One of the key funding programmes of The Ardonagh Group’s independent charity, ACT, is its Community Grant programme.
Part of ACT since the its beginnings in 2017, this initiative is available to all 12,000+ Ardonagh colleagues around the world and provides the chance to nominate a chosen cause for up to £5,000 (or equivalent currency).
After selection by ACT’s board of Trustees, Q3 sees 12 worthy causes awarded just over £54,000 – taking the running total rise to over £1.43 million in aid of more than 325 deserving causes.
Read the stories behind each of the causes supported this quarter and why they matter to the colleagues who put then forward.
Turning a house into a home
Pembrokeshire FRAME
Nominated by Mark Farren – Everywhen
Based in Southwest Wales, Pembrokeshire FRAME promotes social inclusion and particularly helps those with disabilities and experiencing mental health challenges.
One of its key initiatives it the Furniture Poverty Support Project, which provides essential furniture to those in need and making the difference between shelter and a home.
The ACT grant of £5,000 will provide free essential reused furniture for 20 households, helping those who may have been homeless, people fleeing difficult circumstances, or who simply cannot afford basic items.
Creating a space for reflection and hope
Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity
Nominated by Dawn Lavery – Price Forbes
Found in Norwich, UK, the Priscilla Bacon Hospice provides invaluable care to those with life-limiting illnesses and support to their families.
Colleague Dawn has seen the impact of this care in looking after a close friend. After seeing the amazing work that the hospice does to support bereavement, plans are afoot to create an installation in the hospice garden to provide a quiet place for contemplation.
The ACT grant of £3,500 will enable the creation of a wind phone and planted seating area. A concept originating in Japan, the piece is an unconnected telephone that offers people a symbolic place to speak to someone they miss.
For many, the simple act of talking aloud can be therapeutic, helping to process emotions and maintain a sense of connection.
“James was a wonderful friend whose warmth, humour and love of music touched everyone who knew him. The Wind Phone will provide a peaceful and reflective space at the hospice where those who have lost a loved one can take a moment to connect with cherished memories, share the words that may have been left unsaid, and find comfort and support throughout their grief journey. It is a lasting tribute that will bring solace to many families for years to come.” Dawn Lavery
“It means so much to see this project become a reality in James’ memory. Knowing that something created because of him will be here for years to come, offering comfort to people when they need it most, feels very special – and very James. On behalf of Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity, I’d also like to say a huge thank you to Ardonagh Community Trust for their incredibly generous grant. We’re so grateful for their support and can’t wait to see this special place created within the hospice gardens.” Kelvin Colbourn, Community Coordinator, Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity
Supporting families experiencing baby loss
Vilomah Baby Loss Charity
Nominated by Claire Gardner – Geo Underwriting
Vilomah Baby Loss Charit provides compassionate support, understanding and care for parents who have experienced the loss of a baby from across Essex in the UK.
Newer to their work is a counselling service, which has already supported 14 families since it began earlier this year.
The ACT grant of £5,000 will enable the continuation of this provision to another 14 families receive a series of six sessions to help them grieve and support long-term wellbeing.
“This funding will make a real difference in allowing families who may not have the access or means to get the help they need to get specialised counselling. This will help them to navigate the rest of their lives post loss.” Claire Gardner
Providing lifesaving screening in the community
The Rory James Embling Foundation
Nominated by Luke Capstick – Everywhen
Founded by Luke’s partner Francesca and her family, The Rory James Embling Foundation (in assocaiton with CRY, Cardiac Risk in the Young) was established in memory of her brother, Rory, who passed away suddenly from a sudden arrhythmia of the heart.
The foundation provides free heart screening where it might otherwise not be available on the NHS, helping to identify underlying heart conditions – particularly in young people where no obvious symptoms may be present.
The ACT grant of £4,000 will enable a heart screening event to enable those in the community to benefit from a specialist team of healthcare professionals.
“My family have been part of fundraisers for The Rory James Embling Foundation for over 10 years to help make sure these screenings can continue. It is not just a charity; it is something that can make a real difference to young people and ultimately save lives.” Luke Capstick
Warmth and festive cheer for those in need
Colne Open Door Centre
Nominated by Morgan Shaw – Geo Underwriting
As we approach the festive season, may community hubs are beginning to plan Christmas events to support those who might otherwise be alone over the period.
At Colne Open Door Centre in Lancashire, UK, the hub has its own community café which will host a free and welcoming lunch on Christmas Day itself.
Alongside a warming meal, the centre also provides a festive gift to share the spirit of the day with those who might otherwise be without.
The ACT grant of £5,000 will fund the event, brining cheer and connection at this special time of year.
Inspiring green careers
Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University
Nominated by Tom Dalby-Hardwick – Everywhen
Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University is a charity dedicated to supporting primary-aged children living in disadvantage areas with inspiring educational experiences they may not otherwise have access to.
The ACT grant of £5,000 will be used to deliver 10 Eco Experiences at the charity’s Eco Hub over the 2026/27 academic year and reaching around 300 children.
The sessions are designed to connect children with nature, build environmental awareness and inspire interest in future green careers.
“I have lived in Hull for most of my life, it’s my home. It’s also one of the more deprived areas within the UK, with a lot of children not even having left Hull or even been to the coast! This charity really helps broaden the horizons of the children it supports, regardless of their circumstances.” Tom Dalby-Hardwick
Wellbeing support during the school journey
Elsie’s Story Charitable Trust
Nominated by Darren O’Neill – Everywhen
Elsie’s Story Charitable Trust was established in memory of Elsie Dot Stancombe, who tragically lost her life in the Southport attack in July 2024.
Elsie’s Story is on a mission to create a sense of community and with a central message that every act of kindness has the power to make a positive difference.
The ACT grant of £5,000 will cover two iterations of the charity’s 12-week Shine Programme, providing 32 children with access to specialist, trauma-informed wellbeing support during a young person’s school journey as they move from primary to high school.
“Our family and community were greatly affected by the tragic events in Southport in in 2024. The support offered by Elsie’s Story to the pupils of the school, and the wider community, has been fantastic and their work with other support groups has been a big help to a devasted community.” Darren O’Neill
Community defibrillators to save lives
Self Seen Inc
Nominated by Luke Trevenar – PSC Insurance
Self Seen supports men from across New South Wales in Australia to share and connect, combatting the stigma around men’s mental health.
Alongside wellbeing, the charity also champions community projects, and the ACT grant of £2,700 will be used to install two Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in Self Seen’s hubs in Port Macquarie and Wauchope.
The lifesaving equipment will not only be available to those using the hub, but to the wider community in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest.
“In 2025, I lost my younger brother to a sudden cardiac arrest, and it was a devastating reminder that cardiac arrest and happen to anyone, regardless of age or fitness. Self Seen has been an immense help to me in grieving my brother, the loss of my father 18 months prior and previous traumatic life experiences. My involvement with this project is driven by both personal experience and a genuine commitment to supporting community organisations that improve people’s lives.” Luke Trevenar
“We are completely blown away by this and so very happy that we can now get these defibrillators into our two men’s support hubs. We are very much in the business of trying to save lives, usually from mental unwellness, but having these means we may one day save a life within our hubs. Let’s hope we don’t have to, but we feel a lot more secure knowing these units will be at hand if the need ever arises.” Greg Smith, Co-founder, Self Seen Inc
A community café for veterans and families
The Veterans Hub
Nominated by Danny Lillington – RiskSTOP Group
Located in Weymouth on England’s South coast, The Veterans Hub brings together veterans and the wider community in a non-clinical environment where beneficiaries can socialise, connect and share experiences.
The charity is currently renovating its much-loved café, which hosts many activities and also provides opportunities for volunteering.
The ACT grant of £5,000 will cover painting, furniture, storage and flooring in the improved café space, which will enable the space to benefit many more people in the years to come.
“As a Director of the Veterans Hub, I work closely with our veterans and see the importance of having a welcoming, accessible space where people can come together. I have witnessed firsthand how the hub has literally saved people’s lives. The Hub is much more than a building; it provides a place for veterans to meet, build friendships, support one another and maintain a connection with a community that understands their experiences.” Danny Lillington
Ensuring community connection
The Leisure Company
Nominated by Jarrod Petersen – PSC Insurance
Based in Wagga Wagga in New South Wales, Australia, The Leisure Company has been supporting people with disabilities for more than 30 years.
At the hearts of their work is inclusion and independence, which is reflected in their community wheelchair bus which helps people with mobility issues get out and about.
The ACT grant of £5,000 enables the charity to reach its funding goal for a new wheelchair bus, with 12 seats to offer many in the local area to reach shops, doctors and many more vital services – improving accessibility and quality of life.
“The Leisure Company plays an incredibly important role in our community. It creates opportunities for children and adults to build skills, develop friendships and connections, and participate in the community in ways they may not otherwise have the opportunity to. It also provides valuable support and respite for carers and families. I’m proud to support a long-term and valued PSC client that helps people of all ages feel included, connected and valued.” Jarrod Petersen
More on ACT
- Visit the ACT website ardonaghtrust.org
- Follow ACT on Instagram and Facebook @ardonaghct.
- Get in touch with the ACT team using info@ardonaghtrust.org