Partners supporting AFK

Vote for AFK this April in the GamesAid Ballot!

The I AM Festival, part of the AFK’s Cultural Ambassador Programme, concluded in March, highlighting workshops in dance, music, theatre, and art aimed at empowering disabled young people. Through partnerships with London organisations and a theme of ‘See Me, Hear Me,’ the festival championed inclusivity, providing a platform for creativity and challenging stereotypes among participants and employers alike.

Berkeley’s support provides essential resources and enriching experiences, like site visits during National Careers Week, empowering children and young people with disabilities and autism.

The New Year at AFK brings in a fresh range of services available as well as continuing to provide our long established programmes.

A guest blog from Patrick Young. In today’s diverse and dynamic business landscape, neurodivergent individuals are finding their rightful place as successful entrepreneurs.

Our friends at The Disabled Childrens Partnership have launched their manifesto, calling on the next government to make disabled children a priority, clarify and enforce rights, and review the law.

AFK partners with a great platform for accessing resources and those that are confident working independently on their self-employment journey.

Take a look at AFK’s impact in 2023!

Thanks to the incredible support, AFK Beach 2023 raised over £100,000!

AFK have launched a new programme dedicated to supporting young people aged 18-25 to become self-employed. We believe that everyone should be able to have options to choose from and be able to live the life they choose.

On a Monday evening, 40 guests gathered at Les 2 Garçons for a sumptuous four-course meal, all in the name of raising vital funds.

In a world where every individual’s potential should be nurtured, the stories of Matthew, Aaliyah, and Lacey showcase the impact that AFK can have on the lives of young people with disabilities and autism.

AFK has produced a unique Travel Training Toolkit, supporting young people with additional needs to develop their confidence and skills to travel as independently on the Transport For London network and walking routes.

New collaboration with South London Brewery provides opportunities for AFK trainees.

AFK have been nominated ‘Disability Board of the Year’ by Diversifying Group.

At AFK we continuously support young people with autism or disabilities to secure paid employment that matches their career aspirations, but what about those young people still in education and not quite sure what they want to do when they leave or what career options are available to them?

If you’re a Co-Op member, you can help raise vital funds for AFK every time you choose Co-Op! Select us as your local cause or sign up to become a member!

The Big Christmas Challenge has raised millions of pounds for thousands of charity projects since it first launched on the Big Give in 2008. One Donation, Twice the impact for AFK this winter!

The NHS is looking for autistic people, people with a learning disability and family carers to join the group. They want people who can share their experiences of health services to improve the health system.

Today, as part of the Disabled Children’s Partnership (DCP), we are launching a powerful new campaign: SENDABetterMessage.

Completing the London Marathon was unlike any event I’ve experienced before. The crowds, the adrenaline, the atmosphere, my pal Nikki. It truly was an unforgettable experience. Emotions were high throughout, but it didn’t quite break me.

AFK trainees visit SEGRO Plc who have funded work experience and employability training for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Today, we have written to the Department for Education as part of a group of 30+ organisations who work with and support children with special educational needs and disabilities, and their families, to call for future SEND reform to be underpinned by six principles.

Your vote for AFK helped secure funding that will go towards supporting disabled young people like Cameron.

The AFK World of Work programme is partnering with schools and employers to create experiences and improve aspirations to enter work for young people with disabilities.

From running the London Marathon, to swimming 30 lengths a day for 30 days, see how AFK Staff are celebrating and raising funds this summer.

Join our roster of casual travel trainers and support young people as they learn to travel independently and safely on public transport.

AFK Ambassador and #RollModel Dr Hannah Barham-Brown on navigating her way around London in a wheelchair.

AFK soak up the atmosphere witnessing one of the fastest growing wheelchair sports on the planet

Long term AFK supporter and Ambassador Michael Atwal-Brice receives prestigious British Citizens Award

To celebrate Learning Disability Week, we’re at I AM Festival – a yearly celebration empowering D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent young people to explore their creativity.

Lyn takes to the skies and takes the leap of a lifetime to raise funds in AFK’s 30th Anniversary year!

‘Our View’ is a collection of short films made by young people with special educational needs and disabilities on their experiences, challenges and successes in preparing for and gaining employment.

Check out the latest edition of the AFK magazine, bursting with news, stories and updates from our team.

Please help us continue to make a difference to the lives of disabled children and young people this January

The VINCI UK Foundation is funded by VINCI businesses across the UK and provides grants each year to support charities in their efforts to alleviate social exclusion and strengthen communities.

AFK’s Top 3 Reasonable Adjustments for the Workplace, small changes that make the environment and work processes more accessible to all.

The toy industry has raised more than £20,000 for charitable causes during their Around the World in 80 Hours event.

Disability advocate Mik Scarlet discusses the importance of the Social Model of Disability (first published in Unite Magazine in March 2018).

AFK have adapted to deliver our services both online and in person. By expanding our online services, we can help even more disabled young people into work.

The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 is “Connect with Nature”, highlighting the important role nature can play in boosting wellbeing.

AFK has been named “the best of the best” on Circle Acts’ list of the best UK charities to donate to for high-impact giving.

AFK’s new CEO David Coe introduces himself to our community in this guest blog.

Celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th with my AFK

Celebrating our achievements during our latest partnership with The Openwork Foundation from 2017-2020.

The Barclays 100×100 UK COVID-19 Community Relief Fund has given £100,000 to Hornsey-based charity AFK–Working With Disability (formerly Action For Kids).

For Children’s Mental Health Week, my AFK has partnered with The Happy Confident Company to give you 15% off their brilliant journals!

A guest blog from Esi Hardy of Celebrating Disability, shared with permission from her series Disability Inclusion Bites.

Vote for my AFK in the hopes that we will win 20% of January’s profits from Discount Promo Codes!

Disabled people are more likely to experience loneliness than those without disabilities; how can we provide enough support during this challenging time?

Join in the fun this Christmas and find out if you’re on the Naughty or Nice list!

my AFK is raising awareness of the ongoing costs of repairs and maintenance for powered wheelchairs for disabled people and their families.

Stay safe and stylish with an AFK face mask!

See how my AFK was able to adapt our Holiday Programme to deliver digital and face-to-face holiday activities during this most unusual of summers!

We have joined a national campaign aiming to raise awareness of the lack of accessibility across the country for young disabled children in public spaces.

Delvon joined my AFK from Haringey Sixth Form in September 2019 as part of the Haringey Employment Support Programme, which supports disabled Haringey residents aged 18-25 into paid employment.

We are now looking to appoint a new Employment Broker to join our small, friendly and experienced Service Delivery team.

See how my AFK are continuing to adapt their services during COVID lockdown.

To help combat the challenges of COVID lockdown, my AFK are providing online video sessions offering a wide range of support to our staff, vounteers and trainees.

Welcome to AFK’s first virtual talent show. Join us for the grand final on April 25th!

Kerone came to my AFK with the hopes of finding an employer who was willing to remove the barriers he faced to employment. He secured a job at Cosprop.

Every year, disability charity – my AFK, celebrate and reward young people for their achievements. They also award the local community for their support.

Staff at my AFK share their stories of what they do working here. This one comes from Louise who is part of our Life and Work team.

Stockton-on-Tees teenager, Joshua Holforth (19) receives new sports wheelchair to continue his dream of Team GB wheelchair basketball.

Today, The Education Committee published its First Report of Session 2019-20, on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND report)

my AFK ambassador, Dr Pops has been nominated in the Shaw Trust ‘Power 100’ for the second year in a row.

Richard Dunham, Fundraising Assistant at my AFK talks about his experience working for the charity.

People accessing my AFK Work Experience are given the opportunity to explore their own learning through goal-directed activities that engage and challenge.

Events and Community Fundraising Officer, Andrew Colclough talks about his role at my AFK.

The City Bridge Trust’s “Bridge to Work” programme aims to narrow the employment gap for young disabled people in London.

Highlights from our first Working With Disability Week and our Urban Residential, which took place 15-19 July 2019.

A picture is worth a thousand words: Harry was so excited to get his new powerchair!

Our Mobility Services Team helped 22-year-old Sam obtain the funds he needed for a new powerchair, by advocating on his behalf as well as providing funding.

To celebrate Learning Disability Week, we’re sharing some of our favourite success stories from our Life and Work Programme at my AFK.

The Bloomfield Trust has awarded my AFK a grant of £50,000 to support London’s unemployed disabled young people into work.

Today, as part of the Disabled Children’s Partnership (DCP), we are launching a powerful new campaign: Give It Back.

Help us to raise votes for my AFK in the hope that we will win 20% of this company’s profits for June 2019!

On Friday 17th May 2019 my AFK Beach won ‘Most Innovative Event’ at the first ever Charity Event Awards.

my AFK is a proud member of the Disabled Children’s Partnership, a coalition of 60+ organisations campaigning for improvements for disabled children, young people and their families in England.

Nathan has successfully completed a work trial at Itsu and secured a permanent work contract! Read more about his journey in this blog post.

Two my AFK trainees presented evidence to the Education Committee’s SEND Inquiry about their experience of support for SEND learners leaving school.

my AFK Ambassador and #RollModel Dr Hannah Barham-Brown on why she celebrates #InternationalWheelchairDay.

On the 7th February, contemporary British artist Jeremy Houghton hosted an exclusive exhibition of his work in aid of my AFK.

my AFK Ambassador Jamie Green shares his experience of applying to my AFK for a new wheelchair, showing the impact the right piece of equipment (or two!) can have on someone’s life.

If you’re looking for a long-term volunteering role, join a Fundraising Group and support AFK’s mission to help disabled children and young people!

Check out the latest edition of our magazine – our first since we rebranded as my AFK.

my AFK received a grant from SEGRO Plc to provide work experience and employability training for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Feedback Friday is all about empowering young people to have their say about our services. This is how our young people reimagined the Urban Residential.

On Friday 5th October my AFK brought together key partners, Ambassadors, volunteers and trainees for the Community & Trainee Awards Ceremony.

GamesAid members raised a whopping £213,120 for their nine chosen charities this year, and we are thrilled to be chosen as one of them.

Matilda is a chatty 4-year-old from Surrey. She is active, sociable and loves spending time with her older brother and friends.

Our vital work with disabled children and young people goes on every day. We cannot continue without your generous support.

Support our Big Mobility Appeal and help us provide a life changing piece of mobility equipment every week!

It’s Learning Disability Week this week, so we’re sharing some of our favourite success stories from our life and work programme at my AFK.

It’s Learning Disability Week this week, so we’re sharing some of our favourite success stories from our Life and Work Programme at my AFK.

Did you know – disabled people are more than twice as likely to be unemployed as their non-disabled peers?

Crouch End coffee shop Harris + Hoole have been awarded as an Inclusive Gold Partner of my AFK (Action For Kids). In the past year they have raised over £1,000 and supported our work in lots of different ways!

On 22 February 2018 in Parliament, MPs from all different parties will be debating the role of disabled people in growing our economy.

January 15-19 was Healthy Eating Week here at my AFK!

A partnership with Path to Success charity was announced at a fundraising ball with former Team GB Paralympian Ade Adepitan MBE in attendance.

With the festive season once again upon us, we wanted to share with you our Little Christmas Shop!

To mark the occasion here are four of our favourite stories from our mobility equipment programme.

To celebrate our trainees’ successes in life and work, we held our first ever awards ceremony with VIP guests Dr Popsy and Eastenders actress Lisa Hammond.

In the first of a two-part series, jobseekers with disabilities describe the hassles and heartache of finding work.

Our Gala Dinner to celebrate 25 years of changing lives took place on 2nd November at Royal Horseguards.

Read it online.

We can’t believe it’s been 25 years since our founder Sally Bishop raised money for a powered wheelchair for a neighbour’s disabled son.

As part of my AFK’s Life & Work training curriculum, trainees are matched with employers for work placements.

Aaron is a 2-year-old boy from Liverpool. He likes watching Mr Tumble, singing nursery rhymes, communicating using Makaton signs and reading books.

Felix is an active 9-year-old boy from Hampshire. He is very sociable and enjoys being outdoors, playing with his siblings and friends, and getting involved with sport.

Matthew is a 20 years old and from Manchester. He enjoys bowling, going out with his PA (personal assistant) and spending time with his family and friends.

Five year old Matthew has recently received his new mobility trike thanks to a generous donation from The Light Fund.

Our Advocacy & Mobility Services Manager Julia shares her thoughts.

As part of our Life & Work programme, Jermaine has been gaining work skills and completed work placements at Sainsbury’s and a top law firm.

Adam did so well in a mock interview with Citadines Apart’hotel as part of his training at my AFK they offered him a work placement on the spot!

Harry is a lovely 10-year-old boy from North Yorkshire. He has merosin negative muscular dystrophy and is unable to walk or stand unaided but really enjoys riding a mobility trike in the park.

Alex is a 4-year-old boy from Kent. He goes to nursery, likes playing with other children, and especially loves to be with his parents and older brother. He enjoys swimming and likes Thomas the Tank Engine.

Hannah is a bright 13-year-old from Middlesex. She loves long walks, music and bells, is very sociable and happy and always has a smile on her face.

Jack is 26 years old and from Gloucester. my AFK got him a trike that can be folded, enabling him to take it on family holidays in the caravan.

Our friends at Devonshires Solicitors are gearing up to tackle a long-distance challenge, raise £10,000 and break a world record.

The topic is Transitioning to Adult Life and the Mental Capacity Act for young people with SEND.

Crouch End Café Bridge hosts bridge tournaments in the local area, raising funds for my AFK and making them one of our #CommunityHeroes!

Dylan is 18 and is in his second year at Treloar College where he has won the cookery and end of first year class prizes. He is very active and loves walking his two Labrador dogs, Bonzo and Rufus, skiing, roller coasters and running.

Heidi is from Castlefields near Liverpool and is 9 years old. She is very chatty, enjoys socialising and playing with her friends, being outdoors and going to the park.

Co-production is a way of working together so that professionals and people share power and make decisions on an equal basis.

Four members of Chunc wheelchair manufacturers are pushing two disabled children in their wheelchairs at Brighton Marathon to raise money for myAFK.

my AFK trainee, Marcel, has now secured permanent employment at Arcadis UK Design & Consultancy.

Marriott Forest Arden Golf Club chose my AFK as charity of the year and raised a huge £8,259 through a variety of fundraising events.

Jo first ran a marathon in 2011 and has now done over 40 so far. She plans on running 100 marathons by 2018… all to raise money for my AFK (Action For Kids).

Meet Pernell, 20, who is the new chair of my AFK’s Youth Council.

Nirav has been attending tutoring and training sessions Action For Kids (my AFK) for two years.

Employment is important to everyone. It gives people economic independence; opportunities to socialise with others; to feel fulfilled; to grow and contribute and be part of society.

Fasial has been working at Regus serviced offices since April, together with work placements at OrganicLea and the local library.

Advocacy helps empower young people with special educational needs and disabilities to speak up for themselves and take control of their lives.

A nursery which has only been running since April 2015 is through to the final for the Nursery World Awards 2016 in the Community Support category.

Feedback Friday is all about empowering young people to have their say and to help AFK understand what each individual really wants from their short break

This month, Jimmy, a business analyst at Lloyds Bank, gave a motivational speech to our students about getting a job you love.

We are hugely proud to call ourselves a GamesAid charity and love being part of their amazing family of charities.

“Very disciplined, extremely reliable and hardworking… valued members of the team”

The popular Brazilian sport – which is basically beach volleyball without using your hands – made its debut at the annual AFK Beach Volleyball Championships in London this summer.

Dan was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) when he was three. As Dan’s muscles got weaker and weaker, he stopped walking and when he was 12 he started using a wheelchair to get around.

School pupils raise thousands of pounds walking from London to Hertfordshire

Actress and theatre maker, Lisa Hammond, presented Action For Kids’ BBC Radio 4 appeal this month.

Eight-year-old Kaya from County Down loves going to school, Sunday school and youth club.

Danielle loves her dogs. She always goes on big walks and takes her assistance dog, Stamper, to shows and competitions, as well as training her collie, Cava.

Adam loves computer games, films, going to the cinema and volunteering at his local hospital but Adam desperately needed a new wheelchair to be able to do the things he loved.

Four-year-old Abi from Tyne and Wear loves creating things, especially if it involves glitter! She also likes being active but above all she really wanted a bicycle.

Read a Q&A with Ash, one of our fundraisers.

Twin brothers Levi and Lucas absolutely love riding to school on their special bikes.

Transport-loving Aaron who has autism (and a fascination with buses) has become our latest job coaching success story.

Jolene has learning disabilities and has been through the AFK Life & Work programme.

When Siobhain first came to Action For Kids (my AFK), she was very shy. After completing our Life & Work programme, she has now secured long-term employment at Sainsbury’s as a Customer Services Assistant.

16 year old Hamid has recently received his new powered wheelchair thanks to the generous and committed folks at GamesAid, the games industry charity.

Krystyna’s hard work pays off with a new paid job!