We’ve been blown away by the incredible local groups who applied to the Hobin’s Community Fund — from sewing groups and park walkers to community gardens, music tuition, and even bat conservation!
Each one is doing amazing work to bring people together, improve lives, and make North Manchester a better place to live.
Now it’s time to have your say!
We’ve put together short videos from each of the shortlisted projects—and we want YOU to help decide who receives a share of the funding.
How to vote:
👉 Visit our Facebook page
👉 Watch the videos
👉 Like, comment, and share your favourites
Every like, share and comment counts as a vote, so show some love for the projects that mean the most to you. Voting is open until Sunday 26 July – so don’t wait!
Let’s celebrate community spirit and support the people making a real difference. Get voting, and spread the word!
This year's finalists
Active Aging
Lancashire Cricket Foundation
Lancashire Cricket Foundation’s Walking Cricket Active Ageing Hub provides adults aged 50+ and those with limited mobility the opportunity to stay active, improve wellbeing and build social connections through inclusive walking cricket sessions. The project promotes physical and mental health while helping reduce isolation and strengthen community ties in Crumpsall.
You Can Swim
Medicare Foundation
This project expands access to swimming sessions that help women and men improve their health, confidence and wellbeing through regular physical activity. A safe and supportive environment enables non-swimmers to learn new skills, improve fitness and build healthy habits, while promoting cardiovascular health and reducing social isolation.
Mummy/Daddy & Me
The Hair Sanctuary Training Group CIC
Practical workshops helping parents and carers develop the skills and confidence to care for afro and curly hair and Black skin. The project supports families from diverse backgrounds, promotes cultural understanding and inclusion, and helps children feel valued, represented and cared for through appropriate hair and skin care.
Upcycling Sewing Group
Swap & Sew CIC
Weekly fabric arts and sewing sessions in North Manchester, aiming to teach practical skills such as using sewing machines, altering clothes and creating handmade items from recycled materials. The project helps reduce social isolation by bringing people together in a welcoming community space, while promoting sustainability and supporting residents affected by the cost-of-living crisis through the donation of completed items.
The Hope Hub
The Hope Hub:Kathlegacy
A fortnightly community hub offering friendship, entertainment and a free lunch for carers, bereaved people, those living with dementia and people experiencing long-term illness. The project aims to reduce loneliness and isolation by providing a safe, welcoming space where people can socialise, enjoy activities and improve their wellbeing.
Grow Your Manchester Roots
Caritas Lalley Centre
A monthly programme of gardening, nature, creative and food-based activities designed to encourage more people to get involved in the allotment and connect with their community. Sessions include nature identification, crafts, walking and garden food-sharing events, helping participants improve wellbeing, learn new skills and enjoy the benefits of spending time outdoors.
Our Parents Made Us Do It Youth Group
Easy Come Easy After Dark
A community bat and nature project for young people and families. Activities are led by local young people, supported by the ECEG team, giving participants ownership of planning and delivering sessions. Activities take place in Scotland Hall Road Park, a safe local green space bordering Clayton Vale, making it an ideal location for bat walks and nature-based learning.
Harmony in the Park
Manchester Music & Art School
Accessible music tuition and community music sessions designed to improve wellbeing, confidence and community connections. The project supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, reduces social isolation, and brings residents together through performances and events that celebrate local green spaces and strengthen community pride.
Wednesday Walkers
LG Sodaility Initiatives CIC
A weekly walking group providing opportunities for local people to improve their physical health, wellbeing and social connections. The group offers residents, including those experiencing social isolation, the chance to enjoy the outdoors, build confidence, increase activity levels and develop supportive friendships within their community.
Soup & Socials / Stay & Play @ St Andrews
Stay & Play @ St Andrews
Soup & Socials provides free food and companionship for anyone who needs it, with no referral or questions asked. Bringing together people aged 19 to 83, including single parents, widowers and those on long-term sick leave, the project helps reduce loneliness, build connections and create a welcoming community for all.
Move Girls
Manchester Youth Zone
Move Girls is a gym confidence and wellbeing programme for girls and young women aged 8–19. Through structured, instructor-led fitness sessions, the programme helps participants improve physical health, confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing in a safe, supportive and female-friendly environment. The project removes barriers to participation and encourages lifelong healthy habits, particularly for those who may not otherwise access gym-based activities.
Rutlin Ave Community Garden
Communal Garden
This project will revitalise and improve the green space surrounding the flats on Ruthin Avenue. Residents will be involved in redesigning the gardens to make them more attractive, accessible and easier to maintain. Improvements include upgraded seating areas, colourful planting and practical landscaping that reflects the needs of an ageing community, ensuring the space can be enjoyed by all while reducing ongoing maintenance requirements.
