Projects and Services funded through Community Grants

Holmes Chapel Scout HQ is a central community hub used more by local groups than by the Scouts themselves. This project will complete the LED refit and install motion sensors in low-use areas, alongside upgrading the heating system to a smart, zoned setup. Linked to the building’s online booking system, the new heating will reduce waste by only warming rooms in use, helping the charity remain affordable and energy efficient.

This proposal aims to develop the Brookfield site into a community orchard and starter plot area, making allotments more accessible for residents with limited time, additional needs, or health issues. By converting overgrown plots into manageable raised beds using weed suppression methods, the project will encourage wider community participation and generate revenue to support site maintenance. A natural orchard with fruit trees and a pond will help alleviate flooding and create a welcoming space for local groups, schools, and events.

Step Forward to Recovery is a trauma-informed, self-paced online programme developed by MyCWA with domestic abuse survivors to support emotional healing, independence, and resilience. This grant will expand access across Cheshire East, especially for survivors in low-risk cases who often face long waits or limited support. The programme includes five modules on safety, abuse awareness, parenting, behaviour change, and healthy relationships, with interactive tools and self-care resources. Survivors can access it independently or via referrals from professionals. Outreach and training will also be provided to raise awareness and improve referral pathways. By removing barriers like location and stigma, the project offers early intervention, reduces pressure on crisis services, and promotes long-term wellbeing.

Citizens Advice plans to launch a weekly advice pop-up at Macclesfield Hospital to reach more people across Cheshire East who struggle to access traditional services. The pop-up will offer support on benefits, employment, carers’ rights, debt, social care, and more to patients, visitors, and hospital staff. Located in a visible, accessible area, it will provide drop-in support with follow-up sessions available. This initiative addresses gaps in provision for non-cancer patients and working individuals and builds on positive discussions with NHS and local leaders. The project aims to improve wellbeing, reduce crisis service reliance, and build a case for long-term investment.

Town of Festivals will deliver six inclusive, community-led celebration events across Crewe town centre, supported by a volunteer training programme. The project empowers under represented communities to co-create cultural festivals through artist-led workshops and development sessions. Events will feature performances, exhibitions, and creative activities across venues including Lyceum Square, Crewe Market Hall, and Royal Arcade Park. Over 150 volunteers will be trained in event delivery and inclusive practice. The project will leave a legacy of confident volunteers, stronger community cohesion, and a sustainable model for inclusive celebration.

We plan to replace 24 outdated front-of-house lights with 8 energy-efficient, multicolour LED units to reduce running costs and improve functionality. After a thorough 3-stage evaluation, we selected Martin ELP-CL lights with 25º–50º lenses, which offer a 74% energy saving and reduced heat output. A DMX-over-Ethernet gateway (Obsidian EN12) is also needed to support the increased control channels.

The Believe programme is a specialist service supporting mums whose children are in care or at risk of being placed into care. Operating since 2017 and endorsed by Chester University, it offers intensive, personalised support through a dedicated Support Worker and trained volunteers at Community Hubs in Crewe and Winsford. Each mum receives tailored help to improve mental health, address addiction, build healthy relationships, and move towards employment and independence. With referrals from health and social care, the programme supports 45 women annually—impacting up to 200 children—through regular mentoring, peer support, wellbeing activities, and volunteering opportunities.

This project supports young people aged 11–17 in Crewe and across Cheshire who are experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) due to mental health conditions or additional needs. Sessions take place in a Crewe church hall with access to art and sensory rooms, and include creative activities like painting, photography, and product design, culminating in public exhibitions. The programme helps young people build confidence, develop coping skills, and re-engage with education, supported by staff and volunteers.

The Sunflower Programme is a 9-week animal-assisted wellbeing and life skills initiative for children aged 8–12 with anxiety, autism, or social communication difficulties. Delivered in schools and community settings across Bollington, Disley, Poynton, and Macclesfield, each 1.5-hour session uses therapy animals to create a calm, engaging space for exploring topics like emotions, teamwork, friendships, and mindfulness.. The programme will reach at least 40 children, with additional sessions for parents. Backed by strong demand and positive feedback, it aims to build resilience, emotional regulation, and social connection, preventing future mental health challenges.

This project aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children aged 8–12 living with anxiety in rural areas by delivering the 12-week Feelings Case files Intervention Programme, based on CBT principles and designed for children with social communication difficulties, including autism. Targeting five rural primary schools in Cheshire East, the programme will offer both group and one-to-one sessions, supported by a Project Worker and trained volunteers. Funding will enable delivery to 36 children and 12 individuals, with additional support for parents.

The Kettleshulme Play Park Improvement Project aims to revitalise the village’s central play area, making it safer, more inclusive, and engaging for all ages. Following public consultation and collaboration with Cheshire East Council, the plan includes installing new, durable play and fitness equipment and upgrading surfaces for year-round use. This community-driven initiative supports physical and mental wellbeing, celebrates local spirit, and ensures the park remains a vibrant hub for recreation and connection into the future.

The GULP Sports Programme aims to improve oral health and reduce sugary drink consumption among Key Stage 2 pupils in Crewe, delivered by Macclesfield FC Community Sports Trust. Over six sessions combining classroom learning and physical activity, children learn about dental care, sugar awareness, hydration, and environmental impact. Each child receives a reusable water bottle, tooth brushing pack, and take-home resources. The programme supports Cheshire East’s public health goals and NHS Core20PLUS5 priorities, targeting health inequalities in deprived communities where tooth decay remains a leading cause of hospital admissions for children.

Middlewich Cricket Club plans to install solar panels and a backup battery system to eliminate electricity costs and contribute surplus energy to the grid during summer. This will free up funds to expand cricket provision, including new girls and ladies’ teams, while supporting net zero goals.

The main goal of this project is to improve room flexibility and accessibility by replacing current chairs with more suitable ones. New chairs will enable the church to offer more inclusive and adaptable services.

Refugees Welcome’s project supports refugee families in Cheshire East to improve access to education, housing, healthcare, and employment, promoting wellbeing, integration, and financial independence. It offers English language sessions, fosters positive community relations, and helps refugees navigate services and funding. A team of over 50 volunteers provides tailored support, including a Furnishing Service for those frequently relocated, one-off Hardship Grants, and ongoing collaboration with CVSCE for volunteer management and data compliance.

This renewed Wellbeing Wednesday project builds on a successful initiative in Shavington-cum-Gresty, aimed at reducing isolation and improving physical and mental wellbeing through accessible, community-based sessions. It retains popular activities like aerobic dance and crafts, while expanding to include seated fitness, mindful movement, and resilience-focused components, especially for older adults and those recovering from illness. The programme supports independence, confidence, and connection, aligning with Cheshire East’s Healthy Neighbourhoods Blueprint and NHS priorities. With proven outcomes and a prevention-focused approach, it offers a sustainable, inclusive health initiative rooted in creativity, movement, and community.

Sutton Ex-Servicemen’s Village Hall and Club aim to achieve long-term financial stability and reduce its carbon footprint by installing solar panels to cut rising electricity costs. The Hall is a vital community space, used daily by 350 members and numerous local groups, supporting inclusive activities that improve quality of life. This visible sustainability effort will also set a positive example for the wider community.

Y-STS’s “Stepping Out” program will launch free walking groups for inactive and vulnerable women aged 55+ in Crewe and Nantwich to improve physical and mental wellbeing. The project will recruit and train 10 bilingual volunteer walk leaders and engage at least 75 participants over a year. Walks will be tailored to different abilities and held weekly at local parks, with additional one-to-one support available. Partnering with local organisations, the project will offer safe, social opportunities to reduce isolation and promote health.

The Sparks programme at the Wingate Centre delivers weekly sport and social activities for adults (18+) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), promoting physical health and mental wellbeing in a safe, inclusive environment. Activities include arts and crafts, sport, Boccia, cookery, dance, and movement, supported by trained coaches and adapted facilities. Participants also access the gym, sensory room, café, and outdoor spaces. The centre fosters community, reduces isolation, and celebrates ability, with funding needed to continue this impactful work.

Foodie Fridays is a weekly life skills session supporting up to 12 people with learning disabilities to develop healthy eating habits, budgeting skills, and cooking confidence. Running every Friday from 10:30am–3:30pm, the sessions include theory, practical cooking, shopping trips, and visits to cafés and restaurants. Activities focus on meal planning, food safety, reducing waste, and celebrating global cuisines. Participants also engage in reading, writing, and hosting events like a Macmillan Coffee Morning. The program promotes independence, wellbeing, and healthier lifestyles, with quarterly milestones for planning, delivery, feedback, and evaluation.

Alsager Community Support (ACS) is seeking funding for a part-time Centre Coordinator to strengthen early support for frail or high-needs individuals, including those recovering from hospital stays. The coordinator will oversee weekday volunteer services, ensuring consistent, practical help that prevents crises and supports independent living. Key services include befriending, transport, shopping, benefit advice, and post-hospital support. The role will improve coordination, reduce hospital readmissions, and enhance wellbeing through strong links with local health and care partners.

This project will train and deploy AFC Wellness Navigators (VWNs) peer support workers from the Armed Forces community to provide personalised, community-based support to disabled, older, or frail veterans and their families across Cheshire East. Trained in safeguarding, mental health first aid, and care signposting, VWNs will offer weekly wellbeing checks, help navigate health and social care systems, and connect individuals to local activities like men’s sheds, hobby groups, and digital skills sessions. Their lived experience builds trust and encourages engagement, helping prevent isolation and avoidable hospital visits. This peer-led approach will improve quality of life, promote independence, and strengthen community connections for veterans and their families.

“Strong and Supported” is a 6-month multilingual wellbeing programme for BAME residents aged 50+ living with frailty or long-term conditions. It will support up to 45 individuals through weekly wellbeing cafés, movement classes, and 1:1 coaching reducing isolation, improving physical confidence, and promoting better health self-management. Activities include-Culturally sensitive wellbeing cafés, Gentle exercise classes, NHS and medication workshops, Carer support sessions. The programme will work closely with GPs, social prescribers, and community partners to reach those facing language, cultural, or digital barriers. It aims to reduce avoidable NHS use, improve emotional wellbeing, and strengthen links between residents and health services.

This project will expand the successful telephone befriending service into face-to-face support and a monthly “Warm Welcome” group for older residents in Congleton experiencing loneliness or isolation. The group will offer social activities, hot meals, and a friendly, inclusive environment. Building on the partnership with Changing Lives, which has supported over 100 residents, the new offer includes monthly communal meals and activities, one-to-one befriending, volunteer transport support, continued telephone befriending for housebound individuals, working with Social Prescribers and local networks, the aim is to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and ease pressure on health services.

This project will expand the Community Befriending service across East Cheshire and St Luke’s Hospices, supporting people in their final year of life and their careers. Trained volunteers will offer personalised, non-clinical support such as companionship, short walks, and practical help reducing isolation and providing respite for carers. The service is unique in focusing on end-of-life support and works closely with healthcare professionals to identify those in need. The grant will help us recruit and train more volunteers, increase capacity, and strengthen collaboration between East Cheshire and St Luke’s teams, improving reach and impact across the community.

This project will deliver 14 intergenerational animal-assisted therapy sessions across care homes in Bollington, Disley, and Poynton, paired with nearby primary schools. These sessions will bring together older residents and children many affected by pandemic isolation for shared activities involving therapy animals. Each session will include gentle animal care, conversation, and games designed to reduce loneliness, improve wellbeing, and foster intergenerational connection. The project supports mental health, befriending, and volunteering, and complements existing care community initiatives.

This project will create a befriending service offering companionship and emotional support to unpaid carers, helping to reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing. Volunteer befrienders will provide regular phone calls or visits, offering a listening ear and tailored support focused on carers’ social, emotional, and practical needs. Key activities, regular contact, friendly chats and consistent support through calls or visits. Companionship, reducing isolation for carers who spend much of their time at home. Emotional support: A safe space to talk about caring challenges and wellbeing. Signposting: Connecting carers to local services, groups, and resources. By strengthening community connections, the project will help carers feel more supported and resilient.

This project will grow the successful Nantwich Buddies model, offering inclusive peer support and social groups across CW5. Building on rising demand, they will introduce new groups including a monthly wellbeing group with Growing Health Community Garden and LGBTQ+ peer group. A New to Nantwich Café, an extra Coffee and Company session, potentially at weekends. Smaller group sizes will allow deeper connection and tailored support. A new Group Coordinator will oversee delivery, support facilitators, and strengthen partnerships. Also hoping to recruit and train 15 new volunteers, including 5 Wellbeing Connectors to help attendees access wider services. Funding will support staffing, volunteer recruitment, training, and group resources. This project will reduce loneliness, promote wellbeing, and strengthen community collaboration.

The In-Sight programme offers accessible psychoeducation to help participants understand ADHD and its impact on work, education, and daily life. Through group sessions, individuals learn how environmental factors affect the neurodiverse brain and gain practical tools to manage challenges and improve wellbeing. Courses are tailored to each group and act as a first step toward community reintegration. Participants are supported to connect with wider activities such as men's groups, gardening, and creative classes and are introduced to social prescribers in week. With long NHS wait times for ADHD diagnosis, In-Sight helps reduce pressure by empowering individuals to manage symptoms and build fulfilling lives. This project will benefit adults, parents and carers, adults with disabilities, families and carers.

Ruby’s Fund will launch a dedicated SEND Navigator Worker to support families of children with special educational needs and disabilities across Cheshire East. The role will help families access services, reduce isolation, and improve wellbeing by providing practical guidance, advocacy, and signposting. Working closely with local partners, the Navigator will strengthen referral pathways and contribute to integrated care. This project builds on Ruby’s Fund’s established SEND work and responds to growing demand for early intervention, aiming to reduce pressure on crisis and primary care services while improving outcomes for vulnerable families.

This project will fund a second Wellbeing Practitioner (WBP) to work part-time, co-delivering peer support groups and offering 1:1 session for families unable to attend. With two WBPs, a group facilitator, and volunteers, they will be able to support more families earlier and more effectively. The new role will also strengthen links with local health professionals, improving wraparound care. Funding will cover staff costs, volunteer support, refreshments, and wellbeing resources. This expansion will ensure consistent, compassionate support for families facing significant mental health challenges.

Stable Minds will deliver 250 therapeutic outreach sessions across Chelford and the CHAW Care Community, focusing on two priority groups: adults facing rural isolation and women navigating menopause. Sessions will take place in the fully equipped mobile mental health hub, offering counselling, wellbeing support, and signposting to local services.Working with GP surgeries and care community partners, they will target individuals at risk of crisis or high-intensity service use. This early intervention model aims to reduce mental health crises, improve wellbeing, and create a replicable outreach approach aligned with local health priorities.

As Cheshire East’s leading provider of accredited grief counselling, they offer 1:1 support for adults experiencing loss, delivered in community venues, online, or by phone to ensure accessibility. The service helps individuals understand and manage grief, build resilience, and prevent more serious mental health issues. Funding will support counselling delivery, group activities, and wider community engagement, helping people re-engage with life and reduce reliance on GP services.

This project will embed a Mental Health Support Worker within the successful Community Frailty One Stop Shop (CFOSS) clinic to enhance holistic care for patients living with frailty. Many attendees face mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or isolation, which currently lack direct support within the clinic. The new role, delivered by YMCA Cheshire, will provide emotional support, signposting, and help reduce reliance on crisis services.

This project expands a vital Information and Advice (I&A) service supporting older people in Cheshire East, many of whom are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and missing out on unclaimed benefits. Operating via phone and limited in-person sessions, the service helps clients access Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, and related support like housing and energy discounts. In the past year, it handled 2,481 enquiries and uncovered over £725,000 in missed benefits. With funding, the service will increase capacity by extending triage hours, expanding face-to-face support in high-need areas, and embedding energy advice into every benefits check. The project targets older people who are digitally excluded, socially isolated, and overwhelmed by complex systems, aiming to improve financial stability and wellbeing across Cheshire East.

Stronger Together is a community-led initiative supporting veterans, their families, and carers in Cheshire East through immediate relief, financial resilience, and long-term wellbeing. In partnership with local organisations, the project aims to establish a Veteran-Focused Warm and Welcome Hub in Crewe, offering hot meals, peer support, and access to mental health therapies. Veterans will benefit from weekly food and hygiene packs, budgeting and benefits advice, and practical skills workshops to promote independence and employment. The initiative also tackles digital exclusion through drop-in literacy sessions, helping isolated veterans access essential online services. Overall, Stronger Together provides a holistic support network to help the Armed Forces community rebuild and thrive.

This service provides holistic support to vulnerable families referred by GPs, schools, social services, probation, and community partners. It offers access to quality food, budgeting and debt advice, cookery clubs for nutritious meal planning, and volunteer mentors for ongoing financial guidance. Families also receive referrals for housing essentials and access to wellbeing services including podiatry, optometry, NHS nurse practitioner, and breast clinics. Services are delivered from multiple sites, including a social supermarket and Saturday sessions at Jubilee House, which offer hot meals, clothing, toiletries, and health support. The programme reaches hard-to-engage groups and helps families build resilience. Support is tailored to individual needs, with no barriers to access, and aims to create lasting stability and confidence

This project provides a safe, supportive space for families and individuals facing the cost-of-living crisis, offering twice-weekly workshops over 16 weeks. Sessions cover budgeting, money management, mental health, and job-seeking skills, aiming to support 30–40 people weekly. A small food bank and essential item distribution help meet immediate needs, while the workshops build financial resilience, emotional wellbeing, and social connections. The program strengthens local support networks and improves employability, empowering participants to better manage rising living costs through tailored, holistic support.

This project aims to expand the Access to Benefits and Support Services initiative beyond Crewe to Congleton, Alsager, Sandbach, Middlewich, and Holmes Chapel, addressing growing demand due to upcoming welfare reforms. It will build capacity within Citizens Advice Cheshire East and other VCFSE organisations by recruiting and training volunteer “Form Fillers” to help residents complete benefit applications and access support services. Led by a Development Worker, the project will deliver training, promote collaboration across care communities, and monitor progress through regular evaluation, ultimately improving financial wellbeing and resilience across Cheshire East.

Citizens Advice Cheshire North (CACN) is seeking continuation funding for its part-time Advice and Advocacy service supporting clients with mental health challenges impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. Operating from Handforth Library and Wilmslow URC, the service offers specialist support with benefits, debt, and employment issues, delivered by an experienced adviser. CACN also supports clients at Hope Central’s food bank and pantry, with plans to expand as local need grows. The service has advised primarily on Personal Independence Payments and Attendance Allowance, helping clients gain financial stability. With strong community links and growing demand, CACN expects to support 110 clients annually, generating over £200,000 in financial gains for service users.

Cre8 has operated a surplus food grocery for over five years and, with previous funding, successfully transformed its Tuesday grocery on the Moss Estate into a thriving community hub. The current project focuses on three priorities: strengthening the Moss Estate hub as a space for food access, social connection, and youth engagement, especially for post-16 NEET individuals; supporting the development of community-run groceries in Hurdsfield and Bollington by supplying surplus food and helping shape locally responsive models; and piloting a shared vehicle scheme with local food partners to improve surplus food collection and distribution across Macclesfield. This initiative aims to build long-term community resilience and a sustainable food infrastructure through collaboration and empowerment.

The Warm Welcome Project provides safe,inclusive spaces for people with disabilities, those from deprived backgrounds, and individuals facing loneliness or isolation. Beyond offering warmth and comfort, the project delivers practical support including welfare advice, job search help, and mental health signposting. Visitors are welcomed with hot drinks and friendly faces, and can take part in social activities like crafts, games, and gentle exercise. Digital access and IT support help people stay connected and build skills. By combining warmth, nourishment, connection, and tailored assistance, the project aims to reduce isolation, boost confidence, and promote long-term wellbeing.

This project expands the Green Doctor service across Cheshire East to support fuel-poor households with tailored energy advice and practical help. Support is delivered through home visits, phone calls, and community drop-ins, covering energy use reviews, tariff switching, debt support, heating and smart meter guidance, damp and mould advice, and access to grants for home improvements. Households may also receive free energy-saving items, emergency fuel and supermarket vouchers, and winter warm packs. The service works closely with partners to provide referrals for wider needs such as benefits, debt, housing, and food support, helping residents stay warm, well, and financially stable during the cost-of-living crisis.

Hope Central’s grant will support its affordable Pantry and Food Bank, which provide both crisis and preventative aid to financially vulnerable households. The Food Bank offers emergency parcels (3 meals a day for 3 days per household member) and works with referral agencies to meet rising demand, while building relationships that encourage users to access longer-term support through the Pantry. The Pantry promotes dignity, choice, and independence, offering fresh produce, a welcoming café space, and signposting to wider services including Citizens Advice, health professionals, and social prescribers. A key milestone is increasing Pantry membership to 100 and trialling two free Pantry visits for Food Bank users to reduce long-term reliance and improve financial stability

This project will purchase fridge and freezer storage to support seven local food schemes, especially during peak periods like Christmas when surplus food donations increase. The equipment will be shared across sites, requiring additional volunteer time and management to collect, store, and redistribute food efficiently. This will improve food preservation, reduce waste, and enhance the capacity of local schemes to meet growing demand.

OPM aims to expand its food support by offering more fresh, frozen, and dry goods, along with hygiene and personal care items. Prepared meals will be available in-store—free for those in need or for a small donation. To support this, the project will purchase air-conditioning units to maintain safe food storage temperatures and a larger freezer to store and distribute prepared meals, helping reduce financial pressure for people from all backgrounds.

Ruby’s Fund is seeking support to continue and grow its cost-of-living assistance for families across Cheshire East. The funding will sustain two key support strands and enable recruitment of a dedicated SEND worker. Strand 1 offers weekly appointments to help families in financial hardship access tailored support, including referrals, free activities, hot meals, and a warm, safe space. Strand 2 provides priority access to donations such as sensory room use, gifted tickets, seasonal items, and emergency e-vouchers for essentials. Families are identified through Ruby’s services and referrals from schools, health professionals, and community partners. The initiative aims to prevent crisis escalation and provide year-round, needs-based support with robust monitoring.

Silklife provides emergency food parcels via referrals from over 60 agencies, limiting clients to two consecutive referrals followed by a three-month break to prevent dependency. Parcels include meal planners and are nutritionally reviewed by NHS dietitians. Specialised packs are available (e.g. vegan, gluten-free, homeless), all including toiletries, with free delivery and culturally appropriate food for migrants. The Community Hub Café runs weekly, offering hot meals and support to adults including homeless and refugee clients, with professionals on-site for advice. Additional services include a Nappy Bank (no referral needed), Flo-Bags for free feminine hygiene products, and partnerships with other organisations to offer holistic support.

This project provides early, preventative support to lone parent families in Crewe, helping them build resilience and reduce crisis through emotional and practical 1:1 support, weekly peer groups, and the “Taking Steps” personal development initiative. Families receive help managing urgent needs, improving financial stability, and accessing entitlements. Peer groups offer connection, informal learning, and signposting, while themed workshops focus on budgeting, stress, parenting, and self-advocacy. Structured goal setting and regular evaluations track progress. The project aims to move families from surviving to thriving, strengthening both individual confidence and community networks for long-term resilience.

St Paul’s Hope and Essentials Outreach will deliver urgent food and hygiene support to vulnerable individuals and families across Crewe’s CW1 and CW2 postcode areas.

This project strengthens the Pantry’s role in supporting people during the cost-of-living crisis by increasing awareness through social media, local networks, and referral agencies, and improving the shopping experience with more fresh food and hygiene products. It aims to grow membership, reduce food insecurity, and offer a warm, welcoming space to combat loneliness. Users will benefit from drop-in sessions with external organisations, recipe cards for healthy eating, and events promoting financial, social, and mental wellbeing. Key milestones include 50 new referrals, 2,000 additional visits, 5 new volunteers, increased donations, and maintaining a 5-star hygiene rating.

The Pantry on the Upton Estate in Macclesfield offers more than food—it builds community. Each week, a free café runs before the Pantry opens, encouraging social interaction and access to services like Citizens Advice, employment support, and IT training. The Pantry provides subsidised healthy food, hygiene and baby supplies, and caters to vulnerable groups including refugees, single parents, and the homeless. Membership is free and based on postcode and need. For £3.50, members access the café and shop in a calm, welcoming environment. Additional support includes advice services, a free book library, and group activities, helping reduce isolation and improve wellbeing.

This project provides nutritious hot meals once a week in Alsager, served in a welcoming church hall by volunteers who tailor menus to attendees’ needs and preferences. Promoted through schools, GPs, social media, and community groups, the initiative supports both local and rural families. Alongside meals, the Hub offers a safe space for socialising, access to support agencies, and early intervention from a skilled Pastoral Team to prevent crisis. The Hub is especially valued by families with children with special needs and those from the deprived Radway Estate, offering trusted, multi-disciplinary support and connection.

This project will run a weekly listening and signposting service from the Sherborne Community Hub in Crewe, supporting up to four people each week. A volunteer listener will offer friendly conversation to reduce isolation and provide printed information to connect attendees with relevant local services. Held in a private room with access to wider social activities, the service aims to improve mental health, wellbeing, and life chances through early, informal support.

This project aims to provide immediate relief and long-term resilience to low-income households in East Cheshire/Crewe and its surrounding areas. The support includes food parcels, fuel/energy assistance, essentials, and critically financial support and advice. With rising living costs, many families are unable to afford necessities and are falling into debt or financial crisis. This program offers urgent help combined with proactive financial advice to stabilize households and improve long-term wellbeing.

This project will digitally equip an Armed Forces Community (AFC) hub in Cheshire East, creating a safe, inclusive space for veterans, families, and carers. Funding will improve internet connectivity and provide access to digital tools, computers, tablets, and assistive tech, supporting access to employment, training, health services, and benefits. Secure systems will enable virtual counselling, safeguarding, and confidential case management, helping build trust and engagement. The hub will also host digital skills workshops and peer-led IT support, reduce isolation and close the digital divide especially for those in rural or disadvantaged areas. This investment will strengthen digital resilience and wellbeing across the AFC community. This project will benefit Veterans/service leavers, Families and carers.

This project will install broadband on the first floor of Water Street, making the space more attractive and functional for community use. Many hirers now expect reliable internet access as a minimum requirement, and this upgrade will help increase bookings and overall usage. The improved connectivity will benefit a wide range of users, including adults, children and young people, parents and carers, veterans/service leavers, and families, by enabling access to online resources, hybrid meetings, digital workshops, and other inclusive activities.

Christ Church Alsager seeks to upgrade its digital audio equipment to improve community engagement through 2025–2026. They aim to purchase a modern sound mixing desk and two wireless microphones to support local groups and events, while offering training to volunteers boosting confidence and digital literacy, especially among older adults. Our facilities are used by Scouts, schools, choirs, and orchestras, helping reduce isolation and foster community. All AV support is provided by volunteers, including retired and young people, who benefit from learning new skills and gaining experience. This investment will enhance the quality of events, encourage wider participation, and support skill development across generations.

This project will provide self-help digital devices at offices and drop-in sessions across Wilmslow, Handforth, Knutsford, Poynton, and Macclesfield. Clients will use tablets to complete online forms (benefits, jobs, housing, etc.), set up email accounts, and learn basic digital skills with support from advisers. Also introducing secure, GDPR-compliant online forms for debt and care assessments, improving efficiency and empowering clients to take an active role in their support. This initiative will boost digital inclusion and streamline service delivery for those most in need. This project will benefit everyone from adults, adults with disabilities, veterans/service leavers, families and carers.

This project will install broadband on the first floor of Water Street, making the space more attractive and functional for community use. Many hirers now expect reliable internet access as a minimum requirement, and this upgrade will help increase bookings and overall usage. The improved connectivity will benefit a wide range of users, including adults, children and young people, parents and carers, veterans/service leavers, and families, by enabling access to online resources, hybrid meetings, digital workshops, and other inclusive activities.

This project at The Cre8 Building on Macclesfield’s Moss Estate supports vulnerable young people through music, confidence-building, and creative expression. The building includes a recording studio, control room, and practice spaces, but its digital facilities are outdated. They seek funding to: Upgrade Wi-Fi to cover the entire building Purchase a new printer for music materials and replace two computers. These improvements will ensure young people especially those referred through the Youth Justice Service can fully engage with music-making and digital creativity in a safe, inclusive space.

This Project will transform the Signalbox container in Crewe’s Lyceum Square into a year-round community DJ hub. With grant support, they will install professional DJ equipment, acoustic treatment, and ventilation to enable live performances and high-quality streaming via YouTube and Mix cloud. Weekly sessions will showcase local talent and offer inclusive, positive music. They will run intensive DJ courses for young people and adults, prioritising those referred through schools, care-leaver and job-centre pathways, aiming to teach at least 50 learners in six months. Partnering with local organisations and using Signalbox’s public location, they aim to build a grassroots audience, boost digital skills, and create an online archive of recorded sets. With match funding and volunteer support, the hub will be sustainable beyond 2025.

The Disability Information Bureau supports people with disabilities and long-term health conditions to overcome everyday barriers. Funding will replace two ageing laptops used by our welfare officer and support coach. These upgrades will improve efficiency in delivering benefit advice, digital skills sessions, and remote support. The laptops will help them reach more people, provide faster, more reliable support, and improve outcomes for vulnerable clients. The project will benefit adults, parents and carers, adults with disabilities and families and carers

This project will create a Digital Hub to improve digital literacy in the local community, with a focus on older adults. By providing access to computers, tailored instruction, and the right equipment, they aim to help people build confidence in using technology for everyday tasks such as managing healthcare, accessing services, and staying socially connected. Improving digital skills will promote independence, reduce isolation, and enhance quality of life, making the centre a safe and welcoming space to learn, work, and engage.

This Project aims to expand the support for children, young people, and families in Knutsford by enhancing digital access at the community building. After 25 years of service in Cheshire East, they have changed their focus from Macclesfield to underserved areas like Knutsford, where they now hold a three-year lease on a dedicated space.They currently offer free counselling and parenting support, and are introducing therapeutic groups and mentoring. With the grant money they are wanting to purchase: A laptop for mentees working on goals like employment and reducing isolation, A sensory projector to support neurodiverse children in therapy,A Toucan device and LED TV for hybrid delivery of parenting classes and meetings. This funding will help reach more families facing disadvantage, mental health challenges, and SEND, improving access to inclusive, high-quality support.

This project will enhance the usability of the newly renovated Market Hall by installing AV equipment to support a wider range of community activities outside market hours. The upgraded space will be better equipped to host events, workshops, meetings, and performances, making it a more versatile and inclusive venue for local groups and residents so it will benefit everyone.

This project will improve accessibility and digital inclusion at the community centre. A digital door access system will make the building more inclusive for disabled users. Laptops for the Benefit Support Group will improve access to online services, and smart TVs will upgrade digital facilities in rooms used by up to 200 people.They also plan to expand our IT and video game design pilot project for young people, especially those who are home educated. This will teach programming, digital art, sound design, and game creation free of charge helping build valuable digital skills.

This project will use the Digital Communities grant to purchase two tablets with 12 months of 5G access, enabling mobile digital support for SEND families across Cheshire East. They aim to deliver 12 two-hour sessions at the centre and via the sensory bus, helping families build confidence in essential online skills like accessing meetings, completing benefit forms, and navigating local and national support resources. The tablets will also provide hotspot access for those without internet, making digital support more accessible. The project will benefit parents and carers, children and young people with disabilities, families and carers.

Shavington-cum-Gresty Village Hall plans to upgrade its audio-visual equipment to better serve over 250 weekly visitors and support a growing range of community activities. They aim to install Bose speakers, Bluetooth and clip-on microphones, a Blue Yeti mic, and a livestreaming stand for mobile devices. These improvements will Enhance sound quality for events and presentations enable hybrid and livestreamed sessions for remote participation, Improve accessibility for those with hearing impairments, support diverse groups from fitness classes to council meetings and performances. This upgrade will boost engagement, increase footfall, and strengthen the hall’s role as a digitally connected community hub. This project will benefit everyone: adults, children and young people, parents and carers, children and young people with disabilities, adults with disabilities, veterans/service leavers, families and carers.

This Project will use this grant to equip a new mobile outreach vehicle with essential digital infrastructure, enabling trauma-informed mental health and wellbeing support in Knutsford’s most deprived and digitally excluded areas. Working with the Knutsford Community Care Board and CHAW Care Community, it will target areas with high need and low access to services, including Shaw Heath, Colshaw Farm, and rural villages like Chelford, High Legh, and Mobberley. The fully accessible Renault Master vehicle will host pop-up therapy sessions and community drop-ins. Upgrades include: Starlink satellite broadband, Touchscreen terminal for service access, Smart TVs for wellbeing content, Laptop and 360° conferencing for remote therapy, CCTV and safety camera system. These enhancements will help the group reach 25% more people especially older adults, isolated individuals, and neurodiverse young people bridging gaps in digital and therapeutic access. This project reflects the belief that mental health support should be inclusive, timely, and accessible to all.

This project will fund an OMI Platinum Sensory Projector to support children and young people (ages 3–18) with additional needs across Cheshire East. It will be used at the Knutsford hub, in a mobile outreach vehicle, and during school visits in underserved areas. The projector will create interactive sensory experiences through motion-responsive floor and wall projections ideal for neurodivergent or non-verbal children, and those affected by trauma. Benefits include: Increased engagement in therapy sessions, Safe, non-verbal participation, Improved digital access in low-service areas

Visyons Parent/carer workshops have become a vital support for families facing children’s mental health challenges. Topics include anxiety, sleep, neurodiversity, emotional regulation, and self-harm. Currently delivered only in-person at the Congleton site, access is limited for many families across Cheshire East. To meet growing demand, they have trialled online webinars and saw a 240% increase in attendance. With support from this grant, they aim to invest in professional digital equipment to deliver high-quality online and hybrid workshops, making sessions more accessible for working parents, single carers, and those in rural areas. This project will remove barriers to support, empowering more families with the tools to navigate mental health challenges and build stronger, healthier relationships. This project aims to benefit adults, children and young people, parents and carers, children and young people with disabilities, families and carers.

Funded to deliver a project with seven key components, Advice centre, Befriending Service, Medical transport, Helping hands, Shopping Service, Benefit Advice and support worker offering a social prescribing opportunity in the heart of the community

Funded to deliver support for people living alone and/or in rural isolation. ADCA and NTC aim to enrich their services to focus on those activities which both stimulate and entertain the people living with dementia. Sessions will increasingly focus on health-related activities including physical exercise, health education and support in accessing primary and secondary healthcare services

Funded to deliver a specialist, issue based support option for those clients whose mental health mean they are not able to engage with our mainstream advice services This project is for the Wilmslow and Handforth area

Funded to deliver a specialist, issue based support option for those clients whose mental health mean they are not able to engage with our mainstream advice services. This project is for the Macclesfield area.

Funded to deliver a well-being peer support programme for young people aged 12-16, designed to address and support those who experience feelings of anxiety, isolation, and loneliness, particularly among young people who are not currently in education.

Funded to deliver Recondition Cheshire East, a 12-month virtual exercise pilot programme, targeting all groups who are unable to access physical activity and exercise provision, in-person, due to de-conditioning. provision.

Funded to develop opportunities for residents of Middlewich by linking community groups, local businesses and service deliverers, facilitating coming together in community cafes, offer referrals to people who are isolated in the community or in need of greater help and link them with other local groups or take up volunteering thereby developing brighter, more connected, more supported people in our community.

Funded to deliver FlourisHER, a project developed to support women (aged 18 +) with their health and mental wellbeing across Cheshire East. This is delivered through peer support, information and advice.

Funded to deliver a range of "Community Café" style regular meetings, themed initially around areas such as Men’s Mental Health, Menopause Café, New to Nantwich Café, Grief Café, Careers Café, Single Parents Café, Chronic Conditions Café, Carers Café and LGBTQ+ Café

Funded to deliver 'Insight in Mind', designed to equip care leavers and those supporting them with helpful self-care skills that promote emotional wellbeing and tackle some of the difficulties care leavers face in accessing existing services. The focus is on developing fast track systems and seeking solutions that are outside the current local offer.

Funded to deliver specialist 1:1 counselling and group support with outreaches in Crewe, Congleton and Macclesfield to support those experiencing issues around grief and loss.

Funded to deliver weekly wellbeing groups in Macclesfield, Congleton, Sandbach and Crewe. The groups will be dedicated spaces for new parents who are struggling with their mental health and emotional wellbeing

Funded to create a wellbeing hub -for residents, establish a counselling service for adults, deliver Physical Wellbeing Sessions for adults and Support Group Sessions for adults thus reducing isolation and loneliness, providing a safe space to talk, creating connections, friendships and support circles.

Funding will extend the home from hospital project for a further year. This comprehensive initiative is aimed at enabling people to access essential support in their own homes when discharged from hospital. A recruitment programme of specialist volunteers will be matched according to client need and the volunteer’s expertise.

Volunteer recruitment and training. Volunteers will provide social support, shopping, prescription collection and transport or accompaniment to GP and hospital appointments. They will not provide personal or health care but will operate alongside any home care services involved in rehabilitation following discharge.

The Shed Crew will provide a local hub (safe place) for individuals to access for learning new skills, upskilling the expertise of the volunteers, encouraging intergenerational sharing of skills, fundraising and friendship. The finished items will be sold to raise funds, which will reduce items being sent to landfill and to encourage sharing.

Funding will be used to establish and maintain an extension of the existing befriending service. Buddy and Befriending project (B&B) utilises the time of willing volunteers to help prevent adults from feeling lonely or socially isolated.

Over 50s ICT learning project - 18 Volunteers and Digital Champions, will be set up to provide one-to-one support with residents/beneficiaries at risk and work regularly with them or refer them to other appropriate organisation for further support if required.

To set up volunteer drivers to take local residents to medical appointments and also to collect prescriptions and small amounts of groceries.

Extend existing services to include a volunteer pool of befrienders who can chat to vulnerable people, initially over the phone and then face to face at their home as well as help that individual by running errands.

To employ a Befriending Project Co-ordinator for pairing volunteers and beneficiaries, record keeping, reporting and networking, to enable volunteers to offer support needed including shopping, prescription collection, taking beneficiaries on short trips to local venues.

Extension to the Back Home Project, which will deliver an information, advice and advocacy service for the benefit of clients who require additional support to enable them to speedily return home from Macclesfield Hospital and other local, non-acute, in-patient units (e.g. Congleton War Memorial Hospital), such as assistance completing forms to gain funding to assist their rehabilitation at home.

To support vulnerable people living in Crewe to overcome barriers to accessing benefits, support and services, thus improving their finances and capacity to manage their health and wellbeing. By assisting vulnerable local people such as those on a low income, older people, those with disabilities, long term health conditions and the digitally excluded, to complete benefits and other official forms, book medical appointments, and access support services using both online and paper forms and access points. Offering face to face, one to one appointments with a trained volunteer Form Filling Assistant.

To strengthen community support by increasing the pool of volunteer drivers to better serve vulnerable residents across CHOC. By providing essential transport services.

To support the peer-to-peer volunteering within the disabled community which helps to keep more people well and at home for longer. Support will be provided to disabled people and their carers to find meaningful activities within their communities, which can be volunteering, social events, or even into work. These activities will provide connections to their local community for disabled people, improving mental health.

Shopmobility plus

To recruit and manage a team of volunteers who will receive training support an enhanced DBS check before being matched with service users. They will provide companionship and support to give vulnerable people the confidence to remain in their own homes and manage their own health conditions.

To work with a range of local care homes, supported housing networks and disability networks to create weekly sessions of wellbeing. The community trust team have developed a programme to help participants in a range of different activities to make them more physically active in a range of different chair based and physical exercise sessions.

These are done in house at the care facilities or on site of a range of different supported networks such as Carter House in Congleton, The Mayfield Centre in Macclesfield or the Redesmere Centre in Handforth.

Recruitment of Healthy Start Community Champions to support and increase the uptake to the Healthy Start scheme across Crewe, Nantwich, SMASH and Knutsford.

Recruitment of Healthy Start Community Champions to support and increase the uptake to the Healthy Start scheme across BDP, CHAW, CHOC and Macclesfield

Pure Insight Mentoring for Care Leavers. Pure Insight’s Mentoring model is a community relationship-based model maximising local knowledge, support and connections through well trained and supported volunteers.

Pure Insight Mentoring for Care Leavers. Pure Insight’s Mentoring model is a community relationship-based model maximising local knowledge, support and connections through well trained and supported volunteers.

Recruitment of a volunteer coordinator to enhance capacity to achieve goals. The coordinator will support current volunteers, onboard ten more, and ensure they receive proper training. They will also help expand volunteer placements and strengthen services.

The coordinator will support volunteers by:

• Providing information: Volunteers will guide and signpost during sessions.
• Offering respite and peer support: Volunteers will assist at SEND-specific sessions.
• Helping with form-filling: Volunteers will assist with forms like disability living allowance applications.
• With this role, Ruby’s can grow the volunteer program, effectively support SEND families, and make a significant community impact.

Recruitment of a befriending lead to Recruit, coordinate and train volunteers to support lonely, isolated and vulnerable residents in their own homes and in the community. Volunteers will:

• increase support via referrals into local services
• ensure specific focus on vulnerable individuals that have been discharged from hospital and primary care
• provide community transport for clients to access health services, appointments and social activities

The "Shavington-cum-Gresty Walks" project, is designed to create a comprehensive and engaging walking guide for the local community. This initiative will deliver a detailed booklet featuring a range of walking routes throughout the parish of Shavington-cum-Gresty. The guide will cater to various fitness levels, from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes, and will highlight local landmarks, historical sites, and natural beauty. By offering these diverse routes, the project aims to encourage residents to engage in regular physical activity, thereby promoting overall health and well-being.

Extending the Wellbeing Wednesday program.

Wellbeing Wednesdays will deliver a weekly cardio fitness session designed for all ages and abilities, ensuring inclusivity for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those recovering from illness. These sessions promote physical health, reduce social isolation, enhance mental well-being and encourage more community members to engage in regular exercise. It will also offer social time afterward, which we have found from feedback that those attending find very beneficial.

This project aims to enhance the recruitment, training, and coordination of volunteers who will deliver essential services to vulnerable community members, particularly the elderly, disabled, and those facing social isolation.

Our initiative will specifically focus on:

• Expanding Volunteer Capacity: Recruit, train, and retain volunteers to deliver person-centred care and support services.
• Providing Practical Support: Assist vulnerable residents with daily tasks such as shopping, prescription collection, and light home maintenance, allowing them to live independently.
• Reducing Loneliness: Offer befriending services, social engagement activities, and virtual check-ins to combat loneliness and promote mental wellbeing.
• Enhancing Digital Inclusion:Equip volunteers to provide digital literacy support, enabling residents to access online services, connect with loved ones, and engage with virtual community events.

The Stable Minds Wellbeing Walk-In Project will offer a safe and welcoming space for individuals of all ages and backgrounds in the Knutsford community. It will be more than just a mental health support service – it will be a warm, comfortable environment where people can come to relax, have a hot drink, charge their phones or laptops, and receive practical assistance with everyday tasks.

The Stable Minds CYP: Early Intervention Mental Health Champions project, will provide early intervention mental health support for children and young people aged 3 to 25 in Cheshire East. Our project will recruit and train volunteers to become Mental Health Champions, offering immediate emotional support to young people facing challenges such as stress, anxiety, or emotional difficulties. This service will fill a critical gap in early intervention, providing a trusted adult to talk to, without the need for formal therapy.

To be able to give more rural stroke survivors, who are vulnerable, the opportunity to access support groups, especially in rural Nantwich and Holmes Chapel areas. By providing transport to these individuals, it will in turn reduce health inequalities and they will be able to access services.

Volunteers, primarily from within the Neuromuscular community will share lived experience examples with others who have faced similar challenges and can offer lived experience guidance. The volunteers will be asked to support residents also living in Cheshire East who are facing particular challenges that volunteers are likely to have faced during their personal journey of living with a long term physical disability.

From 3 community venues there will be a vast array of activities and services offered that will reach some of the most vulnerable people in the community. From older people provision at Jubilee House (dementia support and lunch club) to the seated chair exercise classes (including Boccia) and wellbeing walks at the Georges to the mental health drop in provision at Eagle Bridge, this project will enable the delivery of 3 types of service in one.

This funding will allow organisation to continue the vital service, integrating Home from Hospital into our daily operations for long-term support. The project takes vulnerable individuals through services such as befriending, medical transport, helping hands, digital support, shopping assistance, benefits advice, and PA help all delivered at home.

The Handforth Outreach Continuation Project will allow us to continue to deliver a primary face to face information, advice and advocacy service for the benefit of those clients that are the most severely impacted by the cost of living crisis.

To provide fun and sociable discos and to use music to inspire memories, conversation, and friendships in and between people living with dementia.

To recruit a member of staff based within the already existing scheme to support the volunteers.

'Women's Health Bus', a new outreach initiative providing advice, information and practical support for women and girls across Cheshire East.

The funding will allow the group to establish a robust Volunteer Program that will raise awareness of Smile Group and expand our capacity to support vulnerable families across four East Cheshire communities.

To run cooking courses and to establish a CAP Life skills training.

To develop Pantry to Plate project to provide members with the essential store cupboard items to begin their cooking journey.

Delivering hot meals to older vulnerable people in the community.

Meals on wheels service to Oakmere in Handforth alongside community activity sessions.

Meals and Welfare service to Willowmere residents.

Carers Cost of Living Action Project will deliver a new support programme for unpaid carers across Cheshire East. The project will consist of monthly lunch club for carers in Crewe, training and information sessions offered online and in-person as well as one to one support.

The Art Room Community Café Project will create new volunteering and training opportunities in food preparation and service for young adults.

Handforth Outreach Project will offer information, advice and advocacy to those in need of help with benefits, employment, money and debt, housing, consumer, family issues, immigration and the legal system.

YMCA Crewe’s Saturday Drop In Project will host a Saturday drop in between 10AM-2PM with phone chargers and board games as well as access to free hot meals for all. The project will support the wider community in financial support and advice, searches for jobs and offers on energy, broadband and insurance

Hurdsfield Community Programme Project will sustain and grow the relationships with the wider community and volunteers by extending their visiting hours, providing a telephone befriending programme and continue to provide the food pantry service monthly Community Meal.

The Cosy Cuppa Project will act as a Warm Space providing a warm, safe, social and welcoming space with hot drinks and light refreshments, free Wi-Fi, IT infrastructure as well as information and advice enabling saving of energy bills for individuals will also be available

Ruby’s Clubcard Project will enable to purchase a meal for their family during the school holidays discreetly using Ruby’s card which can be used as a form of currency.

The Community Hub will provide emergency food parcels and foodbank services and The Community Hub Café in Macclesfield will be a Warm Space throughout winter

Speaking Up Speaking Out will provide a warm, safe, and welcoming space for people with learning disabilities and Autism who can access advice, support, hot drinks and somewhere to relax and to meet friends. They will provide a hygiene bank for those in need as well as continue to provide information and advice on money management, money saving tips and meal planning.

St Paul’s Foodbank Project The project will provide emergency food support to the wider community as well as access to food from the Weekday Café.

The Education and Community Partnership Parent Support Project will provide regular drop-in sessions and a safe space for the Congleton community by utilising the schools and will refreshments, access to charging points as well as cost of living related advice.

The Sandbach Pantry will provide a sustainable food solution for the wider community to access as well as a Warm Space throughout Winter 2024 with information and advice available on saving money on energy bills Sandbach Foodbank provide food parcels to people in emergency need in Sandbach, by referral from a local agency.

The Welcome will deliver services including welfare and housing advice, support around stress and anxiety and food bank reliance support and advice. It will also be a Warm Place throughout Winter 2024 with refreshments and access to charging points and IT. The elderly residents will be able to continue to enjoy their weekly lunch and social afternoon.

Dinner Hub Project will provide a choice of nutritious hot meals, one day a week to anyone who wishes to attend.

ACS is a comprehensive initiative aimed at enabling people to access essential support in their own home when discharged from hospital, giving volunteers the opportunity to support people in their local community. A holistic approach will help patients to get home from hospital earlier, freeing up valuable hospital beds, and ensure that services are put in place to aid the speed of their recovery and set up longer term plans for future wellbeing, reducing loneliness and isolation.

BArThe project will focus on tackling social isolation and loneliness by providing a face to face befriending service and helping people to re-engage with all our local community services helping them to explore choices and their options so that they can be more involved in the decisions about their lives.

To set up a new group run by volunteers to provide a safe space for residents who are grieving to meet with others socially on a regular basis.

We will deliver a volunteer run weekly drop in Breastfeeding Support Group as part of the successful weekly Stay and Play sessions

We will recruit new volunteers to deliver freshly prepared, chilled two-course meals to local, primarily isolated, and elderly residents on a weekly basis, and providing a befriending service at the same time.

The Bromley Farm Community Connections project will focus on bringing residents together to improve their wellbeing, create a sense of community, and strengthen connections to enable positive outcomes. We will do this in conjunction with the established hub at the Old Saw Mill the Friends Club providing healthy lunches for those struggling with isolation and cost of living issues.

The organisation will deliver our renowned 5-week construction training course, supporting veterans from the Cheshire East Council area. The project is designed to provide these individuals with the skills, qualifications, and support necessary to successfully transition into the civilian construction industry, while also addressing key aspects of their well-being and integration into the community.

will install a community laundry to provide facilities to existing client groups, including Looking After the Homeless (LATH) and to offer these facilities to the local community. The facility will be looked after by a volunteer team to manage the day-to-day operation of the laundry. This team will be trained in the operation and maintenance of the machines, basic health and safety and will be provided with basic awareness of mental health and emergency first aid. Volunteers will also be provided with regularly updated information to enable them to signpost users to further support.

The Back Home project will deliver a primary face to face information, advice and advocacy service for the benefit of those clients that require additional support to enable them to speedily return home, such as assistance completing forms to gain funding to assist their rehabilitation at home

The project will allow us to recruit a number of volunteers with the ambition that one of them will become the local volunteer team leader to provide continuity once the funding period has ended. The aim is to recruit volunteers in Crewe, Wistaston and Shavington who will organise and deliver drop in sessions for local children who are young carers.

Organisation will expand our face to face in the community befriending support service working with people who are living with anxiety, depression and associated mental wellbeing issues which are a barrier for them to engage fully in their local communities.

The project will support those that are discharged from hospital and local vulnerable residents by providing a befriending service, support with everyday tasks such as shopping and prescription collection etc. and also the offer to access local social activities and services to help alleviate social isolation. We will signpost to other organisations that can offer support. We will be working with other local organisations to provide options of hot meal delivery through our volunteers to residents in Middlewich.

Project will provide befriending visits, phone calls, shopping, prescription collecting and transport to medical appointments. Defining the project as “Be a Buddy!” is our name for our recruitment drive for 2024 and we will increase our volunteer team by hosting regular information events for the Nantwich community to attend along with current Buddies with the aim of recruiting new Buddies.

This project will deliver appointments to be trialled to undertake ‘at home’ assessments. These assessments/visits would be focused around accessibility, care needs and practicalities. Individuals and families find themselves ill-equipped to know how to go about bridging the gap caused around finances, accessible transport, accessing equipment and home adaptations at a time when their condition is changing.

The project will enable us to select more of the less well off, socially isolated residents in our community and provide them with the opportunity to access hot meals along with a welfare check.

Pure Insight’s Mentoring model is a community relationship-based model maximising local knowledge, support and connections through well trained and supported volunteers. The project will produce new volunteer mentors for the Crewe and Macclesfield areas.

"Wellbeing Wednesday’s in Shavington-cum-Gresty" will host free weekly cardiovascular fitness sessions and will serve as an opportunity to introduce Cheshire's health and support services, encourage regular fitness activity, and promote healthy lifestyle opportunities.

To develop The Welcome to become a wellbeing hub. Providing training opportunities for volunteers to run group activities within The Welcome: These will specifically be: ‘Know Your Numbers’, Parkletics and Chair Exercises.

The Wishing Well Academy which will enable local people to join our mission to improve the health and wellbeing of their local community. The Wishing Well Academy will allow people to join our team as volunteers and provide a pathway through to education, training and potentially employment.

The Wishing Well Daily Meals and Welfare service. In addition to a hot meal, the service provides an informal/non-judgemental welfare aspect to the service. This project will support people returning home from hospital and enabling them to feel more comfortable at home

The project will deliver a weekly café drop-in at the Glo Café on Gresty Road, connecting with individuals in the community, local nursing homes, other voluntary organisations, and those referred to us by Cheshire East Council. The drop-in will include a free drink and meal for attendees and will enable friendly conversations helping to reduce social isolation and providing valuable volunteering opportunities to people in Crewe.

Installation of solar panels

Replacement of old heating system within the church.

Replacement of roof covering and insulation, considering improvement of heating system and water upgrades.

Purchase of mobile phones, laptops and security cameras.

Replacement of LED lights on the Tennis Courts, the project will enable the wider community to access the courts anytime.

Purchase of large screens, video recorder, CCTV and speaker system.

Replacement of lighting to LED

Purchase of a laptop, monitor, mobile phones tablets and printer.

Creation of a gateway and poly-tunnel

Replacement of floodlights

Installation of digital hardware including phones, Wi-Fi and hybrid functions for studios.

Replacement of MPU units and old fluorescent lighting

Purchase of interactive table and whiteboard and sensory items.

Installation of air source heat pump, solar panels and secondary glazing.

Replacement of floodlights

Installation of solar panels at the community boxing gym currently being newly built with the support of the Towns and Youth Investment Funds.

Installation of heating controls, replacement of lighting to LED, purchase of equipment and refurbishment of kitchen storage within the village hall.

Replacement of florescent lights to LED.

Purchase of video-based intercom, building alarm system, modern video projector, laptop and speakers.

Purchase of a PC, printer and projector screen.

Replacement of LED lighting, roof insulation, secondary glazing and replacement of doors.

Replacement of florescent lights to LED.

Installation of solar panels and LED lighting

Installation and purchase of solar panels and battery storage.

Improvement of wall insulation and kitchen refurbishment in the hall widely accessed by the community.

Replacement and installation of a new heating system as well as kitchen refurbishments in the Village Hall.

Roof and Wall Insulation.

Purchase of solar storage batteries

Purchase of laptops, recording cameras and projectors.

Purchase of large screens, video recorder, CCTV and speaker system.

Updating of lighting to LED

Updating of kitchen facilities.

Installation of new windows and external door

Purchase of AV screens, large screen and trolley along with tilting wall mount

Project will consist of developing a woodland area within Sandbach by creating a walkway to improve pedestrian access. The project will be a new addition to the already existing 2.5km Sandbach Woodland Corridor Trail.

Kitchen renovation project inc. replacement of appliances and blinds

Wi-Fi installation, purchase of monitor, installation of CCTV

Installation of heating system and draught proofing measures.

Installation of underfloor heating, replacement of lighting and boiler.

Replacement of LED lighting

Re-roofing project of a Community Hall in Macclesfield.

Purchase of a laptop and projector

Purchase of panel heaters and controls, installation of partition walls with insulation, LED lights as well as kitchen appliances and flooring.

Purchase of computers and mobile phones.

Purchase of Windows desktop PC's.

Improvement of Wi-Fi and installation of interactive screens, purchase of a laptop, tablet and mobile phone.

Upgrading of gas central heating, installation of solar panels and battery.

Installation of solar panels and battery storage system

The grant award will support continuity of the volunteer led organisation by replacing insulation, secondary glazing, and heating systems within their commercial building to enable them to continue operating as a Community Café.

Replacement of gymnasium lighting to LED.

Instillation of solar panels on the Community Building.

Funded to deliver the 'Connect All digital inclusion project'. Supporting digitally excluded older people or those who wish to gain confidence to safely access information and advice online. This includes online banking, cost-of-living support, benefits guidance, shopping, housing and council services. Via drop-in clinics, community venues, one to one sessions and home visits. Supporting those who want to get online; provides less confident users with essential digital skills, ensuring that those who remain offline are not left behind.

Funded to support the development of a wraparound support project, offering a personal, holistic service for clients with complex needs or who are in crisis regarding cost-of-living crisis, for up to 6 months each. This support will be provided by trained volunteers

Funded to develop an unused space in the outdoor area of our community centre into a visually appealing garden growing fruit and vegetables. The project will improve the self-esteem and confidence of the people being supported, and will show ways to cut down food bills by growing their own fruit and vegetables and learning to cook new recipes which could help save money.

Funded to provide help and support to parent carers supporting a disabled child in Crewe, Alsager, Congleton and Sandbach. Buddies will help parents complete funding applications to help them and their child through these challenging times. Families will also be referred to e.g, the foodbank, St Pauls for furniture and equipment and Sals shoes. All participants will receive a pamper hamper of toiletries.

Funded to support Very Green Grocery, a not-for -profit community shop. Taking surplus stock from manufacturers, distributors, and retailers and distributing throughout communities. For a low-cost contribution, customers receive bags of low-cost, high-quality food. Helping local families and individuals who are financially struggling, often in food poverty, access to affordable groceries.

Funded to deliver 2 rolling programmes of 6-week courses: one focusing on food preparation and cooking on a limited budget and the second focusing on preparing and cooking meals for a healthy lifestyle. The chef who is delivering the courses will discuss nutrition, food choices and the health benefits, to the whole family, of eating healthily.

Funded to provide energy advice to volunteers running community buildings including: Online: Basic energy advice training for community buildings. Online: Should I get an Air Source Heat Pump? For community buildings considering investment into new energy efficiency measures. Remote energy audit service carried out via video including: energy consumption information, energy and carbon report, and estimated costs and reductions and energy champion service: appointing an experienced energy assessor to provide a bespoke educational resource for building energy champions.

Funded to increase capacity to coordinate referrals from volunteers, wider team colleagues and partners, freeing up volunteers to respond to more requests for advice and speed up the process of applications for financial support for clients.

Funded to engage within localities most impacted by the Cost-of-Living Crisis in the northern part of Cheshire East, actively promoting support available and working with interest groups and partner organisations to recruit new client facing volunteers to train as CAB volunteers.

Funded to empower people disadvantaged by domestic abuse and the cost-of-living crisis by providing opportunities to improve their financial situations to rise up. To help people with practical solutions to improve their financial position. People will be given the opportunity to obtain assistance with budgeting, write their CVs, learn interview techniques, participate in employment days, and volunteer. People will be given the chance to begin their path out of poverty and have the opportunity to volunteer.

Funded to continue to deliver and grow the ‘Tea on Tuesday’ sessions. These weekly, term time, sessions, provide a warm safe space, craft activities, fun and games where families can come to socialise and share a free hot meal.

Funded to provide immediate help to clients who are unable to cope with the Cost of Living - some will need food, others will be unable to afford heating costs, as many rural homes are limited in their choice of heating methods.

Funded to map out and offer 1:1 support to small VCFSE sector organisations struggling with the cost-of-living crisis in rural and semi-rural areas of Cheshire East. We can offer free 1:1 support, guidance on fundraising, financial management, and community outreach, access to resources and training to build capacity.

Funded to develop a land sharing project which grows local, fresh, sustainable food for the community. There are waiting lists in Congleton for the limited supply of available allotment space, and there are homeowners/tenants who have gardens they struggle to maintain or would be happy to utilise their land to grow food.

Funded to increase their capacity for recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers. This will include informal interviews, advertising, training, and matching volunteers to appropriate roles. The volunteer co-ordinator will work with volunteers to maintain a record of any training, skills, experience, or feedback they receive, which will help to improve their employability.

Funded to work with an experienced and knowledgeable worker who will support our participants to help them find ways to deal with financial hardships, how the cost-of-living crisis may affect mental health worries and to explain and explore the knock-on effects that may be experienced by participants and how they can navigate and nurture health and wellbeing.

Funded to provide a convenient source of affordable, nutritious food for those struggling. To have fresh fruit and vegetables available as well as the main stables, such as eggs, bread, cheese, milk, and bacon. The food club also provides a sense of community in a safe welcoming space for people to access resources and other support.

Funded to support the Life Skills Kitchen. The kitchen is a safe and positive space where young people who are finding life hard can come and learn new skills, get help with cooking on a budget and have fun and support along the way. Sessions are available 1-1 or in a group. All ingredients are provided for free and we can also assist with access to other sources of support if the young person is worried about the cost of living. Provision is for young people aged 12-25 who live in north of Cheshire East

Funded to continue and expand their current services including:

• Family Support Team, Nursery Pre-School, Parenting
• Courses, Mum's Space, Little Angels baby and toddler group, Debt Advice, Children and Youth groups, Store House Food
• Bank, managing volunteers, Dementia Support, Job and Benefit Support, Ukrainian Refugee Support.

Funded to respond to referrals from the NHS and Adult Social Care to support older people to continue to live independently in their own homes and support our service users to claim Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit, grants for access and other services to which they may be entitled, including benefit checks, applications and appeals.

The Big Clothes Movement Funded to deliver second hand clothing events for women's or children’s clothes across Congleton and Macclesfield

Funded to provide families with emotional and practical help, along with advice and guidance and/or signposting to other relevant professional organisations where applicable.

Funded to provide discounted non-perishable food and toiletries to members, who are referred by approved referring agencies as being in financial need. The Pantry also seeks to develop a relationship with its members, which may lead to helping them with other support services such as debt advice.

Funded to continue and expand their Meal Delivery and Welfare Service. Our popular freshly prepared meals are delivered to the homes of our customers every day.

Funded to provide wellbeing coaches, recruited to support patients with their individual physical health needs physical activity by referral from the Mental Health Intensive Support Team (MHIST). The programme will make physical activity sustainable by embedding buddies. The buddy system is linked with the wellbeing coach and would help break down some of the more common barriers such as anxiety triggered by accessing a new service or site.

Funded to make Audlem ‘dementia friendly’ by delivering targeted activities, raising awareness and supporting carers. For support and activity each Thursday morning in the Public Hall Annexe

Funded to addressing mental health inequalities for gender diverse people by:

• Creating pathways to appropriate existing services
• Enabling the voices of trans and non-binary people to be heard by decision makers
• Upskilling organisations to understand the needs of gender diverse people
• Creating lived experience consultation networks
• Developing resources for awareness raising during LGBTQ+ History Month 2024
• Distribution of resources through local community access points e.g. libraries and Connected Communities
• Consultation with LGBTQ+ Network for CE to best reflect the changing needs of gender diverse people across CE.

Funded to support children and young people living with a disability and their siblings by delivering a range of activities to increase confidence and self esteem and reduce social isolations through shared activities with friends and siblings. Activities will include football, fishing, canoeing, bowling and many more. All activities are free, but children must be registered with buddies to attend any activities, everyone must complete a child profile.

Funded to develop a monthly Belong group for people affected by SMI in Cheshire East. This group will be service user led and will be developed on the principles of peer support. Also, to provide Connect - a non-judgemental listening ear on a regular basis for adults living with mental ill health

Funded to deliver Health Advice ‘n’ Deafness – the HAnD Project. This project will provide support and improve engagement to reduce health inequalities experienced by the Deaf community across Cheshire East.

Funded to provide practical support, specialist support, person centred counselling and discharge support, to enhance the current support already provided where a dedicated issue based and problem-based service for adults living with mental health issues. Support clients to recognise the strengths and skills they may already have and support them to self-advocate where possible, to address their problems. This support will also involve supporting clients as they navigate more specialised support through internal or external caseworkers, for example in debt advice, immigration or separation/divorce.

Funded to provide specialist support for domestic abuse survivors (18+) with severe mental health issues, helping to build resilience and enhance the general wellbeing of the population. The project's goal is to support domestic violence survivors holistically and comprehensively by addressing their critical mental health needs and enhancing their general wellness.

Funded to support young carers by seeking to help them with in-school provision such as after school clubs etc to improve their health and wellbeing and increasing their physical activity levels. Supporting any child 6- 18 years old who has a caring role within Cheshire East.

Funded to engage within 20% most deprived areas in Cheshire East. This will support 20 Groups to access support and to develop walking groups in the areas to help improve health of population within these areas.

Funded to work with the Care Community to engage older people to reduce isolation and loneliness. Activities including weekly friendship groups, Digital Friends Scheme, First Aid in the community and Dementia Carers Support Group.

Funded to deliver tailored sessions for people with long term health conditions and to expand provision to young people. This will work to support people with a range of conditions including Dementia, Parkinson’s and physical disabilities to help manage and alleviate symptoms, enjoy achievements and raise activity levels and improve confidence

Funded to provide opportunities for people living with Down’s Syndrome in Macclesfield and surrounding areas to take part in regular, accessible and inclusive dance classes.

Funded to develop a Junior Activity Referral Scheme targeting young people aged 12-18 years in Crewe and surrounding areas. Participants with long term health conditions will be encouraged to engage in 12-week programme to encourage and facilitate exercise. Referral via health professionals only.

Funded to deliver an early intervention mental health and counselling service. It will comprise of 1 trained counsellor working part time as a mental health lead and placement counsellors providing 1-2-1 counselling sessions as required. This service will be targeted towards adult (18+) residents with low level mental health issues

Funded to deliver a peer-support and social group for young adults across South Cheshire who have sensory issues, including visual impairments and hearing loss. Delivering a mixture of structured and unstructured sessions within the group, allowing the users to socialise with each other, access support or learn new skills such as cooking or art.

Funded to continue and develop a service to connect all those in need in Knutsford with the help they require and, when necessary and being their advocate.

All of Cheshire East Funded to continue providing free access to weekly peer-to-peer support for a membership base of 350+ men living in Cheshire East. To open another in-person group in Wilmslow in the spring and train another new facilitators to ensure the long-term sustainability of the circles.

Funded to provide 1-2-1 therapy to low-income young women (aged 19 upwards) with serious mental health illnesses such as major depression, PTSD and Border Line Personality Disorder/Emotional instability Disorder. This will be delivered by therapists who are qualified and have experience of working successfully with clients with multiple challenges.

Funded to provide access to activities for young people living with learning disabilities to enhance their skills in independent living, including residential stays, travel training, team building, forest skills, animal care, canoeing, archery, social skills, employability skills, internet safety and personal banking.

Funded to provide an Outreach Psychological Wellbeing Worker providing therapeutic interventions for young care leavers each year on a 1:1 basis in the community. Trauma informed training and support delivered to upskill volunteers and other professionals working with care leavers in Cheshire East.

Funded to provide tailored counselling for ASC adults aged 18+. The counselling service will be fully accessible and friendly. It helps people to cope with difficult emotions, difficult life events, depression, anxiety, other mental health conditions and other issues, such as sexual anxiety. The counselling service is appointment driven, rather a course of therapy

Funded to provide Specialist 1:1 counselling and group support across Cheshire East, to support those of any age, experiencing issues around grief and loss.

Funded to develop the role of Wellbeing Practitioner to deliver a blend of community-based perinatal mental health support services. To extend a blend of tailored services to meet a growing need across Cheshire East. Increase in the families that are supported and also offer Talk Therapy, with a trained counsellor.

Funded to deliver Together Time, a project that improves the mental health and emotional wellbeing of adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. This is a bespoke programme that helps people to explore how they feel and to develop the skills they need to cope with life's challenges, by providing day sessions and 121 wellbeing support.

Funded to provide oversight and coordination of a multi-organisational approach to referral and support for young people experiencing mental ill-health, offering three levels of support. Roc Café, Wellbeing workshops and 121 counselling

Funded to provide a gateway for individuals to access other support services with the potential to seek volunteering opportunities and open training and employment pathways. Developing upon the current pilot project at Eagle Bridge Health and Wellbeing Centre in Crewe, the current model of weekly drop-in sessions will be developed to ensure it is reaching people who are experiencing severe mental health illness.

Funded to provide additional support services to the growing drop-in sessions that are now based at Jubilee House in Crewe. Working in partnership with IRIS. To provide specialist support, particularly for those who have little to no vision.