Helena Kennedy Foundation celebrates tenth anniversary

The Helena Kennedy Foundation, which helps disadvantaged students from FE and adult education sectors move on to employment, celebrated its tenth anniversary this year.

More than 1000 people attended the star-studded gala event hosted by Jon Snow and Baroness Kennedy, President of the Foundation. The Foundation’s students, from the past and present, also joined staff and governors from FE colleges and supporters from across the nation to welcome the milestone at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London.

Dr Ann Limb, founder of the charity, said: “The work of the Foundation over the last ten years has demonstrated beyond doubt what those of us who work in the Further and Higher Education sector know from our day-to-day experiences of our students – social action leads to increased social mobility and greater social justice for all.”

The Helena Kennedy Foundation is able to support learners by providing those in desperate need with a small non-repayable bursary. The organisation also offers recognition and personalised support to help students negotiate a successful path through higher education into employment.

The Foundation relies entirely on voluntary donations to fund its support, and receives over 1000 enquiries every year from students seeking its help. In 2008 alone it awarded 23 main bursaries and 115 badged bursaries, which are funded by particular businesses, awarding bodies, charitable trusts or universities that support the Foundation’s mission.