Brackmills charity partnerships deliver real results for Northamptonshire communities
Our new approach to supporting local causes close to our hearts is paying dividends
Local charities are benefiting from a new approach to community support at Brackmills Industrial Estate, with the Northamptonshire branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) among those seeing real impact.
MNDA is one of five charity partners selected by members of Brackmills Business Improvement District (BID). In a departure from the traditional single Charity of the Year model, BID members were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, resulting in five organisations being chosen: MNDA (Northamptonshire branch), The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, Creating Tomorrow Trust, Northampton Supports Ukraine Appeal, and a new Brackmills-based food bank created in partnership with Northamptonshire Police.
As well as financial contributions, the BID community is extending support by inviting charity partners to events, connecting them with businesses and people across the estate, and providing platforms to raise awareness and funds.
Sara Homer, chief executive of Brackmills BID, said: “When we launched our new charity partnerships approach, we made a commitment to offer more than just money. Seeing that vision come to life has been incredibly rewarding. Our charity partners are now part of the Brackmills community, attending events, meeting our members and building meaningful connections. The work we’re doing together is making a genuine difference to people across Northamptonshire.”
The partnerships are already delivering tangible results. Jan Warren, chair of the Northamptonshire branch of the MNDA, said: “Being selected as one of the Charities of the Year by Brackmills has been wonderful, and it was a pleasure to attend a BID event last week to meet members and receive our donation. The support has allowed us to increase the number of people living with MND and their carers who can join us for our monthly lunch. We fully fund the lunch, including adapted wheelchair taxis for those in need. For many of our friends, it’s one of their only days out, so it’s really important. Lots of laughs, lots of tips, and an opportunity to be amongst friends who truly understand. Heartfelt thanks to Brackmills.”
On Christmas Eve 2025, when all other food banks were closed, the Brackmills food bank was able to support an individual in need. Working together with the local policing team, who also secured donations from a local toy shop, they provided vital support at a time when it was needed most.
Charlotte Patrick, vice chair of Brackmills BID, added: “The early results of our new approach show just how powerful it can be when businesses and charities collaborate. Whether it’s funding monthly lunches for people living with MND, providing emergency food supplies on Christmas Eve, or connecting our charity partners with thousands of people across the estate, we’re seeing the real impact of bringing our community together around causes that matter.”
