Wednesday, 27 March 2019

Law firm Ashfords LLPs’ newly established charitable foundation, The Ashfords Foundation, has awarded its first grant in Devon to the charity Adventure Therapy.

The charity was established in 2017 to improve the emotional well-being of children and adults with unique health conditions, impairments or limitations through outdoor activities and adventure-led pursuits; from coasteering, surfing and kayaking through to climbing, horse riding and archery. Activities are provided free of charge and the charity is funded entirely by charitable donations and the support of the communities it serves.

Rob Emery, founder of Adventure Therapy said: “The therapeutic benefits of time spent outdoors, in nature and adventure should not be under-estimated. It can motivate, aid rehabilitation, improve vitality and help to create treasured memories for our clients and their families. Our range of activities build self-confidence and develop skills and abilities, through individual and group sessions, team work and leadership. We are extremely grateful to the Ashfords Foundation for their generous donation which will help us to develop as an organisation and reach a greater number of people to support.”

The grant of £750 will fund improvements to Adventure Therapy’s IT equipment and also assist with marketing and communicating the charity’s services to the individuals, families and organisations who may benefit from Adventure Therapy in Devon.

The Ashfords Foundation has been established with very clearly defined objectives to support smaller charities and community organisations through two grant programmes: Supporting Communities and Preserving Communities. The first offers one off grants of up to £750, while the second supports established charities and not-for-profit organisations develop a solid foundation for the future, helping them build sustainability for the long term with grants of up to £5k. In each case, both Applicants and the project they are seeking funding for, should be local to one of Ashfords’ offices in Bristol, Exeter, London, Tiverton and Taunton. Further details are on the Foundation’s website: www.ashfordsfoundation.org.uk

Chair of Trustees, John Toth, said: “Both our Charity of the Year and existing CSR programmes have been very successful, and partners and staff at Ashfords have been fully engaged in both, as well as in wider charitable fund raising. It is that very success that led us to look more closely at how the firm might make a real difference in the communities in which we live and work, bringing together all of Ashfords' charitable giving as well as building a sense of common purpose among our people.”

www.ashfordsfoundation.org.uk