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.

Reuben’s Retreat based in Ashton under Lyne and Glossop support parents and siblings bereaved of a child and children that have a life limited and or life threatened illness or condition. They walk side by side with those families, offering emotional and practical support for as long as is needed. They work closely with the families and individuals creating a bespoke programme tailored to suit their needs.

In response to Covid-19, Reubens Retreat are continuing to provide ongoing support for 143 families who have a child with complex needs that must isolate for 12 weeks. Due to the lockdown families cannot have any regular professional visitors in their homes, such as physios or therapists, which leaves many families having to deal with new situations that neither they have any previous experience of dealing with.

Reubens Retreat have adapted their support by providing families with virtual counselling, virtual support groups and virtual activity sessions. They are also delivering essential food items, Happiness Hampers and virtual holistic and well-being sessions.

An award from Forever Manchester’s Community Support Fund has helped Reubens Retreat provide these tailored ‘care packages’ based on the families complex and differing needs.

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: 7th May 2020