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ACT hits £1million+ in grants with the final round of 2024

17 December, 2024 |Ardonagh Group | Ardonagh Community Trust

ACT is seeing out 2024 in style as the final round of Community Grants for 2024 takes it over the momentous milestone of £1million+ in grants awarded since the trust’s inception.

Over the past seven years, ACT has awarded a total of 247 grants to over 220 different charities – each making a difference in a unique way, but all nominated by our Ardonagh colleagues from right across the world.

Through the quarterly ACT Community Grant programme, all Ardonagh employees worldwide can apply for up to £5,000 (or equivalent currency) towards a chosen charity to support a project or initiative in need of funding – with successful applications selected by ACT’s board of trustees.

The Q4 Community Grants sees 13 causes supported with a total of £63,600 funding – with initiatives supported including respite breaks for young carers, support for a community grief group, and aid to Ukraine. Learn about all the causes supported. Over 2024, that means ACT has provided 50 grants to worthy causes!

Read the stories behind each of the causes supported this quarter and why they matter to the colleagues who nominated them.

Rebuilding a community Scout hub
Askern Scout Group

Nominated by Kamila Sawyer – Central Services, Ardonagh Advisory

Located in Yorkshire, Askern Scout Group is a hub of activity for young people and the wider community. Recently, the Scout building suffered a break-in with significant damage and essential equipment stolen.

Advisory colleague, Kamila, and her family, including her son who attends the group, have seen first-hand the impact the group has on children’s lives and has volunteered her own time to support the group – including the re-building efforts now underway after the vandalism.

ACT’s grant of £5,000 will enable vital repairs to the electrics and plumbing, plus equipment used for activities, so that the group can continue in its mission to provide a safe and affordable space for local children and young people to connect and develop skills.

"I am actively involved in the rebuilding process, working alongside other dedicated volunteers to ensure we can restore the hut and the programs that benefit so many children. In the long term, it will restore the group's ability to offer affordable programs that build life skills, strengthen community bonds, and keep kids off the streets, positively impacting their futures and the local area." Kamila Sawyer – Central Services, Ardonagh Advisory

Taking time out to connect and share grief
Sip of Support

Nominated by Orla Swambo – Arachas, Ardonagh Global Partners

A truly grass-roots cause, Sip of Support in Swords, Dublin, was born out of sharing experiences of grief. They aim to offer a safe space to open up and listen in equal measure – and has become a network of more than 150 local people.

Alongside conversation meetups, the cause is hoping to organise a quarterly grief retreat in 2025 where group members will have the chance to take some time and space away from the day to day to reflect and make new memories.

ACT’s grant of £5,000 will enable the first retreat in February to take place, providing a chance early in the year for members to re-stock and build a positive way forward.

"When my husband suddenly passed away in February of this year, my life was turned upside down overnight. In those first few months, I struggled to see how I could possibly cope with the future ahead. Feeling the need to talk to others in a similar situation and to hear how they coped, I searched for bereavement support groups in my area, and I found a “Sip of Support”. I attended my first weekly group meeting with them in May and it’s been the most positive thing I have done for myself since February. Founded by five local ladies, this group is all about helping others in the community who have suffered a bereavement. Probably the best thing about this group is that despite all the tears and heartache, we somehow always manage to find a bright side to life, and many a good giggle is had! I leave these meetings, feeling so much lighter and positive." Orla Swambo – Arachas, Ardonagh Global Partners
The Sip of Support team together hosting a community grief event

Upgrading a cornerstone for youth and community
Kingston Amateur Boxing Club

Nominated by Katie Guiller – Stallard Kane, Ardonagh Advisory

Kingston Boxing Club in hub isn’t just a place to learn boxing skills, it’s a way of building confidence, resilience and provides sanctuary from pressures of day-to-day life – particularly for the many young people who attend.

Kate has been a part of the Hull boxing community since she was 15, going to a youth club, and where she felt supported through challenges at home. Now, Kate teaches at the Kingston Club, dedicating her time to the next generation of talent.

The £4,500 grant from ACT will be used to make upgrades to the club building and stairs, alongside funding new boxing equipment.

Providing fitness and physical safety sessions to young women
Samuel Montagu Youth Centre

Nominated by Jasvinder Pham – CISO, Group Functions

Samuel Montagu Youth Centre (SMYC) in Greenwich, London, works with the surrounding community to provide a hub for connections and to enable local people to access facilities and develop skills. Their free women’s sessions, which started in 2024, have meant more women can access sport and look after their health. Not only fitness, after an attack in the local area, the centre has also provided safety sessions to help women and girls.

ACT’s grant of £5,000 will fund nine months of the free women’s fitness and personal safety sessions, so that even more people can benefit.

"I have volunteered at the youth centre previously with painting and decorating and from that involvement, I discovered that the charity offered women’s sessions. I have taken part in the free women's sessions, and I have also helped to promote them in the local neighbourhood. I have met some new women and done activities that I have never tried before like Ju-jitsu and self-defence." Jasvinder Pham – CISO, Group Functions
Women's fitness sessions have proven invaluable at the community centre

Developing creative LGBTQ+ talent
Dibby Theatre

Nominated by Ashley Hammond – Corporate Affairs, Group Functions

Dibby Theatre in Greater Manchester tell stories with surprising perspectives on LGBTQ+ life, and seeks to develop the creative workforce in the region. Their ‘First Dibs’ programme looks to nurture aspiring LGBTQ+ young people to begin their journey into arts careers.

The £5,000 ACT grant will go towards the First Dibs 2025 programme, which includes a comprehensive offering from 1-2-1 mentoring, get togethers, business workshops and training. The programme has already secured 80% of the necessary funding, and the grant will take it over the line to run next year.

"Having grown up in Manchester, a city with a rich LGBTQ+ heritage alongside many friends in the community I feel it’s vital that inclusivity reaches further. The City Centre might well be a hive of support and opportunities, however in the wider suburbs people in the LGBTQ+ community don’t have the same access to support networks and opportunities. Through outreach programmes like this they can thrive and not just because they can afford to pay for it, its true social mobility and those who have the most interesting and challenging stories that can change mindsets are able to develop them and their own careers in an industry that is still not as inclusive as it should be." Ashley Hammond – Corporate Affairs, Group Functions

Supporting young people with creative ambitions
Newtownabbey Arts and Cultural Network

Nominated by David Anderson – Towergate, Ardonagh Advisory

This small, local charity in Northern Ireland provides workshops for young people aged 8 to 25 interested in creative arts, whether that’s film making, music or performing arts – offering the opportunity to explore and develop skills ranging from digital media to vocal training.

David’s son has benefited from the charity and he’s directly seen the valuable impact on young people with creative aspirations.

The £5,000 ACT grant will be used to purchase musical equipment, including a keyboard and travelling PA system, so that the charity can expand its offering by taking young people out on small gigs to support their development.

"I’m involved with the house band (Social Call) and singers at Newtonabbey Arts and Cultural Network, helping to run this side of things by volunteering my time. If the opportunities afforded to these young people had been around when I was a teenager it would have been fantastic. We bring in people of all religions, gender ideals and experience, giving them a level field to work together and be the best they can be." David Anderson – Towergate, Ardonagh Advisory
Studio rehearsals in action at Newtownabbey Arts and Cultural Network

Providing food and company at Christmas
Flourish

Nominated by Scott Bennett – Broker Networks, Ardonagh Advisory

At this time of year, a sense of community and warmth is much appreciated by all, particularly by anyone struggling or who might not have loved ones around them.

Flourish Community Hub will be open over the festive period to offer a Christmas Dinner event, and its café will also be open to provide a space for connection. Scott and his family live locally and have been involved in the cause over time – volunteering along the way.

The £1,500 ACT grant will fund the charity’s Christmas event and community café over the two days, providing a chance for a meal and socialising for people who may otherwise feel isolated.

"My whole family are involved in the CIC my connectivity will continue for a long time. I see the great work they do and the benefits they offer, always with a smile on their faces – and particularly at this time of year." Scott Bennett – Broker Networks, Ardonagh Advisory

Keeping a fleet up and running to keep care running smooth
North West Blood Bikes Lancs & Lakes

Nominated by Greg Ashworth – BP Insurance Brokers, Ardonagh Advisory

Across Lancashire and the Lake District, this charity provides a life-saving service, using a fleet of motorbikes to deliver blood, samples, medication, patient notes and much more between local medical centres and hospitals. Run by a network of volunteers, many have had their own experience of medical treatment and want to give back by supporting others.

Greg himself is a volunteer blood bike-rider and has been supporting the cause for over a year.

The £5,000 ACT grant will go a long way to keep the fleet of bikes up and running, covering fuel costs, insurance and maintenance, so they can remain fully operational and delivering wherever needed.

"I’ve been a blood bike-rider for over a year now. The work is so fulfilling, being able to help the local NHS service – and also a great excuse to get out and about on my motorbike. It’s brilliant to have the chance to make a difference close to home." Greg Ashworth – BP Insurance Brokers, Ardonagh Advisory
Greg (second from right) and his fellow Blood Bike volunteer riders, Peter, Lee, Dave and Mike

Continuing to support relief in Ukraine
Pickups For Peace

Nominated by Sam White – GI, Ardonagh Advisory

Over almost two years, Pickups for Peace has delivered over 500 vehicles (ambulances, quad bikes and land rovers) with over 900 volunteer drivers to deliver aid to communities affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Sam has been directly involved with the efforts, accompanying the 13th convoy which went out to the region to provide medical equipment, clothing, hand tools and much more.

With the war continuing, aid is as vital as ever. The £5,000 grant from ACT will go towards the purchase of additional second-hand pickups and the aid supplies to provide much-needed ongoing support.

"This charity is immensely important to me and I was involved in the 13th convoy that went over. We made the 1,400 mile trip over earlier this year – being able to see first-hand how important this charity is and how we were welcomed into the country as heroes really hit home with how these vehicles will save lives. We met the families of soldiers who are fighting, and our pick-ups could bring their family members home safe." Sam White – GI, Ardonagh Advisory
Sam, when he joined the 13th convoy to take aid to Ukraine

Establishing a new homelessness hub
Night Ninjas

Nominated by Sharon Simeon – Aviso Broking, Ardonagh Global Partners

Night Ninjas is a charity that deals with the homeless and vulnerable in the Redlands Coast Community in Australia. They are entirely volunteer-run, meaning every dollar that is donated goes back into supporting the community.

Night Ninjas provides a range of services to support homeless people, including a twice-a-week ‘night feed team’ offering hot meals and food supplies and a community hotline. Aviso Broking colleague, Sharon, volunteers herself to cook meals for donation.

Now they are looking to establish a single physical home for the causes, so that there is central hub for people to access their support. The ACT grant of £5,000 will go towards the charity’s aim to open a drop-in centre for homeless and vulnerable people, to provide a single place where people can use it services.

"I find that through this charity I can give back to the community and to help those less fortunate than me. I love cooking, and so find this a great way to give back while enjoying what I am doing at the same time. I believe I get more out of this than what I put in." Sharon Simeon – Aviso Broking, Ardonagh Global Partners

Enabling young carers to create memories
MYTIME Young Carers

Nominated by Lucy Roast – Central Functions, Ardonagh Specialty

MYTIME Young Carers aims to contribute to the holistic wellbeing of young carers and make it their mission that this extraordinary community have the friendships, support and opportunities just like every young person deserves.

One of the charity’s three core programmes is their Making Memories programme, which enables young carers to go on outings over the year to create friendships and lasting memories through activities and trips – plus a chance to relax, reflect and enjoy new experiences.

The £4,600 ACT grant will fund a series of five outdoor activities that form the charity’s Making Memories programme, providing much-needed respite for young carers.

Keeping rural mental health groups going in the Highlands
James’ Support Group

Nominated by Gareth Vaughan – GI, Ardonagh Advisory

James’ Support Group runs community mental health meetups in locations across the rural Highlands in Scotland.

The monthly meetings across the vast Highlands, where isolation and lack of access to mental health support are greater than in other parts of the country, are hosted alongside a psychologist – providing a safe place for those who have lost someone to suicide, or are experiencing suicidal thoughts, and to allow them to access invaluable in-person support they may not otherwise receive.

The ACT grant of £3,000 will enable one of these community locations to continue its monthly session over 2025.

"I cannot express my gratitude enough to the ACT Trustees for their award to James Support Group. The charity provides support for those sadly affected by suicide, as well as those having suicidal thoughts, and is literally a lifesaver to some. In an area of such huge underfunding and under-resourcing, it is vital to more remote communities that charities such as James Support Group are present and able to reach people who need the support the most. This funding will help them provide meetings across the Highlands and continue the invaluable work they do." Gareth Vaughan – GI, Ardonagh Advisory

Supporting homeless people re-gain their independence
Whitechapel Mission

Nominated by Joseph Jefferys – Bishopsgate, Ardonagh Specialty

Based just around the corner from Specialty’s offices in the City, Whitechapel Mission has been central to the team’s volunteering efforts over the past year – with sessions organised by Joe to join together to cook and serve breakfast at the homelessness charity for up to 200 service users.

Not only food and clothing, Whitechapel Mission also helps people develop skills, find jobs and access accommodation to help people re-gain their confidence and independence.

Joe and the Specialty team aim to continue to regularly volunteer in 2025 and the ACT grant will go towards this cause, so close to their hearts.

"Each time we organise a volunteering session, the uptake is amazing – regardless of the early start time. We look forward to hosting more mornings in 2025, aiming for two sessions a month. The charity is simply incredible and anything we can do to help goes a long way to support others." Joseph Jefferys – Bishopsgate, Ardonagh Specialty
A volunteering team from Ardonagh Specialty in the kitchen making breakfast at Whitechapel Mission

A mobile scanner to care for mothers and babies
Our Angels

Nominated by Helen Williams – Geo Underwriting, Ardonagh Advisory

Our Angels is a special charity based in Harrogate supporting families, midwives and anyone affected by pregnancy bereavement.

The £5,000 grant from ACT will enable the charity to purchase an ultrasound machine, a project led by the local hospital's Obstetric Bereavement team. This mobile scanning unit is an essential piece of equipment used to monitor the health of the baby in the womb and to check for any complications or impending emergencies, ultimately reducing risk to baby and mother alike.

"Our Angels holds such a special place in our hearts because of the support they gave, helped and guided us to be able to see light through the darkest of days. Our hearts were broken, our arms were empty, but the love and care was just outstanding which gave us hope for the future." Helen Williams – Geo Underwriting, Ardonagh Advisory

Here for Ardonagh colleagues in 2025

ACT’s Community Grant programme is going nowhere in 2025. Open to all Ardonagh people worldwide, through the scheme Group employees can apply for up to £5,000 (or equivalent local currency) towards a charity close to your heart with an initiative in need of funding.

  • Learn more about ACT's work and impact to date by exploring the ACT website and follow us on our Instagram and Facebook @ardonaghCT.
  • Get in touch with the ACT team using info@ardonaghtrust.org

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