As proud donors to the Cheshire Community Foundation (CCF), and specifically the Crewe Fund, we recently had the privilege of seeing the impact of our support up close. Boughey Distribution’s Marketing Manager, Tom Chant, joined representatives from five other local donor businesses and the High Sheriff of Cheshire for a special charity visit organised by Debbie Smith, Head of Stewardship at CCF.
The day showcased the incredible work of three Crewe-based charities supported by the fund, all of which are making a real difference in the lives of local people.
CLASP: A Lifeline for Single Parents
The first visit was to CLASP, a charity that has been supporting single parent families in the Crewe area for 28 years. CLASP offers a range of services including counselling, day trips, life skills courses – such as assertiveness training, paediatric first aid, sewing, DIY, and budgeting. All of which are designed to empower parents and build stronger family units.
What sets CLASP apart is its commitment to creating a safe, inclusive environment where single parents can build peer support networks and reduce isolation. In 2024 alone, CLASP received over 230 new referrals.
One user of the service, Louise, described the profound impact it has had on her life:
“There have been weeks when my telephone call with the team has been all that’s kept me able to function as a mum and at work. I honestly would be lost without CLASP and the tools for living that they have given me.”
To learn more about CLASP’s work, visit: CLASP website
Hope4More: Creativity and Confidence for Young People
Next, the group visited Hope4More, a charity supporting young people aged 11–16 who are struggling with anxiety and other mental health issues. Working across Crewe’s schools, Hope4More uses creative therapies, including art and design, to help young people develop emotional resilience and reconnect with education.
Usually based at St Marks the group met at the community arts space Crewe Makes, where the charity have a dedicated gallery space. Hope4More provides tailored support through counselling and hands-on creative sessions that aim to reduce social isolation and improve mental wellbeing.
Sheila, one of the charity’s founders, read a heartfelt letter from a young person who credited Hope4More with helping them through their darkest moments.
“I probably wouldn’t be here without them,” the letter read. A powerful reminder of the life-changing role charities like Hope4More can play.
For more about their work, visit: Hope4More on CCF
Stroke Survivors: Rebuilding Lives Through Connection
The final stop was Stroke Survivors Speech & Language Group, a local organisation supporting individuals recovering from strokes and living with communication difficulties. Founded in 2018 by Liz Bedson, the group offers practical tools, emotional support, and a social lifeline to those adjusting to life after a stroke.
Meeting weekly at Union Street Baptist Church, the group provides peer-led sessions that help rebuild confidence, reduce vulnerability, and restore a sense of self-worth.
Liz’s passion for the cause stems from personal experience, after struggling to find the right support for her father. Today, the group is a safe haven for many in the community seeking to reconnect with others and rediscover their voice.
Discover more about their work here: Stroke Survivors at CCF
Making a Lasting Impact
Reflecting on the day, Tom Chant said:
“It was inspiring to see the work being done in our community by passionate, dedicated people who are making a real difference every day. At Boughey Distribution, we’re proud to support the Cheshire Community Foundation and the vital work being done through the Crewe Fund.”
We remain committed to our values and to playing a positive role in our local communities. Supporting organisations like these aligns perfectly with our ‘We Do Better’ philosophy, working to improve not just logistics, but lives in our communities.
To learn more about the Crewe Fund and the charities it supports, visit: Cheshire Community Foundation – Crewe Fund
