Local charitable trusts provide financial lifeline for young students

Lancaster & Morecambe College (LMC) has received funding from two local charitable trusts to help support young people (16-25) to complete their studies and progress onto further education or employment. 

Banks Lyon Memorial Trust (BLMT) and the George Fox School Education Charity (GFSEC) have both provided LMC with grants to help remove financial barriers for young people studying at the College. The money will be used to help cover one-off costs, such as the purchase of work-related tools or kits, essential PPE, digital resources and educational trips.

LMC's Head of Engagement, Victoria Carter, is incredibly grateful to both of the charities for their very generous donations.

We know only too well how hard times are for many of our local families, and this additional funding will help to provide some much-needed resources for our learners.  Although we receive money from central government to help students with course-related costs, not all of our learners meet the strict eligibility criteria and so miss out on opportunities, or struggle to afford essential items. This can negatively impact on their attendance and achievement and, in some cases, can result in students withdrawing from their course. We have already received over 800 applications for financial support since September, so this additional funding will help us to support even more of our learners to complete their courses and progress onto further study or employment.

The Banks Lyon Memorial Trust arose from a generous gift made by Lancaster man, Dr Walter Lyon, who wanted to help young people from across the Lancaster City Council district access relevant education and training. It is managed by a board of Trustees, who make grants to individuals and organisations within Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth and surrounding rural areas.

The George Fox School Educational Charity helps young people in North Lancashire and South Lakeland. There is particular emphasis on promoting education and helping in provision of facilities for recreation and other social welfare.

The College has already identified a number of learners who will benefit from the generous grants provided by the two local trusts and is now accepting applications for the remaining funds. For more information, or to apply for funding, students should contact the Student Money team in The Hex.