By Geoff Fisher 
The Jim Agnew Memorial Charity is a resource for young people needing financial assistance to enter or stay in education, training or work. It is a small local charity that aims to help young people develop skills, take part in opportunities and grow into confident, independent members of their communities.
Jim Agnew (pictured) was born near Aylsham and lived there all his life. In addition to being a farmer, he was a magistrate and chair of the Youth Bench. He was saddened by the situations of many of the young people he came into contact with and felt that with support they would have been able to fulfil their potential.
When Jim died in November 2020 his family and friends donated so generously to the Aylsham Rotary Club in his memory that they decided to set up the Jim Agnew Memorial Charity.
The charity offers one-off monetary grants, usually capped at £500, to fund essential items, training or necessary costs such as travel. Each application is assessed individually.
Past examples of funding include providing culinary equipment and uniforms, piano lessons, confidence training, providing Chromebooks to support students’ study, providing a laptop and software for students in further education, providing a contribution to enable a student to go on a geography field trip, replacing a broken mobile phone and providing a PE kit.
Young people aged up to 24 living, studying or working in Broadland, North Norfolk, Breckland and Great Yarmouth Borough can apply. The charity accepts applications from the individual, parents, social or support workers.
Applications should be submitted via the website. To discuss an application or be involved in the charity, please send an email.
Photo: Agnew family