A Charitable Foundation launched by a building society with a branch in Congleton is celebrating its third birthday. 

The Leek Building Society Charitable Foundation provides grants of up to £5,000 to local charities and community groups that have a positive impact on the lives of disadvantaged or vulnerable people in the local area.

The Charitable Foundation has donated over £35,000 in the last year to foodbanks, mental health services, community gardens and many more causes. 

Leek Building Society chief executive, Andy Deeks said: "Our Charitable Foundation has gone from strength to strength, helping us to increase the scale and scope of our charitable giving. 

"Its primary function is to provide grants of between £500 and £5,000 to local charities and community groups and during the year, over £35,000 was donated to a number of worthy causes."

The Bromley Bloomers, based in Congleton, received a grant of £2,500 to help fund the expansion of their community garden.

The garden is used to address social isolation, promote mental and physical well-being, and provide access to affordable food.  

Leek Building Society has a branch in Congleton providing high-quality mortgage, savings products and community events. (Leek Building Society)

Cllr Susan Mead, who helps with the garden, said: "We're so grateful for the grant we've received.

"It's allowed us to expand the garden so we can offer more activities, opportunities and free food for the residents surrounding Bromley Farm.

"Without people donating grants to us, the garden wouldn't be able to exist and provide the community with free food and activities."

Other local causes supported by the Charitable Foundation include Borderland Voices in Leek, which received a grant of £1,200 to help them continue delivering accessible art projects and a creative space for local residents.

Charities and community organisations based in Staffordshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire and Shropshire within a 10-mile radius of a Leek Building Society branch or Leek Head office can apply for grants of up to £5,000. 

The Charitable Foundation welcomes applications from organisations working towards the perception of poverty, provision of welfare advice, advancement of community facilities and the provision of healthy food for vulnerable and disadvantaged people. 

In addition, applications from organisations working towards the development of digital inclusion and supporting people into work are also welcomed. 

Find out more about Leek Building Society Charitable Foundation here.

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