A group of our trainees at SCB are taking on an incredible swimming challenge to raise money for the charity! Together, Ethan, Carson, Neil, Zak, Tom and Sam — along with support from the other SCB members at Crewe Seahorses Swimming Club — are aiming to swim an amazing 1,998 lengths of a 25m pool to mark the year SCB was founded: 1998 The challenge starts this Thursday 18th June and will continue over the coming weeks until they reach their target. This is a huge effort and we’re incredibly proud of everyone taking part. Special thanks to Debbie Murray, who will be keeping count of the lengths and helping the swimmers stay on track Every penny raised will help SCB continue providing meaningful opportunities, activities and support for adults with additional needs If you’d like to support them, please donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/swim-for-scb… Please like, share and support if you can
Supported Community Business (SCB) has recently been featured by One Crewe following our move into our new workshop premises on Crewe Gates Industrial Estate.
The article highlights SCB’s continued growth, the opportunities the new building will provide for our trainees and the exciting future ahead as we continue developing meaningful opportunities for adults with additional support needs across Crewe and the surrounding areas.
We would like to say a huge thank you to Jan and the team at One Crewe for taking the time to visit us, learn more about SCB and share our story with the wider community.
It is with sadness that we share the news that our long-time trainee and friend, Craig Minshull, recently passed away following a long period of ill health.
Craig had been part of the SCB community for many years and will be remembered for his humour, character and the important role he played within our workshop environment. He was a familiar face to so many trainees, staff and families and made a lasting impact on the people around him during his time at SCB.
This news will understandably be difficult for many people within the SCB community who knew Craig over the years. Over the coming days, we will take time together to support one another and reflect on the many positive memories Craig brought to SCB.
Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Craig’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.
In April, we said a fond farewell to a much-loved member of the SCB team as Nigel retired after five years with us. Nige became a real character within the workshop and was hugely popular with both trainees and staff alike. He brought warmth, humour and personality to every day, helping create the welcoming and supportive atmosphere that SCB is known for. Over his five years with SCB, Nigel built strong relationships with many of the trainees, who always enjoyed his company, conversations and sense of humour. He was someone who genuinely cared about the people around him and made a positive difference to the lives of many individuals during his time with us. Whilst we are incredibly happy for Nigel as he begins his retirement, he is already sadly missed around the workshop. Everyone at SCB would like to thank Nigel for everything he has contributed over the years and wish him and his family a long, happy and well-deserved retirement. He will always be welcome back at SCB.
Today marked a special milestone at Supported Community Business (SCB), as Michael took the very first ride on our brand new accessibility lift.
While it may seem like a simple addition, this lift represents something much bigger for the people we support. It ensures that our entire workshop is fully accessible, allowing everyone to move freely between floors and take part in all areas of activity.
Opening Up Opportunities
The introduction of the lift means that no part of SCB is out of reach.
Whether it’s accessing different workspaces, learning environments, or social areas, individuals can now fully engage in everything we offer — removing barriers and creating greater independence.
It’s a significant step in making sure our new workshop truly works for everyone.
Thank You to Our Supporters
This project has only been possible thanks to the generosity, encouragement and support of so many people.
From those who made donations, to those who helped raise awareness or supported fundraising efforts — every contribution has played a part in making this happen.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this journey.
A Moment That Matters
Seeing Michael take that first ride was a proud moment for everyone involved. It was a simple act, but one that represents progress, inclusion, and opportunity.
This lift is more than just a piece of equipment — it’s a symbol of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.
Supported Community Business (SCB) continues to welcome new service users to our growing community, now based in our new, purpose-built workshop in Crewe.
This new space has been designed to provide a modern, safe and engaging environment, giving individuals more room, better facilities, and greater opportunities to learn, develop and take part in meaningful activity.
What is SCB?
SCB is a day service for adults with additional support needs, built around structure, purpose and opportunity.
Each day is supported by an experienced staff team who work alongside individuals to build confidence, independence and practical skills at a pace that suits them.
Rather than offering a traditional day service model, SCB focuses on creating a real working environment, where people can feel part of something purposeful and rewarding.
Opportunities and Activities
At SCB, individuals have the opportunity to:
Take part in practical, work-based activities
Develop independence and everyday life skills
Learn woodwork and hands-on skills
Work towards recognised qualifications through our ASDAN learning programme
For some, SCB acts as a stepping stone towards future employment. For others, it provides a meaningful and structured place to attend, build friendships, and enjoy being part of a supportive community.
Funding and Access
SCB is a chargeable service (£58 per day as of March 2026).
In many cases, funding may be available through:
Local authority support via a social worker
Direct Payments, where these are already in place
Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to speak with their social worker to explore the options available to them.
Visiting SCB
The best way to understand what SCB offers is to visit in person.
We welcome enquiries from individuals, families, carers and professionals who would like to find out more or arrange a visit to the workshop.
Call: 01270 255319 Email : [email protected] Or contact us via our social media channels
A Growing Community
As awareness of SCB continues to grow, places can become limited at times. We always encourage early enquiries so that we can discuss availability and support options.
If you, or someone you support, are looking for a day service that offers more than the traditional model, SCB could be the right fit.
A new year often brings fresh focus. This year, it brings a new home for SCB.
The new building gives us something we’ve never truly had before — space to grow.
Natural light fills the workshop. There is room to expand our woodwork programme. Dedicated areas are being created for skills development, commercial contracts and supported learning. It already feels different. It feels forward-looking, and already we are working hard and loving it!
Work on the building is still ongoing. Improvements and adaptations continue behind the scenes as we shape the space around the needs of the people who use it. This isn’t just about occupying a larger unit — it’s about building an environment that enables confidence, independence and more opportunity.
Access for All – The Lift Campaign
There is one crucial piece still missing.
To ensure full accessibility across the building, we need to install a lift. True inclusion means removing physical barriers — not working around them.
That’s why Trustee Adam is taking on the Manchester Marathon this April — double the distance he has ever run — to raise funds for the lift.
This is to ensure that everyone, regardless of mobility, can fully use and enjoy our new space.
If you would like to support Adam’s marathon effort and help us to make Gateway fully accessible for all, you can donate via our JustGiving page justgiving.com/campaign/adamslift26
Every contribution brings us closer to a building that works for everyone.
A Gateway to the Future
As we begin this year, we do so with bigger plans, stronger foundations and a clear goal: to continue creating meaningful work opportunities in a supportive, inclusive environment.
For 28 years, our old workshop was more than just a building. It was the place where friendships were formed, skills were learned, confidence was built, and thousands of projects were carefully crafted by the people we support.
After weeks of moving everything from our old premises to the new one — packing tools, shifting benches, carefully transporting materials and memories — the final day arrived.
We walked round there, together, one last time. One by one, everyone collected their mugs from the kitchen shelves — some faded, some chipped, all full of history. Names written on the bottom. Tea stains from countless break times.
There were smiles. A few quiet moments. Plenty of jokes.
Before locking up, we gathered together for one last brew. Mugs raised high, we cheered to 28 years — to the hard work, the growth, the friendships, and the belief that everyone deserves meaningful opportunities.
Then we stepped outside and locked up for the last time.
The walk to our new workshop wasn’t just about moving buildings. It was about carrying everything we’ve built — the confidence, the teamwork, the sense of belonging — into a new chapter. As we walked together, memories were shared, excitement bubbled, and plans for what comes next filled the conversation.
The old workshop gave us all some special memories.
Goodbye Quakers Coppice, Hello Gateway. A new chapter begins- CHEERS!
After 28 years in our previous workshop, SCB has found a new home.
Same heart. Same mission. Same community. More room to grow!
For nearly three decades, our workshop has been a place where adults with additional needs have built skills, confidence and friendships. It’s where we have assembled products, shared laughter, produced woodwork, developed communication and shaped futures. Moving on from a building with that much history wasn’t a small decision.
But growth means change — and change can be exciting.
Staying Local.
We’re proud to say we’re not going far. We’ve stayed right here in the same local area, close to the community, businesses and supporters who have stood alongside us for years. Our new premises will keep us connected to Crewe and the wider community that makes SCB what it is.
That continuity really matters.
Our service users will still access the same meaningful work-based learning opportunities. They will still be part of a real working environment. They will still gain independence, confidence and practical skills. The support, care and encouragement that define SCB won’t change one bit.
What will change is the space.
More Light. More Room. More Possibility.
Our new home gives us:
A brighter, more open workshop environment
Dedicated areas for learning and development
Room to expand our woodwork and vocational programmes
Space to welcome new opportunities and partnerships
It already feels energising. Service users that have looked around have commented on the natural light, the fresh layout and the sense of possibility. There’s a buzz in the air — the kind that comes when you know something good is happening.
Building on 28 Years of Impact
This move isn’t about starting again. It’s about building on strong foundations.
For 28 years, SCB has provided inclusive, meaningful day opportunities in a real work setting. That commitment remains exactly the same. We continue to support adults with additional needs to experience purpose, achievement and belonging.
Now, we will simply be doing it in a space that matches our ambition.
The next chapter of SCB is already underway — and we couldn’t be more excited about what comes next.
If you haven’t seen our new workshop yet, we’d love to show you around. Come and see the future of SCB taking shape!
At Supported Community Business (SCB), we’re proud to launch our Handmade Wooden Planters project – a perfect example of how meaningful work can create both beautiful products and new skills for the people we support.
Each planter is: Built from sturdy reclaimed timber
Carefully sanded, assembled, and finished by hand A product that supports our mission to provide valuable work and learning opportunities for adults with additional support needs
These planters aren’t just items for your garden – they’re the result of teamwork, craftsmanship, and learning. By purchasing one, you’re directly supporting local adults to develop new skills, confidence, and pride in their work.
And of course, a huge thank you to our in-house expert Nigel, whose years of DIY and gardening experience have been invaluable in passing on practical skills to the adults we support. His guidance has inspired the project and ensured every planter is built with care and quality.
