To keep the ball rolling, Abraham Moss Warriors FC requested a grant to continue paying for hire of a nearby training pitch. The players were finding it a problem to get there due to parents not owning cars and police rules not allowing young people to take the bus in groups after 6’o clock at night. So, with the help of the grant, the club could afford to drive the team in a minibus safely to practise.

The funding from the Bank of New York Mellon Fund has directly enabled the club to overcome potential social exclusion of their members and maintain an invaluable service for young people in the local community.

“Parents trust the club and will only allow their children to play outside if it is to participate in the weekly sessions. They know that they are safe and well looked after” June Kelly, Coach.

Reliable access to club transport and training facilities is a crucial lifeline. Not just in terms of the longevity of the club but equally for a new generation of young adults, who, through playing football for Abraham Moss Warriors FC, can learn to respect themselves, their team mates and the place they live.

£2,450 Abraham Moss Warriors JFC were awarded £2,475 from the Bank of New York Mellon Fund in April 2008..

“The Community Foundation for Greater Manchester is playing a very good role to improve the activities of the community groups, artists and public. Had we not got the grant it could not be possible for us to organise this event”, Paul Simmons chairperson.

The event was attended by approximately 800 people from Chorlton and the surrounding areas. Funding paid for a public address system, a bouncy castle, banners to promote the event and medals to reward the participants in the football tournament.

The group tries to give opportunities to people in the community who otherwise don’t get the chance to try things like playing in football tournaments and joining in with drumming workshops etc. Following the success of this event over the last few years the group is keen for the community fun day to become an annual event and are trying to make the event sustainable by using equipment bought from previous grants and making small charges for stall holders. They are also pleased that since funding was granted the group has managed to attract two new volunteers.

£2,000 The Cholrton Park Regeneration Group was awarded a grant of £2,000 from the Small Grants Programme .

As a result of their celebratory efforts the group have seen an increase in interest from the wider community and they have also gained a new press officer: a member of the audience was so impressed by the show they came forward offering their services!

The event has certainly increased Manchester Busker’s credibility and has shown what Manchester is best at — producing talented performers. As well as raising awareness of where artists start from, i.e. the streets, the event also enhanced the group’s organisational skills and opened new opportunities for those involved. One of their young helpers now volunteers at the Green Room.

“Thank you so much for letting me take part — it was an honour.” — one the events’ artists

The group have begun working with young artists on other projects and there is a growing demand for events.

As a result of this fund Manchester Busker received the Community Foundation’s Quality Standard for funding, which recognises good practice in grant management and reporting.

£2,000 The Manchester Busker were awarded a grant of £2,000 from the Grassroots Fund in June 2009..

We have a commitment to enabling relationship building between dads/male carers and their children. Our group raises self esteem, increases confidence in parenting and promotes the values of play. We aim to combat the sense of isolation many dads feel.

Men Behaving Dadly has strong user involvement. One dad who begun by attending the project with his children, went on to become a volunteer for the group. He now undertakes paid work with young people, having had no background in work with children before attending the group.

Some of the dads have in their own time, undertaken training in areas such as mental health and food hygiene to help them bring up their children and be able to deal with issues arising from the parents’ separation.

The project provides a fantastic opportunity for fathers and children to bond and spend time together in a way that they would not do otherwise. All involved are very committed, passionate and enthusiastic about this project and are devoted to making it even better in the future.

£4,783 The Men Behaving Dadly group were awarded a grant of £4,783 from the Local Network Fund in March 20.

The group weren’t simply satisfied with tackling issues of climate change. On the contrary, Tindall Street Allotments initiated links with Salford Probation Service in order to enlist help on the site from a workforce of offenders as part of the Community Payback scheme.

“We were really please to get the money for the compostable toilet — it shows our commitment to responsible gardening” Don Booth, chairman.

The investment from the Barton Fair Share Trust Programme has laid sturdy foundations for a lasting legacy in the local community. A further partnership that this funding has facilitated is between the allotment group and Salford Primary Care Trust Health Improvement Team. Thanks to the upgraded accessibility to the allotments, members of the local community with disabilities can now accept invitations to learn more about growing vegetables and enjoy healthy, outdoors activities.

“Without the provision of a disabled toilet and washing facilities, participation in this project would have been impossible” Paul Finch, Salford PCT.

Many voluntary groups aim big in theory, but few put their spade where their vegetable patch is just like Tindall Street Allotments. The catalyst? Fair Share Trust funding. The hard grafters? Don Booth and his army of green fingered, relentlessly passionate and extremely generous allotmenters. No surprise then, that Tindall Street Allotments was presented with the Community Stars 2008 Healthy Living Award.

£40,256.25 Tindall Street Allotments was awarded £40,256.25 from Barton Fair Share in June 2007..

The group has received funding towards coffee mornings with guest speakers covering topics such as health awareness, social days out and crafts. The group produces greetings cards, bags and toys which they sell at local fairs.

Some of their days out have taken group members to the Lake District, Chester, Boundary Mills and Oswaldwistle Mills. The activities and friendship that has grown organically over three years has led to a reduction in isolation of the residents living in this deprived area of Bolton.

“I now have more courage to do things” G.Holt, pensioner

The group acts as a support network and members know they can contact, and more importantly, rely on each other in times of need. The group is open not only to members of the Caribbean community but to anyone interested in joining the group. They enjoy the social interaction and feel part of the community. They thoroughly enjoy the activities on offer and are very much part of the decision-making process for what they do.

£900 The Caribbean Elders Association was awarded a grant of £900 from the Small Grants/Oglesby Fund..

Ian Pilling, Secretary of the Association, explains: “We are delighted that these new facilities mean we can open up the allotments to a wider range of groups within the community. We already have Elton Youth Centre on site and now they will be able to bring on their group of disabled persons.”

The association has received further interest from the NHS and Primary Care Trust who, together with the local primary schools, will be able to enjoy gardening facilities on their own plots.

Through the funding that Diggle Lane received it has been able to extend its presence in the local community and appeal to more individuals. Ian Pilling continues to explain: “The association encourages more community groups to participate, where the provision of new facilities means that, whatever the weather, there will be plenty to enjoy. Local Primary Schools will be able to participate as part of their food for life programmes.”

£6,615 Diggle Lane Allotments Association was awarded a grant of £6,615 from the Bury Council Fund..

“This has been an entirely successful project.” – Youth Worker at YPAC

This closes the gap between adults and children which forms a link as their feelings and opinions are being noted and circulated. This gives them confidence in their own abilities and raises their self esteem, which can prevent some from rebelling against society.

Without this group more young people within this community would be lost, most without essential life skills. Two girls involved with the project have been inspired by the group that much that they are now hoping to study photography at A Level.

“It has definitely increased young people’s confidence and has given them the opportunity to do something.” - Stella, group leader

Stella, the group leader, is confident that the project will continue and has many ideas and plans for the future. They wish to reach out and get other groups from the community involved, i.e. those who suffer from mental health problems, with social activities that will develop new and essential skills.

£2,000 The Have Your Say Community Publishing Project was awarded £2,000 from the AD Group Community Actio.

The role of the Community Development Worker seemed to make a positive impact on the community; one resident stated: “She has made a real difference and has brought all ages and backgrounds within the community together. She is doing a brilliant job!”

More residents were asked about their experiences of community involvement and if they thought a difference had been made in the area. All of those who were asked stated that the project Groundwork carried out “met” or “exceeded” expectations. The majority felt strongly that the community events and meetings had been enjoyable and worthwhile.

One member of a community group explained: “Over the years [she] has got to know my residents well and they enjoy being in her company. The interaction with the young people that [she] works with is of huge benefit to my residents and to watch them working and chatting to each other is a dream.”

Without this funding the position wouldn’t be available meaning that many voluntary and community groups would be lost without this support. It has proved to be a success and has brought the community together in so many ways, through effective meetings and events.

It just proves that one individual, a small factor, can make such an impact on a wide part of the community.

£22,000 Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale was awarded £22,000 from the Fair Share Trust Fund..

The group also participate in many other activities such as summer road shows and appearances at other charitable events, including summer fairs, and carnivals. However since the group lost their sponsors they have struggled to survive the overall running costs; they had no other choice but to increase the event fees to create more of an income. The impact of the last year’s low turnover is now being felt and they are currently on the look out for a new sponsor which is proving difficult due to the economic climate.

The hospital radio is recognised by medical practitioners as providing a therapeutic relief for patients in hospital. However it not only relaxes those who are in hospital but also keeps them updated with what’s going on in the outside world as the radio has a sports programme which broadcasts full live commentary from all Rochdale AFC games both home and away, and most of the Bury football matches.

The group needed funding to assist them in improving their services and the transmission equipment of their programmes. It is important that this station is able to continue as the information that is broadcasted goes out to many different people across Rochdale and its surrounding areas. The majority of the radio’s audience are suffering with either illnesses or loneliness, for some it is a friendly voice they can hear in what unfortunately may be their last days.

£5,000 Roch Valley Radio was awarded £5,000 from the Borough of Rochdale Fund..

The group felt that this project was essential as it brought the community together as well as improving their local neighbourhood. Hill Street Residents Association was also aware of the health benefits it would have on the people as they would be spending time outside and socialising with other neighbours. This has been a great benefit to the elderly residents as they often feel lonely and isolated in their homes.

The overall aim is to encourage neighbours to talk to each other and work together, to enable the community to get to know each other. They also want to encourage birds and insects to flourish in the area and make the rear alleyways a more pleasant place to sit in. Children, and adults, were encouraged to take an interest in gardening which will also, hopefully, increase the membership of Hill Street Residents Association.

Carol Higgins, a member of the association, explains: “Fly tipping is one of the major obstacles we have to overcome and we are continually concerned for our children\'s safety as the rubbish increases the risk of disease, infections and vermin.”

Carol continued to explain how valuable partnerships with other organisations are: “With the help of our Salford City Council Environment Crime Team we arranged and organised several community clean up days which were well attended and made a vast improvement to the area. The next part of the scheme will allow more alleyways to become a safer haven for children, young people and the elderly - those who are particularly vulnerable in society.”

Over 25% of the local residents, who were asked, wanted to see the alleyways more clean, with plants and flowers to make it a safer place for their children. Residents have also stated that they are keen to continue to work as part of a team on a project which will benefit all residents and the future of the local Broughton community.

Without financial support it wouldn’t have been possible for the group to improve the external environment of the local streets, alleyways and open spaces for their culturally diverse community to use and enjoy.

£4,100 Hill Street Resident’s Association was awarded £4,100 from the Grassroots Grants Fund..

Lisa is 22 years old and has been a member of the band since she moved to Brinnington two years ago, she loves attending the sessions and her enthusiasm for it is great. She explained that before she moved to the area she was always getting into trouble and had no confidence. Her partner was suffering with heart problems, but continued to smoke, and she was going through a bit of a tough time. However at a quit smoking group she met someone who introduced her to the samba band.

Originally Lisa went to participate in the dancing but couldn’t quite get the hang of it, she laughs: “I really couldn’t pick it up so got involved with the drums instead. I see this as home and I really wouldn’t know what to do with myself if this group wasn’t here – actually I do, I’d be walking the streets and getting myself in trouble. I am really grateful for this group; I had no confidence when I started now they can’t shut me up!”

Lisa is not the only person who has benefited from attending the club; one young lad manages with ADHD and has been able to get an audition to perform in the stage show ‘Billy Elliot’ and a 13 year old girl is currently in training to lead the band and has already stood up in front of thousands of people on her own to direct the rest of the groups performance.

These young people are developing leadership skills which build up their confidence and give them a sense of pride, enhancing their overall well being. Not only are the group taught music, they are also educated about the history of the music, therefore broaden their knowledge and giving them more understanding about other cultures and what they are a part of.

Tracy: “Many people tell me that they won’t be able to do it, the drums, but when they do I just tell them: ‘As long as you have a beat in your heart you can do it!’ Anyone can.”

£5,000 Brinnington Samba Band was awarded £5,000 from the Grassroots Grants Fund..

One member has just come out of prison, and is tagged with a curfew. Charlie used to visit him on a regular basis and told him all about the boxing club; this gave him something to look forward to once he was released. In the past Charlie has trained some men that have joined the army who have continued to maintain contact with him by writing from all over the world. A big achievement that has come out of the club being in existence is that Charlie has been able to train boys up to a professional standard and watch them compete and succeed in their boxing careers. Mike Holden, who was trained by Charlie for six years, won the British title in London, back in 2000.

Droylsden ABC were awarded a £1,615 grant made through the Community Foundation from the Nine Lives Community Fund, which was set up by barristers and staff at 9 St John Street Chambers in Manchester, and is thought to be first of its kind in the UK. The barristers, who raise money for the 9 Lives Community Fund, visited the group to see how the grant had benefited them and to meet the individuals who regularly attend. The grant enabled the club to purchase new equipment, such as sparring gloves, punch bags and gum shields which benefits the existing members and attracts new ones.

Charlie donated the old equipment to another boxing club which had just established itself and didn’t have the basic facilities. Without this club many of the members would be bored which can lead to getting themselves into trouble by letting off steam in other ways.

£1,615 Droylsden Amateur Boxing Club was awarded £1,615 from the Community Foundation’s Nine Lives fund. .

The band advertised in the brigade’s national magazine for 2nd hand instruments and is waiting for a response. Instruments can be quite costly and in the past the group have been using second hand equipment such as bugles with no mouthpieces. They are now unable to get hold of more mouthpieces which can affect the performance of the instrument.

The Boys Brigade have tried many different options before applying for funding, such as approaching music suppliers, but have received no success. The group wanted to buy smaller instruments to get children involved as anything which will make a noise attracts them and will encourage some of them to take up more complicated instruments.

The funding the group received has enabled them to give children and young people the opportunity to express themselves with a musical instrument. Another benefit that came out of the project is that the group will be working with another local Altrincham group who helped them with tuition and advice. The group hope this will be a long term project in the local community; providing another pursuit and keeping them together in a common interest. It has introduced many children to have an appeal in music and enthusiasm is given from all those involved. As this is a long term cause, they will probably only see a difference in the participants\' lives when they become proficient in learning to play an instrument.

£1,500 1st Altrincham Boys Brigade was awarded £1,500 from the Trafford MBC Fund..

Hope Carr Morris Dancers compete every week in competitions to earn points – similar to a football league. They get marked on presentation therefore uniforms are essential to uniting the girls and making them feel part of a more professional team, it makes all that hard training worth while.

Lilian is nearly 60 years old and has been coaching Morris Dancers since she was 16 years old, before then she competed in the sport herself. Over the years she has seen many girls grow up into young women who have had children of their own who now participate in the dancing sessions.

Lilian explains: “I’m practically their second mum, I see them all as ‘my’ girls and I’m here for them all. I have been there to help them through tough times in their personal life.”

This community centre is the heart of the neighbourhood, and the Morris Dancers generate a lot of interest from both younger people and adults. Everyone gets involved with all aspects of the group and they are a tight knit unit who all look out for each other.

One volunteer stated: “Without this club not only will the girls be out on the streets with nothing to do, they will be prevented from making new friends and competing in contests. The sessions bring families together, as mums, and even dads, join in with their daughters.”

£3,743 Hope Carr Morris Dancers was awarded £3,743 from the grassroots Grants Fund..