The university celebrates a first year with over 200 local pupils graduating

Harrow Children’s University (HCU) proudly celebrates a highly successful first year, marked by two graduation ceremonies honouring the achievements of more than 200 primary school pupils. Launched through a unique partnership between John Lyon’s Foundation (John Lyon’s Charity,  The John Lyon School and Harrow School), and Young Harrow Foundation, this impactful programme is opening up new opportunities for children across Harrow.

HCU was established in 2024 to tackle the low engagement of schools in Harrow seeking funding for arts activities from John Lyon’s Charity via its Home-School-Community – Cultural Capital Fund. By uniting the strengths and resources of John Lyon’s Foundation and Young Harrow Foundation, the initiative has connected schools with a wide range of local services and enrichment opportunities, giving pupils access to exciting, high-quality learning experiences outside the classroom.

Building on the success of similar initiatives funded by John Lyon’s Charity in Ealing and Westminster, Harrow Children’s University is part of a growing movement to ensure all children, regardless of background, can benefit from meaningful extracurricular learning. Research shows that access to these activities significantly improves academic attainment, confidence, and mental wellbeing. Yet for many families, especially those facing financial hardship, such opportunities remain out of reach. A report from the Campaign for Learning^[1] revealed that nearly half of children are missing out on out-of-school trips due to the rising cost-of-living, with those from disadvantaged backgrounds three times more likely to be excluded.

Locally, the picture is equally concerning. The HAY (How Are You, Harrow?) survey, which gathered insights from over 6,800 young people across 29 schools, found that:

• 1 in 5 primary pupils worried about running out of food.
• 76% reported feeling anxious or nervous.
• 65% said they often felt down or depressed.
• Cost was a major barrier to participating in sports and other enrichment activities.

Perhaps most strikingly, only half of young people surveyed said they felt hopeful about their future, underscoring the urgent need for projects like Children’s University.

Through Harrow Children’s University, children take part in enriching learning experiences beyond the school day, including after-school clubs, university and museum visits, and social action projects. Their achievements are recorded in personalised “passports,” and once they complete a set number of learning hours, they graduate in a special ceremony that celebrates their hard work and commitment.

This year, The John Lyon School played a vital role in supporting three Harrow primary schools (Welldon Park Academy, Grange Primary and St Bernadette’s Primary), the first schools to join the programme, by offering volunteer support to help children log their learning hours. Harrow School also played an active role, enhancing the Children’s University offer through Drama and Music workshops, film screenings, and other creative initiatives.  Overall, an incredible 36,213.35 hours of enrichment activities have been logged by 420 children in Harrow, opportunities they would not have had without the Children’s University.  John Lyon’s Charity is proud of this joint initiative that has harnessed the resources of John Lyon’s Foundation to benefit local children and young people in Harrow. 

With thriving programmes now established in Westminster, Ealing, and Harrow, John Lyon’s Charity encourages schools, community organisations and local authorities across its Beneficial Area to explore how the Children’s University model can benefit their communities. To learn more about John Lyon’s Charity and its funding opportunities, please click here. If you are interested in bringing the Children’s University model to your area, click here to find out more.

^[1] Almost half of children missing out on learning outside of school due to cost-of-living pressures

As the UK marks five years since the first Covid-19 lockdown, John Lyon’s Charity, London’s leading independent Children and Young People funder, lays bare the scale of its emergency response and unwavering commitment to the Children and Young People (CYP) sector. Faced with the catastrophic impact of the pandemic, the Charity took an unprecedented step—allocating £22 million from its endowment over six years to shield vital grassroots organisations from collapse. This is in addition to the Charity’s annual grant-giving of £12 million.    

To date, over £18 million has been deployed, with the final £4 million set to be committed within the next year. It was the Charity’s mission to provide long-term funding for vulnerable organisations to ensure they survive the eye of the Covid storm.  

From the outset of the crisis, John Lyon’s Charity moved decisively. In April 2020, it became one of the first funders to step up, pledging £1 million to the London Community Response Fund, coordinated by London Funders, to keep critical services afloat during lockdown. But this was just the beginning. 

Recognising the need for a long-term strategic vision, John Lyon’s Charity launched the Home-School-Community (HSC) initiative in 2021, that was designed to help sustain grassroots organisations and future-proof the CYP sector against mounting challenges. This initiative has been invaluable, enabling organisations not just to survive but to evolve, innovate, and continue supporting vulnerable children and young people in a post-pandemic landscape. 

“Covid-19 changed the world overnight, and the impact on the CYP voluntary sector was brutal,” said Lynne Guyton, CEO of John Lyon’s Charity. “We knew that if we didn’t act fast, critical services would vanish. Within weeks, we committed £1 million in emergency funding to stabilise the sector. But we also knew short-term fixes weren’t enough—we had to take a long-term view to safeguard these essential organisations for years to come.” 

The Home-School-Community initiative is helping to keep youth centres open, is supporting children struggling with education and helping families crushed by the Cost-of-Living crisis; by designing a very thorough programme incorporating not only recovery but innovation, John Lyon’s Charity has gone beyond emergency relief, securing a sustainable future for the sector.  

Niamh Graham, Deputy CEO of Young K&C said: “Off the back of this HSC funding, we’ve seen smaller organisations being able to give better support to their staff, being able to provide more training, and ultimately, we’re seeing better results for children and young people. We are aware of the challenges that our organisations face when accessing bigger funds, so we really see this as a stepping stone for them to become more confident and drive their organisations further forward.” 

Five years on, the Charity now enters the final phase of its six-year Covid-19 response strategy and its focus still remains clear: ensuring the CYP sector is not only protected but strengthened for the future. John Lyon’s Charity is determined to keep pushing forward, evolving its grant-giving strategy to safeguard London’s most vulnerable children and young people—now and for generations to come. 

As we enter the final phase of our Covid-19 response, we urge organisations to connect with us, apply for grants, and be part of this collective effort to safeguard London’s young people. To find out more about the Charity’s funding opportunities, please visit www.jlc.london.  

A new survey by John Lyon’s Charity has discovered that countless children will have to stay at home during the six-week summer break because family money is tight.  To help the situation, the Charity has funded 88 groups across North and West London through its School Holiday Activity Fund to offer fun and accessible activities for children to experience during the summer holidays.

The new survey reveals that.

• Due to the Cost of Living crisis, 31% of parents can no longer afford to take their child/ren out to theme parks, day trips, camping trips and other activities during the school holidays
• 30% of parents are worried about what they can do with their children during the school holidays because everything is so expensive.
• 21% of child/ren will have to stay at home for the majority of the school holidays because their parents cannot afford to take them out.

Six weeks of summer holiday is exciting for children but can be challenging for parents.  This year the Cost of Living crisis is squeezing family budgets even more during the school holidays, leaving little extra money for outings, trips and treats.

To help alleviate the pressures of the current climate for families and young people during the school holidays, John Lyon’s Charity wants to remind parents of the many school holiday clubs and activities that run throughout North and West London thanks to the Charity’s School Holiday Activity Fund (SHAF). The Fund is designed to enable organisations to deliver fun and accessible activities for children and young people during the school holidays so that they can experience camping trips, family activities, trips to the beach or the zoo and other sports activities without any financial pressures or limitations. Almost all of the 88 groups awarded are providing meals on top of snacks and refreshments as part of their delivery.

Dr. Lynne Guyton, CEO of John Lyon’s Charity said: We are shocked at the findings from our survey and will do all we can to support families who are continuously affected by the Cost of Living crisis.  Whilst we cannot fund families directly, we can take the financial pressures off in other ways and our School Holiday Activity Fund is one of them. This opportunity will ensure many young people won’t have to stay at home during the school holidays and will still be able to experience the same opportunities as any other young person. 21% of young people staying at home for the whole of the summer holidays is 21% too many!”

John Lyon’s Charity has funded 88 groups through its School Holiday Activity Fund across North and West London this summer. These young people will not only experience a variety of fun summer activities, but they will also receive a visit from the Charity’s furry mascot, John the Lyon who loves to put smiles on children’s faces.

The Charity’s mission is to support the life-chances of children and young people through providing as many opportunities as possible and the school holidays are no exception. To find out more about John Lyon’s Charity and its funding opportunities, please visit www.jlc.london.

_{1,103 respondents who have school-aged children in the United Kingdom from 12.05.23 – 15.05.23. Opinion Matters abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles.}

John Lyon’s Charity has made it to the Charity Film Awards FINALS

February 2023

With over 400 UK-based charities entering this year, John Lyon’s Charity is delighted to announce that it has made it to the 6th annual Charity Film Awards Finals! A number of the Charity’s groups have also made it to the finals this year, which will make the glitzy event all the more enjoyable.

Almost 40,000 votes were cast by the public in the first round, and it’s now down to a panel of expert judges to select winners from each film category. 

Aiming to change mindsets and raise awareness of the good causes behind the work they do, the judges are in for a tough time, with an exceptionally high level of competition as provided by the charities’ films.

The Charity Film Awards has a panel of expert judges – which includes high-profile names from entertainment, business, media, academia, and social enterprises – who will be selecting the winners from each category, which is divided by charity turnover, film length and corporate cause.

The winners of the 2023 awards will be announced at a gala ceremony in central London on 21 March 2023.

Nicolas Loufrani, CEO of Smiley Movement, said: “Nothing captures hearts and minds like film. These amazing films from wonderful causes absolutely demonstrate the importance of film for charitable campaigning. It’s vital we support all causes – big or small. A huge congratulations to all the Finalists, who should be delighted with the public support for their films through the campaign. We’re incredibly proud that Smiley Movement’s investment in the Charity Film Awards has already generated millions of additional views on these films.”

John Lyon’s Charity has its fingers crossed for all the finalists but especially its own groups. To find out more information on the Charity Film Awards, please click here.

John Lyon’s Charity is concerned to learn that 42% of UK parents with children under 16 cannot afford to take them to a pantomime or theatre this year.

December 2022

John Lyon’s Charity carried out a recent national survey and learned that 42% of parents with children under the age of 16 said they cannot afford to take their child to a pantomime/theatre this year. With the current Cost of Living crisis, coupled with the aftermath of the pandemic, it is unsurprising that families are steering away from the theatre after prices surged earlier this year by 20%. [1]

Can children go to the theatre? With John Lyon’s Charity…. Oh yes they can!

JLC is determined to bridge this gap to not only ensure children and young people experience all types of theatre but to also take the financial pressure off those who need it. The Charity offers two Funds that can open doors for children and young people to access theatre and the arts all year round:

• The School Holiday Activity Fund awards funding for trips to the theatre (and other exciting experiences) during the school holidays.
• The Cultural Capital Fund specifically brings schools and Arts organisations together to enable children and young people to access high quality arts and cultural opportunities.

Over this festive period, John Lyon’s Charity has funded multiple schools to take trips to the theatre to see a variety of West End productions, including A Christmas Carol, Frozen, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe and many more. Capital City Academy is one of the many schools that receives funding from JLC’s Cultural Capital Fund and was recently awarded a grant for students to attend Snow White and the Seven Superheroes at the Millfield Theatre in Watford this December. Amira, aged 11 said: “I have never been to a theatre before and I am really excited to get to see Snow White and the Seven Superheroes”.

Nakai, aged 11 said: “Even though some parents might not be able to pay to go to the theatre, it’s great that kids can still go with their school and all their friends. I’m very excited!”

Sadiya, aged 11 said: “I think it’s important to experience a pantomime because it’s like you’re there and it’s your experience, not just something you’ve watched off a YouTube video or online.”

Dr Lynne Guyton, CEO of John Lyon’s Charity said: “Even before Covid-19, John Lyon’s Charity was very much aware of the worrying trend away from Arts subjects in schools to focus on the more ‘academic’ core subjects. Even at primary level, where there is usually more flexibility on the curriculum, Arts activities are increasingly squeezed in favour of other subjects. We are delighted that our funding can bridge that gap and open doors for so many children to experience the beauty of theatre. Pantomimes and Christmas shows are much more relaxed and easier for young people to access, especially for those who have never been to the theatre before.”

To find out more about John Lyon’s Charity and its many funding opportunities, please click here.

Research: Insight conducted by market research company Opinion Matters between the dates 28.09.2022 – 30.09.2022. The research surveyed a sample of 2008 UK adults.

[1] The Stage ticketing survey 2022: top prices surge 20% from pre-pandemic levels

John Lyon’s Charity has ring-fenced £1m to help alleviate the impact of the Cost of Living crisis amongst current grant holders with a turnover of less than £1m

December 2022

John Lyon’s Charity has ring-fenced £1m to help alleviate the impact of the Cost of Living crisis amongst current grant holders with a turnover of less than £1m.

“We are currently severely impacted by the Cost of Living crisis. The families of our beneficiaries -autistic children and young people are struggling with increased anxieties, resulting in increased social exclusion as a direct result of the crisis.” – Flute Theatre

“We have noted that many of the children seem hungrier and we have increased the amount of food we serve by approximately 45%.” – Shepherds Bush Families Project

“The children we support are often in complex situations. They have cancer. A parent can’t afford general living let alone specialist hats and scalp care items for hair loss.” – Cancer Hair Care

Grant-giving Funder John Lyon’s Charity has been inundated with shocking statements from grassroots charities as a result of the Cost of Living crisis. As a response, £1m has been ring-fenced from the Charity to help keep these vital organisations afloat.

Over 100 London charities have voiced their concerns to grant-giving Funder John Lyon’s Charity, about the harsh realities that the Cost of Living crisis is having on their organisations. With food, energy and fuel bills rapidly rising, more people are relying on the services of charities, following the already heightened demand during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, like the wider population, charities are also facing challenges with their own spiralling costs and coupled with the increased demand for their services; and are having to do more to support their communities but with fewer financial resources.

Michelle Bailey, Managing Director at E.A.S.E (Empowering Action and Social Esteem) Ltd said: “Our core running costs have increased dramatically (34% to date) and we are using unrestricted reserves to make up for the shortfall. The complexities that children and young people face have also increased due to family distress and therefore demand for services is increasing. They have not recovered from the impact of COVID. We are delivering increased sessions on mental health and wellbeing.”

Charlie Rigby, CEO of The Violence Intervention Project said: “The majority of our clients and their families are vulnerable and living in deprived communities which will be hit hardest by the Cost of Living. Increasingly, we’re being asked by desperate parents for help with food, and essentials, particularly nappies, and many are very worried about how they’re going to manage their energy bills over the winter. This has an obvious impact on the health and wellbeing of the whole family, and also increases the likelihood of our clients resorting to involvement in crime.”

In an attempt to support these crucial grassroots organisations, John Lyon’s Charity has ring-fenced £1m to help alleviate the impact of the Cost of Living crisis amongst current grant holders with a turnover of less than £1m. Lynne Guyton, CEO of John Lyon’s Charity said: “We know we can’t solve the current Cost of Living crisis but equally we will never sit back and just do nothing. Our mantra is to walk alongside our groups and do everything we can to support them, especially in a time of great need. The Cost of Living crisis is no different, therefore the only choice we have is to respond. We hope the Cost of Living uplift grant will make a difference to our groups, so that they can continue to provide their vital services.”

Eligible organisations will be contacted by John Lyon’s Charity with details on how to claim the Cost of Living Uplift grant. Alternatively, if you would like to find out more about the Charity and its many funding opportunities, please click here.

November 2022

We celebrated the return of our Volunteer Film Screening in partnership with Media Trust.

After a two-year hiatus, we were finally able to come together once again to celebrate the Charity’s Volunteer Film Initiative in partnership with Media Trust at the Ham Yard Hotel. Over the last five years, Media Trust’s Volunteer Films initiative has matched film-makers from Media Trust’s network with 60 organisations supported by John Lyon’s Charity to create a three-minute film for each charity. This year, Media Trust volunteer directors have made short films for eight shortlisted JLC grantees that powerfully bring their work to life and give a voice to the communities and individuals they serve. The event included charities and directors involved in the making of the films as well as Funders and experts from across the Sector. Off the back of this initiative over the past five years, many have gone on to win Best Charity Film Awards.

Congratulations to all involved. Watch this space!

October 2022

John Lyon’s Charity joins forces with other funders across sectors to launch a new funding initiative, Propel.

London Funders have been working with John Lyon’s Charity and many other funders to develop a collaborative funding programme, offering grants to civil society groups in London.

This new initiative – called Propel – is about giving the capital’s civil society and communities the flexibility and capacity to explore, develop and lead collaborative ways of tackling some of London’s biggest challenges.

We’re delighted to be one of the participating Propel funders and part of building a platform where we can act collectively, drawing on the relationships and assets we all bring to the partnership. We share the ambition of developing bold, innovative and creative programmes, sharing risks together to learn, unlearn and achieve more than the sum of our parts. To find out more about this new initiative, please click here.

September 2022

August 2022

Cuddly charity mascot, John the Lyon, is a ROARING success with children and young people this summer. He’s currently touring North and West London to bring ‘ROARsome’ summer fun to underfunded communities during the holidays!

All children should have the opportunity to enjoy their summer holidays, whether it’s a trip to the beach, sports activities, camping or other exciting visits out of London. However, not all children are able to experience these types of opportunities.

To bridge this gap, grant-giving Funder, John Lyon’s Charity, offers a School Holiday Activity Fund so that all children and young people can experience these opportunities. John Lyon’s Charity gives grants to benefit children and young people up to the age of 25 who live in nine boroughs in North and West London. The School Holiday Activity Fund is designed to enable organisations to deliver fun and accessible activities for children and young people during the school holidays, including all half-term breaks, Easter, Christmas and the summer holiday.

To remind many children’s groups of this important funding opportunity, the Charity has sent its popular mascot John the Lyon on a special “safari tour” to surprise children and young people who benefit from the Fund.

In the past, this Fund has enabled trips to the beach, to theme parks and to theatres and many other exciting adventures, most of which many children and young people have never had the opportunity to experience before.

Stonegrove Estates Youth Project (SEYP) had a visit from John the Lyon earlier this month after receiving a School Holiday Activity Fund from John Lyon’s Charity. Samantha Scott, Youth Director at SEYP said: “It was great fun welcoming John the Lyon to Stonegrove Estates Youth Project summer activities and great for him to judge our Master Chef finals. The beneficiaries respected his decision, after all who’s going to argue with a lyon! Without funding from charities such as John Lyon’s Charity, children and families would struggle and experience even more financial hardship particularly at a time when they should be enjoying themselves during the summer break. Charitable funding supports the delivery of sociable learning activities in a safe environment, which in turn supports improved mental health for children, young people and their parents. We couldn’t be more grateful to John Lyon’s Charity.”

Julie Cavanagh, Manager at Sands End Adventure Playground (SEAPIA) said: “The School Holiday Activity Fund from John Lyon’s Charity has made a huge difference to the project we deliver. It enables us to accommodate more young people, provide positive experiences, meaningful activities, and offer hot healthy meals. Our children and young people were so excited that John the Lyon came to visit, what a lovely experience for them. To see the joy on their young faces makes us all realise how essential it is to provide a safe place to play. All I have heard since is “when is John the Lyon flying back to see us?”

John Lyon’s Charity has distributed over £171 million in grants to a range of organisations across North and West London that seek to promote the life-chances of children and young people through education. If you would like to find out more about John Lyon’s Charity and its School Holiday Activity Fund, please click here.