WHO
WE ARE

OUR STORY

Our Trust was established over 150 years ago with an ethos that remains firmly in place today: to help young people living in Norfolk and Suffolk, who have little or no support, to navigate life’s turbulent times.

Our story began in 1856, when our inspirational founder Lady Caroline Kerrison and her husband Edward set up one of the earliest Reform Schools in the village of Thorndon, a few miles south of Eye in Suffolk. An artist and one of the few females to be accepted by the Photographic Society, Lady Caroline was responsible for the design of the Kerrison Reformatory, as the school later became known.

Reform Schools were originally conceived as an alternative to prison for juveniles convicted of a crime – an 11-year-old was sentenced to 21 days imprisonment and two years at Kerrison for stealing brass weights; a harsh sentence to say the least – and to support destitute youngsters.

Industrial, moral and educational training were the cornerstones of life at these institutions, where the aim was not only to lessen the chances of reoffending but also to give young people a better chance in life. Another key feature was ‘after care’ (not a concept usually associated with the period) – the schools were required to keep up with young residents for at least three years after leaving and huge efforts were made to ensure they walked out of the school and into a job.

History it may be, but today the Trust exists to continue the philanthropic efforts of Lady Kerrison, albeit in a very different world. A century and a half may have passed but the future of many youngsters is still uncertain, and our remit is to help them overcome the obstacles hindering their progress in life. Whether it’s learning life skills to communicate and integrate better or offering financial assistance, we are here to support young people in being the best they can be.

WHO WE ARE TODAY

We are a small but dedicated team of volunteers drawn from across the Norfolk and Suffolk area. We’re active in the local communities, attempting to reach those who most need support.

There are many ways our grants can help a young person to flourish – see Who We Help if you think you, or someone you know, might qualify for funding. If you’re not sure about filling in forms or would like a bit of friendly advice, just send us an email or give us a call – we’re here and ready to listen.