This organisation based in Richmond runs dozens of classes for the elderly. These opportunities help older people live more independent and healthier lives, build social networks, learn new skills and improve wellbeing. In Barnes the sessions are run from The Barnes Green Centre.

Find out more about Age UK Richmond here

www.ageuk.org.uk/richmonduponthames

The Holly Lodge Centre is a unique small charity in the heart of Richmond Park. Our exceptional educational programmes explore science, nature and history, and specialise in activities for people with disabilities. The Centre is run by three staff and more than 80 volunteers. Their income comes from donations from individuals, community groups, fund-raising events and trusts such as The Barnes Fund.

Find out more about Holly Lodge here www.thehollylodgecentre.org.uk

The Barnes Fund has supported Richmond Aid since 2006

Richmond AID was established as a registered charity in 1988. The organisation began as a telephone advice line with disabled advisors. It became an incorporated charity in 1999 with a governing document that requires 51% of the Board of Trustees to be disabled or have personal knowledge of disability.

Richmond AID has a variety of advice, well-being services as well as services in the community that help people to remain independent.

If you want to find out more about Richmond aid and how they help people in the area, do visit their website www.richmondaid.org.uk

The Barnes Fund supports this charity dedicated to assisting parents and professionals who live and work with children and young people diagnosed with ADHD.   A supportive community is provided for parents and professionals in which they can learn more about how to support children with ADHD. Their range of services includes specialised seminars led by experts, teacher workshops, parenting courses, workshops for children, information and online resources. Early intervention and support can significantly improve the life outcomes for a child with ADHD, which affects 5% of the population.

The Thames River Boat project provides access to the river for people of all ages, including those with a special need, disability or mental health condition. They offer therapeutic cruises, fun and dynamic educational and learning activities on their boats.

Barnes Primary School pupils went recently. After their trip they wrote: “This is the second year that we have done this and it was great. Different activities kept the children engaged and interested. The staff were all committed to what they do and enjoyed leading the workshops. Thank you – we will definitely be repeating this next year”.

Find out more at www.thamesboatproject.org

CCP is part of our three-year rolling grant sheme. The centre, in Stillingfleet Road, right in the heart of the North Barnes estate, offers a wide range of activities and social support to people of all ages, with a pop-in café, free group activities, regular classes and referral support.

Simon Roach, Centre Director, says “The Barnes Fund knows Barnes and the people that live within the area. As an organisation receiving a grant, we know that without their local focus, much of the community need jointly identified via the funding relationship would remain unmet”.

Find our more about the Castelnau Community Centre and Project here www.castelnaucentreproject.co.uk

FiSH arranges a variety of activities on a weekly basis to support the elderly of the community, all with the aim of combating loneliness and enabling elderly people to maintain their independence for as long as possible.

The Barnes Fund has supported FiSH for many years with grants for both core funding and also help to fund their growing fleet of buses.

FiSH runs a whole host of brilliant activities, from friendly get-togethers, to board games sessions, to exercise classes, to genuinely interesting talks and lectures. There’s at least one regular event to join every weekday and we also run one-off trips and outings to great gardens, stately homes, museums and more. 

Find out more about FiSH here www.fishhelp.org.uk

Sandeep is one of the many people who have been granted funding for further education. In his own words:

“My name is Sandeep, I was given a bursary by Barnes Workhouse Fund while I was a medical student to fund my elective abroad as part of my medical degree.

The elective formed a basis of my medical career and helped me choose the speciality that I am pursuing.

I am now a qualified doctor and have been working in and around the Surrey/London border for over 2 years.