Throughout the year, our Trustees award grants from our two core funds. The 'Stronger Communities Fund' (SCF), where we provide funding to groups making positive differences in their communities, and the 'Manchester's Rising Stars Fund' (MRSF) where we award grants supporting ambitious young Mancunians from disadvantage in their next steps to success.
We awarded 4 SCF and 11 MRSF grants in August 2024 which came to a total of £22,145! Here is the full list of the fantastic local projects and young people we supported, and we look forward to sharing further details about them with you as the projects and Rising Stars' ambitions develop.
Stronger Communities Fund
MaD Theatre Company
About: MaD Theatre Company is a dynamic organisation committed to providing quality drama workshops for individuals of all abilities in Manchester. With a focus on adults over 55, they aim to combat loneliness and social isolation through the transformative power of performance.
Project: The grant will fund a 50-session drama group from September 2024 to August 2025, targeting approximately 20 older adults in North Manchester. Participants will engage in devising and writing an original play that reflects their experiences and challenges, culminating in a performance at a professional theatre. This initiative will help enhance their confidence, foster friendships, and improve overall well-being.
Award: £4,000
Location: Manchester Communication Academy, North Manchester
We are overjoyed to have received a grant for our over 55’s Drama Group. This will make a huge difference to our members, they will have the opportunity to learn new skills and make new friends. We cannot thank you enough!
Aspinal
About: Aspinal is a Methodist church in Gorton that serves as a vital community hub, offering a welcoming space for various local activities, including coffee mornings and worship services. The church aims to support social connections among residents, particularly older individuals and young families.
Project: The funding will establish a regular social connection space called 'All Together', providing four hours each week for community members to gather. This initiative will create a warm and inviting environment where individuals can access information, advice, and resources while enjoying refreshments. The project aims to build trust and connections within the community, addressing the needs of those experiencing loneliness and isolation.
Award: £3,120
Location: Aspinal Methodist Church, Reddish lane, Gorton, Manchester
Thank you for supporting ALL TOGETHER. Receiving this grant will enable us to develop the opportunity to provide a safe and welcoming space at the heart of the community where local people can come together to connect, share and support one another.
As a community organisation we are rooted in our communities and know the nuances of the local area and the problems and issues people face. We recognise that where people are socially isolated, with a lack of relationships with others and little to no social support or contact there is a direct impact upon their health and wellbeing, and that there is associated risk even if people don’t feel lonely.
Somali Adult Social Care Agency (SASCA)
About: SASCA is dedicated to supporting Manchester's Somali community by addressing poverty and social isolation. They provide advocacy, advice, and mental health support, helping individuals navigate complex systems and access essential services.
Project: This grant will enable SASCA to continue its impactful outreach service for another 12 months, reaching housebound individuals experiencing loneliness. The project has already engaged over 80 clients across Manchester. Volunteers will provide companionship, assistance with daily tasks, and support in accessing healthcare and social services, ensuring that clients feel cared for and connected.
Award: £3,856
Location: City-wide, primarily in Moss Side, Hulme, and Longsight
SASCA is a small, Somali-led charity, who strives to reduce poverty and improve peoples quality of life. We are extremely grateful to the We Love MCR Charity for supporting our project to reduce loneliness for the housebound in our community. Their support will make a real difference to peoples lives and we send a massive THANK YOU to them for helping us.
Heart & Parcel CIC
About: Heart & Parcel is a unique organisation that combines cooking with English language learning, catering to diverse communities, including migrants and refugees. They celebrate cultural diversity through food while helping individuals build confidence and communication skills.
Project: The funding will support their 'Cooking With Heart' project, two 6-week Cooking & ESOL sessions specifically designed for the advanced aged community, targeting up to 60 learners and 20 volunteers. These sessions will focus on cooking recipes from various cultures while developing English language skills. The initiative aims to engage approximately 140 people, including local community members who will be invited to a final open workshop and celebration.
Award: £3,972
Location: Northmoor Community Centre, Longsight
We are incredibly excited and honoured to be awarded this funding. We are particularly honoured to be associated with We Love MCR Charity again, as we had such a positive and impactful experience when we were funded during COVID - the money made a huge different to our services, delivery and our community.
The focus of this project has been an area we have long been wanting to explore as many of our community members, their family friends and neighbours fit this category, yet it has been a challenge for us to accommodate to the standard we deem appropriate in our usual cooking & ESOL classes. We can now focus fully on this communities’ specific needs. This feeds into our learner led approach, where one of our learners, turned volunteer, turned teacher, turned director Hanane was trained and mentored through applying for this bid from start to finish.
Manchester's Rising Stars Fund
Kevin, 17, Newton Heath
Ambition: To become a successful content creator, photographer, and event business owner. Kevin is currently studying Business BTEC while running his own YouTube channel with 1.8k subscribers and a photography/videography business.
Award: £1,635 - for a camera and laptop to support his business.
Kevin's dedication is remarkable, often waking at 4 am to edit videos before attending college. His deputy safeguarding lead describes him as "an outstanding Business Student" with "tenacity, dedication, ambition and work ethic" unmatched by his peers. We believe Kevin truly embodies the spirit of a Manchester Rising Star and look forward to seeing his creative ventures flourish.
I am deeply grateful to We Love MCR Charity for considering my application. With this award, I can now take on more photography and videography projects, significantly growing my business. This support will enable me to scale my business exponentially.
Anisah, 17, Ardwick
Ambition: To become a medical doctor, specifically a pediatrician. Anisah is currently studying A-levels in sciences and has been accepted into the MAP programme to pursue medicine.
Award: £800 - for a laptop to support her studies.
Anisah's commitment extends beyond academics, volunteering at a foodbank and participating in a Nuffield research placement. Her deputy headteacher praises her as "dedicated" and "a role model," noting her exceptional ability to act on feedback. We're excited to support Anisah's journey towards becoming a compassionate and skilled doctor serving Manchester's communities.
Thank you to We Love MCR charity for your time and dedication to changing young people’s lives. With this award, I can finally achieve my true potential!
Bakhtyar, 18, Cheetham Hill
Ambition: To become a Personal Trainer and empower youth through fitness. Bakhtyar has already launched a fitness program for young people aged 16-18.
Award: £1,399 - for a Level 3 PT course.
Bakhtyar's passion for fitness and youth empowerment is evident in his work with local organisations. His coordinator praises his motivation to bridge the gap in physical education engagement. We're inspired by Bakhtyar's goal to create a supportive environment for young people to discover the joy of physical activity and look forward to seeing him qualify as a PT.
I am deeply grateful for the funding you have provided for my PT course. This incredible opportunity will enable me to continue offering free training to young people who are not currently engaged. This support will make a significant difference in their lives. Thank you for believing in my mission.
Faiso, 18, Fallowfield
Ambition: To complete a Level 4 business apprenticeship and work in administration. Faiso is currently working towards her GCSE English and Level 2 in maths.
Award: £150 - for a standard laptop to support her studies and job applications.
Faiso's training centre manager describes her as "conscientious and hardworking," noting her determination to improve her qualifications. We're excited to support Faiso's journey towards a career in business administration and believe this laptop will be a crucial tool in achieving her goals.
Chynia, 18, Moss Side
Ambition: To become a children's nurse. Chynia has secured a place at Leeds University to study child nursing, starting in September.
Award: £850 - for a standard iPad, pencil, and insurance.
Chynia's Head of Year describes her as "an exceptional student" who is "incredibly focused and determined to succeed." We're inspired by Chynia's dedication to making a difference in children's lives and are confident this support will help her excel in her nursing studies.
Receiving this award is truly life-changing! It not only fuels my dream of studying nursing but also provides vital tools for university success. The iPad for placements and note taking is a game changer! Instead of my phone. A blessing! I'm overflowing with gratitude to the charity, thank you immensely!
Muhammad, 18, Charlestown
Ambition: To become a renowned content editor and digital storyteller. Muhammad has completed his I.T. BTEC and is about to start an unpaid internship.
Award: £1,143 - for a standard laptop.
Muhammad's youth worker praises his "dedication and drive," noting that his ambitions are "thoughtful and clearly aimed at making the most of his potential." We're excited to support his journey in digital content creation and believe he has the potential to make a significant impact in his field.
I’m extremely grateful for the award I have received from the Manchester’s Rising Stars Fund. I am an individual that is extremely passionate in the production side of media, and have always needed my own equipment to fully advance in my media career. This award will be really helpful for me to succeed.
Gatjuol, 17, Ardwick
Ambition: To become a pharmacist. Gatjuol is currently taking GCSEs after completing his ESOL levels.
Award: £150 - for a standard laptop with insurance.
Gatjuol's commitment to education and integration is remarkable, participating in various programs and volunteering activities. His referee describes him as "one of the hardest-working young people" they've met. We're inspired by Gatjuol's determination, and are confident this support will help him progress towards his goal of becoming a pharmacist.
Thank you so much for this wonderful award, it means a lot to me. This laptop will help me to achieve my goals in term of research and it takes me to the next level and I will do more research on my GCSE programme this year.
Saffa, 17, Cheetham Hill
Ambition: To become a dental therapist. Saffa is currently studying A-levels and aiming to attend either the University of Manchester or King's College London for dentistry.
Award: £850 - for a standard iPad to support her studies.
Saffa's commitment extends beyond academics, as she volunteers at her local community centre and mosque. Her Head of Hall describes her as "highly ambitious and hardworking." We're excited to support Saffa's journey towards a career in dentistry and believe she'll make a positive impact in oral healthcare.
This award will help me enhance the effectiveness and frequency of my revision methods for A-levels, allowing me to reach the top grades which in turn will help open the doors of opportunity in dentistry. And so, I’ll be able to maximise my time and efforts towards the success of my future career.
Lucy, 18, Moston
Ambition: To become a mental health nurse. Lucy is set to start her level 3 BTEC Diploma in Health and Social Care in September.
Award: £150 - for a standard laptop.
Lucy's referee notes her clear focus on nursing and her proactive approach to gaining relevant experience. We're excited to support Lucy's journey towards becoming a mental health nurse and believe her passion will make a significant impact on patients' lives.
I am incredibly grateful for the generous grant to purchase a laptop. As a college student studying Health and Social Care, having access to a reliable laptop will significantly enhance my ability to complete coursework, conduct research, and stay organised.
Enas, 17, Cheetham Hill
Ambition: To complete a degree in Mathematics and pursue a career in teaching or accounting. Enas aims to attend the University of Manchester.
Award: £850 - for an iPad.
Enas's passion for mathematics is evident in her extracurricular activities, including math competitions and online courses. Her assistant headteacher praises her as "highly committed" and "making excellent progress." We're thrilled to support Enas's mathematical journey and believe she'll excel in her chosen field.
This award will make a difference towards my ambition, by making it simpler for me to revise, assisting me in achieving my objective of receiving the best results possible, enabling me to study maths in University.
Abdullah, 18
Ambition: To become an electrician. Abdullah is currently at Trafford College studying ESOL and GCSEs.
Award: £150 - for a standard laptop with insurance.
Abdullah's commitment to education and his desire to succeed shine through in his efforts to improve his English skills and pursue an apprenticeship. His referee commends his dedication and ambition and we're hopeful that this support will empower Abdullah to achieve his dream of becoming an electrician.
I want to say a big thank you to the We Love MCR Charity Grant for giving me a laptop. This will help me a lot with my GCSE studies and my dream of becoming an electrician. With the laptop, I can do my homework better, learn more about electricity, and find useful information online.
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