A CHARITY that helps Reading people who have physical disabilities is the first to receive a covid grant in 2022 from the John Sykes Foundation.
The foundation has been supporting groups, schools and voluntary organisations as part of its Covid-19 Relief Fund Scheme.
The latest donation, of £1,000, was presented last week to Enrych Berkshire by John Sykes, founder and chair of trustees of the foundation, to Martin Jeffery, chair and treasurer, and Marie Garland, Volunteer Project Coordinator, both from Enrych Berkshire at their offices based at the University of Reading.
Launched in 2008, the charity helps disabled adults access leisure and learning activities of their choice through a partnership with a like-minded volunteer.
Mr Jeffrey said: “Our volunteers support and enable people with a physical disability to take up, or return to, a hobby, interest, sporting activity or learning opportunity which they cannot do without some help or support. This support is mainly about giving confidence, understanding,and emotional support to bring colour to our members’ lives.
“Although there are leisure centres, special interest/sports clubs, and colleges in the area, people with disabilities can still feel isolated. They need the impetus and practical help to take up an interest or activity.”
He added: “Through being involved in something of interest, disabled people grow in confidence and begin to feel they can take charge of their lives. The enjoyment factor improves morale, dignity and independence and goes a long way in encouraging physical and mental well-being.
“This helps to alleviate depression, raises self-esteem, confidence and gives the member a sense of empowerment.”
Like all charities, fundraising activities have been curtailed due to the pandemic. Enrych said that while they had made applications to trusts and foundations, they were not successful as other charities were vying for the same funds.
“We have made many applications to trusts and foundations in the last year but have not been successful, mainly because of the enormous increase (sometimes 300%) in the number of applications they are now receiving,” Mr Jeffrey explained.
But the John Sykes Foundation, which has been offering grants of £1,000 to help, has stepped in to support the charity.
Mr Skyes said that his team enjoyed meeting Enrych when presenting them with the funding.
“We loved listening to such heart-warming stories about the service users being able to undertake their passion or interest with a volunteer that is matched up to fit their needs and more often than not form a long-lasting relationship,” he said.
For more about Enrych Berkshire, log on to: http://www.enrychberkshire.org.uk
Charity or organisations who would like to know more or apply for one of the John Sykes Foundation’s £1,000 grants, visit: www.johnsykesfoundation.org
