We’re proud to announce that Gateway came in first place in Burnley’s Tesco Stronger Starts campaign, winning the top prize grant of £1,500.
The grant will go towards funding cookery classes for residents, as well as the kitchen equipment needed to run the sessions.
Mandy Speddy, Operations Manager at Gateway, said: “We want to use the funding to continue creating a space where residents can feel supported and build their confidence through cooking and sharing meals.
“It’s all about learning new skills in the kitchen and making positive steps towards independence. As the sessions continue, we aim to further enhance confidence in the kitchen, promote healthier habits, and support stronger social connections.
Gateway provides safe, supportive housing for adults overcoming life challenges such as homelessness, trauma, addiction, poor mental health, or offending with support that focuses on safety, choice, empowerment, collaboration, and trust.
Tesco Stronger Starts fund thousands of local community projects across the UK, helping to fight holiday hunger, tackle mental health, support young people, host community events and much more.
Mandy continued: “We’d like to say a huge thank you for everyone who took the time to vote for us and to Tesco Stronger Starts for giving us this opportunity. Each blue token has the power to make a real difference to your community”.
Starting in 2016, Tesco Stronger Starts casts votes using blue tokens available to shoppers after they pay at the checkouts. Projects are nominated from their community, and the one who receives the highest number of votes is awarded £1,500. The second placed project £1,000 and the third gets £500… So basically, everyone is a winner.
Tesco customers casted their vote at Tesco Extra in the town centre, Reedley Burnley Express, Brunshaw Burnley Express and Padiham Tesco.
To find out more about Gateway and the services they provide, please visit calicogateway.org.uk.