More than £155,000 has been raised through the Warrington Fund, bringing life-changing support to some of the town’s most vulnerable residents.
Established in 2024 by Cheshire Community Foundation, the fund began by tackling one of the biggest hidden issues in the town: isolation.
Despite Warrington’s thriving economy, many families and individuals feel increasingly disconnected, with a 2023 study finding that 41% of people in the most deprived areas report low emotional wellbeing. More people in Warrington report feeling lonely than the national average (10% vs 6%), and the most deprived areas have more than double the number of people experiencing chronic loneliness.
The Warrington Fund is responding, funding grassroots initiatives that build connections, confidence, and community support where they’re needed most.
“Partnership is at the heart of building a stronger, more connected Warrington. The Warrington Fund brings businesses, charities, and residents together, ensuring that support reaches the people who need it most. It’s inspiring to see the real impact this fund is having on our town.” Steven Broomhead, Warrington Borough Council
The fund was made possible by generous contributions from EMR, BGEN, Flex, C4 Projects, Sellafield, Crest Medical, Warrington Borough Council, and the Steve Morgan Foundation.
At last week’s Warrington Fund Breakfast Briefing, local businesses came together to hear the incredible impact of the fund so far. With businesses already involved and others exploring how to get involved, the event reinforced the power of collaboration in driving social change.
“Giving back to Warrington is incredibly important to us. By working with Cheshire Community Foundation, we know that our support is going exactly where it’s needed most. The Warrington Fund is creating real, lasting change in people’s lives, and we’re proud to be part of that journey.” Amy Twist, BGEN
Microgrants: Small Amounts, Big Impact
Even £1,000 can be transformational for a small charity. Through an innovative Microgrant programme, Cheshire Community Foundation has partnered with Warrington Voluntary Action, providing vital cash injections that help grassroots groups grow their impact.
- Broomfields Youth Project at The Shack received funding to expand its local youth sessions, giving young people a safe, walkable space to build friendships and confidence.
- Story Stitchers, a creative storytelling group for families with neurodiverse children, now provides a much-needed safe and accepting environment where families can connect through creativity—helping to combat the profound isolation they often experience.
“This grant may seem small, but to us, it’s been transformational. The Warrington Fund has allowed us to reach more young people, provide a safe space, and give them the confidence to thrive. It’s not just funding—it’s an investment in the future of our community.” Grace Savage, School and Community Worker, Broomfields Youth Project
Multi-Year Funding: A Game-Changer for Local Charities
Long-term, sustainable funding is critical for charities supporting Warrington’s most vulnerable residents. Eight organisations have received multi-year grants, ranging from £12,000 to £90,000, allowing them to plan ahead, expand services, and meet rising demand.
Among them:
- Cycling Projects at Victoria Park provides inclusive cycling opportunities with adapted bikes for people of all abilities. Carers and individuals with mobility challenges are finding it a lifeline, creating new connections in a fun, supportive environment.
- Pure Insight 1628 supports young care leavers, a group often entering adulthood without the family support systems most people rely on. Thanks to a £30,000 annual grant for three years, the charity has appointed a Wellbeing Worker, ensuring lifesaving emotional support for these young people.
One young Warrington mother supported by Pure Insight describes its impact: “I’ve been doing so well, I can’t even tell you how well I’ve been doing. My mindset on everything has changed completely.”
“Sustainable, long-term funding is a game-changer. With the Warrington Fund’s support, we can plan ahead, expand our reach, and make a bigger difference. This means more care leavers receiving the emotional support they need, helping them build brighter futures.” Sarah Sturmey, Pure Insight 1628
Other organisations benefiting include Radio Warrington CIC, Warrington Youth Zone, Joshua Tree, Warrington Wolves Charitable Trust, Home Start, and Directions for Men, delivering projects such as:
- Support for families dealing with childhood cancer
- Wellbeing support for dads and male carers
- Accessible activities for children and young people with disabilities
Looking Ahead: 2025 Focuses on Poverty
While isolation was the priority in 2024, this year’s focus is poverty, a growing crisis in Warrington.
- 1 in 3 children in Warrington are living in relative poverty. [source: Joseph Rowntree Foundation]
- 66% of children in poverty come from families where at least one parent is working, proving that employment is no longer a guaranteed way out of hardship.
- First-time food bank usage is rising, showing that more families are struggling to make ends meet. Warrington Food Bank recently reported that 55% of households had never used a foodbank before.
The Warrington Fund is stepping up to respond, with an aim that no child goes hungry, no family struggles alone, and no one in our town is left behind.
Join us today. Every donation, big or small, helps change a life.
To donate to the Warrington Fund online, click here.
To discuss a corporate or large-scale donation, contact Tracey Andrews at [email protected]
