Banks Lyon Memorial Trust

The Banks Lyon Memorial Trust, established in 2003 by Lancaster-born physician Dr Walter Lyon, is a UK-registered charity dedicated to empowering disadvantaged young people aged 12-25 in Lancaster City Council district—including Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth, and surrounding rural areas—to overcome barriers to vocational training, qualifications, and employment. Rooted in Dr Lyon's passion for addressing substance misuse, social exclusion, and educational marginalization, the Trust emphasizes practical, inclusive support for youth facing hardship, such as care leavers, those with learning difficulties, low-income families, or at risk of exclusion. Its values of opportunity, resilience, and holistic development prioritize trades, apprenticeships, alternative pathways, and skills-building over traditional academics, funding course fees, specialist equipment, travel to training/interviews, and youth initiatives by local organizations.

It supports both individuals (with referee letters) and organizations like schools, colleges, charities, and community groups delivering direct interventions, such as outdoor activities for college students or transport for mental health peer support, filling gaps unmet by statutory services.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, academic institutions, or community groups based in the specified areas, with a preference for small to medium local entities working with marginalized youth; individuals from these locales are also welcome. No strict income thresholds apply, and there are no religious restrictions.

Grants typically range from £250 to £2,000, awarded quarterly after deadlines of 31 December, 31 March, 30 June, and 30 September, with decisions at January, April, July, and October meetings (notified within 4-6 weeks). Applications via downloadable forms (plus annual reports/accounts for orgs) are submitted by email or post—no preliminary enquiries needed. Distinctively local and hands-on, the Trust avoids core costs or broad projects, focusing instead on targeted, high-impact aid for employment readiness that mainstream funding overlooks.