3 worthy nominations

We have 3 lovely nominations this week from Ellis, Sam and Jackie. 

From Ellis:

I hope you’re very well and have had a fruitful Summer!

I have a nomination I’d love to put forward please :)

My partner’s cousin Josh has profound autism, and has benefitted greatly from an amazing initiative called WilderMe, set up by two wonderful, generous humans called Nat and Geoff. They run a truly life-changing camping and wellness site for autistic adults and SEND families, to provide free and subsidised holidays that allow families touched by autism to enjoy respite and judgement free safe spaces. This can make this biggest difference in people’s lives, and provide both a sanctuary and much-needed community. 

They’re currently trying to make the site even more accessible, hoping to help wheelchair users and those with low mobility have better access to sleeping domes, eco-toilets and the communal kitchen. 

They’re struggling to reach their target, which must be met by 14th Sept - or they’ll lose the government funding they’ve worked tirelessly to secure (which covers 70% of their costs.) I’m wondering if 500 Reasons would be able to help?

Being at WilderMe has improved Josh's verbal communication, confidence and given him a safe environment to have a sense of of independence without the risks faced in other places, and given his parents time together, knowing Josh is safe and is able to advocate for himself at WilderMe. 

I’d love for us to be able to support them!

I've included some more information below, and a link to the Crowdfunder incase it’s possible. 

Much love and best wishes,

Ellis

xx

From Sam

I have a nomination & a couple of photos. My nomination is for a young man called Josh Standish.

Josh is a wonderful young man with learning disabilities. Full of energy and determination he makes everyone who loves him smile. Sadly he has been in a mental health hospital now for too long and it is really getting him down. 

His one escape (literally the only time he is allowed out) is once a day with his dad for a bike ride around the park. He has just been told he can go on a longer ride this week. He is absolutely passionate about his biking & takes it really seriously. His bike is in need of an upgrade and I wonder if we could help him out!

From Jackie,:

Hi all, 

I would like to nominate Aids Quilt UK as they currently have no funding and are passionate about conserving the quilts as well as giving more people the opportunity to see them. This is a key piece of our modern history and currently they are kept in boxes and in storage. 

'The UK AIDS Memorial Quilt Partnership is raising funds for 3 main reasons

To conserve the Quilt in order to protect it from further deterioration or loss

To find a fit-for-purpose permanent home for the display and conservation of the Quilt

To ensure the Quilt is on display and seen by as many people as possible in as many places as possible both now and in the future.

These are all big projects and we are doing work on funding applications to try and make it all happen.

As you know we currently depend on the time, skills and goodwill of volunteers and the generous donations of individuals to support our work. 

A donation from 500 Reasons would go towards the urgent repair and conservation work we need to do to bring each Quilt to a state of good repair. We have been able to do a little of this work on 3 quilts so far - I have attached a document that shows what was done with Quilt 13 as an example. You can see what a great difference the work made and how beautiful the Quilt looked in the Tate display.' 

I was very privileged to see the quilts , in their entirety , at The Tate Modern with my cousin and had silent tears streaming down my face for the next hour or so. I sincerely hope we are able to support this nomination and the future of the Quilts .

Thanking you in advance and hoping to hear a positive response .

Best, Jackie.