Preston charity Foxton launches business appeal for crucial private sector funding

Preston charity, Foxton, has launched a new Friends of Foxton appeal inviting local businesses to pledge financial support and help ensure the future of its 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.

 Foxton’s 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.

 The charity’s 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 chief executive, 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, Foxton also launched its ongoing Furnish Foxton appeal, asking for crucial donations from businesses and members of the public to help furnish its 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. The charity estimates that it needs 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.