Wimbledon Foundation makes £50,000 grant towards RAF Benevolent Fund’s Airplay programme
Published:
The RAF Benevolent Fund is delighted to announce that the Wimbledon Foundation has made a £50,000 grant to Airplay, some of which has gone towards funding Airplay Residential Experiences for young people. The grant is the final instalment of a three-year commitment worth £110,000.
Airplay Residential Experiences provide young people with a chance to be independent from parents, develop relationships with peers, have an opportunity to learn new skills and build confidence. With 16 projects coming together around 100 young people met new friends, and old friends from places they had been to together previously.
Young people had the opportunity to participate in a range of activities including:
• Archery
• Orienteering
• Zip Lining
• Obstacle course
• Climbing
• Campfire
• Bushcraft and cordage
• Olympics
• Dodgeball
• Nightline
The young people were from 16 Airplay projects, covering seven different YMCAs.
• Airplay Marham
• Airplay Henlow
• Airplay Digby
• Airplay Wittering
• Airplay Lossiemouth
• Airplay Halton
• Airplay Coningsby
• Airplay Wyton
• Airplay St Mawgan
• Airplay Shawbury
• Airplay Scampton
• Airplay Honington
• Airplay Boulmer
• Airplay Cosford
• Airplay Waddington
• Airplay Leeming
Some previous participants gave their thoughts on their residential experience.
Maud, 14, said: "Meeting new people has been the best thing about the last few days. I was nervous, I didn't think I would fit in. Within a couple of hours, I realised I was the same as everyone else."
Olivia, 11, said: "I was really nervous about the sleeping and eating however it’s all been great."
Jack, 12, said: "The beds are comfy and I like who I am in room with. It's a great place to socialise, I want to come again for longer."
And Emma, 10, added: "I loved all of the activities with my friends, and the new ones I made."