Celebrating Resilience: Agatha’s Space Wins Forever Manchester Award

Yes! We did it! We won!

We are proud to share that Agatha’s Space CIC has received a Forever Manchester Award in recognition of our contribution to equality, diversity and opportunity across our communities.

This moment feels both surreal and deeply emotional for Agatha, founder of Agatha’s Space CIC. The work she leads has always been driven by personal conviction and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the communities she serves. It has never felt like something separate from everyday life. Because of that, receiving recognition for this work was never something she expected.

This award has therefore brought more than celebration. It has brought renewed encouragement, validation and a stronger determination to expand the organisation’s reach and impact.

From Community Need to Community Action

Agatha’s Space exists because there were clear gaps that needed to be addressed. Women facing stigma, isolation, economic barriers and systemic challenges often lacked safe spaces, opportunities and support networks.

Rather than waiting for change to happen, we chose to create it.

Our programmes focus on building confidence, practical skills, peer connection and pathways toward independence. We bring people together, strengthen support networks and create opportunities that allow individuals to move forward with dignity and hope.

Starting With Vision but Limited Resources

Like many newly established Community Interest Companies, we began with strong ideas, clear community demand and projects ready to deliver, but limited access to funding meant we were unable to start the programmes we had planned.

As a newly registered organisation, securing early investment can be particularly challenging despite the need for services. At this critical stage, Forever Manchester provided both belief and practical guidance. They supported us to navigate funding opportunities and helped us access funding through Auto Trader.

That early support enabled us to begin delivering work that is now creating meaningful impact within our communities.

Deep Gratitude to Auto Trader

Auto Trader became our first funder, and that support was transformational. That trust gave us the opportunity to begin delivering the work we had planned and to demonstrate what community led initiatives can achieve when given a chance.

They are one of the UK’s leading digital automotive marketplaces, connecting millions of buyers and sellers every month and supporting innovation across communities through their social impact initiatives. Their investment into our organisation provided the foundation we needed at a critical early stage.

Because of that support, we were able to begin delivering meaningful programmes, reach women who needed support and start creating positive change within our community.

We are deeply grateful. That first investment created a foundation that continues to support our growth today.

Recognition and Gratitude

We extend our sincere thanks to Forever Manchester, The Hill Group and Auto Trader for recognising our work through this award.

The Hill Group is an award winning international executive search and recruitment firm established in 1994. They specialise in placing senior leaders, C level executives and highly skilled engineers across sectors including aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, industrial and energy industries. Being recognised by organisations that invest in people, talent and potential makes this achievement particularly meaningful.

Forever Manchester’s trust based approach to supporting grassroots organisations has played an important role in our journey. Their willingness to support emerging organisations creates opportunities for community driven solutions to grow and succeed.

How This Support Strengthens Our Work

The recognition and support connected to this award will help us expand our impact across Greater Manchester and deepen the support we provide to women and communities facing multiple barriers.

It will enable us to:

* Increase confidence and employability programmes for women facing barriers to work

* Strengthen peer support and wellbeing initiatives for individuals experiencing HIV related stigma and social isolation

* Create more volunteering and work experience opportunities that support long term independence

* Develop community initiatives that respond directly to local priorities, using community insight as a tool for positive change

* Strengthen organisational sustainability and ensure continued growth

Investment in grassroots organisations delivers layered impact. It supports individuals while strengthening families, communities and local resilience.

Sustaining the Work We Believe In

At present, much of the work happening within Agatha’s Space is driven by commitment, passion and the dedication of people who believe strongly in the difference this organisation is making. A significant proportion of our activities are delivered through goodwill and determination rather than secure funding.

While this demonstrates the strength of community commitment, it also presents a challenge. Without sustainable resources, maintaining and expanding programmes becomes difficult over the long term.

As a Community Interest Company, we also recognise that some funding opportunities are not always accessible to CIC structures, particularly for newly established organisations. However, CICs play an important role within communities by combining social purpose with innovation, flexibility and responsiveness to local needs.

We are therefore seeking funders and partners who recognise the value of working with Community Interest Companies and who are willing to invest in organisations delivering real impact on the ground.

Who This Award Represents

This recognition reflects the journeys of the women we support every day, including:

Women living with HIV who experience stigma and discrimination

Women navigating immigration restrictions while holding valuable skills and ambitions

Women rebuilding confidence after hardship and seeking opportunities for stability

Through our programmes, participants gain confidence, develop skills and reconnect with a sense of purpose.

A Catalyst for Growth and Partnership

This award represents more than recognition. It represents momentum.

It gives us energy, encouragement and renewed confidence to continue building the work we know is needed. It also signals to the wider funding and partnership community that organisations like Agatha’s Space are making a meaningful difference and deserve investment.

We want this moment to encourage more partners and funders to connect with us, understand the value of what we are building and join us in expanding our impact.

We know what we are capable of achieving. With the right partnerships and resources, we can reach more women, create more opportunities and strengthen more communities.

Growth requires collaboration. Purpose requires support.

We invite organisations, funders and partners who share our vision to work alongside us so that together we can continue creating lasting change.

Looking Ahead

We also congratulate all the other award winners and nominees. The work happening across Manchester communities demonstrates the power of collaboration and shared purpose.

We thank Forever Manchester, The Hill Group and Auto Trader for believing in community driven change and for recognising the importance of organisations like ours.

This award motivates us to continue building, expanding and creating opportunities for those who need them most.

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