News

05 12 2024

A Festive Success at the Card Factory Fundraiser!

Saturday was a truly memorable day as Crewe Town Centre came alive with festive cheer, fun, and entertainment! We are thrilled to share that the event raised an incredible £170 for SCB—a fantastic achievement that will directly benefit the individuals we support.

A massive thank you goes to Natasha, along with Justine and Jan, for their tireless efforts in organising and running the event. Your dedication and hard work were instrumental in its success, and we are so grateful for your support!

We’d also like to extend our thanks to everyone at Card Factory who helped make the fundraiser such a triumph, and congratulations to all the lucky prize winners!

It was heartwarming to see some of our service users enjoying the festivities in the town centre, soaking up the holiday spirit and all the wonderful activities on offer.

To everyone who came along, donated, or supported the event in any way—thank you for making a real difference this Christmas. Your generosity and kindness mean the world to us.

Here’s to spreading joy and making a positive impact this holiday season!

05 12 2024

Looking Back at 2024: A Year of Growth and Achievement at SCB

Hello everyone,
It’s hard to believe we’re approaching the end of 2024—what a year it has been! My first full year as SCB’s Workshop and Charity Manager has been truly rewarding. I’ve had the privilege of building meaningful relationships with everyone connected to SCB—our incredible service users, dedicated staff, supportive trustees, wonderful parents and carers, and, of course, our valued customers.

I am fortunate to be supported by a talented and diverse group of trustees who dedicate so much of their time to ensure SCB continues to exceed expectations. Alongside them is our fantastic staff team led by Kareena, who give their all every day to support our service users, helping them grow, learn, and thrive. Managing SCB is not just a job; it’s an honour and a privilege.

A Year of Progress and Collaboration

While the workshop had a quieter start to the year, things really picked up in the spring. Through strengthening relationships, rekindling old connections, and welcoming new customers, we’ve provided our service users with diverse tasks that promote skill development and confidence.

Notable partnerships this year include the Little Green Paper Shop, whose environmentally friendly seeded paper has helped us all learn about sustainability while providing new challenges for our team. Our service users have risen to the occasion and excelled as always!

We’ve also continued our collaboration with trusted partners such as Daler-Rowney, packing crayons of various sizes, and Empties Please, labelling green printer cartridge bags. A particular highlight has been returning to bagging darts accessories for the first time in several years for Darts Corner—a task reignited by Luke Littler’s incredible success in the darts world, which brought us a wave of new orders.

Going the Extra Mile

This year, we were thrilled to see our trustee Adam go above and beyond in his support for SCB by running the Chester Half Marathon, raising over £1,000 in the process. His dedication embodies the spirit of generosity shown by everyone who has supported SCB this year.

From raffle and Lottery ticket purchases to online and in-person donations, every contribution has made a tangible difference. Special thanks must also go to our local Rotary Clubs for their generous donations, as well as the kind individuals who have sent cheques or cash donations.

We are truly grateful for every single penny that people entrust to us. Rest assured; we take great care in ensuring every contribution is reinvested back into the charity to provide meaningful support to those we serve. Thank you all for being such an essential part of SCB’s journey this year!

Looking to 2025

We were also sad to say goodbye to Richard Walton, who stepped down as Chairman of Trustees after years of dedicated service. However, we are excited for Adam to take on this important leadership role, and we are confident he will guide the trustees with passion and commitment. Additionally, we are thrilled to welcome our newest trustee, Helen Calvert, who brings a wealth of experience as a conflict prevention and de-escalation trainer and former Mental Health Nurse. Her expertise will undoubtedly enhance our work and contribute to the future success of SCB.

As we look ahead to 2025, we remain optimistic about continuing to grow and adapt. While the new government’s budget may bring challenges for small charities like ours, it also presents opportunities. Local companies looking for cost-effective solutions during busy periods may find great value in partnering with SCB—a charity known for its excellence and attention to detail.

Supporting Our Service Users

The heart of our work will always be the enthusiasm, growth, and development of our talented service users. This year, we’ve been able to enhance our support with the addition of Learning Coordinator Libby. Her work has enriched our learning programme, helping service users strengthen skills like numeracy and problem-solving. These initiatives are paving the way for greater independence and personal growth.

We’re deeply grateful to our trustees for recognising the value of this initiative and making it a reality. Seeing the enthusiasm and progress of our service users is the most rewarding part of what we do.

Thank You

As 2024 draws to a close, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone—our service users, staff, trustees, parents, carers, customers, and supporters—who have contributed to SCB’s success this year. Your dedication and belief in our mission make all the difference.

Here’s to an exciting and successful 2025 for everyone at SCB and beyond!

Warm regards,
Alex
Workshop and Charity Manager, SCB

29 10 2024

A Heartfelt Thank You to Connor Naismith MP for Visiting SCB!

We were delighted to welcome Connor Naismith, MP for Crewe and Nantwich, to SCB recently! His visit was a fantastic opportunity for us to share the work we do, and it was truly uplifting to see how engaged Connor was with our service users.

Connor took the time to listen to the stories and concerns of our service users—those voices that are often underrepresented in our community. His genuine interest and warmth meant so much to everyone, and we’re grateful for the chance to show him the positive impact SCB has on so many lives.

We also had the chance to share the challenges we face as a small, local charity, and we’re appreciative of Connor’s support and understanding of the importance of our work. Visits like these are incredibly meaningful to us, as they remind us we’re part of a wider community that values and supports our mission.

Thank you again, Connor, for your time and commitment to local issues!

28 10 2024

A Huge Day in Crewe: Fundraising & Christmas Lights Switch On!

We’re thrilled to announce that Card Factory Crewe Market St is hosting a fantastic Charity Fundraising Event in support of SCB – Special Needs on Saturday, 30th November 2024, as part of the Crewe Christmas Lights Switch On! This is set to be a massive day for Crewe, and we’d love for you all to join in the festive fun!

Card Factory Fundraising Event:

Time: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Activities:
Raffle
Lucky Dip
Prize Table
Guess the Teddy’s Birthday
CASH ONLY – exact change please (no card payments)

While you’re enjoying the Christmas festivities, be sure to stop by and support SCB at Card Factory. Your support makes a real difference, and together we can make this a day to remember!

Crewe Christmas Lights Switch On Event:

Time: 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Memorial Square & Ly2 Square

Enjoy live entertainment, Christmas markets, fairground rides, walkabout acts, and much more to kick off the holiday season in style!

With the Christmas Lights Switch On happening that same day, the whole of Crewe will be buzzing with festive spirit! This is your chance to support SCB, take part in the festivities, and enjoy a magical day in the heart of Crewe.

A special thanks to Natasha and the team at Card Factory for making this possible. Let’s come together, have fun, and make a big impact for SCB and our service users!

See what else in happening on the day – https://www.crewetowncouncil.gov.uk/whats-on-events/christmas-in-crewe/

21 10 2024

A Fond Farewell to Richard Walton as Chairman of SCB Trustees

In September 2024, Richard Walton, our esteemed Chairman of Trustees, stepped down from his role after an incredible journey of service to Supported Community Business (SCB). Richard has been a Trustee of the charity since 2013, but his relationship with SCB stretches back even further as a long-time volunteer. As a parent of an adult with learning disabilities, Richard has known many of our service users for over 30 years. His personal connection to SCB inspired him to join the Board of Trustees and advocate for individuals with additional support needs.

In 2023, Richard took on the role of Chairman, guiding SCB through a crucial management transition. One of his notable achievements during his time as Trustee was leading the appointment of our new manager, ensuring the continued success and growth of SCB. Richard also took the initiative to develop strong relationships with our customers by visiting them personally, further strengthening SCB’s reputation and trust with our partners.

His steady leadership, experience, and “safe pair of hands” were pivotal in ensuring a smooth transition, earning him the admiration and respect of everyone at SCB.

Richard leaves with our sincerest thanks and deep gratitude for his years of dedicated voluntary service. His long-standing commitment to SCB will not be forgotten, and we are pleased to share that Richard has promised to visit occasionally, meaning he will never be a stranger to the workshop.

The entire SCB community, especially the trustees, wish to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Richard for his invaluable contributions, dedication, and support over the years. His legacy of service will have a lasting impact on the charity. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours and look forward to his continued visits to the workshop. Thank you, Richard!

21 10 2024

Join Us for an Exciting Fundraising Event!

We’re thrilled to announce a fantastic fundraising event being organised by the Rotary Club of Crewe and Nantwich Weaver in support of SCB!
The Rotary Race Night will take place on Friday, 15th November at Crewe Vagrants Sports Club, and we’d love to see as many of you as possible joining us for this fun-filled evening! All profits will be donated to SCB, the Wishing Well Project, and other local charities supported by the Rotary Club.
Event Details: Date: Friday, 15th November
Time: First race starts at 7:30 pm (Licensed bar from 7:00 pm)
Admission: £12 (by ticket only)
Food: Chicken or Vegetable Curry & Rice (bring your own naan, poppadoms, and pickle)
Activities:
Corporate race sponsorship (£50)
Horse ownership (from £5)
Tote betting on every race (£2 minimum)
Auction of horse ownership on the last race
Raffle & Reverse Bingo
Seven exciting English races will be shown in high definition on a giant screen! Don’t miss out on the fun—book your tickets early, as numbers are limited.

#FundraisingEvent #RotaryRaceNight #SupportSCB #CreweVagrants #CommunitySupport #SCBCharity

20 09 2024

What A Summer Social

In early September, despite torrential rain and local flooding, we hosted a Summer Social at The White Lion in Warmingham, and the turnout was truly heartwarming! This event was more than just an afternoon of fun—it was a crucial opportunity for our service users to step outside their usual environment and gain confidence in social settings like a pub.

For many of our service users, venturing into environments outside SCB can be challenging, and social isolation is a very real concern. Events like this help alleviate loneliness by providing a safe space where they can build relationships and feel part of the wider community. It’s about creating a sense of belonging and boosting confidence, skills essential for our service users’ well-being and independence.

We’re committed to ensuring that the support we provide extends far beyond our workshop. Our mission is to empower our service users in all aspects of their lives, and this event perfectly demonstrated how we can make a tangible difference in reducing isolation.

A huge thank you to The White Lion for hosting us and to everyone who braved the rain to make the day a success. We’re already looking forward to an even bigger and better event in 2025 (hopefully with more sunshine)!

20 09 2024

A Special Visit to SCB!

We were thrilled to welcome Colin, our former manager and chairman, and Paul, back to the workshop this week! 🎉 Our service users were excited to show them all the fantastic work we’ve been doing since their retirement.
Colin and Paul, who have been enjoying their well-deserved retirement, took the time to visit and reminisce about the wonderful times they spent at SCB. It was great to see them catching up with familiar faces and sharing stories from their time with us.
Thank you, Colin and Paul, for stopping by—please drop by anytime for a cuppa!

05 09 2024

A Big Thank You to Pound Bakery in Crewe!

We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful customers and staff at Pound Bakery in Crewe for their generous support. Thanks to their efforts in filling our charity donation tubs with loose change, we’ve raised an incredible £21.94!

While it may seem like just loose change, this contribution will go a long way in making a real difference. With these funds, we can purchase SCB T-shirts for two of our service users. These T-shirts not only help them feel like valued members of our team but also alleviate the concern of having to buy their own workwear.

Your kindness and support mean the world to us and directly impact the lives of those we support. A special thank you to Tracey and the entire Pound Bakery team for playing such an important role in our community. Your generosity truly makes a difference!

Thank you!

05 09 2024

SCB Service Users Transform the Workshop with Their Talents

At SCB, our service users have been busy completing three remarkable projects that have significantly brightened and revitalized our workshop.

Starting off the year in 2024, our service users took on the task of redecorating the SCB bathrooms. Their hard work and attention to detail have transformed these spaces, making them look fresh and inviting.

Following this, inspired by the BBC’s “The Repair Shop,” they revived an old storage cabinet that was once destined for disposal. Through careful restoration, they turned it into a stunning and functional piece of furniture, showcasing their growing skills and creativity.

Most recently, our talented service users gave a wall in our workshop a vibrant new look with a beautiful coat of green paint. This project has added even more life to our workshop, highlighting the progress in their abilities.

These three projects not only enhanced the SCB environment but also provided our service users with valuable life skills. With the guidance and support of staff member Nigel, they’ve demonstrated exceptional dedication and creativity, making SCB a more welcoming and vibrant place for everyone. We are incredibly proud of their achievements!