We’d like to raise awareness of one of our chosen charities, Forever Manchester, and take a look at some of their October projects we are delighted to have helped fund.
As Greater Manchester’s Community Foundation, Forever Manchester is the only charity that raises money to fund and support community activity across Greater Manchester. Benoit Properties started working with Forever Manchester last October as we wanted to fund projects closer to home, reinvest in the local Manchester community, and help those less fortunate.
Funding and supporting more than 1,000 community projects every year through grants and awards, Forever Manchester has poured over £57 million into local communities. It has been supporting community activity since 1989 and benefitted an estimable 1.2 million people who care enough to act.
“It’s great to see the real-world impact some of these charities have on the local community and how they enrich lives. As a charity worker myself who benefitted from local funding during my youth, I know how much of a positive impact it can have.” Matt Lavin, Director
Here are some of the projects we have helped fund this month in partnership with Forever Manchester.
Meet and Eat
Based in Clifton, Salford, Meet and Eat brings people of all ages together every Friday and provides them with a free 2-course meal. The group requested funding to enable them to continue the Friday lunchtime meals for their older members, who are struggling with isolation and the current financial situation. With the requested funding, Meet and Eat will make approximately 25 meals a week for 20 weeks.
Stockport Samaritans
Stockport Samaritans support people who are at the lowest point in their lives. Callers contact them by phone, email or in person and they provide confidential, non-judgmental emotional support for those who are combating distress and despair as well as suicidal feelings. This local branch requested funding to train 4 new volunteers to help meet demand.
Dry Wave
Based in Manchester, Dry Wave uses music and social events to connect, signpost and share stories for young people with drug and alcohol addictions. They requested help to provide an open course for 25 young people aged 18 to 25 who struggle with addiction/low mental health. The course encourages members to share their experiences; use poetry, music, rap or podcasts to tell their stories, and gain new skills with the outcome of helping or signposting to other services.
Breightmet Community Group
This group, based in Bolton, was established to help tackle poverty in the local community by running a community locker for children’s clothes and shoes. They have expanded their support by also providing food parcels and toiletries for families. To help improve their reach and make it easier for families to access the service, the group requested funding for a laptop to update their digital processes, and shelving to store items and maintain the space.
