Meet our latest Community Stars

Our Community Stars programme is all about supporting the organisations that make a real difference in the communities we serve. Over the summer, our colleague panel reviewed a range of applications, each highlighting the dedication, compassion and commitment of local groups working to improve lives across Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

We're delighted to share just some of the organisations receiving funding this time around.

Little Green Sock Project

Based in Trafford, the Little Green Sock Project believes every child deserves access to the essentials they need for a safe, healthy and happy childhood. With an estimated 250,000 children living in poverty across Greater Manchester, many families are forced to go without items that are essential for a child's wellbeing and safety. The charity supports families experiencing poverty or crisis by collecting new and pre-loved children's items and creating carefully curated bundles tailored to individual needs. From providing a safe place for a baby to sleep to supplying everyday essentials, their work helps ease some of the financial and emotional pressures faced by parents while promoting sustainability and community kindness through reuse.

Thanks to a £250 Community Stars donation, the charity will be able to provide stair gates and other home safety equipment to vulnerable families, helping create safer environments for young children.

Bridging the Gap

Working out of Hulme, Bridging the Gap works to provide relief from poverty and help people move towards a more stable future. Since opening the Manchester South Central Food Bank in 2014, the organisation has supported individuals and families across Hulme, Moss Side, Whalley Range and Old Trafford with emergency food, practical advice and wider community support.

Their £350 Community Stars award will help fund fresh food for emergency food parcels, ensuring families can receive nutritious essentials alongside the support and guidance they need during difficult times.

Once Upon a Smile

Supporting bereaved children, young people and families across Greater Manchester, Once Upon a Smile provides emotional and practical support following the loss of a loved one. Through counselling, support groups and family activities, the charity helps families navigate some of life's most difficult moments. A £750 Community Stars award will help them continue delivering these vital services and ensure more families can access support when they need it most.

Stockport Home Library Service

Stockport Home Library Service brings books, audiobooks and a friendly face to people who are unable to visit their local library due to illness, disability or mobility challenges. This service helps people stay connected to their community while enjoying the many benefits of reading. With support from a £650 Community Stars donation, the team will provide books as Christmas gifts for patients spending the festive season in hospital.

Independent Options North West

Independent Options North West supports people with disabilities to live independently, build confidence and participate fully in their local communities. The charity has been supporting people across Stockport since 1977, helping individuals develop skills, make connections and improve wellbeing through a range of activities, services and support programmes. Their £400 award will contribute towards the development of a sensory room for adults with disabilities, creating a safe and welcoming space where people can relax, socialise and take part in activities to support their wellbeing and independence.

From supporting families through bereavement to helping tackle food poverty and improve child safety, these are just a few organisations that are making a real difference in our communities every day.

This latest round saw £4,000 awarded to 10 charities and community groups, helping them continue their valuable work and reach even more people in need. The funding brings the total awarded through Community Stars to £8,000 across 20 organisations in 2026.

We're proud to support their work through Community Stars and look forward to seeing the positive impact this funding will have on the people and families they support.

If you're involved in a local charity, community group or not-for-profit organisation, there's still time to apply for Community Stars funding. Our final round of applications for 2026 are open until 30th October, giving even more organisations the opportunity to receive support for projects that benefit our local communities.