Vernon Charitable Foundation 2025 - Round 2

Last year, we were pleased to announce the creation of the Vernon Charitable Foundation, which has more than £100,000 in the fund to support local charities doing great work in Greater Manchester and Cheshire. The Vernon Charitable Foundation is represented by three Vernon Trustees, Ian Wilson, Tracey Wright and Andy Smith, and joined by four external Trustees who bring a wealth of charity sector experience: Mark Lee, Sue O'Brien, Lord Goddard and Paul Brearley. Our second round of grants for 2025 have been awarded, here they are...

Didsbury Good Neighbours - £2,500

Formed in 2009, Didsbury Good Neighbours is responsible for the development and management of the charity’s services and projects. In 2013, they opened The Pavilion Café which, along with Didsbury Neighbourhood Centre, now plays a significant role in the work of the charity. Their mission is to make a measurable difference to older people by enabling them to lead independent lives. They want to raise awareness amongst local residents, groups and businesses about the part that they can play in helping to create an age-friendly neighbourhood.

They offer a range of social groups and activities for over 55s. Their activities range from exercise, art and guitar all the way to computing. Regular socials, theatre, cinema trips and other outings are planned. All of their activities are age-friendly and offered at a relaxed pace in comfortable surroundings.They enrich the lives of older people in Didsbury by providing practical help and creating opportunities to contribute to society, connect with others and live life to the full.

Jamie, manager at Didsbury Good Neighbours, had this to say: "Thank you to the Vernon for their very generous donation. As you are aware, we find finding it extremely hard to come by funding, so this wonderful amount will enable us to continue to focus on raising our members' mental and physical wellbeing.

"I'd also like to thank Ian, our point of contact. He is a genuinely good-hearted guy whose ethos' and values totally align with those of Didsbury Good Neighbours. We very much look forward to working with him and the team to establish a great community partnership that has real impact for our members. I can honestly say that the Vernon's community centred approach totally resonates with us and we are genuinely happy to convey to all that Vernon Building Society are a caring, people centred organisation that we are happy to be associated with."

This grant will help towards their community garden improvements, and we're looking forward to seeing the finished result.

Find out more about Didsbury Good Neighbours here.

Bolshaw PTFA - £2,500

Bolshaw PTFA's aim is to raise funds to buy or at least contribute towards items and facilities that the school can not otherwise afford that will benefit the children. They also organise social events for children, parents and carers, their friends and wider family, and also create wider community relationships with Bolshaw Primary School. Some recent example of fundraising events include: annual Christmas fairs, seasonal raffles, bingo nights, and school discos.

This grant will help contribute towards their outdoor pod, which will benefit the children of Bolshaw Primary School during the school day. 

Find out more about Bolshaw PTFA here.

Keep your eyes peeled for more announcements in throughout the year to hear about applications and what is coming next.