Forever Manchester has always believed that connected communities make stronger, happier communities. That’s why, every Christmas for the last few years, the organisation has awarded funds that enable people to host community events.
Due to the huge appetite from community groups to celebrate Christmas with local people this year, and funds from several Business Supporters, Forever Manchester were able to fund 75 more groups than originally planned.
We thought we’d share with you details of just a few of the groups which our charity donations are helping to fund over the Christmas period.
Bury Veterans Breakfast Hub
Some of the Armed Forces Veterans community in the Radcliffe area struggle mentally and financially. Christmas can be a constant worry due to bills, the cost of food, and being unable to afford Christmas presents for immediate family and relatives. So, the Armed Forces Veterans community is organising a Christmas party in a safe, warm environment with a DJ, pies and peas, and are asking the local supermarkets to provide raffle prizes for veterans, their families, the elderly and the local voluntary community groups. This event will encourage everyone that attends to mix, chat, discover available help, build up friendships and encourage volunteering if fit enough—all the while combating isolation in an enjoyable way.
Friends of Astley Street Park
The group, based in Wigan, will hold a Christmas event including a brass band, Santa, market stalls, and reindeer. Money will be raised through a raffle to fund future events and improvements to the park. The event will also bring the community together to sing carols, and hopefully promote the park to other residents.
Manchester Carers Forum
Rather than have one big event in central Manchester, this year the forum decided to keep the parties local to the carer support groups they already run.
They asked the groups what they wanted from the parties and it will be a mix of games, music and food within the groups themselves, with other groups choosing to go to a local restaurant for a meal with their fellow carers/friends from the groups. They are also encouraging carers they support, who don’t usually attend groups, to come along.
Ashton Breast Cancer Support Group
The ladies that attend the Breast Cancer Support group every month will have a festive lunch and “have one day to forget about all their worries of cancer; to eat, laugh and be happy! To try and put our worries about secondary cancer behind us, even if only for a little while.”
These events, funded by Forever Manchester, will help struggling communities and individuals this Christmas by making their festive period that little bit brighter. If you’d like to find out more about these projects, or you too are interested in donating, visit forevermanchester.com
