The Community Fund
Empowering positive change across Cambridge
January 2024 Update
In the heart of community-driven philanthropy, powered by the collaboration between The Leys & St Faith’s Schools Foundation and Wesley’s Chapel & Leysian Mission, the Community Fund supports positive change. This report captures the remarkable impact made possible by the generous donations from our Leysian Community in 2023. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank The Leys Connection Parent Committee for continuing to support the Community Fund with proceeds from their events.
The true essence of the Community Fund lies in its commitment to projects that radiate benefits across the community spectrum. From supporting arts-based therapy for children struggling with their emotional wellbeing, to enabling more young people to engage with the Cambridge Literary Festival, each project funded becomes a chapter in the story of community resilience and joy.
Supporting a 'Blue Smile Day' at Grove Primary School
Blue Smile provides support for children struggling with mental health around the county. Partnering with The Grove primary school, our grant fuelled a dedicated team to provide weekly, personalised 1:1 arts-based therapy sessions.
In two terms, Blue Smile conducted 281 sessions, benefiting 22 children. Initial mental health issues in 59% of the children were 'clinically diagnosable,' while parents reported 82% were severely affected. Through the therapy, the children learned coping strategies to help them manage their emotions, empowering them to focus better in class, learn more and fulfil their potential.
Results speak volumes. 100% of parents and teachers reported initial improvements, with 75% noting significant progress. Eight children completed two terms of therapy, and the team continues its impactful work with the remaining 14 children, showcasing Blue Smile's commitment to long-term support. Blue Smile's effectiveness emphasizes the need for ongoing mental health support.
"Blue Smile is a place where you can just do what you want and say whatever without being under pressure".
Child who attended Blue Smile
Cambridge Literary Festival: involving children and young people
Introducing children to books fosters a lifelong love of learning, stimulates imagination, and lays the foundation for academic success. With funding from the Community Fund, the Cambridge Literary Festival transformed the Cambridge Union Chamber into an inspiring venue for 365 students in years 9, 10 and 11 from 13 state schools.
The festival featured Bernardine Evaristo, David Herd and Pious, all contributors to the book Refugee Tales, who delivered a compelling presentation titled 'Over the Borders'. This event not only introduced the students to the profound impact of storytelling but also raised awareness about indefinite detention. The session, followed by engaging discussions, culminated in two student groups participating in a creative writing workshop at Trinity College. As a parting gift, students received CLF tote bags containing bookmarks, Litmus Project leaflets and a free copy of Refugee Tales, enriching their literary journey.
Touch of Sparkle: providing care packs to patients at Addenbrookes
Touch of Sparkle, supported by the Community Fund, is alleviating the loneliness and distress cancer patients may experience during treatment. Thanks to the grant, 300 care packs filled with puzzle books, confectionery and comforting items have been distributed at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge from July to November 2023. An additional batch of 50 Christmas packs brought cheer in December.
Given out by patient navigators in the Macmillan Hub, the packs have received a warm reception, providing solace to patients. Nurses appreciate the packs as a tool for connection and comfort, breaking the ice with patients. The Senior Cancer Support Advisor notes the relief the packs bring amid rising living costs, providing essentials and treats.
Adding a personal touch, Touch of Sparkle partnered with the 12th Cambridge Scouts, enhancing the care packs with handmade paracord keyrings. This collaboration not only fulfilled the Scouts' Creative Challenge award but also educated them on the packs' significance, contributing to their community service endeavours.
"Touch of Sparkle is a volunteer-run charity project … we are very grateful for this opportunity which has really taken the pressure off the admin side and allowed us to focus on providing more patient care.”
Melanie Hersey, Founder
Supporting Sport for Young People
Sport and physical activity in all its forms has incredible benefits to both physical and mental well-being. However, for many families, taking part in regular sport or physical activity is a luxury that can prove very costly.
The Grass Roots Activity Grants provide financial assistance to low-income families to enable their children to participate in a sport or physical activity opportunity of their choice, in Cambridge City.
Administered by Cambridge City Council’s Active Lifestyles team, this has been the second year of the grant, topped up with an extra £800 in 2023 due to the popularity of the scheme and the number of families needing extra support to pay for access to sport for their children.
88 grants were awarded in 2023, enabling each child to attend their chosen activity for up to three months. The most popular activities were dance, football, swimming and gymnastics.
“My son is 13 and has attended Gymnastics since he was 2 1/2. He has recently been suffering with anxiety due to his autism and hasn't attended school since June 2022 and has given up all activities apart from Gymnastics. Because of this issue I had to reduce my hours at work, the funding therefore helped pay for another term at Gymnastics.”
“My children really thrived doing this sports activity and it was such a godsend to not have to worry about finding the financials to accommodate their needs and enjoyment.”
Parent testimonials
iPad Donation
At The Leys we are incredibly fortunate to have access to iPads for our pupils. At the start of this academic year, we were able to rehome a number of pupil pre-loved iPads to Arbury Primary School. They no longer had charging leads or plugs, but a small grant from the Community Fund allowed them to go to their new home with the necessary accessories.
Revitalizing the Storage Hub: a transformative project for the 27th Cambridge Scout Group
The 27th Cambridge Scout Group sought our help for a replacement of their aging steel storage unit, housing essential resources for meetings and activities. The Community Fund enthusiastically stepped in, facilitating the acquisition of a pre-loved shipping container converted into an upgraded storage facility with a wooden floor, vibrant interior and strategic ventilation. The project, emphasizing sustainability, also repurposed an old water butt for storing pioneering poles.
Home to 90+ Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, the group relies on weekly meetings, camps, hikes and day trips. This transformative project aligns with Scouting values, actively engaging youth in personal development and empowering them for positive societal contributions. It underscores their commitment to enhancing community infrastructure for initiatives shaping tomorrow's leaders.
Barrington Primary School Unveils Outdoor Stage: a Community Fund success
In the last two years, Barrington Primary School undertook a transformative project to revamp their outdoor creative learning and play area. With vital support from the Community Fund, they were able to build the centrepiece - a wooden outdoor stage.
Designed to host small-scale arts performances and open to the wider community during spring and summer, the project aimed to address concerns about pupils' mental health, foster creative free play during school breaks, enhance school community events, and provide creative play opportunities for local groups. The highlight came during Barrington School's July fete, where the stage proudly hosted a performance by a local jazz band.
The outdoor stage has not only added a new dimension to Barrington School's outdoor space but has also become a daily hub for creative play and performances. Beyond the school community, the stage is now a regular venue for groups from the wider community, including pre-schoolers, children from surrounding villages attending sports camps during school holidays, and local artistic endeavours.
Cambridge Rare Disease Network
CamRARE support 128 children and young people aged two to 22. They established Unique Feet as a local community for children, young people and families living with rare conditions. It can be lonely and tough living with something so rare. This grant enabled CamRARE to increase the frequency and variety of activities and events they offer, build a new activity calendar into their website and promote themselves in the community.
Through inclusive and accessible activities, children learn new skills, build confidence, and make friends. A number of the families involved are helping to shape the design and aims of the new Cambridge Children’s Hospital and their new film has been shared with regional NHS staff as an example of excellent practice in personalised care.
Home Start
Home Start Cambridgeshire are a charity who help families with young children who may be struggling with isolation, parent-child relationships, access to health and education and much more.
The Community Fund grant enabled volunteers to be trained to effectively support families with children under five who are going through challenging times and had been referred to the service.
“The early days I felt like I was drowning and she saved me, I could drink a coffee! ... It wasn't just about the kids she cared about me, she asked about me where no one else did.”
Home Start service user testimonial
Sanskruti Cambridge
A performing arts social enterprise, Sanskruti captivates children and families with audience-interactive dance theatre, blending South-Asian artforms and Western elements. Their mission is to inspire, educate and engage young audiences in South-Asian culture and heritage, and the Community Fund enabled them to deliver 30 shows in 2023.
Rowan: creating art, improving lives
Rowan is a vibrant, independent, registered charity providing an arts centre and forest school for adults with learning disabilities. Since 1984 they have offered a safe, creative, and enriching environment where the arts are used as a tool to bring people together and tackle social exclusion. They develop the skills and potential of students while improving their happiness, health and wellbeing.
Rowan organises an art exhibition each year to provide an opportunity for its students, supporters and local artists (both professional and amateur) to create and display artwork, which is available for sale with all proceeds reinvested into the charity. This year the artwork on offer included pieces by L6 pupils from The Leys, of which at least 10 were sold. We are delighted to report that the art exhibition will be taking place on 24 and 25 February 2024 and The Leys will be providing the venue free of charge, as part of the Community Fund’s commitment to practical as well as financial support. We are thrilled that Rowan will be showcasing their talent again in 2024, and that we can enable all proceeds to go back to them.
Arts and Minds: A creative café and art adventure programme
The Arts and Minds Creative Café stands as a beacon of artistic exploration and mental health advocacy. Through an array of creative workshops and inclusive events, they have cultivated an environment where participants not only engage in art but can also find solace and solidarity in a welcoming community.
Arts and Minds intertwines art with mental well-being, nurturing a space where individuals can thrive artistically while discovering a sense of belonging and support. By exploring museums and galleries together, participants draw inspiration and find comfort in shared experiences, promoting mental well-being. The support from the Community Fund has significantly enhanced participant experiences.
"I had a great time at Murray Edwards today! Harriet was fascinating, telling us about the collection, college and individual pieces - I could've listened to her all day - she was very generous with her time and expertise. I had a lovely time sketching one of the paintings in the fellows coffee room - and met some lovely people."
Workshop participant
Lyn's House: A Christian community seeking to counter the social isolation and stigmatisation of people with intellectual disabilities
The Community Fund paid for Lyn's House to host 18 evening meals and three tea parties for groups of mixed abilities, including all food and taxis for those who needed safe transport to be able to attend. These events counter the social isolation and stigmatisation of people with intellectual disabilities, fostering friendships and mutual understanding in the community.
The Kite Trust: Providing safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth to come together
The Kite Trust provides space for LGBTQ+ youth to come together, fostering community, empowerment and personal growth. Their weekly groups in Ely and St Neots play a vital role in achieving these goals, offering a diverse range of activities and workshops tailored to the needs of LGBTQ+ young people. Participants reported feeling a greater sense of connection and belonging within the LGBTQ+ community.
Support from the Community Fund has been instrumental in sustaining these groups to provide valuable education and skill development opportunities that are often unavailable elsewhere. Participants acquire transferable skills that support their long-term success in education, employment and personal development.
"I learnt that I'm able to do things I didn't think possible. My world was very small before I joined The Kite Trust and I was very lonely."
The Kite Trust participant testimonial
Conclusion
As we reflect on the impact of the Community Fund at The Leys so far, we recognize the transformative power embedded in our community's generosity and vision.
This report serves as a testament to the ongoing journey of positive change, inspiring us to dream bigger, reach higher, and continue building a resilient and empowered community for years to come.
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