A charity which helps young people in Bury with learning and physical disabilities has been given a boost.

The Friendship Circle was formed 15 years ago to change the lives of Jewish people with learning and physical disabilities.

The charity has more than 160 members and offers a range of social opportunities to help reduce loneliness, improve mental health and wellbeing and increase self-esteem.

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The organisation has successfully applied for a community cost of living fund grant of £1,830 from the council and Bury VCFA.

And the money will be used to hold special cost of living sessions with the young people, which helps them with cooking on a budget, debt advice, mental health and wellbeing and advice to help them live independently.

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Beverley Rubin, fundraising and communications manager for The Friendship Circle, said: “Finding a safe haven of friendship for people with disabilities has always been a challenge.

“We began with one or two ad hoc activities a month for a handful of members and have now evolved into a diverse and stimulating programme of activities enabling our members to forge lasting friendships, gain new skills and integrate into mainstream Jewish life whilst changing perceptions and attitudes towards disability in the community.

“The Friendship Circle has become a place where everyone has a chance to be themselves, where difference is celebrated, and memories are made.

“The funding from Bury Council means we can add to our programme and support our members through the cost of living crisis with further activities.”

The Friendship Circle is one of 24 groups that are being supported with cost of living grants.

Cllr Richard Gold, cabinet member for finance and communities at the council, said: “The Friendship Circle is an amazing organisation that helps young adults with learning and physical disabilities with social activities, general living activities and giving advice including how to cope with the cost of living crisis.

“One of the strengths is that there is one community group helping another community group which really does fit into our ethos at Bury Council of working together and working local.

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“Through our cost of living community grants we’re helping organisations such as the Friendship Circle to put on events for their members and resident to help combat cost of living crisis.

“They provide invaluable information, support and resources at this difficult time.”

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