Opportunity Fund with GLF Schools
As we come out of the Covid crisis and into a cost of living crisis, it means opportunities for deserving youngsters are getting harder and harder, with more and more children missing out…
What Is The Issue?
For the first time, the number of children receiving free school meals is above 9,000,000. This is on average 22.5% in every school, an increase from 20.8% in 2021 and 19.7% in 2020. Amongst other metrics, the criteria for families being eligible for free school meals is a household income of less than £7,400 a year. With so many parents now on lower incomes, it makes it harder to cover inflated costs for additional opportunities and allow their children to thrive.
The cost of living crisis is also having a detrimental impact on young people by the increase in costs, lower disposable incomes resulting in a lack of essential opportunities for children who need them today. The relative poverty line is measured as 60% of median income (£18,840) and an estimated 1.3m people are estimated to sink below this in the coming months.
The Opportunity Fund
Our Opportunity Fund provides small grants to parents/carers for their children to access extra-curricular activities, equipment, kit and extra tuition – basically any individual item that will enhance a child’s life. We target students who are receiving free school meals, those who are just above the criteria (but still need support) and those who are on the special educational needs and disabilities register (because families of these children face, on average, additional costs of £581 per month).
With our current round of funding with GLF Schools we supported 16 students with small-grants of between £300 and £500. The majority of parents told us that the cost of living crisis has had a “maximum impact” on them, and when asked if they would have been able to cover these costs themselves, they all said “no, definitely not”. All parents also agreed that for children to achieve their long-term goals and aspirations, they not only “need a positive attitude”, but “support along the way”.
This Opportunity Fund is the support that gives that opportunity…
"Having the support of the Tim Henman Foundation Opportunity Fund has enabled a number of GLF students to take part in activities that they would not otherwise have had the chance to. These opportunities are invaluable to the development of life experiences and all the skills that come with it. We couldn't be more appreciative"
- Jak Martin - Foundation Lead at GLF Schools
One application, making a big difference...
I am applying on behalf of my sister – who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer – for her daughter Vicky (* a false name). Her daughter has had a very difficult few years adjusting to finding out that her mother has been re-diagnosed with cancer and then being faced with the fact that her diagnosis is now terminal.
The last few months in particular have been very unsettling as Vicky has had to move in with her grandparents, so they can care for her mother. During these turbulent times, Vicky has found great solace in horses and horse riding. She has a natural talent for riding and enjoys her weekly lessons.
At the end of April, Vicky is attending an open day at The British Racing School in Newmarket, in the hope that she will be accepted onto their Foundation diploma course when she is 17 years old.
In the meantime, she will need to build up her fitness and spend more time improving her knowledge and confidence during her weekly riding lessons. They are an ideal opportunity for her to unwind and relax in an environment that she loves.
This moving application highlights the extreme position that some people find themselves in. It also shows the benefit of such activities for young people and the block that finances can play on funding the lessons for Vicky and purchasing relevant equipment (riding boots, hat etc). All that will help Vicky to fulfil her dream through very difficult times.