The outside cabin photo is when ACS was first established in 2015, and the other photo is ACS since its move in 2023. The final photo is Liz Pinkney the founder of ACS.

Alsager Community Support (ACS) provides free, local and confidential support for people in any kind of need in Alsager and surrounding areas. 

So highly regarded is the organisation, it was awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service - the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK, equivalent to an MBE. 

ACS was award the Queen;s Award for Voluntary Service in 2022.

Not only that, the group's founder, Liz Pinkney, who set it up around nine years ago, was awarded a British Empire Medal the same year.

Established in January 2015, ACS has grown to become a cornerstone of the community, providing essential services and support.

Reflecting on its incredible journey, ACS began with the help of members of Alsager Community Church, applying for a Big Lottery grant enabling a portacabin on Fairview car park to be purchased to house what was then known as Alsager Community Support Centre, and the foodbank.

The portacabin where Alsager Community Support used to be based. (Photo: ACS)

Over the years, it has flourished, securing a new premises on Crewe Road to meet the increasing demand for its services.

These milestones offer the perfect opportunity to celebrate the charity's achievements, recognise the challenges it has overcome, and look ahead to an even brighter future. Here's to the next decade of making a difference in Alsager!

Reflecting on the early days

Ten years ago, ACS began with a simple yet ambitious vision, by its founder Liz Pinkney, who founded the organisation in 2015. Liz in the beginning had a small team of volunteers and has laid the groundwork with dedication, passion and determination.

Alsager Community Support founder, Liz Pinkney was awarded an BEM for her work. (Photo: Nub News)

Liz Pinkney, Founder of ACS says "I'd like to say a big thank you to all the lovely people who have been involved in ACS over the last ten years, helping thousands of people with problems big and small.

"Looking back to the early days, I could never have imagined how much the organisation would grow and develop into the ACS of today, and how many friendships would be made along the way.

"Our original aims of providing help and information to local people still remain true today, as the excellent staff and dedicated team of volunteers work together providing a huge range of services from the centre."

Milestones and achievements

Over the years, ACS has reached remarkable milestones. This was especially evident during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when ACS became a vital support network for the community.

The organisation assisted with local COVID-19 testing and vaccine rollout efforts, while also directly helping over 300 individuals with essential tasks such as shopping and collecting prescriptions.

During this period, ACS successfully recruited and coordinated over 200 volunteers to meet the growing demands for support.

Alsager Community Support moved to new premises in Crewe Road, above The Vault. (Photo: ACS)

John Somerfield has been a volunteer since ACS was first established. John said: "The outbreak of Covid saw an exponential increase in demand from the community which resulted in a rapid increase in our volunteer base.

"As a result of the good work during this period, the organisation received the Queens Award for Voluntary Service, of which we are all very proud.

"Since then, the organisation has grown even further into new premises where we can now accommodate more volunteers, see more clients, display our wonderful school uniform scheme and undertake new and varied projects with lots of new partners. Did I make the right decision to become a volunteer with ACS, absolutely I did."

In 2022, ACS achieved another major milestone by becoming a registered charity. This status provided a foundation for long-term sustainability and enabled ACS to secure funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. By 2024, this funding facilitated the establishment of an employed team, marking a new era of growth. This team has been instrumental in organisational development, ensuring the sustainability of the charity.

Jeanette Heath says 'volunteering at the centre has given me so much satisfaction knowing that I can make a difference to our community, even if it's only a small one..

The people behind the mission

At the heart of ACS are the people who have dedicated their time, energy, and passion to make a difference. Trustees, volunteers, and supporters have been the backbone of the organisation, contributing invaluable skills and insights. Their stories are a source of inspiration, and their efforts have helped shape ACS into the organisation it is today.

Phil Dabbs (centre volunteer) said: "'ACS is a great place to volunteer, very welcoming and friendly and sometimes the clients we see come in very sad and down, then often leave happy, reassured and uplifted after a warm welcome and friendly support we can offer them."

Looking to the future

While this anniversary is a time to celebrate the past, it's also an opportunity to consider the future. ACS's vision remains devoted to the local community: to continue growing and serving the community. As part of this commitment, ACS is now extending its opening hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 4 pm to better serve the needs of the community.

Looking ahead, there is a renewed focus on expanding our provisions. By recruiting more volunteers, we can reach and support more people in the local area. ACS will also continue to strengthen partnerships and collaborate with more local organisations and charities to make an even greater impact in the community.

Lynne Gammon, Chair of ACS said: "Being a part of ACS makes me proud. I feel privileged to be part of an organisation where people work together selflessly to help others in their local area and to witness the positive differences they make to so many lives."

A thank you to our community

This milestone wouldn't have been possible without the support of the people of Alsager and district. To every individual who has contributed – whether through volunteering, attending events, becoming a sponsor or simply spreading the word – we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your belief in your local charity fuels everything we do. Here's to the next chapter of ACS's incredible story!

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