Jeanette June Gill, who was a resident at Marriott House Care Home in Chichester generously donated to Barchester’s Charitable Foundation to help people in need; inspired by her generosity, the charity has launched three special awards in her memory.
The Jeanette June Gill Awards, launched on 1 November, are open to groups and individuals in need in local communities, and will be awarded to outstanding projects that enrich lives and encourage an active lifestyle through arts, music, sports and culture for older people or adults with a disability, or those that may have challenges with mental health.
With a particular interest in innovations that tackle isolation and loneliness, the grants, worth a total of £30,000, will be presented to applicants that will bring sustained outcomes and positive change and benefits to groups or individuals.
The three awards available include: a £15,000 gold award (open to groups); a £10,000 silver award (open to groups); and a £5,000 bronze award (open to individuals)
The awards will take place across three rounds - one in 2019, one in 2020 and one in 2021.
Dr Pete Calveley, CEO of Barchester Healthcare and chairman of the charity, says: “We were extremely touched that one of our residents donated so generously to Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, and myself and the board of trustees thought it would be a fitting tribute to have these flagship grants in her honour and memory as a tribute to the lives she would make a difference to.
"The charity does so much for local communities throughout the country to tackle and reduce loneliness for many people, and these grants will make a big difference to those in need. We hope to honour her legacy for many years to come.”
Across 2019 (with two months still to go), Barchester’s Charitable Foundation has awarded £125,000 in grants to 81 community groups/local charities and 77 individuals helping reduce isolation and loneliness, promote group activities and improve mobility, independence and quality of life.
Grants included support for Befriend Motherwell in Scotland for activities and craft materials for older people, and a grant presented to Ageing Well charity in Lewisham for exercise sessions for older people in the area.
Many of the caring Barchester staff members and across all levels of the business do all they can to raise thousands of pounds for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation through both group and individual challenges, often with lots of support from the residents they care for.
In 2019, many Barchester homes were involved in raising money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, including a textile recycling scheme at the homes, running the London 10k and the Great North Run, as well as individual fundraising efforts including one staff member walking the Great Wall of China and another participating in an Ultra Marathon. Barchester care home residents also participate in fundraising challenges for the charity, including a stationary 412 mile bike ride from Edinburgh to Buckingham Palace.
Barchester’s Charitable Foundation supports older people and other adults living with a disability by giving grants to help improve independence, mobility and quality of life. To find out more about how to apply for a Jeanette June Gill Award or for more information about the charity please visit www.bhcfoundation.org.uk
