Jigsaw Bury, a charity in Bury, is making waves after receiving £1,000 from The Co-operative Bank’s Customer Donation Fund to help provide a multi-sport program. The charity, an independent branch of Special Olympics GB, has used the money to give multi-sport programs for community members throughout last year’s summer months; this includes weekly indoor and outdoor football sessions and fortnightly kurling sessions.
Jigsaw Bury: Empowering young athletes with inclusive sports
Jigsaw Bury is a registered charity based in Bury that encourages fun, freedom, and independence. Within the charity, two sub-groups exist: Jigsaw and Jigsaw Link.
Jigsaw is a sports and social group for young disabled people aged 13 and above. It aims to promote fun, freedom, and independence, support the enjoyment of an active social life, help people reach their sporting potential, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Jigsaw Link provides a one-to-one befriending service for people over 50 who are disabled or have an age-related condition and live in the Borough of Bury. They also offer a weekly luncheon club and social outings throughout the year.
“Jigsaw Bury relies heavily on funding, fundraising, and donations. The Customer Donation Fund’s support has allowed Jigsaw to continue its popular sports provision for young disabled people within the Bury area.” Ellen Smith, coordinator at Jigsaw, said.
A Lifeline for community projects amid rising costs
The Co-operative Bank’s Customer Donation Fund is open to organizations that are Co-operative Bank customers and hold a Community DirectPlus account. Jigsaw holds weekly indoor and outdoor football sessions.
“Supporting our customers, particularly smaller charities and community projects has never been more important. We are proud to have been able to provide these grants to projects across the UK that are positively impacting communities at a time when many vulnerable members of our communities need these types of activities to stay healthy, both physically and mentally.” Amelia Burnett, SME product manager at The Co-operative Bank, said.
The Co-operative Bank has donated more than £1.1 million to more than 1,000 community projects, with almost £100,000 donated in 2024 alone to support communities through the cost of living crisis since the Customer Donation Fund was set up in 2003. Applications for the next round of funding are now open, offering a new wave of opportunities for community groups looking to make a difference.
Like Jigsaw Bury, which supports young disabled people through sports and social activities, Weldmar Hospicecare in Dorset also provides specialist end-of-life care for adults with life-limiting illnesses and support for their loved ones. The aim is to ensure that all adults needing end-of-life care in Dorset have access to excellent services delivered when required, meeting the individual needs of patients and their loved ones.
These organizations rely on funding to continue rendering their services, and support from organizations like The Co-operative Bank’s Customer Donation Fund is crucial for their continued impact.