People in Manchester have seen their lives transformed for the better after accessing volunteer-led services supported by vital funding.
The Our Manchester Voluntary and Community Sector (OMVCS) fund invests £16.5 million across three years to support the stability and resilience of a wide range of voluntary organisations based in communities across the city. The annual budget increased from £2.4m to £5.5m to ensure essential services can continue to invest in local people and places.
A significant number of applications were received for the 2026–29 round and funding has now been allocated to 80 selected organisations.
Manchester is home to over 3,800 voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations. Significant work has ensured this funding reaches communities who need it the most such as deprived wards, marginalised communities - such disabled people - and racially minoritised groups.
One recipient, CEO Leah Chikamba-Mulanda said she began the Angels of Hope for Women in 2014 because of the number of Black African women she was encountering who lacked confidence to access mainstream services in the UK.
Based in Gorton, the organisation became an officially registered charity in 2019, supporting women with anything from housing and immigration to benefits and domestic violence cases.
Leah said: “Our services are diverse and designed to meet the different needs of women in our community, ensuring that every woman feels welcome and supported when they come to our charity.
“For example, we introduced programmes such as our Confidence Building Programme to empower women, improve self-esteem, and help them develop the skills and confidence to move forward in their lives.
Leah, who is from Zambia but now lives in Gorton, said although the organisation directly supports African women there are still cultural nuances even within that demographic which need specialised support.
Leah continued: "We recognise that women come from diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences. It is important that all women see their identities, cultures, and lived experiences reflected in our services.
Leah said many of the women who have participated in their programmes have gone on to establish their own organisations, delivering specialised services within safe, culturally responsive spaces. The funding has played a key part in supporting Angels for Women to offer regular fun activities for women, including coffee mornings, women only swimming and exercise sessions, and walking and running groups. Workshops with guest speakers are also welcomed which have been attended by hundreds of women.
The Barlow Community Association, led by CEOs Toni Toner and Becky Elliott, share a similar community wide impact across Chorlton Park and beyond. They both took on the role of joint CEOs five years ago, building on the charity’s long-standing roots and expanding its services to better meet local needs.
The organisation provides a wide range of support for residents, from benefits and debt advice, employment support including CV writing and job searching, through to social activities such as bingo, knitting, and community gatherings
Toni, from Wythenshawe, said for many people, simply having a welcoming place to come for a cup of tea and a chat is just as important as accessing more formal support.
Toni said: “Funding has been vital in enabling us to deliver the services our community relies on. We often support people on a one-to-one basis, responding to whatever challenges they’re facing. For example, we worked with one individual who was struggling with their health and wellbeing, including their relationship with food and their overall circumstances. Being part of that journey is incredibly rewarding, and those are the everyday wins that matter to us.
Drawing on her own life experiences growing up in Wythenshawe and raising her daughter, Toni said her motivation comes from wanting to give back and support others facing hardship.
Toni said: “I genuinely love what I do. We’ve got thank you cards all around the centre from people showing their appreciation for the support they’ve received - it means a lot. We also try to create a sense of family here. We host a community Christmas dinner each year and welcome anyone who might otherwise be on their own.
Council funding helps to sustain the voluntary sector organisations people rely on most, keeping support accessible and embedded in local areas. It plays a key role in tackling poverty and inequality while improving health, wellbeing and access to skills and jobs.
The impact is seen in stronger, more inclusive neighbourhoods and greater opportunities for residents, while contributing to wider goals such as reducing inequality, supporting climate action and improving quality of life for people living in Manchester.
Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Deputy Leader for Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester’s voluntary and community sector plays a vital role in supporting residents across the city, and this investment ensures organisations can continue delivering that support where it’s needed most. By strengthening stability and targeting inequality, the OMVCS Fund is helping to build healthier, more inclusive neighbourhoods and enabling people to thrive.”
Leah Chikamba-Mulanda, CEO of Angels of Hope for Women, said: “The women who benefit from the charity’s services are turning small skills into thriving businesses, from nails and hair to catering. We’ve helped them realise they can earn a living from what once felt like ‘just a little something'. When women are empowered, entire families rise and that transformation is where I find true purpose. The support we receive through the funding makes this all possible.”
Toni Toner, Community Leader at The Barlow Community Association, said: “Giving back to others has been a part of my entire life. Even my own daughter, she started volunteering at eight or nine, and she now wants to do the same career path as me.
“Every day at the centre, we put community into action, giving back and stepping in where needed so that local people receive the support they deserve. What started as packing bags of food became understanding compassion and shared responsibility to keep our services running for the community.
