As I write this message, my overwhelming feeling is one of gratitude. Gratitude for every child, family, school, volunteer, supporter, partner and member of staff who has been part of the Passion for Learning journey over the last 15 years. Together, we have worked to unlock potential, raise aspirations and create opportunities for children to learn through play, fun and enrichment.

 

Today, I must share the unfortunate news that Passion for Learning will cease operations at the end of the current academic year and our doors will close for the last time on Friday 17th July 2026.

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While we understand this news is undoubtedly difficult, we are choosing to focus on the incredible achievements of the charity and the thousands of lives we have supported across Ellesmere Port, Chester and beyond since we were founded 15 years ago by Diane Clarke MBE. Throughout our journey, we have adapted, evolved and fought tirelessly to ensure that those who needed us most received the support, opportunities and enrichment they deserved. None of this would have been possible without every member of staff who has been part of Passion for Learning, the dedicated volunteers who gave their time so generously, the schools and teachers who welcomed us into their communities and the funders, businesses, trustees and supporters who believed in our mission.

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When I took over as CEO, I was acutely aware of the significant challenges facing the organisation and that closure was a very real possibility. Over the last 16 months, however, we refused to accept that outcome without exhausting every possible option. Together, our staff, volunteers and supporters have worked tirelessly to secure the charity's future. We have strengthened business partnerships, increased fundraising activity and pursued every funding opportunity available to us.

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During this period, we submitted more than £1.6 million worth of funding applications through multiple bid writers, including a professional fundraising consultant. Despite the quality of our work, the strength of our impact and the clear need for our services, only a small proportion of these applications were successful. While we continued to secure project funding and local business support, we were unable to obtain the sustainable core funding required to keep the organisation operating. This decision has not been reached lightly and it is extremely important to all of us that we finish in the right way, with integrity, honesty and deliver everything we have committed to during this academic year. We believe it would be unfair to the children, the  families, the schools and the volunteers we serve to continue operating under the constant uncertainty of having no sustainable core funding. By making this announcement now, we can complete our work with professionalism, care and pride rather than risk reaching a point where we are forced to stop part way through the year and let people down.

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To our priceless volunteers, Passion for Learning would not have existed without you. For 15 years, you have given something far more valuable than money: your time, your kindness and your belief in the potential of every child. You have inspired, encouraged, supported and championed thousands of children, helping them discover new possibilities and believe in themselves.

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The impact you have made cannot be measured in hours volunteered or activities delivered. It can be seen in the confidence of a child who found their voice, the smile of a child who discovered something new and the memories of children who were given the chance to dream, imagine and simply be children. These are moments that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. For that, we will be forever grateful.

To our schools and teachers, thank you for trusting us with your pupils and allowing us to be part of their stories. It has been an honour to work alongside you all, supporting your children and playing a part in the incredible work you do every day. We are meeting with our volunteers next week and we hope to be in contact with all of our schools over the coming weeks. If you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to contact myself, Louise, Catherine or Claire. 

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While the charity may be coming to an end, I firmly believe its impact will continue to be seen in the lives of the children, families and communities we have supported, in the opportunities created, the confidence built and the aspirations raised along the way. Most importantly, I hope it will live on in the memories of children who were given the chance to explore, imagine, laugh, dream and simply enjoy being children. Those moments of wonder, curiosity and joy are what childhood should be about, and I hope they will stay with them for years to come.

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Finally, I want to pay tribute to our incredible staff. Throughout this journey, they have shown extraordinary resilience, dedication and compassion. They have carried workloads far beyond what should reasonably be expected, always with professionalism, determination and an unwavering commitment to the children and families we serve. They have given their time, energy and hearts selflessly to support those facing disadvantage and hardship, often putting the needs of others before their own. Even in the face of uncertainty about their own futures, they remained focused on helping others. Their commitment has changed lives, raised aspirations and created opportunities for thousands of young people. Passion for Learning's legacy is their legacy and I will be forever grateful for the support they have shown me and everything they have done for others.

I cannot speak on behalf of everyone at Passion for Learning, but I believe they would all agree on one thing…It has been a privilege!

Steve