About Us

ANTHONY WALKER FOUNDATION

 

The Anthony Walker Foundation (AWF) is a charity established by Anthony’s family following his tragic death in a racially-motivated attack in July 2005.

 

The mission of the Foundation is to promote equality and diversity through education, sport and arts events and to support law enforcement agencies and local communities to reduce hate crime and build safe cohesive communities.

 

The AWF is a small Charity (Reg 1117769 Company No. 05681883) with a national profile, its main activity is in the Merseyside area.

 

   

WHAT DOES THE CHARITY DO?

 

The AWF provides outreach support to individuals and families who have experienced, or are experiencing, hate-crime. Trained volunteers provide emotional support, information and guidance.  

 

Young Ambassadors

 

In 2009 we launched our innovative AWF Young Ambassadors programme, to give 20 dynamic young people the training to become the leaders of tomorrow’s charity sector. This project is now in its second year and has also launched in Sefton with a new cohort of 20 young adults. A third phase will be launched in 2012 for young people in Knowsley. This programme was recognised with an Award from Liverpool Unites in 2010 and is nominated for a Spirit of Merseyside Award to be staged at the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool on June 7th 2011.

 

The Young Ambassadors develop skills in youth, sport and arts event management. They also learn how to deliver education programmes in schools, youth clubs and community organisations. Our Young Ambassadors support the foundation through public speaking and representing the Foundation, promoting its values and ethos and supporting our work in schools. You can view a short film made by Granada TV about their recent visit to Auschwitz on www.anthonywalkerfoundation.com

 

Educating young people in schools, colleges and youth clubs

 

The Anthony Walker Foundation Education Programme and the ‘Colour Blind’ film made by Lenny Henry, is being delivered in schools to encourage and educate youngsters to make the right choices for themselves, and contribute to community cohesion through active citizenship, reduce instances of bullying, anti social behaviour and hate crime.  

 

Young Offenders

 

The AWF delivers 8 week educational programmes for young people who have been involved in hate crimes. The project is delivered in partnership with Liverpool Youth Offending Service to encourage young people to understand the impact their actions have on others and to understand the causes and consequences of discrimination. The aim of the programme is also to enable those involved to say to future employers that they have learned from their mistakes and now understand the necessity of eradicating racism and discrimination of all kinds.

 

AWF Annual Summer Festival

 

The AWF annual festival is a showcase event to celebrate the values and mission of the Foundation. The Festival brings together a range of service providers, supporters, sponsors and individuals for a great day out, fun activities, music, dancing, workshops and sporting events.

 

The summer festival is the flagship event of the AWF, raising awareness of who we are and what we do and offering the opportunity to bring communities together to celebrate diversity and our common humanity. The Foundation is now working in partnership with Liverpool University who will host the 2011 event, supported by Love Music Hate Racism who are bringing national selling artists to headline the festival.

 

Gee Walker

 

Anthony Walker’s mother, Gee, is known and respected by many. Her dignity in dealing with her son’s tragic death has placed her in the hearts and minds of people throughout the country. Gee provides support to diverse groups and communities across the UK and particularly in Merseyside. Gee talks of her forgiveness of her son’s killers, advocating the need for all children to be educated and supported so they can realise their potential and become active citizens in strong and diverse communities.  

 

The Foundation provides

 

  • Annual Memorial Lecture sponsored by the NUT
  • Law Scholarship sponsored by Crown Prosecution Service
  • Youth Worker Scholarship sponsored by Liverpool Youth Service
  • Accredited Diversity Training for Young Offenders sponsored by LCC
  • Presentations and workshops to range of community organisations
  • Mentoring to disadvantaged young people sponsored by Big Lottery
  • Sports and arts events
  • Outreach support for child and adult victims of hate crime Supported by Home Office & Merseyside Police
  • Presentations and educational workshops in schools and colleges

 

Management Structure

 

The AWF is led by a Board of Trustees including:

 

Dr Martin Carey (Chair) CEO of Hope University Business Gateway

Dr Richard Benjamin – Director of Liverpool International Slavery Museum

Mr Paul Knight – Housing Services Manager

Mr Robert Mailey – case Manager Youth Offending Service

Ms Gee Walker – Tutor and Founder

Mr Peter Brennan – Liverpool City Councillor

Mr Paul Parry – Child Support Woker

Ms Stephanie Walker – Teacher

Ms Andrea Jones

Ms Diana Stacey – Minister of Religion

 

Notary – supplied by Brabners Chafe Street Solicitors.

 

 

Staff

 

Ms Leona Vaughn – CEO

Mr Paul Harris – Full time volunteer co-ordinator

Mr Connor Brown – Office Administrator Part Time

Ozlem Smeda – Accountant (1 day per week)

 

Sessional Staff:

 

Ben Osu – Youth Worker

Cath Millan – Youth Worker

Adam Sexton – Youth Worker

Helia Asdabeck – Youth Worker

Tom Coates – Community Support & festival worker