In 2023/24 we funded 81 projects across the group totalling £446,533
In order to be considered for funding, each project had to meet one of our strategic goals outlined in the Community Investment Strategy, which are:
Health and Wellbeing – promoting physical wellbeing, improving physical health, taking part in activities, healthy eating initiatives, improving mental wellbeing, increasing confidence to manage own health, to live more independently, reduce isolation.
Work and Skills – developing new skills, accessing training, gaining a qualification, getting into work, gaining work experience, volunteering, moving closer to work.
Environment and Sustainability – engaging residents in improving spaces or places, improving green spaces, increasing usage of community spaces, improving lifestyle choices on environmental issues, improving energy efficiency. Reducing tenancy turnover, creating a sense of community cohesion, increasing a sense of belonging in the community, increasing a sense of safety.
Financial Wellbeing – improving access to money advice and management, increasing individual confidence to manage money, reducing debts, increasing savings and improving digital usage and access.
See how our Jigsaw Foundation Community Fund has helped some of our neighbourhood projects.
Foundation 92 has successfully received £30,000 worth of funding from Jigsaw Foundation to help residents improve their lives through physical and mental activities.
Foundation 92 focuses on supporting people to improve their lives through sport and education, with an emphasis on positive physical and mental wellbeing. This programme was recently set up to support the community through sports activities to improve community cohesion, healthy lifestyles and mentoring services to improve the understanding of employment and education.
Tom Hutton, Head of Foundation 92, said: “Foundation 92, working in partnership with Jigsaw Foundation, are going to deliver a range of services in Denton and Greater Manchester to support young people and families to live more active, engaged and positive lifestyles. We’re going to be delivering range of youth and family support services. We’re looking forward to making an impact in the community through this initiative.
See how our Community Fund has helped Foundation 92 provide a variety of sports activities and mentoring for the neighbourhood.
Children’s charity MedEquip4Kids delivered a positive psychology project in four Tameside primary schools following £9,950 of funding from the Jigsaw Foundation.
The Hummingbird Project is a six-week course that aims to increase happiness and resilience through mindfulness meditations, character strength, and fun activities like the hula-hoop challenge which teaches about resilience and teamwork.
Jigsaw Foundation provided £10,000 to City Arts Nottingham who organised 50 Blue to Green adult art sessions to support residents most impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The sessions were part of a wider arts project across Nottinghamshire which aims to help people get creative in nature to support adult mental health. They took place in 10 of our Over 55’s schemes, Supported Living Schemes and other wider community venues in the Midlands.
The Friends United Group has been awarded £1140 from the Jigsaw Foundation to help residents host a wide range of exciting activities throughout the next year.
The small community group is part of Jigsaw’s Housing for Over 55’s scheme Forrest Road in Denton, Tameside and is popular with residents, with many attending the regular sessions hosted in the communal lounge.
Spring Brook Academy was presented with a £2,750 grant to buy outdoor clothing and the tools they need to gain full benefit when they attend Forest School where they build shelters, make garden ornaments and cook food.
Spring Brook Academy is a special school catering to pupils aged 4-11 with a range of social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Many have secondary needs, including autism spectrum disorder and speech/communication needs. Most have previously been excluded from school and 19% are in care.
Mustard Tree Food Club was awarded £5,000 from Jigsaw Foundation to help provide food to residents in Miles Platting, allowing them to continually access affordable food.
The Food Club aims to reduce the financial pressures of the weekly shop for people who are struggling.
Tameside Citizens Advice Bureau has received a whopping £83,790 in funding from the Jigsaw Foundation to fund a three-year project offering accessible advice to residents in need.
Several free advice services will operate in Acresfield Community Hub in Hyde, the Haughton Green Centre in Denton, the Woman and Children’s Centre at Cavendish Mill in Ashton and the Dukinfield Community Hub in Dukinfield.
Audenshaw Community Association walking group can continue to keep moving thanks to a grant of £700 from Jigsaw Foundation.
The walking group, which meets up every Thursday morning at 10am outside of the community hub, has been up and running for eight years and aims to tackle loneliness throughout the Tameside area.
The Together Centre charity in Dukinfield has been awarded £9,460 for their Mobiles Meals to You service thanks to the Jigsaw Foundation.
The centre provides support services for local families throughout Tameside to ensure those in need receive a weekly nutritious meal and see a friendly face.
Shaw Street Group from William Ford House in Mottram received £1,465.00 which enabled them to hold a street party with the wider community, as well as paying for gardening equipment and for a small patio area to be created in the communal garden.
Beatrix House and Hunters Court Residents Association from Jigsaw’s extra care scheme in Dukinfield received £2,000.
The funding will cover the costs of a regular monthly timetable of fun and sociable activities for all including quiz nights, bingo, as well as a Jubilee garden party and a Christmas party.
Spring Brook Academy was presented with a £2,750 grant to buy outdoor clothing and the tools they need to gain full benefit when they attend Forest School where they build shelters, make garden ornaments and cook food.
Spring Brook Academy is a special school catering to pupils aged 4-11 with a range of social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Many have secondary needs, including autism spectrum disorder and speech/communication needs. Most have previously been excluded from school and 19% are in care.
Community Revival UK is is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation, which exists to refresh and revitalise the local community with a range of projects including, training, education, employment, recreation and social activities. Community Revival engages with all sections of society irrespective of background but most of the beneficiaries are from the BME community.
Over 2000 students have completed English courses with the project helping to improve their confidence, self-esteem and employment opportunities. The project also promote social activities to improve social cohesion.
Shahbaz Ahmed, Head of Centre, said: “Our aim is to serve the community by supporting and motivating individuals to achieve their social and work-related goals. Thanks to Jigsaw Foundation, Community Revival can help promote learning at a grass-root level that gives direction to those who are not engaged and looking for something to do. Learning improves lives to build futures, so that learners can equally seek opportunities for themselves.
“ESOL has shown to improve participant’s communication and interpersonal skills with other members of the community by increasing their confidence and making people more active for their own everyday needs. The funding (£1,894) we have received from Jigsaw Foundation has helped us achieve our goals”
• KICKSTARZ ACADEMY – £2,989.00 (1 year project)
• Oldham Coliseum Theatre – £43,300.00 (2 year project)
See how our Community Fund has helped Stalybridge Celtic Foundation continue to provide a variety of football based activities and services for the people of Stalybridge.
See how our Community Fund has helped The Mustard Tree charity continue to help people change their lives, secure better accommodation and economic wellbeing.
See how our Community Fund has helped Hope Community Church continue to provide a variety of activities and services for the neighbourhood.
See how our Community Fund has helped Netherfield Community Centre continue to provide a variety of activities and services for the neighbourhood.
See how our Community Fund has helped Wigan Youth Zone continue to provide a much needed service for the people of Wigan.
See how our Community Fund has helped Audenshaw Community Association continue to provide a variety of activities and services for the neighbourhood.
