Five years of JTYAF

As the Foundation approaches five years since its formation in March, it is expected that awards of over £230,000 will have supported more than 500 young people by the end of 2013. A legacy of which John would be extremely proud. At the recent meeting of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation the Board of Trustees agreed that a fantastic £65,000 would be allocated for awards to local young people in 2013.

Although the supported organisations will remain the same the Guide Units have been expanded to include New Forest Minster in addition to the present North East Forest Division Guides. This will allow Rainbows, Brownies, Girl Guides and Rangers from Colehill, Corfe Mullen and Wimborne as well as the current Ferndown, West Moors and Verwood Units to apply for funding. Click here to read testimonials from award winners.

A new ‘Ferndown Only Fund’ has also been agreed with funds allocated to support young people who are Ferndown residents but members of organisations that are not currently supported by the JTYAF. The encouragement and support that the JTYAF has received from local people, organisations and businesses has been absolutely tremendous and this fund has been established as a ‘thank you’ to the town. Applications for 2013 will be accepted until 30th April from young people who are in full-time education and live in Ferndown. Their application must also be endorsed by their organisation.