Better Things - “If it wasn’t for Better Things, I don’t know where I would get the support I need”

Macc recently managed the latest Spirit of Manchester Fund round of grants which focused on organisations that support people with the cost of living crisis. We are continuing to share stories in August to show the impact of these grants and the wide range of projects that they supported. Today, we have the story from Better Things:

"Better Things is a small independent charity which provides sport and social activities, mental health support, help with abuse (an issue which disproportionately affects people with learning disabilities), employment and family assistance. It aims to provide a safe and welcoming
environment for anyone with learning disabilities living in Manchester.

Better Things provides a range of activities including football, Zumba, and multi-sport sessions, a gardening project, women’s group, drama sessions, LGBT group and other creative activities. The people we work with are often isolated and face discrimination, verbal and even physical abuse – often from complete strangers - so our activities give people a place to come, enjoy themselves and make friends.

We’ve seen people turn from being very introverted and shy to confident and chatty after attending just a couple of activities but we need to be able to pay for football pitches, sports halls and instructors. The sessions are already heavily subsidised but with the cost of living
crisis, people are struggling to pay as little as two pounds to join in and that impacts on us as a charity. This grant enables those struggling with financial difficulties to take part in and enjoy social and mental wellbeing activities.

The cost of living crisis has impacted on people’s dignity, people like to pay for their session but then find it very difficult to then pay for their lunch or a cup of tea with their friends. As part of one of our sessions, we added a Friday sandwich club which supports all attending to
create their own lunch at no cost, but as a group and without differentiating, while also promoting independence and giving people the opportunity to learn new skills.

One person said, “If it wasn’t for Better Things, I don’t know where I would get the support I need.”"