DM Thomas Foundation for Young People and Blackpool FC Community Trust – Working together to break down transportation barriers so all young people can attend activities and courses, regardless of disabilities.
Last year, DM Thomas Foundation granted Blackpool FC Community Trust £20,250 to purchase a minibus with disabled access to support our plans to expand our inclusive provision. The promise was that it would enable hundreds of disabled children and young people in Blackpool, or those living with a longstanding illness, to improve their physical and mental wellbeing and alleviate feelings of exclusion. The initiative was discussed by the Grants Committee, and by the trustees, whom all recognised that the bus would add significant value to their existing inclusion work.
The grant/support has been possible thanks to voluntary fundraising for the DM Thomas Foundation for Young People from Hilton hotels across the UK.
Karen Anderson MBE, ambassador for the DM Thomas Foundation, visited the project and said:
“I met with Ashley Hackett, CEO of the Charity, based at Blackpool Football Club.
Although I was aware of the Community Trust, I have never really had any insight into exactly how much they do in the Community, as they have previously never approached DMT for support. They do incredible work, so inspiring!
Blackpool FC is at the very heart of the community, where their Community Trust team are based. They offer a whole range of opportunities and programmes for young people to improve their quality of life through Physical Activity, Educational and Employability, Health and Wellbeing. I had no hesitation in highly recommending this grant, seeing first-hand what they do for young people in this community.”
Simon Sheehan, Director of the DM Thomas Foundation for Young People said:
“Through our grants programme we are able to support some amazing local and national youth causes like an accessible minibus to use for inclusion activities. We have been continually impressed by the work of Blackpool FC Community Trust and the specialist support it provides to children with disability.”
Ashley Hackett, CEO of Blackpool FC Community Trust said:
“Being a charity it’s tough to be able to support everybody in the way that we would like. With the help of the DM Thomas Foundation we are now able to transport even more young people to and from our sessions that otherwise wouldn’t have been able to attend.”
If you can support Blackpool FC Community Trust in any way. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
