John Thaw Foundation Grant

16.7.2020

We are delighted to have received a £1,000 grant from The John Thaw Foundation.

The John Thaw Foundation makes grants to charities and educational organisations to support projects that encourage disadvantaged young people to broaden horizons and expectations. The Foundation responded to Whirlow’s Emergency COVID-19 appeal to support our “Whirlow LIFE” programmes. Whirlow LIFE (Learning In a Farming Environment) provides an alternative to mainstream education for children who are struggling in school and young people with additional needs.

Our goal for the children who attend the Whirlow LIFE programmes is always to help them get back to school so they can enjoy their childhoods like other children. Older children have the opportunity to complete qualifications, opening doors to apprenticeships or college placements.

We also run activities for young adults who struggle with autism and other challenges, to help them develop life skills, make friends and reduce their risk of isolation.

The restrictions on so many of our activities due to the Coronavirus Pandemic has had a significant impact on Whirlow. Support like this grant is even more important now than ever before.

Whirlow’s Chief Executive, Ben Davies said “The lockdown restrictions imposed in order to combat COVID-19 have brought the importance of this provision into sharp relief. The Farm has offered the students a familiar routine in a time of change and uncertainty, and given much-needed respite to their families.”

During the height of the pandemic, we were able to run the Post 16 Whirlow LIFE programme remotely through YouTube videos, online classrooms and socially distanced home visits. More recently we have been able to welcome back some of the students and are making plans for more to return.

Clare Eden, The John Thaw Foundation’s Administrator, said “Opportunities like this are invaluable to vulnerable and disadvantaged children and the John Thaw Foundation is very happy to be able to help ensure the Farm's ability to offer this to them.”