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THE INVESTOR
National Star College works with
young people across the UK with
complex disabilities.The Foundation
became involved with the charity
in 2007, providing £828,000 for
life-changing improvements to
its residential, therapeutic and
educational facilities.
Gill Henry, Head of Fundraising
for National Star, says the
Foundation’s support has benefited
89 young people across the
charity’s two centres.‘The access
to specialist facilities enables them
to develop essential life skills,
equipping them with the practical
skills and confidence they need to
live more
independently.
In the long term
this also liberates
their families and communities
from long-term care provision.’
Josh, who has cerebral palsy,
lived in the charity’s residential
centre in Cheltenham for a year
before returning to his home
in Pontypridd.‘I have learnt so
much and become so independent.
I can now catch trains and go out
in the community, do my laundry
and prepare meals. I like to do my
own shopping and choose what
I want to eat.’
The Active Communities
Network uses sport to
engage young people
from communities that
are blighted by
deprivation. Once they
are engaged, the charity
aims to build their skills,
improve their self-esteem
and raise their ambitions, enabling them
to move back into education to gain
accredited qualifications and, eventually,
employment. Many volunteers go on
to become coaches and youth leaders
for the charity.
The Foundation has supported the
charity for eight years, providing funding
of £100,000 a year.This money, matched
by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation,
has been used to run the Urban Stars
programme, which helps young people
at risk of gang violence, social isolation
and being drawn into youth crime.
More than 6,600 young people have
engaged with Urban Stars so far, gaining
more than 1,400 qualifications.
St. James’s Place also provides
practical support, with staff and Partners
providing skills training in interviewing
and writing a CV, and with offers of
work experience placements.
Gary Stannett, Chief Executive of
Active Communities Network, says:
‘St. James’s Place is very hands-on,
actively getting involved to raise the
aspirations and improve the life chances
of these young people.’
NATIONAL STAR COLLEGE
ACTIVE COMMUNITIES
NETWORK
£100,000
a year
£828,000