The Dr John Rabbetts Memorial Award

Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom

£80

raised so far

We are raising funds


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Always on

This project successfully funded on 18th February 2026, you can still support them with a donation.

Aim

To create a memorial bursary helping young people with mental health difficulties attend Arvon poetry residentials.


🕊️ About the award

The bursary will be known as:

The Dr John Rabbetts Memorial Award

It is being created in memory of Dr John Rabbetts, whose life and values make this form of support especially fitting.

The award will be:

  • Funded by this crowdfunder

  • Donated directly to Arvon

  • Held as a named, restricted bursary fund

  • Administered entirely by Arvon using their existing safeguarding, access, and selection processes

Arvon has confirmed they are open to holding a named bursary of this kind and are currently advising on the most appropriate structure.

👥 Who the bursary will support

The award is intended to support young people in the UK experiencing mental health difficulties.

Arvon has advised that:

  • Young people under 18 usually attend courses as part of a school or organised group

  • Individual places are more straightforward for those aged 18 and over

We are therefore working with Arvon to ensure the bursary is offered responsibly and ethically, either:

  • To young people aged 18+, or

  • Via a partner organisation supporting under-18s

Final details will be confirmed with Arvon before the award is made.

💷 What your donation will fund

Your support will help cover:

  • The full or partial cost of an Arvon poetry residential

  • Where possible, associated costs such as travel or access support

My initial goal is to raise enough for at least one full bursary. If more is raised, the fund can support additional places or be carried forward for future awards.

⚖️ What this award is — and isn’t

This award is:

  • ✔ A creative opportunity

  • ✔ A period of supported, focused writing

  • ✔ A chance for expression, reflection, and connection

It is not:

  • A clinical treatment

  • A substitute for mental health care

  • A claim to “fix” mental illness

It is simply an offer of space, seriousness, and creative dignity — which, for some people, can matter a great deal.

🙏 Thank you

If you donate, share this page, or simply take the time to read it — thank you.

You’re helping turn a meaningful experience from my past into a concrete opportunity for someone else’s future.


Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made


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