Here are the projects that have applied for funding under Round 9 of the Co-op's Local Community Fund
Click on a project to read about what the applicant said in their application
Then cast your vote here.
The Edge Theatre & Arts Centre
About the group: The Edge is Manchester's Theatre for Participation. We run a comprehensive participatory programme alongside professional theatre. Over the years we've worked with hundreds of fantastic actors and musicians; many are professional, some have learning disabilities, some have experience of homelessness, some are from our local community and all of them are brilliant! As theatre makers we delight in creating shows which reflect the world that we live in, even if we've set them on the moon. They're honest, relevant and always full of hope. "Alongside the excellent work on stage, there's good stuff happening throughout the organisations, with a participation programme as inclusive as it is ambitious" Rob Martin, Time Out
What the group will do: We want to run weekly theatre and dance companies for young people and adults who have a learning disability.
How the money will be spent: Budget covers the costs of running 5 weekly groups for one year: staff costs £27,625; room hire £5,400; Technical & Production costs £16,170; Participant recruitment costs £1,625; Evaluation costs £1,625
How the project will benefit the community: We run a year-round programme of dance & drama for adults and young people with learning disabilities. These projects are totally bespoke experiences, tailored to the needs, interests, abilities and aspirations of participants. They provide a space to play, make friends, learn new skills, build confidence and have fun! As a parent of one participant told us: “The Edge has allowed her to follow her dreams. I'm happy to support it and happy that such a great team provide the basis for her dreams to be captured, this gives me an important break too. I've learnt more from her as a result. If it's dancing to Mac the Knife, eating cake in the cafe or learning how to use feelings to act, we haven't had this before it's empowering so thank you.” Parent of a participant
Co-op theme: MENTAL_WELLBEING
Postcode: M21 9JG
Website: https://www.edgetheatre.co.uk
Stories Of Our Lives (org name is Joy Ethic)
About the group: Stories of Our Lives is a community building storytelling group. Through our regular meetings, our goal is to join people together in mutually empowering ways, building meaningful relationships that help make our neighbourhoods happier ones to live in. We support mental wellbeing in the community through the steps of: ◆ Connection and friendship with others ◆ Reminiscence and storytelling ◆ Refining our skills such as writing and public speaking and building confidence in new areas such as art and poetry. ◆ Giving to others ◆ Paying attention to the present moment (mindfulness) ◆ Building a sense of visibility and relevance through creating platforms for people's voices to be seen and heard. The group consists of about 30 regular members and the average age is 65.
What the group will do: The money will pay for in-person meetings, held once a month and to cover costs for us to meet each month online for those who cannot leave the house due to health or mobility issues.
How the money will be spent: Costs for 12 months facilitation and planning of sessions £660, room hire £300, portion of zoom license £60, blog cost £120, refreshments £84, insurance £120.
How the project will benefit the community: Through our regular meetings, our goal is to join people together in mutually empowering ways, building meaningful relationships that help make our neighbourhoods happier ones to live in, tackle social isolation for older people and help amplify their often undervalued stories.
Co-op theme: MENTAL_WELLBEING
Postcode: M217JF
Website: https://www.joyethic.com/
Ivygreen Allotments
About the group: We are raising funds for a fully accessible composting toilet so that plot holders, their families, and visitors to the site may enjoy time spent there comfortably. As there is no public toilet in the local vicinity, this amenity will provide a vital facility, all measures to accommodate disabled users have been incorporated during the planning process. We aim to encourage local community activities and hope the provision of a toilet, together with our welcoming and convivial approach, will attract a broader representation of people from the area we live in. The current lack of facilities is preventing us from moving ahead with our plans. The allotments provide a safe environment for social interaction and allow for both creativity and nurture: a wonderful green prescription.
What the group will do: We want to build a fully accessible composting toilet to enable us to host community events, to involve everyone in healthy, shared activity, and to encourage people to grow their own fresh food.
How the money will be spent: NatSol Full Access Composter Toilet - £8,230 plus VAT Carriage - £340 plus VAT. Refundable deposit on packing frames - £350 plus VAT. Anticipated cost £8,570 plus 20% VAT £1,714 = £10,284.00 B.S.K. Installation estimate dated 27/4/2022 Total £7,623.60, £6,353.00 + V.A.T. £1,270.60
How the project will benefit the community: Our previous events have raised charitable donations of over £5,000 for local causes, but the lack of a toilet facility acts as a barrier against community involvement and discourages visitors. The allotments offer a vital, healthy space for recreation, social interaction and food production. We want to encourage everyone to relax and to enjoy time spent without concern, amongst nature, right on the doorstep of a congested city suburb. The ability to grow our own food, to consider our impact on the environment, and to share knowledge and enthusiasm, has never been more important.
Co-op theme: ACCESS_TO_FOOD
Postcode: M21 9ET
Website: https://www.ivygreenallotments.org.uk/
Brookfield Quids In
About the group: Brookfield Quids In food club helps to feed families on lower incomes and reduce food waste in Chorlton Park. Members pay £3 each week to receive around £15 worth of food. We offer a mix of fresh, chilled and frozen food along with store cupboard staples and share cooking tips and arrange food-based events when we can. Member can stay at the club for a brew and a chat and can also keep in touch through a club WhatsApp group. Quids In organisers chat with members each week and support them to access other help when needed.
What the group will do: We want to help low-income families by giving out extra breakfast food supplies to top up their weekly food shop, helping them to get their day off to the best start.
How the money will be spent: £200/month for breakfast food including sausages, bacon, tea, coffee for 12 months
How the project will benefit the community: We will help low-income families in Chorlton Park to eat well by offering extra breakfast food items to top up their weekly shop. Each week, we distribute food that we receive from Fareshare and donated by local shops but we can’t guarantee what this will be. Being able to buy in supplies of breakfast food for our members will help them to start their day well. Members can meet up when they come in to collect their food and giving out the food also gives the Quids In organisers the chance to chat with members, checking in with them, sharing information about other services and supporting them to access other help when needed.
Co-op theme: ACCESS_TO_FOOD
Postcode: M21 7UD
Website: https://www.southwayhousing.co.uk/quidsin/
Emmeline's Pantry
About the group: We are a food bank helping vulnerable families in Manchester. We provide fresh, frozen and tinned food, as well as toiletries, clothes and baby items. Many of the women who visit us have fled domestic violence or trafficking. Our purpose is to provide them with everything they need to rebuild their lives as well as self esteem through promoting choice in a safe environment free from stigma. We also have a large allotment where we grow food for the food bank, educate local children about food poverty and production, and offer toddler classes and volunteer roles for the local community. Our charity aims to bring the whole community together to tackle food poverty and reduce waste as well as helping families living in hardship.
What the group will do: We need to purchase food to cover a shortfall in donations. This is due to a rise in food bank use during a cost of living crisis combined with rising food costs.
How the money will be spent: £2500 for extra food stocks over the next 12 months to meet the expected shortfall.
How the project will benefit the community: We will be able to continue to support the most vulnerable families in Manchester. We will be able to meet the needs of the growing number of people relying on food banks to survive. Extra funding means that fewer families will have to go without the essentials such as nappies, food and sanitary products. At a time when more and more people are struggling, donations to food banks get lower and usage numbers get higher. Our project will ensure that people living in poverty can access the things they need.
Co-op theme: ACCESS_TO_FOOD
Postcode: M21 7SJ
Website: https://emmelinespantry.com/
Barlow Moor Community Association Ltd
About the group: Barlow Moor Community Centre (BMCA) provide cradle to the grave services delivered through an adult services programme and a children's and young people's programme. For adults we provide job and training support, health and wellbeing activities, volunteering opportunities and older people work. For children we offer a nursery, stay & play, open access play sessions, after school clubs, holiday clubs and youth sessions.
What the group will do: Barlow Moor Community Centre will provide a range of community led activities to help improve local people's mental and physical wellbeing and reduce loneliness and isolation.
How the money will be spent: £300 – Gardening Project £700 – Refreshments £1500 –Various Health and Wellbeing events
How the project will benefit the community: BMCA will run a range of health and wellbeing activities to help bring the local community together. The activities will be run throughout the year enabling individuals from different backgrounds to develop increased self-esteem, improved community cohesion and improved mental/physical wellbeing. Working alongside our Volunteering project, individuals from the local area will be able to plan and develop the project to ensure it is people led/focused.
Co-op theme: MENTAL_WELLBEING
Postcode: M217NT
Website: https://bmcaltd.co.uk/
Community Revival UK conversation club
About the group: The company's principal activity is the introduction of educational and recreational activities, particularly for people of the ethnic and deprived origin or decedents who are in need, in hardship, or in distress. Our focus is to develop activities for the development of the youth, women's leisure activities, and support children with special needs. This includes asylum seekers and refugee communities. The activities may hinge on employment, training, economics, and the welfare of the users. The company also provides recreation and leisure time facilities in the interest of social life.
What the group will do: To offer ESOL(conversation club) to asylum seekers, refugees, and unemployed in the black and minority ethnic community from South Asian and African countries in Manchester.
How the money will be spent: Conversation Workshop 1 --30 hours sessions at £20 per teacher £600 Conversation Workshop 2 ---30 hours sessions at £20 per teacher £600 Administrative Cost----£2.50 x 25= £312.50 in total -admin, registering learners on courses, engaging them in an activity to join groups and workshops outreach, travel, publicity, staffing, etc. Workshops (3+3=6hours per week) Total=£1512.50
How the project will benefit the community: Beneficiaries will discuss topics of their choice to share their experiences with each other to reduce loneliness and isolation. They will feel in control and connected. We use Connect 5(be active, pay attention, give, learn new things, and exercise). The project will build capacity and increase chances in life to join community and volunteering activities.
Co-op theme: MENTAL_WELLBEING
Postcode: M21 0BQ
Website: http://www.communityrevival.co.uk/
Community Revival UK sports
About the group: Our vision and aim is to help disadvantaged BAME communities to improve their life opportunities by making them mobile. Since our inception in 2006, we have transformed the lives of over 2000 disadvantaged people from ethnically diverse communities. Objectives: To help disadvantaged BAME unemployed Improve skills and education opportunities Find people jobs Make people active -Mental health and well-being through sports etc. Provide people work experience Offer ESOL and Basic Skills-vocational courses Provide employability Support
What the group will do: To help people improve their mental health and well-being by taking part in sports(football, badminton, basketball, etc.) at their local Sports Centre( North Trafford and Mosside millennium centre).
How the money will be spent: Breakdown of expenses: 1) Coaches Fees/Expenses= Coaching costs for 40 hours for all activities at £23.75 per hour x 40 hours=£950 2) Hire/ of Facilities= sports hall bookings for 40 hours for all activities at £30 per hour in average=£1200 (3) Engagement, Booking, report, invoicing, project evaluation and refreshments (£500) Total cost of activities=1,2,3,=£2650
How the project will benefit the community: Our project will continue to support BAMEs in their sports activities to keep connected with their local sports venues, friends, and families. The project will support new participants to get involved in community sports activities to improve their networking and reduce isolation and loneliness. They will feel happy and healthier members of the community. A regular habit of taking exercise will develop a better body function making body organs effectively work. Therefore, there will be more opportunities created for the participants in the community to encourage themselves to volunteer or join further well-being activities.
Co-op theme: MENTAL_WELLBEING
Postcode: M21 0BQ
Website: http://www.communityrevival.co.uk/
Hough End Griffins JFC
About the group: Established with the aim of developing a strong, community focused Club engaging local children, parents and families through football, health, fitness and social activities. Since it's inception the Club has given over 1,500 local children of all abilities and socio-economic backgrounds the opportunity to regularly engage in organised football activities in a fun, safe and structured environment, often helping provide life skills, character development, opportunities, social interaction, support, encouragement and much more. The club currently runs over 20 teams, with around 300 local children from Under 7s through to Under 16s, and a weekly Soccer School for u6 year-olds. We strive to have a positive effect every week through energy, fun and enjoyment to coaching children's football.
What the group will do: An introduction to football and mini-soccer and a catalyst to attract and encourage more children to take up the opportunity of playing football in a safe, structured and friendly environment.
How the money will be spent: £3500: Annual facility hire cost, £1500: Annual Membership of suitable Local Leagues for teams to participate in, £1000: Equipment such as playing kit, balls, bibs, cones etc, £1000: End of season trophies, presentation day, Christmas parties and other social activities throughout the year, £500 Volunteer coaching expenses, cost of FA Courses, Emergency Aid training, DBS cost for volunteers etc
How the project will benefit the community: Hough End Griffins give local children of all abilities and socio-economic backgrounds the opportunity to regularly engage in organised football activities in a fun, safe and structured environment, often helping provide life skills, character development, opportunities, social interaction, support, encouragement and much more. We strive to have a positive effect every week through energy, fun and enjoyment to coaching children’s football. Our sessions are always geared around letting the child express themselves, to never be afraid of trying something new and to always play with a smile. This creates an environment and atmosphere where children feel safe and have freedom to enjoy themselves.
Co-op theme: YOUNG_PEOPLE
Postcode: M21 7TL
Website: https://www.houghendgriffins.com/
Whalley Range Community Forum
About the group: Provision: Community classes for physical/mental wellbeing, volunteer-led mental wellbeing groups, to reduce stigma, isolation, build friendships. Age-friendly network to empower older people. Residents' meetings: discussions with local services. Hate crime support, foodbank referrer for food poverty/crisis. Support/hold funds for new groups. Goals: Increase residents' confidence/self-esteem, wellbeing. Improve/share skills. Hub to reconnect neighbours, new friendships, get involved in local consultations. Involve/participate: accessible International Women's, Men's, Older People's Days as inclusive events, residents' meetings with local services/community groups. Health initiatives/partnerships support long-term health, GP's/NHS. Local consultations: planning: inform, have a say.
What the group will do: We will provide access to a wide range of support and activities at our community centre, to improve mental and physical health, address food poverty and loneliness and help people to feel connected.
How the money will be spent: 20 weeks Tai Chi/Qigong for balance, wellbeing and mobility x 1 hr £600, 20 weeks over 50’s music sessions x 2 hr per week £1500, 10 x cookery classes x 2 hrs various bespoke themes £1000
How the project will benefit the community: We will run regular 5-week boost resilience courses to improve confidence and self-esteem with referrals from GP’s and focus care practitioners. Participants will then attend a monthly catch-up positive living session to keep everyone in touch and to develop friendships. We will continue connecting and supporting people, to strengthen resilience, with a wellbeing focus, including ESOL for isolated women to build friendships and skills, exercise for mobility and fitness - and a music group for fun and group participation. Our community hub will support residents struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, with advice and low-cost nutritional cooking sessions with a healthy eating focus, addressing food poverty and supporting foodbank clients to gain skills, manage money and make friends.
Co-op theme: MENTAL_WELLBEING
Postcode: M16 0BG
Website: https://www.whalleyrange.org/aboutwrcf/
Chorlton Civic Society (Chorlton Voice)
About the group: We're a group who enthusiastically try to enhance and promote a vibrant and active community through a range of local events, activities and projects. Specifically, we act as a forum and voice of the residents and stakeholders in the area, particularly on planning matters; convene an alliance of local groups; and work to secure the preservation, and improvement of features of historic or public interest in the area. Our membership is open to all living working or with an interest in Chorlton and our volunteers are aged 15-76.
What the group will do: We would like to bring local people together to maintain the Community Garden as a place to enjoy and preserve nature, and learn about the links between food growing, biodiversity and climate change.
How the money will be spent: £300 wood for planters, £251 Compost, £180 plants, £300 native tree , £200 information banners , £15 reusable zip ties , £150 tools, £20 fixing bolts , £100 CANVA subscription , £60 hospitality , £60 miscellaneous printing , £1900 new entry gate , £30 water saucer for birds £30 seeds
How the project will benefit the community: Our project will help tackle biodiversity loss and climate change through working with local groups to maintain and protect the urban green space in the centre of Chorlton - the Community Garden - and learn about growing plants for food and pollinators. We will work with different community groups to maintain new planters and encourage people to learn more about what they can do to protect nature and grow their own food. At the same time, maintaining the garden will enable people to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this green oasis in the centre of Chorlton, thereby increasing their mental wellbeing.
Co-op theme: BIODIVERSITY_AND_CLIMATE_CHANGE
Postcode: M21 9PN
Website: https://chorltonvoice.org/
