Disabled Children's Charity Facing Closure of its Macclesfield Drama Group

Friends for Leisure, a Cheshire East charity supporting disabled children and young people, is appealing for urgent support as its Macclesfield drama group faces closure due to a lack of funding.

The charity, which supports young people with disabilities aged between 5-21, has run its drama club in Macclesfield for over 20 years at Fallibroome Academy. Friends for Leisure aims to reduce isolation and loneliness, which can often accompany having a disability, so activities like its Macclesfield drama group are crucial to offering disabled children and young people the opportunity to have everyday friendships.

Gillian Jones, Charity Manager at Friends for Leisure, said:

“Securing funding has become an increasingly competitive landscape and it’s an issue all charities are having to deal with. Our Macclesfield drama group offers a lifeline to not only the children but their families too. It’s a safe space for them to make friends, enjoy leisure activities and have fun. If we were forced to stop the group, it would be incredibly sad, but the reality is, without funding we can only offer limited services.”

Originally founded by a group of parents in Macclesfield who wanted to provide friendship and leisure opportunities for their disabled children, the charity now has one full-time, six part-time and five casual members of staff and is supported by a network of up to 100 volunteers. However, to continue operating this way and offer the range of services it does, securing extra funding is essential.

2025 marks Friends for Leisure’s 30th anniversary and in recognition of the milestone it has launched its ‘30 for 30’ campaign. The charity is appealing to 30 local businesses to each donate £1,000 with the goal of raising £30,000 in extra funding to support activities like its Macclesfield drama group.

Gillian continued:

“The 30 for 30 campaign is absolutely crucial to securing the long-term future of Friends for Leisure. We want to support as many young people as possible and the last thing we want to do is limit the activities we offer. However, without sufficient funds to secure space, volunteers and the required specialist safety measures for the children, we’ll be forced to make cuts across the charity.”

Any company that signs up for Friends for Leisure’s ‘30 for 30’ campaign will be given a special certificate to acknowledge their support and an invitation to the charity’s anniversary fun day in Congleton on October 4th.   

If you’re organisation is interested in supporting Friends for Leisure’s fundraising efforts, please get in touch on 01260 275 333 or email: 

info@friendsforleisure.org.uk

Friends for Leisure is a Cheshire East charity which supports disabled children and young people aged between 5-21. The charity aims to reduce isolation and loneliness, which can often accompany having a disability, as well as improve children’s confidence, self-esteem and overall wellbeing. Operating across Macclesfield, Congleton, Crewe, Knutsford, Sandbach and Disley with head offices in Congleton. 

Friends for Leisure believes everyone needs a friend. The charity is passionate about offering disabled children and young people the opportunity to have everyday friendships and take part in leisure activities, such as drama and sports sessions as well as regular youth groups and ten pin bowling. 

Pictured - Left to right: Hannah Guthrie (Activity Coordinator), Chloe Wilson (Project Worker), Gillian Jones (Charity Manager) and Sean Worth (Volunteer Coordinator).