Charity

We are  delighted to announce that the Manchester Ball will again be raising money on behalf of the Together Trust in 2009.

For the last few years the Manchester Ball has supported The Together Trust, a local charity dedicated to helping children, young people and adults in need. The Together Trust was founded on Quay Street in Manchester in 1870 and will celebrate its 140^th Anniversary in 2010. This year the Together Trust will look after over 1,200 young people with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties, physical disabilities, learning difficulties and autism spectrum conditions. The Together Trust is one of the North West’s largest young persons charity.

Details of The Together Trust and its activities can be found on its website www.togethertrust.org.uk

Fundraising

The Manchester Ball has a target of raising £300,000 for The Together Trust and last year raised an incredible £20,321, taking the total funds raised for The Together Trust to over £250,000. This year we hope to smash our target of raising £300,000 for The Together Trust.

How the money is used

In 2007, the funds raised by the Manchester Ball were used to develop specialist outdoor educational activities for disengaged and disabled young people across the Trust, many of whom will never have experienced the benefits of outdoor pursuits such as camping, climbing and orienteering. Bringing young people together in this way, to create alternative ways of learning and working together can often have long lasting benefits and helps build confidence and self esteem after the many challenges and crisis that our young people have previously experienced in their lives.

In 2008, the money raised was use to create sensory areas at six of the service locations supported by the Together Trust.

In 2009, we are looking at raising money to help fund the kitting out of specialist school premises in centre of Manchester for 14 – 19 year olds with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties to gain qualifications in practical vocations e.g. plumbing, building skills, plastering, joinery, painting and decorating.

When at full capacity up to 300 students per year could benefit. This project will start as a pilot scheme in January.  Young people who can’t cope with numeracy and literacy will have the opportunity to gain qualifications in practical subjects. They will achieve life skills that they wouldn’t otherwise have any source of learning due to lack of family support, as well as better prospects for future employment, increased self esteem and self belief.

None of funds raised are spent on administration or running costs.

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  • We are delighted to announce that once again we have secured Cloud 23 for the Gold and Silver Sponsor reception. Due to the unprecedented demand for Sponsor packages last year, we have been able to arrange increased capacity for this year. Don't leave it too late though, as demand will again be great in 2009!!

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  • Following the fantastic feedback you gave last year, with people literally dancing in the aisles, we can confirm that we have been able to secure Blue Juice for your entertainment at this year's Ball. Check out www.bluejuicelive.com to see and hear them in action.