Days Lane Primary School, located in Sidcup, promote a fully inclusive community where everyone feels happy, safe and secure. The school have a number of pupils who require additional learning support however, had no dedicated quiet sensory space for students to utilise.

Our Support

Following a discussion with the Senior Leaders within the school, it was identified that a sensory room would benefit the school community. A small space, previously used as a storage cupboard, was identified as a potential site to convert. Scoping took place between the ECF Project Lead and School Leaders regarding the most effective use of the space and the best sensory kit that could be implemented.

The project included clearing of the room, revised electrical layout and new electrical installations, installation of a heater, blocking up of wall areas, boxing in of piping and electrics, skirting works, replacement ceiling tiles, new lighting, full decorations, replacement flooring, installation of padded sensory wall panels and the installation of sensory equipment including a bubble wall, fibre-optic strands, light table, light pebble, gel floor tiles, speakers, projector, sensory mirrors, wall panels and bean-bags.

All sensory equipment was sourced and funded by Effinity Charitable Foundation. All labour and building materials were provided by our Partners in this project, AD Construction.

The Outcome

Feedback from the school has been very positive, with the room being in use from the first day of term, and many children now having access to the room within their weekly learning timetable.

The space acts as a versatile learning space, providing a comfortable and less intimidating setting for children to take tests, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety often associated with assessments. It will also be used for reading sessions, with the immersive environment making stories come to life.

The sensory room represents ECF and the school’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

Hug-a-Bug World is a specialist early years programme that uses scientifically proven techniques to enhance the development of the young brain, building self-worth and confidence in the process and helping children understand their emotions and develop resilience to life’s challenges.

Our Support

We were proud to fund the distribution of over 2,500 Hug-a-Bug educational packages to 25 schools across the Royal Borough of Greenwich. We also extended the initiative to four specialist SEN schools in Bromley, supporting 50 more children.

Additionally, we provided 360 packages to school reception classes and SEN schools attended by our staff’s families across Kent, East Sussex, and Bexley.

Each package included a teacher’s box with resources, storybooks, affirmation hearts, and activity booklets for every child. Teachers received training and online resources to support the programme.

The Outcome

Thanks to donations and the amazing work carried out by Hug-a-Bug, 35 schools, and over 3,600 children, were given an uplifting and empowering experience. Every child took home materials to continue their learning and well-being journey beyond the classroom.

Greenwich Powerchair Football Club (GPFC) is a project that brings footballing fun to physically disabled people who are otherwise excluded from the game. Not only are participants learning new skills, but it also provides the chance to meet new friends and have fun.

Our Support

We were proud to support Greenwich Powerchair Football Club, which provides players with opportunities to build self-esteem, make friends and improve their well-being.

Powerchair football requires specialised, costly equipment, and while the club has fundraised to replace its powerchairs, it needed financial support to ensure long-term sustainability. Through ECF, we were delighted to fund the club for the 2023/24 season.

Our team members were also invited by Sharen Brokenshire to watch a training session and experience the incredible powerchairs first-hand.

The Outcome

Our support helped Greenwich Powerchair Football Club continue providing a space for players to build confidence, stay active and connect with others. With funding secured for the season, the club could focus on growth and sustainability, ensuring more players benefit from the sport.

Bromley Brighter Beginnings (BBB) is a volunteer run charity dedicated to helping vulnerable families across the London Borough of Bromley. They focus on raising awareness about the level of poverty in Bromley and the impact of this on the lives of children and their parents.

Our Support

We were proud to support Bromley Brighter Beginnings by donating 142 items of clothing to help local families in need. Our donation included shirts, skirts and PE kits suitable for a wide range of age groups.

In addition, we recently contributed to their Christmas for Every Child campaign, which spreads joy and magic to families during the festive season. With generous support from our friends at L&Q, our team donated over 70 Christmas jumpers, stocking fillers and chocolate, 8 family Christmas hampers and 8 supermarket vouchers.

The Outcome

Our support has helped Bromley Brighter Beginnings provide essential items to families facing hardship. By contributing to both everyday needs and seasonal initiatives, we’ve played a small part in making a positive difference in the community. We look forward to continuing our support and helping more families in the future.

Tonbridge Angels Football Academy provides 16–19-year-old students with the opportunity to play football full-time, whilst gaining nationally recognised qualifications. Their mission is to make sure that all of their students are immersed across a wide variety of subjects, enabling them to develop the skills, confidence and knowledge they need to progress into further education or full-time employment. 

Our Support

Tonbridge Angels sought sponsorship for a set of GPS football vests designed to deliver insights into player performance. These vests provide real-time data on speed, power and endurance, enabling players to understand their strengths and target areas for improvement. Coaches can leverage these insights to create personalised training programs, optimising each player’s development.

We proudly sponsored 16 GPS vests for the club. This investment supports Tonbridge Angels in its mission to empower students both on and off the pitch.

The Outcome

By equipping Tonbridge Angels with advanced performance-tracking technology, we are supporting young people in reaching their full potential. This initiative aligns with our mission to empower young people by providing the tools and opportunities they need to grow, develop and succeed. With data-driven coaching and tailored training, players are now better positioned to maximise their abilities and build confidence.

Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) is dedicated to empowering communities and changing lives by improving health, education, employment and reducing crime. By partnering with local authorities, health services, and other charitable organisations, CACT delivers high-quality, impactful programmes that bring long-term change.

Our Support

Among CACT’s many initiatives is the Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) programme, which supports individuals in the advanced stages of recovery from psychosis. A key element of this initiative is the organised residential trips called Next Steps, these trips combine outdoor activity with peer interaction.

These residentials encourage participants to step out of their comfort zones, build connections and boost confidence through activities like coasteering, paddleboarding, coastal walks and zip-lining.

With ECF’s sponsorship, CACT successfully delivered three residential trips to Cornwall. Across the three trips, a total of 18 clients and 5 support staff took part in a fun programme where participants could challenge themselves, build trust and friendships.

The Outcome

While many participants initially felt anxious about the activities, the relaxed delivery and supportive group environment made a profound difference. Surrounded by people who understood their experiences, participants gained the confidence to face their fears and embrace challenges.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. A client shared that the trip had been life-changing, helping him get off his medication and prepare for discharge.

CACT’s report echoed this sentiment; every client and staff member rated the residential as great, affirming the programme’s success in delivering a lasting impact.