Friends for Leisure, the Congleton-based charity supporting disabled children and young people, has announced the appointment of Amanda Hunt as its new general manager, coinciding with it being forced to start charging for its services.
Ms Hunt, who has worked with Friends for Leisure since 2023, will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of the charity and leading its programme of activities.
A trained counsellor, her association with Friends for Leisure goes beyond her job as she has two children with additional needs and said she was “extremely passionate” about supporting disabled children and young people.
Before taking the role of general manager, Ms Hunt previously served as a project worker at Friends for Leisure, covering the central and more recently north region of Cheshire East. Her appointment follows the news that the charity has been forced to charge for its services in 2026 due to a lack of funding.
Ms Hunt said: “This isn’t a decision we have taken lightly as children are so important to us.
“We don’t believe there was any other option to continue as an organisation. Securing sufficient funding is an issue impacting charities across the UK. It has become increasingly competitive with more organisations applying for smaller pools of money. However, we want to reassure all the children and families that benefit from our services that we’re not going anywhere.”
Commenting on her appointment, she said: “My children have attended Friends for Leisure groups for many years, so I’ve experienced first-hand, as both a parent and an employee, the impact the charity has.
“When I was offered the opportunity to take on the role of general manager, it was something I was incredibly passionate about pursuing.
“To have the chance to make a difference in my local community and help shape the future of the charity was something I could not turn down.”
Pam Carey, trustee at Friends for Leisure, said: “Amanda’s connection to the charity made her the ideal choice for this role. She understands the importance of the work we do and the challenges we face. As a board of trustees we’re thrilled she’s agreed to take on the job, and we look forward to working closely with her to take Friends for Leisure into 2026 and beyond.”
Last year (2025) marked Friends for Leisure’s 30th anniversary and in recognition of the milestone it has launched its “30 for 30” campaign.
The charity is appealing to 30 local businesses to each donate £1,000 with the goal of raising £30,000 in extra funding to support the wide range of activities it provides disabled children and young people across Cheshire East.
Ms Hunt said: “The current situation has highlighted why it is so important for local communities to support charities like Friends for Leisure, either by fundraising, donating or simply promoting the work we do.
“If there are any local businesses that want to help support us and our work, please do get in touch because your donations will have a huge impact on children in Cheshire East.”
Anyone interested in supporting Friends for Leisure’s fundraising efforts should get in touch on 01260 275 333 or email info@friendsforleisure.org.uk.
Friends for Leisure is a Cheshire East charity that supports disabled children and young people aged between 5-21. The charity aims to reduce isolation and loneliness, which can often accompany having a disability, as well as improve children’s confidence, self-esteem and overall well-being.
It operates Congleton and Sandbach, as well as as Macclesfield, Crewe, Knutsford and Disley.
