The Knutsford Fund
A targeted approach in an area with a clearly-defined goal.
The Knutsford Fund was launched just one day before the first UK cases of Covid-19. The founding donations were from a mixture of local individuals and businesses, but their motivation was the same. They all loved their home, this historic and picturesque market town, thriving, except for some small and well-hidden pockets of deprivation.
The reputation of the town as wealthy and exclusive added to the stigma and isolation felt by those who struggled. It also prevented charities from working in the town, as the need was for their presence was not perceived to be great. The charities who were operating locally were struggling to communicate with each other, and working in silo.
We began by bringing charities into the town, who were demonstrating good practice in neighbouring Macclesfield or other areas. Their interventions opened up the conversation and they were able to signpost to other services, cross-referring or sharing gaps in provision with us, to allow us to plan our next steps. We funded a wide range of projects all over Knutsford, for various groups and needs, each time adding a new piece to the puzzle.
By the end of 2022 we had a clear picture of the needs in the town, and had built a robust network of stakeholders. We focused our efforts on one location – the Longridge and Shaw Heath estate, which sits just minutes from the town centre by car, and yet is isolated from many of the services residents need such as affordable food, healthcare, DWP support etc. We made our Knutsford Fund grants conditional on mainly working here, addressing the issues residents had raised such as health inequalities and food and fuel poverty.
2023’s grants were each awarded to meet the needs of a different generation or group:
- Speech and language sessions for toddlers
- Mental health support for school age children
- Counselling for families affected by addiction
- Practical help for older people and vulnerable adults
- Whole community support through a cafe and advice hub
To find out more about the Knutsford Fund, contact Helen Ritchie: helen.ritchie@cheshirecommunityfoundation.org.uk