Why Corporate Partnerships Are Essential for Empowering Children in Poverty
Supporting education. Building futures.
Across Manchester and Salford, thousands of children are growing up without access to the basics many of us take for granted, school uniforms, proper shoes, warm winter coats, or a backpack to carry their belongings. These aren’t luxuries. They’re essential to feeling confident, comfortable, and included at school.
At Wood Street Mission, we work every day to bridge that gap, and we know we can’t do it alone. Corporate partnerships are key to helping us reach the children and families who need us most.
The Power of Business Support in Tackling Child Poverty
Businesses have the influence, resources, and networks to create real, long-term impact in their communities. Through donations, volunteering, sponsorship, or fundraising, corporate partners help provide the practical essentials that allow children to fully engage with their education.
This kind of support isn’t just charitable, it’s transformative. It gives children dignity, reduces anxiety, and helps level the playing field, so they can walk into school feeling like they belong.
Spotlight on: Smart Start
One of our core initiatives, Smart Start, is designed to provide low-income families with school uniforms, coats, bags, and other essentials to support children’s educational journey. It’s not about fashion, it’s about making sure no child feels different or excluded because their family can’t afford the basics.
In 2024 alone, Smart Start supported 2,170 children across Greater Manchester and the surrounding areas. That’s thousands of children walking into school with their heads held high, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, including many of our corporate partners.
By getting involved with Smart Start, businesses play a direct role in helping children feel confident, valued, and ready to learn.
Why CSR Should Focus on Children and Education
There’s a growing expectation for businesses to be a force for good. Customers want to see brands doing more. Employees want to work for companies with heart. And communities need support now more than ever.
Focusing your CSR efforts on children’s education isn’t just the right thing to do, it resonates. It shows that your organisation cares about the future and is investing in opportunities for the next generation.
Partnering with Wood Street Mission offers a meaningful way to demonstrate your values, engage your team, and make a difference where it truly counts.
Get Involved with Smart Start
There are so many ways to support Smart Start, from donating new school items and raising funds to sponsoring key parts of the project. How ever you choose to help, you’ll be directly improving children’s lives and strengthening your business’s commitment to social good or sign up a team to our Back to School Quiz, 10th September.
Let’s work together to give every child the smart start they deserve.
Get in touch to explore how your business can make a lasting difference or email fundraise@woodstreetmission.org.uk.
