We are delighted and proud to announce that Port Vale have today been named as winners of the EFL’s League Two Community Project of the Season Award at the House of Commons.
Port Vale Foundation’s ‘Baby Bank’ programme was recognised as part of a special ceremony in the Attlee Suite at Portcullis House, as the three divisional award winners for 2024/25 were confirmed.
The initiative is run out of the Bescura Family Hubb which, after being set up by Carol Shanahan, is now fully integrated within Port Vale Foundation. The programme has been running for two years, providing important items such as clothing, toys, books and equipment to those in need, with more than 1,500 local people benefitting from the initiative each year.
Families are also provided with further support, including access to other Foundation services and resources, as part of a welcoming, non-judgmental environment.
- 1,526 families supported in 2024/2025
- 4,800 individual children supported
- 419 different referrals from the local authority
- 10,000+ items of clothing provided
- 200 tubs of formula provided
- 140 baby baths provided
- 450 blankets provided
- Average value of support packs provided: £176
Will Turner, Port Vale’s Community and CSR Director, said: “We’re incredibly proud to receive the Community Project of the Season Award. Community is at the heart of everything we do at Port Vale, and the Baby Bank has much such an impact on people’s lives since it started in 2023.
“Initiatives like these wouldn’t happen without the dedication of our incredible Foundation staff and volunteers, and this award recognises the difference they’re making every day to our local community.”
The award follows last year’s EFL League One Project of the Year for our Community Cupboard and Lounge, and EFL Community Club of the Year in 2021.
For further information, please email: community@port-vale.co.uk.