Founded in 2015, the JD Foundation has been doing BIG things over the past 4 years – with even bigger things planned to come in 2020! With the year coming to a close and the charity announcing who they’re partnering with for the next 12 months, we’re taking a closer look at what the JD Foundation does – and exactly who they’ll be helping next year!
Their Mission
Although they help a number of charities each year, the JD Foundation focuses on supporting those that work with disadvantaged young people in the UK. From mental health to homeless charities, they work tirelessly to help, whether that’s through events or fundraising. In addition to youth charities, the JD Foundation supports both Mountain Rescue England & Wales and Scottish Mountain Rescue.
The JD Foundation has raised £2.8m to date! A huge amount of their funds come from the sale of the iconic JD duffle bag, which goes direct to the JD foundation, while everything from 10Ks to Christmas Jumper Days all give that extra bit of help!
2020 Charity Partners
2020’s charity partners have been announced and we’re expecting to see big things in the coming year! If you wanna’ keep up with the latest, make sure you’re following over at @thejdfoundation.
Check ‘Em Out…
Once Upon A Smile
Founded in 2011, Once Upon a Smile is the only bereavement charity in the UK to offer a range of support to families through during a really difficult time. Although there’s charities that help when loved ones are ill or terminal, none focused on after care for families, and so Once Upon A Smile was born. Find out more here.
CRY
Cardiac Risk in the Young work to fund the screening of young people in the local community. The Aaron James Dixon Memorial Fund was set up by Aaron’s Mum after he passed away at the age of 23 due to an undiagnosed genetic heart defect. Every screening day that’s ran by the AJD Memorial Fund can help detect these defects. Find out more here.
Kidscape
Kidscape’s vision is that all children can grow up in a world that’s free from bullying. They offer advice and training for children, families and professionals, in order to prevent bullying and protect young people. Find out more here.
PAPYRUS
Working nationally, PAPYRUS is dedicated to the prevention of young suicide – the biggest killer of young people in the UK! Founded in ’97, PAPYRUS offers confidential support and advice to young people that are struggling, as well as to those worrying about young people. Find out more here.
(CRY & Kidscape)
Salford Foundation
With a goal to create better futures, the Salford Foundation helps both adults and young people not only in Salford, but Greater Manchester and even wider in the North West. They run a range of projects and programmes, which give people the rescources, skills and relationships that they need to reach their full potential. Find out more here.
Manchester Youth Zone
Dubbed the North West Charity of the Year for 2019/20, Manchester Youth Zone is making waves in the local community. Based in North Manchester, Manchester Youth Zone is a children’s charity that raises the aspirations of young people. They offer the essential tools to build children’s confidence and create positive relationships, while giving back to their community. Find out more here.
HideOut
New to the roster for next year, HideOut is a brand new Youth Zone set to open in Gorton, Manchester in Spring 2020. Built for young people, their aim is to give them somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to. With everything like workshops and activities like sports, music, dance and more, their aim is to be a safe and inspiring place for Manchester’s youth. Find out more here.
Sacriston Youth Project
Based in Durham, the Sacriston Youth Project is a safe place for young people to meet, learn and develop. The people over at the project encourage young people to use their free time to do something useful! With a range of activities available, as well as advice and info, the Sacriston Youth Project is a social hub for the local youth. Find out more here.
(Manchester Youth Zone & Young Minds)
Bolton Wanderers Community Trust
The Bolton Wanderers Community Trust, aka Wanderers Soccer School not only develops children on the pitch, but away from it too. With a range of soccer schools and camps, the Bolton Wanderers Community Trust promotes mutual respect, professionalism, work ethic and loads more. Find out more here.
Smiling Families
Founded in 2009, Smiling Families aim to support families affected by illness. Not only providing advice and support, the charity arranges a whole host fun events and activities, which raise the spirits of children and parents affected by illness. Find out more here.
Young Minds (Parents Helpline)
With 3 children in every classroom experiencing some form of mental health problem, Young Minds is fighting for a future where all young minds feel supported and empowered. While they work directly with young people to promote good mental health, their Parents Helpline is a safe place for worried parents to get in touch too. Find out more here.
Sport 4 Life
Founded in Birmingham back in 2006, Sport 4 Life gives young people big opportunities! Through sports-themed personal development services, the charity preps young people ages 11 to 29 for continued education, employment and training. Find out more here.
(Mountain Rescue England & Wales and Scottish Mountain Rescue)
The Wellspring
Over in Stockport, The Wellspring is a resource centre that deals with homeless and disadvantaged people. The team not only get rough sleepers off the streets and into accommodation, but work to prevent homelessness from happening to those who are disadvantaged. From courses and free food, to a drop-in health service, The Wellspring is the ultimate support network. Find out more here.
Buddies of the Birches
Buddies of the Birches is a charity that stems out of a specialist support primary school in South Manchester. Their aim is to bring parents, carers, children and staff together with a host of fun events and fundraising. Find out more here.
Mountain Rescue England & Wales
Never stopping, Mountain Rescue England & Wales operates 24 hours a day for 365 days a year. They do everything from recovering climbers from danger zones and reuniting lost walkers with their teams, to making sure any casualties are given care and taken to hospital. Find out more here.
Scottish Mountain Rescue
Similar to Mountain Rescue for England and Wales, Scottish Mountain Rescue is made up of volunteers on-call 24/7. Working in the mountains and remote communities in Scotland, the charity makes sure to keep those in need safe, while offering help! Find out more here.
To keep up with all the amazing things the JD Foundation have planned for the new year, make sure you’re following them over at @thejdfoundation. Wanna’ do your bit and help? Check out the JD Foundation’s Total Giving page here to donate!
