Do. Can.
What we Do Can make a REAL difference.
SKINNERS giving: MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE.
Skinners Giving Since the 14th Century Skinners have found innovative ways to break the cycle of poverty and create opportunities for the economically disadvantaged. Skinners’ Tradition of Philanthropy Generous legacies established schools, almshouses and grant-making charities that continue to reach out with practical support to relieving the needs of individuals, families and communities. Successive generations have built on this philanthropic heritage with practical and financial support. However the need today remains as great as ever, indeed we face a growing demand across the spectrum of Skinners’ causes. So we are launching ‘Skinners Giving’, an ambitious programme to re-galvanise our proud heritage of philanthropy for the challenges of the 21st Century.
Skinners’ Charities Change Lives Skinners’ charities make grants which give priority to the poor and marginalised, people at critical points in life where our help makes a real difference. Indeed time and again a relatively small grant unlocks additional funding from other sources, therefore amplifying the benefit for greater impact. Relatively small amounts of money have disproportionately greater effect in the relief of hardship. Single donations, regular giving, fund raising projects and legacies can all be of significant benefit to Skinners’ charities. We are good at what we DO and we CAN make a real difference – this is what defines us as Skinners.
BUT WE CAN DO SO MUCH MORE
WHO DO WE HELP? The Skinners’ charities target those who could otherwise fall between the cracks, throughout the whole spectrum of life, from newborns to older people, the neglected, isolated and poor.
Skinners’ charities aim to make the greatest impact to support those facing disadvantage in 21st Century Britain. We support individuals and families who are in extreme poverty living on very low income, or have been cut off in some way from society and who are trying to rebuild their lives.
In the UK:
Need in the UK is growing rapidly. Research on poverty and the growth in dependence on food banks, illustrate the growing number of people struggling to make ends meet in the UK. There are 2.3 million children living in poverty and an ageing population is putting strain on social housing, leading to more older people living isolated lives.
Homelessness is a journey leading to crime, drugs and mental health risks.
1 in 5 adults of working age without children are living in poverty. 80,000 children live in care, 1 in 3 of those who leave care every year become homeless.
There are 8 million people in poverty. There has been a 12% cut in funding for secondary education in real terms, with further challenges in the regime to come. The economic situation has reduced charitable giving.
SKINNERS giving: MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE.
EVERY YEAR WE HELP‌
500
400
300
100
Children
Families in poverty Or crisis
Vulnerable Individuals
OLDER people
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT. A relatively small gift makes a big difference. It provides a lift, a start, an incentive, a sign that an individual is not alone. In addition, a well targeted intervention can lift a beneficiary out of an immediate crisis so that they can focus upwards and outwards on a wider goal.
We have capacity to double our reach without any extra administrative cost so all funds will go straight to people in need.
£150 bought Jenny knives, essential for her catering course. £175 bought Dave tools and protective clothing for his apprenticeship. £250 provided help for Joanne’s childcare during cancer treatment. £650 helped Nick to cover college costs including travel – he gained a Diploma in Fine Woodwork. £700 paid for Colin’s forklift training course which he passed and is now in work. £995 paid for Sean to pass Part 1 of the Scaffolding qualification that got him into employment. £1,200 paid for travel and living costs that allowed Emilie to pass BTEC Level 3 Drama so that she can now pursue her ambitions of becoming a drama teacher. £1,500 paid for Alan’s REPS Accredited Diploma in Personal Training.
SKINNERS giving: MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE.
Join the culture of Skinners Giving – it is flexible and adaptive. Choose to make regular donations, a one-off gift or plan a legacy bequest. You can opt to give to one of four key areas of focus: Transforming young lives – fuelling hopes and launching fresh starts. Helping people in crisis – relieving critical need. Empowering older people and those with disabilities – keeping people independent. Supporting communities – working together on local priorities. Or delegate authority to the Skinners’ Malmesbury Foundation to manage funds on your behalf. For further information contact: Carmel Miedziolka Charities Officer 020 7213 0564 carmel.miedziolka@skinners.org.uk
PLEASE DO SUPPORT your Company’s work. YOU CAN Be part of something important.
TransformING YOUNG LIVES We Do.
Without Skinners’ support I would have been unable to study the course which has propelled me into a career as a violin soloist. I have since gone on to perform world-wide. Litsa Tunnah, Atwell beneficiary
SKINNERS giving: MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE.
Lawrence Atwell’s Charity helps school leavers into training, offenders into rehabilitation, care leavers into independent living and the unemployed into work.
Gemma Samways was born with a disability (scoliosis) and had a very tough childhood. A victim of child abuse, she left school with no qualifications. Lawrence Atwell’s Charity helped her turn her life around, supporting her through a catering course at Westminster Kingsway, where she has been able to develop her passion, skills and confidence. Gemma has made a new start. She is excited about everything she learns and is a regular contributor to life at Skinners Court where she runs baking classes for the residents.
GEMMA can DEVELOP HER SKILLS… Cooking is the one thing I have ever loved and for which I feel I have talent... I just want a chance in life and I feel that if I’m given a chance I can shine.
Grant: £1,900 Course: Professional Chef Diploma Level 2 & 3 Impact: Enabled Gemma to achieve her career goal
SKINNERS giving: MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE.
In a recent survey to measure the impact analysis on Lawrence Atwell’s Charity nearly 75% of those who responded believed that the charity, and the training it funded, played a huge part in getting them a job. Not only did the charity increase the employability of beneficiaries,
90% of respondents said it also changed their total wellbeing.
I became more confident, learnt more skills and, most importantly, became more motivated and determined to make a career out of my training. Atwell beneficiary
Stephen can START his own business… Stephen Bediako lost his parents and subsequently lost his way throughout his late teens, but never lost his dreams to improve his life. He studied Politics and History at University and went straight on to complete a Masters in Public Policy at the London School of Economics, thanks to a grant from Skinners. This foundation has lead him to starting his own business, employing others and to enjoying experiences from being a school governor, a trustee, a mentor and to working on the Obama campaign in 2012. Stephen established The Social Innovation Partnership (TSIP), a social advisory business that works with clients to support innovation and evaluation in order to tackle some of the most intractable problems in society. The business continues to grow across the UK and potentially globally. Stephen has come full circle… he now makes regular financial contributions back to Skinners Giving with the intention of helping tomorrow’s young people to develop their own successes.
Grant: £1,000 Course: Masters in Public Policy at LSE Impact: Established The Social Innovation Partnership (TSIP)
SKINNERS giving: MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE.
Challenging inner-city circumstances, losing my parents, and struggling to achieve academically, all meant that I developed first-hand experience of the social issues my organisation TSIP is trying to address. None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for the support of Skinners.
HELPING PEOPLE IN CRISIS We Do.
It is from the bottom of my heart and soul I thank you so kindly for your support to me and my son through this very difficult and challenging period of our lives. Skinners’ Benevolent Trust beneficiary
SKINNERS giving: MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE.
Skinners’ Benevolent Trust Helping the homeless, victims of domestic violence and those suffering from temporary crisis to gain accommodation, independence and start afresh.
Aisha can ESCAPE FROM VIOLENCE… Aisha Mohammed approached us when she needed assistance in purchasing basic kitchen items for her new flat. Aisha had to flee the family home as she was a victim of domestic and honour based violence due to her sexuality. This also contributed to depression and substance overdose. She has now settled into her own flat and is engaging well with local support services. The Trust awarded Aisha a grant of £250 towards her kitchen items.
The grant was the only source of money that made it possible for Aisha to move to her new flat. She bought a kettle, microwave, toaster and a few other essential household items. Aisha’s local supporting agency
SKINNERS giving: MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE.
Jim can now get a good night’s sleep… Jim Smith is an older, isolated gentleman who was suffering from both terminal illness and mental health issues. He was in desperate need of a new bed, his current one being so worn out that he had been forced to sleep on his couch. The Trust awarded Jim a grant of £250 for a new bed.
Jim couldn’t afford to replace his old bed and has been sleeping on the sofa. This has made a huge difference, life-changing! Jim’s local supporting agency
EMPOWERING OLDER PEOPLE AND THOSE WITH DISABILITIES We Do.
My friends think I am very, very lucky to live here – I think so too… it’s a lovely flat. I call it a penthouse! Skinners Court Resident
SKINNERS giving: MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE.
The Skinners’ Almshouse Charity helps frail and older people in our social housing schemes. Sir Thomas Smythe’s Poor Fund provides financial and pastoral support to individuals in need, usually older people or those with disabilities, living in various West Kent parishes.
EILEEN can enjoy her independence AND HER SOCIAL LIFE… Skinners Court An ‘extra care’ scheme in Palmers Green, Skinners Court provides 48 one and two bedroom flats. The scheme is purpose-built for those who wish to remain independent for as long as possible but need help and support on a regular basis.
I am very happy here. It’s like a little oasis and I love my flat. I have made lots of friends and the wardens are always very helpful. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
Percy Bilton Court A sheltered housing scheme in Hounslow, Percy Bilton Court provides 38 selfcontained one bedroom flats. Designed as convenient and comfortable accommodation for older people in a setting which allows residents to come and go as they please. And residents are encouraged to make friends and share as wide a social life as they wish through use of the residents’ lounge and communal facilities.
SKINNERS giving: MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE.
SKINNERS giving: MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE.
I thank my lucky stars that I live here and thank all the Skinners’ team. The garden is wonderful – you wouldn’t believe the variety of things we grow.
Fred can continue to grow his own… Fred Hunt has been a resident at Skinners Court for a couple of years now. He can usually be found outside in the garden where he enjoys growing his own vegetables and flowers which he loves to share with his fellow residents.
SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES We Do.
Thank you so much for the grant of £500 towards the cost of refurbishing our heritage van, enabling the ‘Friends’ to attend functions throughout our widespread area. We hope to increase our membership and encourage a broad base community involvement and understanding of the history of Devon and Cornwall Police. Friends of Devon and Cornwall Constabulary Heritage
SKINNERS giving: MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE.
The Skinners’ Company Lady Neville Charity provides grants that will make a clear and significant contribution to grassroots charitable organisations working in designated priority areas.
NOURISH CAN HELP STRUGGLING FAMILIES...
Nourish Community Foodbank provides short-term emergency support to families and individuals in crisis in the Tunbridge Wells area, ensuring that no-one goes hungry. The staff work with a variety of agencies who are best placed to establish genuine need. Skinners provided a grant of ÂŁ668 to buy two sturdy pull-up stands in order to raise awareness of Nourish in the local community, and to help encourage donations at busy collection points. One is in a supermarket with 42,000 shoppers weekly and the other tours public events.
The banners have been invaluable to the promotion of Nourish to the local community and have raised lots of awareness from our permanent position at the supermarket in Tunbridge Wells.
SKINNERS giving: MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE.
JAMES CAN TALK TO HIS FRIENDS... I would like to say a huge thank you to the Committee of the Skinners’ Company Lady Neville Charity for choosing to support our school. We are absolutely delighted to be able to purchase this specialist software for the benefit of our students. Five Acre Wood is a special school for children and young people with profound, severe and complex needs based on two sites in Maidstone and Aylesford, Kent. It provides education and recreational opportunities for children and young people with special needs. Skinners provided a grant of £991 to purchase specialist software to give a voice to children who cannot speak. It is a vital tool for their speech therapists and teachers.
We DO help break the cycle of poverty. Skinners Giving recipients CAN look forward to a brighter, better future. With your help we can do a lot more.
PLEASE DoNATE. Giving a one-off gift can have an immediate impact, whereas a regular gift, whether monthly or annually, can allow us to plan for the future and build upon our philanthropic foundations. One-off Gifts You can make a one-off donation by cheque, making it payable to: Skinners’ Malmesbury Foundation* or by Bank Transfer to: Royal Bank of Scotland Sort code: 16-00-15 Account no: 23122696 Reference: Skinners’ Malmesbury Foundation Please complete the donation form and return to us in the pre-paid envelope. You can also make a secure one-off donation via the Skinners’ website using a debit or credit card, or by PayPal.
Regular Giving Regular gifts can be made by standing order on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. Please complete the enclosed donation form and return to us in the pre-paid envelope. Legacy Bequests Legacy bequests are a very tax-efficient way of donating as they are free from Inheritance Tax. If you would like to find out more about how you can make a legacy bequest please speak to: John Cook on 020 7213 0565 John Hitchins on 07973 219517 Gift Aid By gift aiding your contribution we can reclaim an additional 25p in every £1, making your gift worth even more at no extra cost to you. Please ensure you tick the ‘Gift Aid’ box if you qualify.
SKINNERS giving: MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE.
Skinners’ Malmesbury Foundation Skinners’ Malmesbury Foundation acts as the principal vehicle for raising new funds for Skinners’ charitable activities. Its purpose is to support the Skinners’ charities and schools with the objective to direct funds to whichever of the Skinners’ charities or schools has the greatest current need.
For unrestricted funds the judgment of where to direct the support is made by the Committee appointed by the Court of the Skinners’ Company to oversee the Foundation. The Committee reports regularly to the Court on its activity and is held accountable by it as the sole trustee.
Donations to the Skinners’ Malmesbury Foundation may be designated for the benefit of a specified Skinnners’ charity or activity, or unrestricted, allowing the Foundation to choose where to direct the money.
*Registered Charity No. 1059101
theskinnerscompany.org.uk/giving
If you would like to know more about Skinners Giving or to pledge your support please contact: Carmel Miedziolka Charities Officer 020 7213 0564 carmel.miedziolka@skinners.org.uk
Our charities team
An experienced team with discipline and insight:
Carmel Miedziolka MBA, MSc, MCIH Charities Officer T 020 7213 0564 E carmel.miedziolka@skinners.org.uk
Errol Harris Almshouse Manager T 020 7213 0576 E errol.harris@skinners.org.uk
Susie Morris Atwell Administrator, Lawrence Atwell’s Charity T 020 7213 0561 E atwell@skinners.org.uk
Steven Valens Grants Administrator, Welfare & Small Grass-roots Programmes T 020 7213 0562 E steven.valens@skinners.org.uk
Certain names in this brochure have been changed in order to protect the individual’s identity. Designed & produced by Haime & Butler | haime-butler.com
theskinnerscompany.org.uk
The Skinners’ Company Skinners’ Hall 8 Dowgate Hill London EC4R 2SP 020 7213 0564 carmel.miedziolka@skinners.org.uk Skinners’ Malmesbury Foundation Registered Charity No. 1059101
theskinnerscompany.org.uk