Crewe charity takes to the road in new van to drive forward community support

Women and girls charity Her-Place Charitable Trust is driving forward its community work – quite literally – in a new van.

The charity provides a wide range of services across Cheshire and its new wheels will deliver supplies to events and support pop-up health sessions across the community.

SP Energy Networks, which has a base in Middlewich, provided a generous £8,000 donation towards the purchase. CPC Project Services, Wistaston Parish Council, Chester Women’s Choir also chipped in.

Charity founder Kate Blakemore set the fundraising wheels turning with an 18-hour podcast chatting to supporters.

She said: “The podcast was quite a feat and I want to thank all the amazing ladies who joined me and spurred me on through the hours.

“As we stage events, we do need to carry a lot of equipment and the van is already making a huge difference to our day-to-day activities.”

A spokesman for SP Energy said: “It was a real privilege to support such an important local charity, and we continue to be incredibly proud to support Her Place and the vital work they do.

“The impact of their efforts is felt right across the community, providing essential support to women and their children when they need it most. We hope our contribution helps them continue to make a real and lasting difference for local families.

The van will help staff bring essential materials to health awareness events and outreach sessions designed to support women and girls with advice, resources and practical help.

It will also support with its recycled school uniform scheme and distribution of free period products.

Proudly displaying the charity’s bright pink logo, it will also raise awareness on its travels.

Her-Place Charitable Trust operates from its hub on Beech Drive in Wistaston –  home to its popular school uniform recycling scheme.

Kate added: “Times are tough for the charity sector but we are determined not to cut back on the services we provide.

“So income generation will be a key focus this year and we have launched our #GivetoGain campaign for anyone who can support with fundraising.”

Her-Place’s last annual report demonstrated its massive value to the community – a record 5000 individuals were supported, representing £3,657,032 of economic value.

Through its sister organisation, The Learning Well, Her-Place is working local firms to support the wellness of employees which in turn boosts morale and improves productivity.

For more on how Her-Place supports local women and girls go to her-place.co.uk

For details on The Learning Well workshops and training go to thelearning-well.com, call 01606 557666 or email kate@thelearning-well.com