from donors in the future. WiP would particularly like to thank David Soden of De Montfort University for his invaluable support and practical input.

• Addresses homelessness and its causes, working with some of the most marginalised people in society.

• Supports vulnerable women, children and young people involved in, or at risk of sexual exploitation, prostitution, trafficking.

• Provides range of practical outdoor courses and activities as an alternative to mainstream education.

“I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all of the WiP group for your immense support this year.  It has been an amazing journey and we have found it hugely beneficial.  At the beginning we knew what we did, but we were really struggling to get a concise message across, and WiP really helped us to create that. We were amazed in the interest that there was in the work of SLT, and because we do it every day we just took it all for granted.  WiP helped us to get the message across and show people exactly what kind of lives these youngsters lead.”

2015 CHOSEN CHARITIES

• Helping distressed families with young children deal with whatever life throws at them.

“Being chosen by the Leicestershire Women in Philanthropy was a huge boost to us and proved to be really invaluable.  As a result of drastic local government spending cuts we had lost grants that formed a large part of our annual income and without the support of local organisations such as WIP there was no way we would have survived.”

• Improving the lives of all those affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

• Supporting children under the age of 18 caring for a parent, disabled sibling, or other family member.

“Being chosen as a WiP charity was a wonderful experience for VASL.  As much as the funding that accompanied it, which enables us to put on a variety of extracurricular trips and activities for the Young Carers, the process really raised VASL’s profile locally.”

2014 CHOSEN CHARITIES

• Free, confidential therapeutic services for women and girls who have experienced sexual violence.

“By participating we have gained more than just the money….we’ve gained contacts and a feeling of being embedded.”

• Providing social and leisure opportunities for disabled children.

“A great opportunity to raise awareness of our small charity across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. We gained the self-confidence to deliver a presentation in a range of venues as well as financial donations!”

• Helping disadvantaged and disengaged young people to develop self-belief and motivation.

 “We really enjoyed networking and meeting interesting people,  and have gained from making new contacts.  Just throw yourselves into it, it’s worth the time and investment!”