Stories and news from AFK

Empowering Young People Through Sport: Berkeley’s Sportember Initiative

AFK is proud to partner with The Berkeley Foundation, whose funding has supported our work in helping disabled and neurodiverse young people develop and grow, often through sport.

Boy riding trike smiling wearing helmet and school uniform

A Big Thank You to The Motability Foundation

Thanks to the generous support of The Motability Foundation, we’ve provided a record amount of mobility equipment to children and young people like George, helping them gain independence and improve their quality of life.

Happy 50th Birthday to Advance

Advance’s support provides essential resources and enriching experiences, empowering children and young people with disabilities and autism.

illustration showing just 1 in 5 disabled young people feel that they have the right amount of formal support to achieve the things that they want in life.

This Is My Life: Hear Me, Help Me: New Disabled Children’s Partnership report

Our friends at The Disabled Children’s Partnership have released their latest research, the ‘This Is My Life: Hear Me, Help Me’ report.

Celebrating Co-Production, Creativity and Inclusivity: The I AM Festival 2024

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.

a group of young people being presented to

Building Bridges: AFK and Berkeley Foundation Partner to Empower Children and Young People

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.

girl sits on her bed with her laptop wearing headphones with a small dog sat next to her.

Innovation Unleashed: Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs’ Secret to Success by Patrick Young

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

Disabled Children’s Partnership launches Manifesto ahead of general election

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 collaborates with the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed

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

Celebrating Successes: AFK’s 2023 in Review

Take a look at AFK’s impact in 2023!

AFK Beach 2023: A Month of Sun and Sand for a Cause

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

girl standing at market stall selling artwork

‘We Mean Business’ – AFK Launches new Self-Employment support Programme

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.

An Evening of Gourmet Cuisine, Philanthropy, and Fundraising

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.

girl in pink jumper smiling at a table

Transforming Lives: AFK’s ‘little BIG’ Support

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.

Girl outdoors points to train platform signage

AFK’s Travel Training Toolkit is here!

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.

A beer with purpose, Battersea brewery teams up with AFK to raise vital funds

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

Diversify group board awards badge

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

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

group chatting in office setting around a table

AFK and National Careers Week 2023

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?

We’re part of the Co-Op Local Community Fund!

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 Give Christmas Challenge 2022

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!

New members wanted for the NHS England learning disability and autism advisory group.

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.

dcp image

#SENDABetterMessage – New campaign from the Disabled Children’s Partnership

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

It didn’t break me: Matt tells us of his London Marathon journey

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.

group of trainees at segro in a row

Life and Work trainees visit Segro in Oxford Circus

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

Disabled Children's Partnership logo

SEND reform should follow six principles, says leading disability organisations in joint open letter to the DfE

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.

Students on the World of Work Programme visit Morrisons

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.

AFK Staff get stuck in for 30th Anniversary fundraisers!

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.

Dr Pops – ‘My wheelchair journey around London’

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

AFK at Wimbledon for Wheelchair Tennis

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

group standing around art

Celebrating Learning Disability Week 2022 – I AM Festival

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.

Superstar Lyn takes the leap of a lifetime!

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

‘Our View’ – Videos made by young people, for young people

‘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.

Read our latest magazine

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

Man in a powered wheelchair with thumbs up

Help us this January and Vote for AFK in the My Favourite Voucher Codes Poll

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

ben with vinci cheque

Taylor Woodrow Team Supports my AFK through VINCI Foundation Grant

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

AFK’s Top 3 Reasonable Adjustments for the Workplace

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

Group of toy industry members by the river Thames, with the Toy Trust logo in the top left corner

Toy Trust: Around The World in 80 Hours

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

light blue background, illustration of 3 fists raised in protest and unity; text reads 'together we are strong'

Mik Scarlet on the Social Model of Disability

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

Illustrated text on a light blue background reads "mental health awareness week: nature" with images of plants nad animals surrounding the text

Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

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

AFK named as a top UK charity for impact

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.

Photo of AFK CEO David Coe, text reads "meet our new CEO!"

Meet AFK’s new CEO!

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

Woman of colour holding her hand up and smiling; text overlaid says "International Women's Day 2021, Choose to Challenge"

International Women’s Day 2021

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

Three photos of a young man at work in an Itsu sushi resturant

Barclays gives £100,000 to AFK

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).

Use code AFK15 for 15% off a Happy Confident Me Journal

Children’s Mental Health Week 2021

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

Disabled People or People With Disabilities?

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

Support my AFK and save money with Discount Promo Codes this January

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

Loneliness, lockdown and disability

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

Naughty or Nice Christmas 2020 Charity Challenge!

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

Two young people with learning disabilities giving thumbs up

That’s a wrap! Our Summer Holiday Programme comes to an end

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!

my AFK backs new national campaign ‘#PlayForAll’

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 at a computer

Partnerships making a difference

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.

Lockdown Diaries

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

Supporting young people with learning disabilities to adapt to 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.

my AFK’s Virtual Talent Show!

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

Kerone is looking at the camera smiling whilst shining shoes

Kerone’s smiling big at Cosprop

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.

Trainee and Community Awards

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

Staff Stories: Louise Blay – Job Coach

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.

Joshua receives new wheelchair to continue his pursuit to Team GB

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

my AFK welcomes the House of Commons Education Committee’s new SEND report, released today.

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

my AFK ambassador listed ‘100 most influential disabled people’ for a second year.

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

Staff Stories: Richard Dunham, Fundraising Assistant

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

two people are stood, smiling and holding up signs that explain their work experience. One says "What's your dream job" the other says "Working with Cars"

Work Experience: Student Voice

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

Staff Stories: Andrew Colclough – Events and Community Fundraising Officer

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

Bridging the Disability Employment Gap

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

Staff and trainees pose as a group

Working With Disability Week 2019

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

Three photos of Harry in his chair

Harry’s new powered wheelchair

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

man sitting in powerchair on grass

Advocacy and mobility: Sam’s story

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.

collage of young people at work

Celebrating Learning Disability Week 2019

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

Bloomfield Trust Logo

Bloomfield Trust awards AFK grant to support disabled Londoners into work

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

yellow image with black text reading #GiveItBack

Give It Back – New campaign from the Disabled Children’s Partnership

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

Man in a powered wheelchair with thumbs up

Vote for my AFK in the My Favourite Voucher Codes Charity Poll

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

Urban beach volleyball court with AFK Beach logo and Charity Event Award winners logo

my AFK Beach voted ‘most innovative charity event’

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

Disabled Children's Partnership logo

Disabled Children’s Partnership

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.

Three photos of a young man at work in an Itsu sushi resturant

Nathan’s on a roll with his new job!

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 young women sitting at a table speaking to a conference room

my AFK trainees give evidence on SEND at the House of Commons

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

Dr Pops: Why I ‘celebrate’ International Wheelchair Day

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

Artist Jeremy Houghton in his studio

Flamingoes and fizz: an evening with artist Jeremy Houghton

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

Jamie Green in his new wheelchair in Bridlington, petting donkeys on the seafront

Ambassador guest blog: Two wheelchairs in one

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.

Read our latest magazine

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

SEGRO Community Fund

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

Group sitting around a conference table

Feedback Friday – Urban AFK Residential

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.

Balloons with my AFK logo on them; text reads "Community & Trainee Awards 2018"

Community & Trainee Awards 2018

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

my AFK Mobility Ambassador Jamie Green on stage with other charity recipients of GamesAid funding.

GamesAid members vote for my AFK to receive funding

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.

Collage of young people with learning disabilities at work

Celebrating Learning Disability Week 2018: Part 2

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.

Collage of young people with learning disabilities at work

Celebrating Learning Disability Week 2018: Part 1

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.

Young woman with Down syndrome sitting at a conference table with others

Shaping Futures with Schroders

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

Group of young people in Harris + Hoole coffee shop

Community Heroes: Harris + Hoole

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!

Young man with Downs syndrome working in a cafe serving a customer from behind a display counter

We Need To Acknowledge The Talent That Disabled People Can Bring To Our Workforce

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

Disabled boy cutting fruit for snacks

Healthy Eating Week

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

Ade Adepitan MBE and Jaspal Dhani posing for photo

Path to Success partnership announced

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

Young woman with red hair in the AFK garden

Celebrating 25 Years of Changing Lives

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

Collage of students receiving certificates

AFK awards

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.

Tessa Peake-Jones at the AFK Gala Dinner

Celebrating in Style

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

Charity gala dinner venue

Action For Kids’ 25th Birthday

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.

Devonshires Chase The Sun Fundraising event

Solicitors Cycling Challenge

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

Annalie working at YO! Sushi

Transitioning to Adult Life

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

Crouch End Cafe Bridge

Community Heroes: Crouch End Café Bridge

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

Group in board meeting

What is co-production?

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

Cheque presentation

Forest Arden Golf Club

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.

Woman running marathons for my AFK

Jo is running 100 marathons for disabled young people

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).

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