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Pitstop Wanderers FC
Working in partnership with Surrey County Football Association and the Leatherhead homeless shelter The Pitstop, in 2010 the MVMF helped launched a new diversionary sports project, the first of its kind in the county. -
Fine Cell Work
In 2007, the MVMF made a flagship grant of £5,000 to Fine Cell Work, a charity that teaches needlework – tapestry and quilting – to offenders in prisons across England and Scotland and sells the products they create.
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Mayday Trust
There is a special link between the Mayday Trust and The Michael Varah Memorial Fund. In 1976, Michael was living in Rugby, newly qualified as a Probation Officer.
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The Pitstop
The Pitstop is a homeless charity based in Leatherhead, Surrey. Michael Varah supported the hugely important work of this drop-in centre that gives those who find themselves homeless somewhere to meet others, to talk or to have a free cup of tea, snack or lunch.
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Simon, Prisoner HJ4517
Whilst serving part of his sentence in an open prison, Simon received an MVMF individual award to fund a computer that enabled him to embark on first year studies for a Sociology degree at Guildhall University, London.
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St Giles Trust
The focus for the St Giles Trust is on homelessness and on helping offenders resettle and change their lives, given the strong link between homelessness and offending. The cornerstone of their work is putting offenders at the centre of the solution and believing they have the power to change, given the right support. More
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MVMF Artist in Residence in association with Watts Gallery
The Watts Gallery ‘Big Issues’ project offers artist-led workshops for women prisoners at HMP Send and HMP Bronzefield, young people from Surrey Youth Justice Service and two Surrey based art groups: The Cellar and Street Level Arts, which include adults living in temporary accommodation, rough sleepers, reformed drug and alcohol users and those with mental health problems.
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Ann – an ex-offender
The MVMF funded the purchase of a desk top computer and relevant software for an ex-offender employed by a major supermarket on release from prison, to enable her to complete career development courses.
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Only Connect
Only Connect is a creative arts company for prisoners, ex-offenders and young people at risk of crime. They work with some of the most creative – and challenging – young people in the criminal justice system.
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KeepOut – The Crime Diversion Scheme
In October 2009, the MVMF gave a grant to KeepOut, to help fund its start-up at HMP Send. In August 2010, the MVMF donated a further grant to Keep Out to help enable the charity to keep up its work in both HMP Send and HMP Coldingley.
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Step by Step
Step by Step works with young homeless people between 16 and 25. The charity helps them to fulfill their potential through a structured combination of services including accommodation, training, development and counseling.
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Guildford Action
MVMF Trustees were contacted by a supporter about Guildford Action’s tireless efforts in Guildford and the surrounding area to support those in need, in particular those who have been excluded from society, in the hope of reintegrating them back into the community.
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Inside Stories
Approached by Inside Stories – a newly formed company touring professional theatre into male prisons and theatres throughout the UK – the MVMF agreed to partially fund a three-day research and development programme at HMP Doncaster in December 2010, designed to explore the issue of the high percentage of ex-servicemen in prison.
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Fitness Forumz
Through contact with a local youth worker, the MVMF was alerted to the challenges faced by the local community in Merstham.
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Cranstoun City Roads Project
Cranstoun City Roads is a residential detoxification and crisis intervention service for chaotic drug users whose lives are at risk. It is a unique model of treatment, delivering opportunity for the most vulnerable.
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Geese Theatre Group – High Down Prison
In 2010, the MVMF identified a potential Government funding shortfall for rehabilitation projects in prisons, and set about looking for ways to help. High Down Prison had expressed an interest to our Chairman about working with the Geese Theatre Company, but needed funding support.
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Orpheus at HMP High Down
Knowing that both Peter Dawson, Governor of HMP High Down, and Richard Stilgoe, Founder of the Orpheus Centre, had a shared ambition to expand the delivery of music programmes within the prison environment, the MVMF facilitated a meeting between the two men.
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West Yorkshire Playhouse
Early in 2010, a company of young professional actors, directors and designers from the West Yorkshire Playhouse set about creating an original production Country Music by the award winning playwright Simon Stephens.
© 2011 The Michael Varah Memorial Fund
Registered Charity No.1120825