The JD community means more than just the latest trainers and hottest ‘fits. Though we’re always serving up new heat, giving back is just as important to us.
Times are tough RN, the current situation is weird, worrying, and affecting everyone in different ways. We’ve been helping to keep you busy by dropping extra inspo and entertainment on our social channels, we’re saying thanks to the NHS and key workers with discount for Blue Light Card holders, as well as supporting those that need it most through our charity, the JD Foundation.
The JD Foundation has forged partnerships with a number of small charities each year, since it began in 2015. The aim? To help support those working with disadvantaged young people in the UK. From mental health to homeless charities, the foundation works hard to help make a difference, whether that’s through events like JD takeover youth club days, as well as team building, mentoring and fundraising.
The current situation has made supporting those in need pretty tough. But the charities have been switching things up to make sure they’re still offering essential services. Find out about all the amazing things the charities are doing, and the JD Foundation has helped to make happen, right here…
(Sacriston Youth Project)
Manchester Youth Zone
Based in North Manchester, Manchester Youth Zone is a children’s charity with the aim to inspire a generation.
During the current situation, Manchester Youth Zone has had to temporarily close, but that’s not stopped them for being there for the kids. The team are still offering vital one-to-one support for those in need. Each of the members have been assigned a caseworker, and the team are available to chat most days over on their Facebook.
Not only offering support, they’re keeping the kids involved and entertained through their Instagram page @manchesteryouthzone. With challenges, daily quizzes, riddles and more, they’re spreading all the positive vibes – even from home. #VirtualMYZ
Sacriston Youth Project
Based in Durham, the Sacriston Youth Project was started as a safe place for young people to meet, learn and develop – it’s usually THE social hub for the local youth.
While the Youth Project is temporarily closed, the guys have been working in partnership with Sacriston Enterprise Workshops on their ‘Food for Thought’ initiative. They’ve been delivering food and other essential packages to people and families in the community who are most vulnerable. To do this, they set up a ‘Food for Thought’ crowdfunding page, with donations helping buy and deliver hot meals, as well as building up their own food bank of essentials.
Young Minds
Young Minds is breaking down barriers and fighting for a future where all kids feel supported and empowered through life.
Since we’ve all been inside a lot more lately, Young Minds are still making sure that young people and families feel supported and able to look out for themselves and. Not only is the Parents Helpline still running, with staff and volunteers doing this from home, they’ve been offering downloadable rescources for kids, and have published a number of blogs on self-care and well-being (something we could all do with a little more of right now).
PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide)
Working nationally, PAPYRUS is dedicated to the prevention of young suicide – the biggest killer of young people – male and female under 35 in the UK.
Although the team have had to adapt to working from home, PAPYRUS have been able to keep HOPELINE running without reducing the service. They know just how important HOPELINE is, especially now for those that are struggling.
To promote positivity for Stress Awareness Month and to support the community during this time, PAPYRUS has started a 30-day self-care challenge. Basically, do one thing every day to look after yourself – good vibes all round. With more of us spending time indoors and working from home, the team at PAPYRUS has also come up with creative ways to squeeze in your daily exercise, with fitness sessions taking place over video chat with friends. A great way to keep in touch with your crew and support each other.
(@papyrus_uk)
Kidscape
Kidscape’s vision is that all children can grow up in a world that’s free from bullying and harm, with adults who keep them safe and help to reach their full potential.
During these testing times, Kidscape has been able to offer the same support, but from home. They’re still running their ZAP workshops via video conferencing, as well as keeping the Parent Advice Line available, but extending the service to include a chat and support group via Facebook. They’re already planning their RISE transition programme, which will help children in the return back to school when it’s safe to do so.
Sport 4 Life
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.
Though sport across the world is temporarily on hold, Sport 4 Life haven’t stopped. They’ve been exploring new ways to support their young people remotely and digitally. Sport 4 Life have started up online mentoring using Google Hangouts, as well as encouraging the kids to get involved in challenges and more over on their Instagram page, @sport4lifeuk.
Salford Foundation
With a goal to create better futures, the Salford Foundation helps both adults and young people not only in Salford, but across the North West.
As part of their COVID-19 response, the foundation has set up a ‘Digital Buddies’ programme, which aims to help those that struggle using a phone, laptop etc – something we’re all relying on a lot more RN. This helps those in isolation, feel less isolated. They’re also continuing their partnership with Salford Foodbank, with staff volunteering to deliver essential food parcels to those in need.
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.
While they’ve had to stop their usual activity, the charity is keeping in contact with the vulnerable kids through everything from regular calls, to challenges on social media. They also started up a project called ‘FIT TROTTERS’, with video workouts, whatsapp groups and more encouraging young people to stay active while at home.
(@sidley_ouas)
Once Upon a Smile
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 focus on after care for families.
While the usual face to face support is unavailable, the team are still offering support via email and phone, as well as providing families and those in need with self-care resources. Recently, co-founder of Once Upon a Smile, Emmerdale’s Danny Miller shaved his head to raise funds for the charity. He raised a huge £1637, which the JD Foundation has matched to help keeping them doing all the amazing things they’re doing right now.
The Wellspring
The Wellspring is a resource centre that deals with homeless and disadvantaged people.
Though still following social distancing guidelines, The Wellspring is striving to stay open. Doing its best (as always) to support the vulnerable people in Stockport. Alongside their usual work, they’ve launched a food parcel appeal, with any donations going towards giving emergency food parcels and other practical support to those in need. Going above and beyond to help others.
(Smiling Families)
Smiling Families
Smiling Families’ aim is 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.
While they can’t host events atm, the charity has been collecting toys, equipment and activities to give to children to help keep their minds busy. They’ve been offering small family grants and sorting emergency food parcels for the most vulnerable. Their support never stops, not only have they been checking in with all of their families regularly as well as working with new families, they’ve created over 100 pieces of essential PPE equipment for key workers using a 3D printer. Amazing.
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.
To raise essential funds during these times, CRY have launched a candle called ‘Aaron’s Love’, which is available to buy online. The team are hoping to be back screening as soon as it’s safe to do so.
(CRY)
With the help and support that the JD Foundation gives to all the charity partners, they’re able to keep offering support to those most in need during this difficult time. If you want to do your bit to help, you can donate over at the JD Foundation’s Total Giving page here.
Stay in the loop with the latest over at our dedicated JD Foundation page, and on social @thejdfoundation.
