Winners of our Community support scheme – Autumn 2025

The Community support scheme continues to champion local initiatives that make a real difference to people’s lives. Each quarter, we proudly support organisations across the region whose dedication to community wellbeing and safety inspires us all. Thank you to everyone who applied and The Equilibrium Foundation.

We are thrilled to announce the winners for Autumn 2025:

Let’s Grow Preston

An environmental charity who help local communities brighten their areas and green spaces through gardening to improve physical and mental wellbeing.

“I am the CEO of  Let’s Grow Preston and am absolutely delighted to accept this grant on behalf of the charity.

“It will mean so much to our volunteers and beneficiaries to have clean and safe storage for their own belongings and our community engagement equipment and will further help to instil the message that ‘you matter here’, which is the strapline that our beneficiaries and volunteers chose to describe our organisation.”- Annie Wynn BEM, Chief Executive Officer

Child Accident Prevention Trust

The UK’s leading experts in child accident prevention, offering safety alerts, safety advice, training and free resources to help secure a safer world for all our children.

“It’s fabulous news to receive this award towards our work in Manchester. The city has the highest rate of serious childhood burns in the country, with babies and toddlers from deprived families at greatest risk.

“Support for our Scar Free project will enable us to empower their parents to prevent these life-changing injuries. We applaud Equilibrium’s commitment to making a real difference in the local community.” – Katrina Phillips OBE, Chief Executive

Salford Heart Care

Salford Heart Care is the place for practical, social and emotional support for heart care patients, their families and carers.

“The grant will be used to support chair exercise sessions, such as chair yoga, at our Healthy Heart Clubs across Salford.

“Our exercise sessions help to encourage older people with all levels of ability to be more physically active, whilst improving mobility, flexibility, stamina and reducing joint pain and stiffness.

“These sessions are fun, friendly, and welcoming and help to reduce social isolation and build community spirit, whilst improving health and wellbeing.” – Serena Rice, Coordinator

Theodora Children’s Charity

Helping children living with illness, disability and serious health challenges to feel better using the proven power of laughter with specially trained Giggle Doctors in hospitals across Manchester.

“Being in hospital can be a scary and stressful experience, especially for a child, which can result in feelings of loneliness, fear and anxiety. Our Giggle Doctors support the wellbeing of children by helping to reduce stress and anxiety, improve a child’s experience of hospital and create opportunities for play.” – Ellen Blessington, Senior Community and Communications Fundraiser

The Billy Project

A funded gym project in Blackburn for women and girls aged 16+ offering a wide range of fitness activities targeted at inactive, vulnerable local women and girls from areas of high deprivation.

“This grant will significantly enhance our ability to support our community, allowing us to expand our initiatives and reach even more individuals in need.” – Leanne Procter, Founder and Director

MNI Youth Group

A youth club based in Bolton focused on enriching the skills of the local community through various activities with a focus on holistic wellbeing, mindfulness and physical and mental health; in particular the youth and people of ethnic minorities.

“This grant will enable us to deliver a much-needed Weekend Breakfast Club, providing some fun activities, learning, socialising and a hot, healthy and wholesome breakfast to children in our local area, totally free of charge – continuing what is available in schools on weekdays to the weekend, especially for families who are struggling with the cost of living.” – Mohammed Adam, Secretary

If you’d like to learn more or get involved with any of the winning charities, please visit their websites or reach out to them directly.