Forever Manchester is working with UK Community Foundations to distribute funding raised by the National Emergencies Trust Coronavirus Appeal. This money is being distributed to community organisations responding to the needs of local communities across Greater Manchester via our Community Support Fund.

Jigsaw Bury is registered charity containing two sub-groups: Jigsaw and Jigsaw Link. Jigsaw is a sports and social group for young disabled people in Bury. They promote fun, freedom and independence; support people to enjoy an active social life; and help people reach their sporting potential and maintain a healthy lifestyle. ​

Jigsaw Link provides a one-to-one befriending service for people over the age of 50 who are disabled, or have an age related condition. They offer a weekly luncheon club and social outings throughout the year as well as an Older People’s Active Living Programme.

As many of the people supported by Jigsaw are classed as vulnerable, as a result of Covid-19 they are following Government guidance and self-isolating for 12 weeks.

Since the lockdown began, and Jigsaw’s regular activities were cancelled, they have set up a ‘Be Kind’ project to deliver monthly care packages together with a telephone befriending service for their members.

The ‘care packages’ contain essentials including food, drink and toiletries together with puzzle books, pens, photographs, novels and CD’s to assist mind stimulation. The telephone befriending service aims to provide a familiar voice, company and companionship during these lonely and uncertain times.

An award from Forever Manchester’s Community Support Fund has helped Jigsaw Bury purchase items to create enough care packages to support 48 disabled people for 3 months alongside supporting volunteer delivery expenses.

More information about The Community Support Fund can be found by clicking the buttons below.

Community Support Fund View the list of all groups funded to date

This year, Forever Manchester is celebrating 30 Years of supporting our local communities. We are currently working with UK Community Foundations to distribute funding raised by the National Emergencies Trust Coronavirus Appeal to support community organisations responding to the needs of local communities across Greater Manchester.

Date added: 30th April 2020