Our Mission and Objectives for The Liam Finnerty Charitable Trust
“Following the sudden loss of Liam Finnerty, The Liam Finnerty Charitable Trust was founded to continue the kindness Liam showed to everyone in his life. Liam was passionate about helping others and creating opportunities for those around him. We believe that every child should have access to opportunities that shape their future.
We are committed to supporting the children of Nairnshire by reducing the financial and geographical barriers that hinder learning and growth. Our work is driven by these moments of joy, wonder and curiosity; experiences we believe are essential to growth, mental wellbeing & resilience in our youth. We recognise the unique challenges our young people face today in the Highlands and together alongside our community, local schools and organisations, we identify where support is needed most to create lasting, positive change. “
Our Objectives:
1. Equitable Access: To remove the financial barriers that prevent participation in life-shaping experiences, ensuring that every child has an equal opportunity to explore their potential.
2. Community Resilience and Connection: For local children to feel connected to their peers and community, reducing the isolation and stigma often caused by financial hardship.
3. Sustainable Development and Wellbeing: To invest in the long-term physical and mental wellbeing wellbeing, encouraging personal growth of Nairnshire’s youth by providing the essential resources, sanctuary spaces, and skills-based opportunities they need to thrive.
How do we do this and what is the impact?
Our Approach:
At The Liam Finnerty Charitable Trust, we focus on the hidden costs that prevent young people from accessing the educational opportunities, hobbies, sports and skills that may shape their future. By liaising with our community, schools and local organisations, we identify the gaps where financial support can turn obstacles into opportunities.
Equitable Inclusion: Providing high-quality, reusable professional outdoor gear for Duke of Edinburgh programmes, alongside funding for transport and essential life skills like swimming, removes the “hidden costs” of education. By ensuring that financial barriers do not dictate a child’s participation, we allow every student to access the life-changing experiences that build character, resilience and independence.
Environments for Growth: Funding school library refurbishments and creating peaceful “sanctuaries” within schools provides children with the space they need for literacy, imagination, and reflection. These high-quality environments act as a calm retreat from the pressures of daily life, fostering a deeper love for learning and providing the quiet stability necessary for academic and emotional development.
Sense of Belonging: Equipping youth sports teams with the practical resources and kits they need ensures that all children, regardless of their background, feel a sense of pride and identity. When a child is properly equipped, it removes the visible markers of poverty, allowing them to feel fully connected to their peers and community. This fosters social bonds that are essential for long-term confidence and wellbeing
The Impact
Our proactive approach ensures that a child’s postcode or household income never dictates their potential. By investing in learning both inside and outwith the classroom, we help young people develop:
Mental Wellbeing: For children navigating the systemic stresses of poverty, the development of positive coping strategies is a critical intervention for long-term mental health. By fostering a strong sense of belonging and self-efficacy, enrichment provides a vital emotional “safety net” that helps reduce chronic stress. This empowers young people to shift from a mindset of survival to one of agency.
Connection & Community: Connecting with their peers, community and local organisations in safe environments ensures that all children have safe spaces to express themselves. These environments reduce isolation and act as a vital preventative measure against anxiety and depression, while significantly enhancing overall wellbeing.
Breaking the Cycle: Young people from low-income backgrounds who access enrichment are significantly more likely to remain in education and pursue further study. Closing the attainment gap in this way does more than improve individual economic circumstances; it transforms life trajectories by increasing healthy life expectancy and breaking the intergenerational grip of poverty.
References;
https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/our-research/key-benefits-of-school-libraries
Click to access The-Poverty-related-Attainment-Gap-A-Review-of-the-Evidence-11Feb2021.pdf
https://www.youthsporttrust.org/media/f5xni1fn/yst-power-of-enrichment-resource-2020-21.pd
The Liam Finnerty Charitable Trust 