We have today launched our new Friends of Foxton appeal inviting local businesses and individuals to pledge financial support and help ensure the future of our vital services.
Foxton has been providing life-saving support to young people and their families, the homeless and vulnerable women in Preston since it was founded in 1969 by Reverend Bryan Foxton.
Led by a dedicated team of experienced staff and volunteers, Foxton delivers a wide range of vital services from its Foxton Youth and Community centre in Avenham, a Homeless Day Centre on Fox Street in Preston, and provides a women’s centre for vulnerable women across Preston.
Our current funding model comprises of a mix of fundraising sources including grants from charitable trusts, one-off individual and business donations, income from charitable activities, grants, and a series of long-term private sector supporters.
Our new Friends of Foxton initiative provides businesses and individuals with a range of options for monthly or annual financial donations to support the running on the charity.
The impact:
- £83 provides support to a rough sleeper in crisis
- £120 provides homework sessions for young people struggling in school and college
- £208 feeds young people for a week at Foxton’s youth club
- £416 helps provide drop-in services at Foxton’s women’s centre
- £600 supports women with trained sexual violence advocates
Jeff Marsh, Foxton CEO, said: “Although Foxton receives some local government grants, it’s never guaranteed and often depends on changing political priorities.
“That’s why private donations from individuals and businesses are absolutely vital. They’re the lifeblood of what keeps Foxton running.”
Earlier in the year, We also launched our ongoing Furnish Foxton appeal, asking for crucial donations from businesses and members of the public to help furnish our new £2.4m Youth and Community Centre.
The construction of the new centre was funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)’s Youth Investment Fund, following a successful bid in 2023.
The old centre was demolished in 2024 with building work on track for a June 2025 opening.
So far, the appeal has raised nearly £38,000. We have estimated that we need a further £27,000 worth of donations to equip and fit the building ahead of opening.
Jeff added: “We’re incredibly grateful to the businesses that already support us, and we believe there are many more out there who would be just as keen to get involved.
“We’re at a pivotal point as a charity. As we approach the opening of our new youth and community centre combined with a recent drop in government funding towards our homeless services, we’re now looking to the future.
“It’s imperative that we build a sustainable stream of funding to secure the future of our services across Preston, and our Friends of Foxton initiative invites local businesses to pledge their support towards this.”
More information on the scheme can be found at: https://thefoxton.org/work-with-us/friends-of-foxton.
Alternatively, contact Foxton on 01772 555925 or email info@thefoxton.org
Find your nearest Foxton Shelter
How we’ve helped.
As a volunteer at the Foxton day centre, it opened my eyes to a lot of different aspects of the day to day running of the day centre and the help that was available.
I feel that the Foxton has a massive impact on people’s lives from what I have experienced over the last year and a half since we started delivering the art project in partnership with the Foxton.
The Foxton have been a life saver for me and my partner. They have helped us get back on our feet.
