Seeing the impact of HCF's grant making - West Herts ABC

As a Grants Manager for HCF, one of the highlights of the role is visiting charities we have supported, with fundholders in attendance, to see the impact of their giving, and the difference it makes in local communities.

Alongside two fundholders from the Quercus Fund, I recently visited West Herts ABC and Educational Support in Watford. They are a sport for good project, encouraging young people to make positive choices through the provision of boxing and fitness training. Operating in a deprived area of Watford, they focus on those who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), young offenders, victims of crime and abuse, and those who are at risk of becoming involved in extremism or gangs. They welcome people of all backgrounds, faiths, and abilities, and create a multicultural environment to increase, respect and reduce conflict. Over 50% of participants are from BAME backgrounds and 30% are female.

We were privileged to watch some young people on their ‘Education programme’ who, despite finding the academic structure of life challenging, showed fantastic energy, commitment, and enthusiasm in the session. With continued inspirational leadership from the team at West Herts ABC, these young people will hopefully find ways to regain self-esteem and confidence and work towards a leadership award from Sports Leaders UK.

One of the fundholders said “West Herts ABC provides much needed support for young people in the Watford. The enthusiasm and commitment of the team is evident from the minute you walk in and the work they are doing to help many children and young adults to find their feet again in the gym and in the boxing ring is making a real difference. The Quercus Fund at HCF is delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile initiative”.