COMMUNITY groups and charities across Tameside have received a financial boost after being awarded funding through Tameside Rotary’s ‘Small Grants, Big Difference’ initiative.
Twenty-two groups were recognised at a special presentation evening, attended by more than 80 people.
Representatives collected awards to support projects ranging from children’s activities and environmental work to health, wellbeing and community support programmes.
The grants were funded largely through the generosity of residents who supported Tameside Rotary’s Santa Float collection in December 2025.
Among those receiving support were Tameside Vikings Basketball Club, SENDsational Soccer, Tameside Pulmonary Support Group, St George’s Dementia Kitchen, Mossley Blind Group, Cedar Park Pantry, Tameside Armed Services Community and The Carpenters Arms.
The evening also saw the official handover of the Rotary Club presidency, with Amanda Reed-Raja taking over from outgoing President Mike Glover. The ceremony was attended by Rotary District 1285 Governor Edwin Partridge, with Amanda’s first duty as President being to present the community awards.
Representatives from each successful group were given the chance to share how the funding would help their work and the difference it would make locally.
The event was also attended by High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Mark Llewellin DL, who spoke about his role and thanked the organisations present for their contribution to communities across the borough.
President Amanda Reed-Raja said: “These celebratory evenings showcase the impact of Tameside Rotary’s fundraising efforts and highlight the vital work of Tameside community groups.
“We work hard to put on fundraising events throughout the year and being able to distribute the monies raised to so many diverse good causes is very rewarding and heart-warming.
“I sincerely hope Tameside residents who donated to our Santa collection will be pleased to see how many different local community activities our club has been able to support through their generosity. We know the need is great amongst the Tameside community and we will continue to actively fundraise to help others during these challenging times.”
The successful groups included projects supporting young people, families, older residents, people with health conditions, and community spaces across Tameside.
Tameside Rotary is now preparing for the 2026 Tameside Beer Festival, which will take place at Stalybridge’s Victoria Market Hall on September 18 and 19, with local businesses and groups invited to get involved.