Ninety community groups across Lancashire supported by Champions scheme

Seven county councillors act as Lancashire County Council’s Champions, working closely with local organisations and backed by a £10,000 annual fund each to help deliver projects, activities and services where they are most needed.

The current Champions are Gary Kniveton for Armed Forces and Veterans, Ellie Close for Tackling Violence against Women and Girls, Gaynor Hargreaves for Disabled People, Jordan Fox for Mental Health, Janet Schofield for Older People, James Tomlinson for Rural Communities and Parishes, and Mackenzie Ritson for Young People.

From April 2025 to March 2026, a total of £69,879 was spent on projects including initiatives tackling social isolation, promoting health and wellbeing, and strengthening community connections — including those supporting the armed forces and veteran community.

Mackenzie Ritson, Champion for young people, helped Farrah from East Lancashire with her Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) and helped her apply to Burnley College.

Farrah's nana Linda Bateson, who she lives with, said:

"Our Champion, Mackenzie has done leaps and bounds for us, he really has. What he's got done in three, four months from when we started it, we couldn't even get done in 10 years. We finally got the EHCP thanks to lot of help from Kenzie and we really appreciate it."

Mackenzie Ritson, Champion for Young People, with Farrah and her grandparents Linda and Nigel

D-Day veteran Richard Brock, aged 102, joined veteran support groups through Gary Kniveton, Champion for armed forces and veterans. He accompanied him on a recent visit to the Bay Veterans Association's breakfast hub at the Pier Hotel in Morecambe, followed by a trip to the Veterans Hub at the Arndale Centre.

The World War II veteran, who was involved in the liberation of Europe, said:

"I've been to visit veteran groups with Gary and they are a wonderful thing. He's a marvellous chap is Gary, he's been a real good friend and a pal to me. We've travelled quite a few miles together."

D-Day veteran Richard Brock, aged 102

Bev Skyes, Founder of Just Good Friends in Lytham St Annes, said that she has really valued the support of Janet Schofield, the Champion for older people.

She said:

"Combatting loneliness and isolation is quite easy as we just get people together. Everyone has issues and problems that we try to solve for them and we have become very close to everyone, we are very much a family and we help everybody to get the help that they need. We have 250 members and we love everybody.

"Magic happens at Just Good Friends. Our Champion, Jan Schofield, has been a few times to meet our group and she is very, very supportive. She is helping us and understands our issues, and we know she is going to make a massive difference to us at Just Good Friends."

Bev Skyes and Jan Schofield with members of Just Good Friends in Lytham St Annes

Councillor Ella Worthington, Cabinet Member for Civic Pride, said:

“I’m incredibly proud of the difference our Champions are making in communities across Lancashire.

“These projects highlight the dedication of people who are bringing others together, supporting those who need it most and helping to build stronger, more connected communities.

“Supporting this work is at the heart of our civic pride ambition — making sure Lancashire is a place where people feel valued, supported and proud of where they live.

“Our Champions play a vital role in this, working closely with local groups, listening to communities and helping ensure residents can access opportunities, support and services that improve everyday lives.”

To apply for help, support or advice, or to find out more about the work of the Champions, email championgrants@lancashire.gov.uk or visit Champions