FAMILIES UNITED SECURES ESSENTIAL BUILDING MATERIALS FUNDING

We're pleased to announce Families United Warrington as a runner-up in our 2026 Community Heroes initiative, recognising the charity’s support and commitment to young people in Warrington with SEND and complex needs as well as their families.

The charity was selected by a panel including celebrity judge and TV tradesperson, Rob Bent. The campaign was relaunched this year, after research found that half of Brits (48%) say community spaces have disappeared in their neighbourhoods.

Since 2003, Families United has provided reassurance, peer support and vital respite to families and members, helping disabled children and young adults thrive and enabling families to connect within an inclusive SEND community. Via accessible and inspiring activities, Families United creates safe and welcoming spaces where young people with special educational needs and disabilities can enjoy meaningful experiences alongside their families.

Thanks to the Community Heroes win, Families United has secured £1,000 to spend in its local store, Selco Warrington. This will be used to purchase essential building materials and hardware needed to complete the foundations for stage one of its transformational project to their newly acquired venue.

Claire Caddick, CEO of Families United, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be recognised as one of Selco Builders Warehouse's Community Heroes. This award celebrates the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters.

"The funding will help us transform our new building into a welcoming community hub where families can access support, build lasting relationships, and create a legacy for generations to come. We are incredibly grateful to Selco for supporting our vision."

Now in its sixth year – and with a bigger prize fund than ever before at £62,000 – the Selco Community Heroes initiative is designed to benefit small community projects that are building brighter futures for their local areas.

Simon Humpage, Head of Multichannel Marketing at Selco Builders Warehouse, said: “Families United Warrington provides a supportive environment that helps children build confidence, develop social skills and improve their emotional wellbeing.”

“We’re thrilled to contribute to the development of this organisation and hope we play a role in allowing children and families across Warrington to continue to access brighter futures.”

Local charities and community projects are encouraged to find out more about Community Heroes and apply online.