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More InformationEmpowering positive change across Cambridge
In the heart of community-driven philanthropy, the Community Fund supports positive change. Powered by the collaboration between The Leys & St Faith’s
Schools Foundation and Wesley’s Chapel & Leysian Mission, this report captures
the remarkable impact in 2023, made possible by the generous donations from our
Leysian Community.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank The Leys Connection
Parent Committee for continuing to support the Community Fund with proceeds
from their events.
The Community Fund acts as a catalyst for transformative charity and community
projects, not only enriching the enchanting landscape of Cambridge but also reaching
deep into the vibrant community around City Road in East London, where the Wesley’s
Chapel & Leysian Mission are located. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to
nurturing impactful change, driven by the collective spirit of generosity within our community.
Projects That Illuminate
The true essence of the Community Fund lies in its commitment to projects that radiate benefits across the community spectrum. From supporting arts-based therapy for children struggling with their emotional wellbeing, to enabling more young people to engage with the Cambridge Literary Festival, each project funded becomes a chapter in the story of community resilience and joy.
Inspiring Action: Your Ideas Matter
The Community Fund is not merely a provider of funds; it’s an invitation to dream big and effect change. We actively encourage individuals with transformative ideas to step forward, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration within the community. Your vision could be the spark that ignites positive change, and the Community Fund is here to help make it a reality.
Projects supported in 2023
Revitalizing the Storage Hub: Transformative Project for the 27th Cambridge Scout Group
The 27th Cambridge Scout Group sought our help for a replacement of their aging steel storage unit, housing essential resources for meetings and activities. The Community Fund enthusiastically stepped in, facilitating the acquisition of a pre-loved shipping container converted into an upgraded storage facility with a wooden floor, vibrant interior and strategic ventilation. The project, emphasizing sustainability, repurposed an old water butt for storing pioneering poles.
Home to 90+ Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, the group relies on weekly meetings, camps, hikes and day trips. This transformative project aligns with Scouting values, actively engaging youth in personal development and empowering them for positive societal contributions. It underscores our commitment to enhancing community infrastructure for initiatives shaping tomorrow’s leaders.
Supporting a “Blue Smile Day” at The Grove Primary School
Blue Smile, a recipient of a Community Fund grant, provides support for children struggling with mental health around the county.
Partnering with The Grove primary school, our grant fuelled a dedicated team to provide personalized 1:1 arts-based therapy sessions weekly to enhance children’s mental health. The Community Fund enabled 281 sessions of 1:1 support for children struggling with mental health.
In two terms, Blue Smile conducted 281 sessions, benefiting 22 children. Initial mental health issues in 59% of the children were ‘clinically diagnosable,’ while parents reported 82% were severely affected. Through the therapy, the children learn coping strategies to help them manage their emotions, empowering them to focus better in class, learn more and fulfil their potential.
Results speak volumes: 100% of parents and teachers reported initial improvements, with 75% noting significant progress. Eight children completed two terms of therapy, showcasing Blue Smile’s commitment to long-term support. The team continues its impactful work with the remaining 14 children. Blue Smile’s effectiveness emphasizes the need for ongoing mental health support.
The image (right) is some of the art produced by children at The Grove during this project.
“Blue Smile is a place where you can just do what you want and say whatever without being under pressure.”
Quote from a child who attended Blue Smile
Donation of pre-loved iPads to Arbury Primary School 
The Leys is incredibly fortunate to have access to iPads for our pupils. At the start of this academic year, we were able to rehome a number of pupil pre-loved iPads to Arbury Primary School. They no longer had charging leads or plugs, but thanks to a small grant from the Community Fund it allowed them to go to their new home with the necessary accessories.
Cambridge Literary Festival: The Children and Young People’s Festival
Introducing children to books fosters
a lifelong love of learning, stimulates imagination, and lays the foundation for academic success. With funding from the Community Fund, the Cambridge Literary Festival transformed the Cambridge Union Chamber into an inspiring venue for 365 students in years 9, 10 and 11 from 13 state schools. The festival featured Bernardine Evaristo, David Herd and Pious, all contributors to the book Refugee Tales who delivered a compelling presentation titled ‘Over the Borders.’ This event not only introduced the students to the profound impact of storytelling but also raised awareness about indefinite detention. The session, followed by engaging discussions, culminated in two student groups participating in a creative writing workshop at Trinity College. As a parting gift, students received CLF tote bags containing bookmarks, Litmus Project leaflets and a free copy of Refugee Tales, enriching their literary journey.
Cambridge Literary Festival
Children and Young People’s Festival
Introducing children to books fosters a lifelong love of learning, stimulates imagination, and lays the foundation for academic success. With funding from the Community Fund, the Cambridge Literary Festival transformed the Cambridge Union Chamber into an inspiring venue for 365 students in years 9, 10 and 11 from 13 state schools. The festival featured Bernardine Evaristo, David Herd and Pious, all contributors to the book Refugee Tales who delivered a compelling presentation titled ‘Over the Borders.’ This event not only introduced the students to the profound impact of storytelling but also raised awareness about indefinite detention. The session, followed by engaging discussions, culminated in two student groups participating in a creative writing workshop at Trinity College. As a parting gift, students received CLF tote bags containing bookmarks, Litmus Project leaflets and a free copy of Refugee Tales, enriching their literary journey.
Bernadine Evaristo (left) ‘Over the Borders’ (right)
Thank you so much for hosting. Our students were blown away with the power of the refugee stories and the passion each speaker had. They were really moved and spoke so highly of the event on the bus home and afterwards.
We loved the fact it was free and the venue was really inspiring for our young people.
I thought the organisation before, and on the day, was excellent and we would definitely come again. The age rating was really apt.
A Touch of Sparkle
Touch of Sparkle, supported by the Community Fund, is alleviating the loneliness and distress cancer patients may experience during treatment. Thanks to the grant, 300 care packs filled with puzzle books, confectionery and comforting items have been distributed at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge from July to November 2023. An additional batch of 50 Christmas packs will bring cheer in December.
Given out by patient navigators in the Macmillan Hub and at bedsides, the packs have received a warm reception, providing solace to patients. Nurses appreciate the packs as a tool for connection and comfort, breaking the ice with patients. The Senior Cancer Support Advisor notes the relief the packs bring amid rising living costs, providing essential treats.
Adding a personal touch, Touch of Sparkle partnered with the 12th Cambridge Scouts, enhancing the care packs with handmade paracord keyrings. This collaboration not only fulfilled the Scouts’ Creative Challenge award but also educated them on the packs’ significance, contributing to their community service endeavours.
Touch of Sparkle is a volunteer-run charity project … We are very grateful for this opportunity which has really taken the pressure off the admin side and allowed us to focus on providing more patient care.
Care Pack (left), Scouts making key rings (centre and right)
Rowan: Creating art, improving lives
Rowan is a vibrant, independent, registered charity providing an arts centre and forest school for adults with learning disabilities. Since 1984 they have offered a safe, creative, and enriching environment where the arts are used as a tool to bring people together and tackle social exclusion. They develop the skills and potential of students while improving their happiness, health and wellbeing.
Rowan organises an art exhibition each year to provide an opportunity for its , supporters and local artists (both professional and amateur) to create and display artwork, which is available for sale with all proceeds reinvested into the charity. We are delighted to report that the art exhibition will be taking place on 24 and 25 February 2024 and The Leys will be providing the venue free of charge, as part of the Community Fund’s commitment to practical as well as financial support. We are delighted that Rowan will be showcasing their talent again in 2024, and that we can enable all proceeds to go back to Rowan.
Sanskruti Cambridge: a social enterprise goes on tour
Sanskruti Cambridge, a non-profit performing arts social enterprise, captivates children and families with audience-interactive dance theatre, blending South-Asian artforms and Western elements. Their mission is to inspire, educate and engage young audiences in South-Asian culture and heritage, and they achieve this through works such as “Apple ‘N’ Spice” and “Magical Honey.”
Supported by the Community Fund, Sanskruti Cambridge expanded their reach to the Midlands and the South, delivering 30 shows in partnership with venues and Arts Council funding. Through touring theatres, libraries and schools, they bring culturally rich, relevant stories to diverse audiences, embodying their motto: “anyone can see our work anywhere”.
Children engaging with a puppet-making workshop (left), showcasing the use of Western contemporary dance (centre), Apply ‘n’ Spice flyer with the Community Fund logo (right)
Arts and Minds, a Creative Café and Art Adventure Programme
Across Cambridge there are many people struggling with their mental health. Arts and Minds provides a community of likeminded people who can go to museums and art galleries to “learn, create and draw together”. These creative outlets are important for participants in maintaining a balance with their mental health. Funding from the Community Fund enabled volunteers and participants to travel to Cambridge from surrounding villages, to be able to join the informal drop-in sessions that are open to participants of all ages.
I had a great time at Murray Edwards today! Harriet was fascinating, telling us about the collection, college and individual pieces - I could've listened to her all day - she was very generous with her time and expertise. I had a lovely time sketching one of the paintings in the fellows coffee room - and met some lovely people.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the impact of The Leys Community Fund, we recognize the transformative power embedded in our community’s generosity and vision. This report serves as a testament to the ongoing journey of positive change, inspiring us to dream bigger, reach higher, and continue building a resilient and empowered community for years to come.
