ANNUAL REPORT 2017/2018
Connecting people who care, with local causes that matter Our vision
To create a culture that strengthens and supports communities throughout Buckinghamshire. Contents
About us & Objectives 2 Chairman’s message 3
Reach across the Achievements 4 7 county 8 Grant impact 20 Partnerships 22 Loan impact 23 Ambitions & plans 24 Get involved 25 Acknowledgements 2 | Heart of Bucks Annual Report 2017/18 Heart of Bucks Annual Report 2017/18 | 3 Achievements
We increased our endowment funds by over £1m.
We launched two new immediate impact funds: the Police Property Act and the South Bucks Fund.
In direct response to our Vital Signs research, we established a new endowment fund that supports projects relating to arts and culture.
We had our first successful trust transfer with more in the pipeline.
We awarded our first grants from the #iwill fund and, ollowingf its success have been awarded funding again for 2018/19.
Events Kop Hill Climb Annual reception Another successful year, As a direct result, we were generating £80,000 to be able to generate over £90k to relaunch our Family awarded in grants Angels fund
Golf day Fashion show Over £2k was raised for We raised over £10k Heart of Bucks from the from the proceeds of proceeds of the Ambers of our annual golf event Amersham fashion show
4 | Heart of Bucks Annual Report 2017/18 Financial Achievements
£2m £5.7m £33,500 income endowment amount from this year funds Gift Aid
£588,768 £50,000 187 awarded in awarded in projects grants loans funded
£3,165 21 £7.5m average grant new groups awarded amount supported from inception
Heart of Bucks Annual Report 2017/18 | 5 Project: Ikkaido disability martial arts open festival Grant awarded: £1,000 “Many disabled people have told us that they always dreamt of starting karate but thought it wouldn’t be possible or they wouldn’t be allowed to because they were disabled.”
A participant receives her medal from one of the judges Reach across Aylesbury Vale the county 83 totalling grants £347k
Chiltern 18 grants
totalling £52k
Wycombe 50 grants
totalling £146k
South Bucks Multiple districts totalling 24 totalling grants £51k 12 grants £42k
Heart of Bucks Annual Report 2017/18 | 7 Physical & mental health, wellbeing & safety
86 totalling 42,844 grants £262,232 combined awarded beneficiaries
Project snapshots
Organisation: Longridge on the Thames Project: Equipment for climbing wall Grant awarded: £3,565
Longridge’s climbing activities are hugely popular with individuals, families, schools and other groups. This includes charities that work with vulnerable people, such as those with behavioural problems or learning difficulties.
They needed funding to replace their existing climbing equipment which was no longer fit for purpose.
Organisation: Halton Tennis Centre Project: Everyball Enabled Tennis Grant awarded: £5,000
Halton’s inclusive tennis programme operates under the name Everyball Enabled Tennis and was started with the aim of inspiring people with disabilities to play tennis, regardless of their background or their ability.
They deliver regular tennis sessions throughout the year to a wide range of groups and also arrange mini festivals of tennis once every 6-8 weeks, free of charge, to approximately 13 special schools in Buckinghamshire.
8 | Heart of Bucks Annual Report 2017/18 Project: Increase sporting opportunities in fencing for wheelchair users. Grant awarded: £3,000
Due to the specialised equipment that is needed, fencing is not something that is readily provided in disabled sports clubs and spinal injury units. This grant was used to purchase equipment for wheelchair fencing; for many of the beneficiaries this enabled them to experience a totally new activity.
WheelPower held their Inter Spinal Unit Games at Stoke Mandeville Stadium in April 2018. 110 paralysed people attended the event and got the chance to try a variety of sports and activities, including fencing. Case study
Gerard Murphy receiving the Marchday Shield from David Skinner (left) and David Westco QC (right). “My injury is quite unique. I’ve met other people here at the Games who have the same level of injury. It’s reassuring to meet others who are getting on, and seeing that life goes on. Everyone seems to be pretty upbeat and I’ve had so much fun.” - Gerard Murphy Gerard was injured in July 2017 whilst tutoring students in Sweden during the summer break of his second year at Exeter University. After work with some friends, he dived into a shallow lake and immediately fractured his spine, leaving him with C5 tetraplegia and therefore no use of his core muscles or legs. Following initial care in Sweden, Gerard was repatriated to Stoke Mandeville Hospital for six months of rehabilitation.
Gerard attended the 33rd Inter Spinal Unit Games last month, organised by WheelPower. Using equipment funded by Heart of Bucks, Gerard took part in the games representing the Stoke Mandeville Spinal Unit. Heart of Bucks Annual Report 2017/18 | 9 The arts, culture & heritage
13 totalling 88,682 grants £34,972 combined awarded beneficiaries
Project snapshots
Organisation: Women’s Cultural Arena Project: Profile raising & continuation of activities Grant awarded: £1,000
Women’s Cultural Arena exists to bring together women from different ethnicities and backgrounds for mutual recognition, support and celebration. Through events, activities and education they provide a forum to promote self-esteem, self-confidence and cultural integration. Their grant enabled them to set up their CIC legal status, purchase a laptop for use by their members, and develop their website and other marketing materials.
Organisation: Westbury Young People’s Project Project: Theatre production & puppet show Grant awarded: £1,500
This organisation provides a focus for young people in the rural village of Westbury. They aim to bring them together to reduce boredom, make friendships and learn new skills.
They were awarded funding for two projects: a theatre production, created by the young people, that celebrates their local community; and a puppet show based on the history and culture of the local area, where the children are involved in the design and creation of the puppets, as well as performing the show.
10 | Heart of Bucks Annual Report 2017/18 Project: Contribution to film festival costs Grant awarded: £4,890
Fisheye Film Festival is a celebration of film and screen arts. The event brings local, national and international filmmakers together, through its competition and informative film events, as well as through its screening of a diverse range of films.
What difference has this funding made? “It has enabled some recognition to be given to filmmakers who are trying to gain experience of working in groups to produce collaborative and creative works in the media of film and its associated crafts. It shows our locality to be a place where we want to give people this opportunity, that we are interested in showing new work and keeping our eyes open to different ways of looking at things. It enriches the breadth of cultural opportunities available in our community.” - Mariko Francombe (Chair)
Project: Remembrance 1918 - 2018: Journey’s End Grant awarded: £2,800
A stunning account of life in the trenches, this community play is a reproduction of the WW1 classic Journey’s End, around the theme of Remembrance.
Ubiquitous Theatre will select and train inexperienced actors from the community to make up the personnel of ‘C Company’. Each actor will be linked to an authentic soldier from the war.
There will be four performances to the public - culminating in a Remembrance Sunday performance, which will also mark the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1.
The play promises to be immensely powerful in its own right and will reflect on the nature of war, courage, patriotism and youth. Heart of Bucks Annual Report 2017/18 | 11 Improving life skills, education & employability
28 totalling 35,357 grants £96,883 combined awarded beneficiaries
Project snapshots
Organisation: Wycombe Wanderers Sports & Education Trust Project: ‘Kicking-On’ Grant awarded: £5,000
The ‘Kicking-On’ project has been designed in partnership with Bucks CC’s Youth Offending Service, and aims to harness the brand appeal and prestige of Wycombe Wanderers Football Club to enthuse disengaged young people who offend. The project aims to improve employability skills and physical and mental well-being and involves participants spending five days at Adams Park Football Stadium to learn about the business of football in a practical and meaningful way.
Organisation: Restore Hope Project: ‘Counting the Dough’ 12 week course Grant awarded: £3,060
The aim of this project is to improve the physical and mental well-being of unemployed individuals with family commitments. The course involves learning how to make healthy food and incorporates a financial element through budgeting for meals. Learners will also work on their computer skills by researching recipes and creating their own Pinterest boards on cooking and baking. Some of the products made will be sold by Restore Hope at their family events and so the learners will also undergo a Food Hygiene course, which will help to improve their employment prospects.
12 | Heart of Bucks Annual Report 2017/18 Project: Youth Concern drop-in centre VIY project Grant awarded: £4,500
Following four days of volunteer work, a group of young people all helped to renovate the Youth Concern centre, whilst also gaining a City & Guilds Entry Level 3 qualification.
The project was aimed at vulnerable or disadvantaged young people in Aylesbury who are not in employment, education or training.
Case study 23 year old Zeeshan was referred into the project by Aylesbury Job Centre. Zeeshan is long-term unemployed and was attracted to the opportunity to volunteer and do something for his community, whilst learning new skills. He ultimately committed more than 50 volunteer hours to the project and successfully achieved the entry level City & Guilds qualification. He is now targeting a starter job as a painter and decorator with the support of Job Centre Plus. Heart of Bucks Annual Report 2017/18 | 13 Strengthening community cohesion
24 totalling 15,964 grants £83,637 combined awarded beneficiaries
Project snapshots
Organisation: Lane End Youth & Community Centre Association Project: Summer Activity Workshops for children & young people Grant awarded: £1,747
“The Centre and community was buzzing for the six days that we ran these workshops. The children enjoyed every moment, and their parent’s feedback confirmed this. The activities really raised the Community Centre’s profile, resulting in two new volunteers and one new committee member.”
Organisation: Hawridge & Cholesbury Cricket Club Project: Replacement of practice nets Grant awarded: £5,000
“Immediately after the new two-lane practice net became available for use, it was noted that several fathers and sons started making time to hold their own practice sessions. This new found enthusiasm also resulted in some fathers making themselves available to play senior cricket.”
Organisation: Steeple Claydon Methodist Church Project: To provide an improved community space within the church building Grant awarded: £2,500
The aim of this project was to update the church premises to make them fit for purpose; addressing eco-friendliness, providing a more flexible space and creating an attractive meeting area. This will encourage greater use of the building by the local community, including those with disabilities.
14 | Heart of Bucks Annual Report 2017/18 Project: Buckinghamshire young carers fix Grant awarded: £5,000 Fixers are young people using their past to fix the future. The powerful story they created highlights the responsibilities of young carers and encourages professionals to be more understanding of those who are Scan me! required to look after their loved ones. To watch the Fixers short film
The Fixers premiered their film on Young Carers Awareness Day to an audience of more than 50 professionals.
“This project has helped me learn new skills, improved my relationship with my family and given me a voice. It’s also helped me meet new people, made other people listen to me and helped me communicate better.” - Kira, Lead Fixer Heart of Bucks Annual Report 2017/18 | 15 Reducing isolation & disadvantage
30 totalling 4,150 grants £100,504 combined awarded beneficiaries
Project snapshots
Organisation: Granborough Senior Citizens Club Project: Older people’s lunch club and activities Grant awarded: £1,000 This club provides friendship and socialising opportunities for older people who are often living alone. They meet twice a month and take part in a varied programme of activities including visiting places of interest, listening to guest speakers or watching a film together.
Organisation: Family Support Group Project: Group for mothers with pre-school children Grant awarded: £5,000 This support group runs weekly during term-time and includes a variety of sessions, from parenting skills, money management, anger management, relational skills, cookery, self esteem, energy best deal, and other life skills to strengthen the family unit. Families are referred to the group by other organisations working in the community, such as health visitors and social workers.
Organisation: Chilterns dial-a-ride Project: Maintenance and repair of minibuses Grant awarded: £3,250 Chilterns dial-a-ride provide affordable, accessible and safe transport for those vulnerable and often frail members of the community who have mobility problems. Their door to door service, with trained caring drivers, covers well over 1,000 passenger journeys a month.
16 | Heart of Bucks Annual Report 2017/18 Project: Contribution to salary cost of specialist nursery coordinators Grant awarded: £4,491 Case study “Words cannot describe how brilliant the staff are here, the support, kindness and complete unrivalled passion they show every day to every child lucky enough to be at The Puzzle Centre is immeasurable.”
Freddie was diagnosed as having autism just before his 3rd birthday. Such a diagnosis is devastating to a family, as you grapple with the life-long implications such a prognosis has, and the negative impact this can have on your ‘perfect child’ and wider family unit.
Amidst a time of utter desperation, we found Puzzle Centre. They have worked tirelessly to help our little boy who, before he started, could barely use five words regularly and hadn’t even said Mummy.
He is now able to articulate his needs and wants, count to 30 and recognise the numbers, recite the alphabet, and can name various colours and animals. Amazingly he has also learnt to follow instructions and most importantly self-calm. Which is a huge step in the right direction for anyone with autism. Incidentally - he now says Mummy a lot!!
The Puzzle Centre means everything to us as a family, not only the support they provide for Freddie, but for the rest of us as well. Life with autism is very hard, and always will be for Freddie, but The Puzzle Centre has given him the very best foundation to work upon; because of The Puzzle Centre his future is a lot brighter than it would have been if they weren’t here.
Heart of Bucks Annual Report 2017/18 | 17 The environment & public spaces
5 totalling 12,700 grants £10,540 combined awarded beneficiaries
Project snapshots
Organisation: Buckingham Canal Society Project: Tools, equipment and safety wear for volunteers Grant awarded: £2,390
The Society’s aims are to restore the Old Stratford and Buckingham Arms of the Grand Union Canal to good and navigable order. The restoration of the canal will bring new life, new recreational opportunities and new, environmentally friendly businesses to the countryside and towns between Cosgrove and Buckingham.
“Grants such as the one we have been awarded by Heart of Bucks for tools and equipment are critical to allow volunteers to progress with general maintenance.” - Terry Cavender, Trustee
Organisation: Chiltern Society Project: Whiteleaf & Brush Hill car park & picnic site improvement Grant awarded: £2,390
This project aims to give the entrance to the Whiteleaf Hill nature reserve and Brush Hill nature reserve a new lease of life. The improvements will enhance the visitor experience of this historically and naturally important local amenity.
The project will focus on the car park, entrance and picnic site making the site more accessible, welcoming and functional for the many visitors who visit the area.
18 | Heart of Bucks Annual Report 2017/18 Project: Burnham parks & playgrounds regeneration Grant awarded: £1,500
This project was set up to remedy defects, make equipment safer, and revitalise the play areas in three sites across Burnham.
With this particular grant focusing on the ‘Stomping Ground’ site, the sustainability of this site in particular was vital due to the volume of residents who proudly utilise the facilities. Climbing wall
Before After
Multi-play platform
Before After
Heart of Bucks Annual Report 2017/18 | 19 Partnerships Heart of Bucks works in partnership with organisations across the county, and country, in many different ways.
Funding partners: We work with national and regional organisations to deliver their funding programmes locally.
15 grants
£60,730
6,311 beneficiaries
Public sector partners: Our partnerships with public sector organisations are constantly evolving. This year we were able to fully match-fund their grant programmes enabling them to reach more people in need.
26 grants
£49,851
9,907 beneficiaries
Community partners: We support the Kop Hill Climb committee to distribute the funds raised from their annual hill climb event. All money is raised by members of the community who attend the event and awarded back to local not-for-profit groups. To date, the event has raised over £500,000 for communities in the Princes Risborough, Wycombe and Aylesbury areas.
Heart of Bucks acts as the ‘Locally Trusted Organisation’ for Marsh and Micklefield Big Local - a resident led, lottery funded, community regeneration project in East Wycombe. The project has awarded over £100k of funds to local initiatives, supported the development of new local social enterprises like Seniors Social and Hills Cafe, and leads significant long term youth and environmental programmes in the area. Heart of Bucks oversees the effective management of their funds.
Corporate donors: We work with many local businesses wanting to give back to their community. Each business is different and we’re able to tailor their giving to suit their needs; from named funds, pro bono support and general donations, to sponsorship and fundraising. There are too many to name individually, but we are extremely grateful for the support of each and every one of them.
20 | Heart of Bucks Annual Report 2017/18 #Bucksworkingtogether
Rachel Shimmin (CEO, Bucks CC), Peter Costello (CEO, Heart of Bucks), Martin Gallagher (CEO, The Clare Foundation), Nick Phillips (CEO, Community Impact Bucks), Mark Ormerod (CEO, Leap), Jenifer Cameron (CEO, Action 4 Youth) and Mark Shaw (Deputy Leader, Bucks CC).
In February 2018 the VCS Strategic Partnership Working Group was launched. Made up of senior leads from across the voluntary and community sector and Bucks County Council, the group will be essential in helping meet the challenges facing Buckinghamshire and will work towards a shared vision of developing healthy and resilient communities.
“Buckinghamshire has always been strong on partnership working but strengthening our relationship with our voluntary and community sector ensures that we collectively make the most of the expertise and assets building resilience across our communities.” - Cllr. Mark Shaw
Heart of Bucks Annual Report 2017/18 | 21 Loans: Bucks Big Society Bank Since 2011, Heart of Bucks has administered the Bucks Big Society Bank, awarding loans of between £1,000 and £25,000. Since 2011:
Nearly Supporting Utilising £500,000 26 £215,000 awarded in community in donations loans groups
Loan funding is often suitable for organisations that need a larger sum of money for a project that, once completed, will improve their revenue stream. For instance, sports clubs or community facilities such as village halls.
Case study
Organisation: Hughenden Valley Community Shop Project: Refurbishments to shop Loan amount: £10,000
The Hughenden Valley Community Shop (HVCS) serves its local community and is described as a ‘lifeline’ for many elderly people who are at risk of isolation and loneliness. In March 2016 the shop was burgled and then set fire to, After forcing it to close. the fire HVCS applied for a loan of £10,000 to be used towards reinstating the shop, including purchasing building Newly refurbished materials, IT and security, equipment and furniture, and signage and branding. This enabled them to get the shop up and running as soon as possible.
In March 2017, the shop was reopened by Mary Berry after a ‘huge team effort’.
22 | Heart of Bucks Annual Report 2017/18 Ambitions & long-term plans
In 2016 we launched a Vital Signs report; a national initiative for the community foundation network which identifies key issues affecting local communities. In 2018 we will be producing a new report called Bucks Uncovered. This will reflect on the progress that has been made and highlight current challenges. With this information we will look to form strategic partnerships in order to begin addressing the priorities identified.
We are very excited to be launching a new website, which will simplify our funding process and improve the communication with our supporters.
By 2021, we have ambitious goals to We will increase our build our endowment partnership working funds to £10m and across the county. spend £1m a year Working with a range on grant funding. of professionals to In order to do this, help their clients we will endeavour to give back to their raise a further £1m community. for the endowment in 2018/19. Heart of Bucks Annual Report 2017/18 | 23 Get involved If you want to get involved in charitable giving at a local level then we can help. One of the many strengths of Heart of Bucks is our ability to personalise the method by which people and businesses give.
We will help guide you through the options available and ensure your money is used effectively and reaches the organisations that can help those in need. With thousands of charities all doing great work in the county, giving through Heart of Bucks can enable you to support multiple causes and to see the impact of your giving by funding specific projects with defined outcomes.
Ways to give
Named fund Become a Leave a Family Angels friend legacy Get in touch If you’re ready to find out more then please contact us.
01296 330134
Sunley House (4th floor), Oxford Road, Aylesbury, HP19 8EZ
24 | Heart of Bucks Annual Report 2017/18 Thank you Heart of Bucks would like to thank the many people who have contributed to the success of the foundation over the last year.
A special thank you to:
• All of our donors and supporters whose generosity makes our work possible • Our board of trustees and the members of our expert panels and committees • Our dedicated office staff • Corporate suppliers, many of which share their services pro bono • All of the voluntary and community groups that are working tirelessly to make Buckinghamshire a better place to live
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Register charity no. 1073861