In June, Torus Foundation awarded £29,130.50 to 26 projects across the North West as part of their Community Investment Fund.

Created to give local charities and organisations additional funding to help them continue supporting people living in Torus communities, Torus Foundation’s Community Investment Fund has recently awarded three projects a one-off grant of £5,000.

One of those charities receiving £5,000 in additional funding was Amputation Foundation.

Based in St Helens, Amputation Foundation is a national charity helping individuals to confidently adapt to life pre, during and post limb loss.

Set up by its Founder, Stephen Cruse, who became a bilateral below knee amputee after a major road traffic collision, Amputation Foundation strives to support people adjusting to life as an amputee. As well as signposting people to legal, social and community support, the charity hosts a broad range of activities to help bring people together, including their annual residential trip, which in 2024 has been partly funded by Torus Foundation’s Community Investment Fund.

The annual amputee-only trip gives people living with limb loss the safe space needed to push their own boundaries, expand their comfort zone and meet others with similar lived experiences. Against the stunning backdrop of the Lake District, 20 attendees will embark on a weekend filled with accessible and exhilarating activities.

Stephen Cruse, founder of Amputation Foundation commented:

“The hardest part of coming to terms with life as an amputee is believing what can be possible. You’re in a dark and lonely place and your future is completely unknown. But seeing is believing, and by connecting with other amputees you can start to believe what is possible.

“Funding from Torus Foundation’s Community Investment Fund means that our flagship residential weekend, when amputees can support each other to try new things, can go ahead this year.”

Torus Foundation Community Investment Fund

If you are a charity, community group or local organisations supporting people in Warrington, St Helens or Liverpool and you believe additional funding could help you continue to support people in Torus Foundation’s core focuses of employment and skills, financial inclusion, youth services or health and wellbeing, you have until 31 August 2024 to apply for Torus Foundation Community Investment Fund.

For details, visit www.torusfoundation.org.uk/CIF