SUCCESSES >
You can read some successes which showcase how our charitable grants have truly made a difference to local people.
DEBK was the first to pledge £10,000 to UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham's Community Coronavirus (Covid-19) Appeal set up in partnership with LBHF Council since before the lockdown began.
In the first ten weeks alone, the fund grew rapidly thanks to the added support of the public, and has been dispersed as micro-grants to local groups helping those who are:
- at risk of complications severe enough to require hospital care
- at risk of being unable to cope with isolation
- at risk because they're living in poverty
Executive Director Savraj Kaur said "The early leadership and support of our parent charity DEBK Fulham Charity spurred the incredible success we've had. We're proud to have reached more than 100,000 people in need so far."
DEBK was approached by a homelessness charity supporting Miro's* move to independent living.
Miro had just been allocated a studio flat after being homeless, and Universal Credit didn't give him enough budget to rebuild a home from scratch.
We were being asked to help with carpet, washing machine, chest of drawers, and a table and chairs.
The team visited Miro to see the flat, and put the request to the panel.
It was agreed that we were able to help with all requested items.
*Name has been changed
DEBK were delighted to part fund a summer scheme that allowed 55 children from low income families the chance to enjoy three weeks of stimulating social, educational and physical activities and outings, and a four-day football week.
Results from the scheme showed that:
-
80% of children felt they had gained a sense of achievement
-
50% felt fitter, and
-
45% felt they had become more confident
"My son attended for the first time and he absolutely loved the time... Every day was an adventure and he created so many memories which he can cherish.
"As a working parent, it gave me great comfort knowing that my son would be looked after so well. A huge thanks to whomever may provide funding for this playscheme… It's fantastic that we can still get such playschemes for young kids, as over the years they seem to have been
. isappearing and reducing so muc
(Letter from a Parent)
DEBK have funded Karaoke and Cupcake afternoons for more than 40 residents at a local care home. Music is used to help people with Alzheimer's and Dementia in recalling memories and emotions.
Over a 12 month period:
-
More than 15 residents attended each session, making it the most popular activity in the care home
-
90% residents returned to experience another session
-
Some residents who were initially unable to communicate now actively sing along word for word to their favourite songs and are able to recall memories and emotions which loved ones had thought were long forgotten
“It’s the best activity in the care home. I’ve actually asked to have them even more often” (Ted O).
"Full of energy, full of life” (Donnatilla E).
“Thank you. This is how all activities should feel like, I saw no sleepy faces!” (Len J).
DEBK was approached by single mother of three, Lara*. She has lived in Fulham for more than half of her life and currently struggles to stretch her part time income.
She requested help with a faulty cooker and carpet which is in an unusable state.
The team visited Lara, and she showed us around. After the decision making process, we were able to help with:
-
The correct contact for a local authority service where she can request a functioning cooker
-
Vinyl to both bedrooms that are affected by the old carpet
*Name has been changed
DEBK has supported our local - and 'London's busiest' - foodbank scheme with a grant.
This, along with a number of other grants in 2018-19, has meant that 1,561 vouchers were redeemed by Fulham residents in need, benefiting 2,946 people.
Nonetheless, use of the service rose by 15.5%, and shows further growth. So, the foodbank also uses its premises to offer additional services, including individual case working:
"A gentleman rang up in tears, hungry, terrified and alone having just been diagnosed with a life limiting health condition and then placed in temporary accommodation. We were able to make an emergency delivery of food as
well as pack him food parcels as requested by his medical team. He is starting to ‘feel human again’."
"We were able to obtain a crib, high chair, toys and other equipment for a young mum who had been sold by her family before being trafficked into the UK."
(Extracts from a report to DEBK)
DEBK were delighted to part fund a summer scheme that allowed 55 children from low income families the chance to enjoy three weeks of stimulating social, educational and physical activities and outings, and a four-day football week.
Results from the scheme showed that:
-
80% of children felt they had gained a sense of achievement
-
50% felt fitter, and
-
45% felt they had become more confident
"My son attended for the first time and he absolutely loved the time... Every day was an adventure and he created so many memories which he can cherish.
"As a working parent, it gave me great comfort knowing that my son would be looked after so well. A huge thanks to whomever may provide funding for this playscheme… It's fantastic that we can still get such playschemes for young kids, as over the years they seem to have been
. isappearing and reducing so muc
(Letter from a Parent)
DEBK have funded Karaoke and Cupcake afternoons for more than 40 residents at a local care home. Music is used to help people with Alzheimer's and Dementia in recalling memories and emotions.
Over a 12 month period:
-
More than 15 residents attended each session, making it the most popular activity in the care home
-
90% residents returned to experience another session
-
Some residents who were initially unable to communicate now actively sing along word for word to their favourite songs and are able to recall memories and emotions which loved ones had thought were long forgotten
“It’s the best activity in the care home. I’ve actually asked to have them even more often” (Ted O).
"Full of energy, full of life” (Donnatilla E).
“Thank you. This is how all activities should feel like, I saw no sleepy faces!” (Len J).
DEBK was approached by single mother of three, Lara*. She has lived in Fulham for more than half of her life and currently struggles to stretch her part time income.
She requested help with a faulty cooker and carpet which is in an unusable state.
The team visited Lara, and she showed us around. After the decision making process, we were able to help with:
-
The correct contact for a local authority service where she can request a functioning cooker
-
Vinyl to both bedrooms that are affected by the old carpet
*Name has been changed
