The Chester Bluecoat Charity reflects on some of the organisations it has been able to financially support in 2022 in order to be able to celebrate the work of these remarkable charities.
Kidsbank Chester
In 2022, The Chester Bluecoat Charity gave KidsBank Chester £15,000 in order to allow them to rent larger premises. KidsBanks said this grant was “game-changing” as it means they are now able to store more donated items, such as clothing and equipment, enabling them to extend their reach and services.
Action Transport Theatre
In 2022, the Chester Bluecoat Charity awarded Theatre Porto £15,000 to fund drama sessions for isolated children from an area of high deprivation and child poverty. The weekly, term-time sessions offer young people aged 7 – 17 the opportunity to come together in a safe and supported space to help develop social skills and confidence.
B.I.R.D.
BIRD support families in Chester who have a child with communication, learning and/or physical disabilities. The Chester Bluecoat Charity supported them financially in 2022 which will fund physical and educational therapy for these children.
Blacon Beacon
Blacon Beacon was awarded funding in order to be able to employ an administrative assistant. This post would mean the charity could extend its’ reach to individuals and families who are struggling with the rising cost of living, helping them to make healthy meals and attain nutritious food at a reasonable and affordable price.
Chapter
Chapter, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of people experiencing mental ill-health in West Cheshire, were donated the cost of 15 Christmas meals by The Chester Bluecoat Charity for those experiencing mental health issues.
Children Today Charity Trust
The Chester Bluecoat Charity grated Children Today £5,000 in 2022 to be able to support 4-6 disabled children or young people in Chester through the provision of specialised equipment.
Chester Zoo
The Chester Bluecoat Charity gave Chester Zoo £20,000 in 2022 to fund a project that allows young, disadvantaged people from across the city to access opportunities to connect with nature. The project aims to improve the participants’ wellbeing and education, and increase their confidence and transferable skills, through the provision of family wildlife clubs, after school clubs and bursaries for Chester Zoo’s activities.
Cycling without age
Cycling without Age Chester aims to help end loneliness and isolation by bringing the elderly out of their homes and letting them reconnect with their community through cycling. The Chester Bluecoat Charity awarded them a grant in order to be able to recruit more helpers in order to be able to support more of the community.
Koala
Koala Northwest were given £10,000 by The Chester Bluecoat Charity in 2022 in order to be able to run 1,001 days support to families in Blacon and Lache. The first 1,001 days of a child’s life, from pregnancy to age two, lay the foundations for a happy and healthy life and this support will have impact for decades.
Platform for life
Platform for life is a local charity supporting the mental health of families was able to extend its’ reach thanks to a grant from The Chester Bluecoat Charity of £19,000 to fund 6 counselling or play sessions a week. Based in Chester, Platform for Life offers free support to families with low incomes in Chester who are struggling with mental health issues. Receiving no statutory funding, they are only supported by grants from other organisations.
West Cheshire Credit Union
The Chester Bluecoat Charity provided West Cheshire Credit Union with a grant in order to be able to fund IT improvements to support future needs and be able to continue to provide support
Cheshire West Voluntary Action (CWVA)
Through CWVA, The Chester Bluecoat Charity also funded the following:
- Support was offered to Ukrainian refugees through the Wesley Church Centre and the Plum Project to help the refugees feel less isolated through social gatherings and support networks.
- Hoole Community Development Trust was given funding to purchase equipment for their IT buddies sessions which improve digital skills
- Dial West Cheshire were awarded financial support towards a community café for disabled people.
- The Chester Sports Association for People with a Disability (CSAD) was given financial support to keep clubs running.
- CSASS was given the means to purchase a new printer
