Alan Boswell Group Charitable Trust – spring update
The Alan Boswell Group Charitable Trust continues to deliver on its commitment to make a difference to charitable causes in the areas that we operate in. We wanted to provide an update on the difference our donations are making to some of the charities in the areas that we operate.
The Trust received over 65 applications and donated a total of £170,000 in the last quarter.
Here are some of the grants that were made:
Duncan’s Club
Duncan’s Club is a support programme, held by Norwich City Community Sports Foundation, for people with dementia. It is named after former NCFC captain Duncan Forbes and provides a location for participants to take part in mild physical activities and conversation. A donation of £5,000 was granted.
Lasting Memories Cancer Trust
Lasting Memories Cancer Trust support those affected by cancer in Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. £12,000 was donated to support the provision of bespoke ‘bucket list’ trips for those with a stage 4 or equivalent diagnosis or receiving end of life care.
SOS Bus Norwich
The SOS Bus provides a safe, non-judgemental place on Friday and Saturday nights for anyone whose well-being is threatened by illness or injury. With the risk of funding being withdrawn, the volunteers are looking to become an independent charity by 2025. A £10,000 grant was awarded to support the transition.
Joe Dix Foundation
£5,000 was awarded to Joe Dix Foundation, a new charity set up to “awaken peoples understanding of the dangers of Child Criminal Exploitation, knife crime and gang culture”. Joe sadly passed away in 2022 following a knife attack, when he was trying to help a friend in trouble.
The Angels Foundation UK
The Angels Foundation UK provide immediate assistance to relieve the needs of families who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. £10,000 was awarded to help with the provision of furniture and white goods for those trying to set up new homes after fleeing violent situations.
We also received some fantastic feedback from charities that have received donations from the Trust in the past:
Cambridge United Foundation
In March 2023, the Trust donated £5,000 in support of their programme to provide top-quality football sessions for young people living with cerebral palsy. “Young people with disabilities often struggle to access sporting opportunities in a mainstream setting and this grant provided participants with the chance to be active and improve their physical and mental health.”
Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden
£10,080 was donated in March 2023 to help fund a crucial waterway dredging project. “Thanks to your generous support, Fairhaven Garden Trust has flourished, hosting over 45,000 visitors in the heart of the Broads. Your belief in our project not only bolstered our operational capacity but empowered us to address rising tide levels, silt build up, and environmental concerns, ensuring the long-term sustainability of our cherished gardens.”
Make Them Smile Children’s Charity
In September 2023, a grant of £5,000 helped towards providing manual and electric wheelchairs, purchasing medical equipment and the creation of sensory rooms, as well as offering funding towards respite breaks for a number of children and their families. Feedback from the charity stated “The grant has made a tremendous amount of difference to so many, it not only eased the financial burden, but also motivates us to work even harder toward our objectives.”
Castle School Charitable Association
£25,000 was donated to Castle School Charitable Association in June 2023, to enable the creation of an interactive sensory area in their playground, in memory of much loved students who have sadly passed away. “It has made a huge impact; students can access the garden and remember their friends and also access the instruments together”.