At Context, helping our local community is an important part of who we are, which is why we are proud to support Friends for Leisure, a Cheshire East charity dedicated to creating friendship and leisure opportunities for disabled children and young people. Through this pro bono collaboration, our team has been providing media relations expertise to help raise awareness of the charity’s life-changing work and strengthen its fundraising efforts.    

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 two full-time, four part-time and five casual members of staff and is supported by a network of up to 100 volunteers. Providing activities during term time and school holidays, the charity aims to reduce loneliness, improve confidence and independence and offer a place for children to make friends and have fun.   
 
“We are very proud of our Cheshire heritage, so the opportunity to support a local charity that does such incredible work in our community is something we’re very passionate about,” said Jenni Livesley, Managing Director at Context. “We look forward to continuing our work with the team at Friends for Leisure to raise awareness of their services and help generate vital funds for the charity.” 
 
The charity has recently appointed Amanda Hunt as General Manager of Friends for Leisure. In her new role, Amanda will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of the charity and leading its fundraising activities. 
 
Amanda said: “At a time when securing funding is more competitive than ever, having the support and expertise of an organisation such as Context is vital. As a charity, our goal is to offer our services to as many children and their families as possible across East Cheshire and Context can help us amplify that message. We’re extremely grateful for the work they’ve already done and look forward to a bright future together.”  
 
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 the wide range of activities it provides disabled children and young people across Cheshire East.   
 
Amanda concluded: “The 30 for 30 campaign is crucial to securing the long-term future of Friends for Leisure and we’re delighted that Context and several other organisations have already signed up to support it. If any other local businesses are interested in supporting us and our work, please do get in touch because your donations will have a huge impact on children in Cheshire East.”  
 
If you’re organisation is interested in supporting Friends for Leisure’s fundraising efforts, please get in touch on 01260 275333 or email info@friendsforleisure.org.uk