The Port Vale Foundation have published their impact report for the financial year from September 2023 to August 2024.
Throughout the year, the Port Vale Foundation engaged 4,808 participants across 38 different programs, focusing on sports, health, education, community engagement, and supporting vulnerable families.
Over 90% of participants felt that the Foundation had a positive or very positive influence on their sense of community. Additionally, 92% of participants reported improvements in their physical wellbeing, and 88% noted an enhancement in their mental wellbeing. On average, participants' happiness was 19% higher than the national average for England, with 85% stating that their involvement with the Foundation had led to a positive change in their lives.
A major highlight of the year was the Foundation's recognition as the “English Football League Project of the Season” for League 1. This award was given for their Community Cupboard and Lounge initiative, developed in collaboration with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare Trust.
The program provides vulnerable individuals with access to affordable food and essential items, along with advice and guidance on various issues such as housing, financial support, and mental health. The project is funded by Stoke-on-Trent City Council through their Household Support Fund.
Will Turner, Head of Community at Port Vale Foundation,said, “we are really pleased with the impact report, we must thank EVID Impact, who have produced the report. This is the first time an external organisation have evaluated our work, helping us to understand our impact and give us areas for improvement. The results are amazing, we are so proud to showcase what we do and we know we are making a difference to people’s lives!”
The full Port Vale Foundation Impact Report is available for viewing here.