Talk to ACE Support ACE's next phase
Explore a child bursary, a future SEND Superstars cohort or an anchor-patron model. These are proposals for discussion, not live payment products.
Explore the possible routes
The figures below are indicative propositions for ACE’s next phase. No route is open for payment until scope, capacity, safeguarding, governance and financial arrangements are confirmed.
Explore support for one child’s place within a future 12-week SEND Superstars programme: a safe, low-demand route into movement, confidence, relationships and family respite.
The final cost, cohort, referral fit, safeguards and delivery arrangements must be confirmed before any commitment or payment.Discuss this routeExplore underwriting a complete future cohort so ACE can plan staff, venue, safeguarding and evidence properly without leaving families to carry the cost.
Any funder offer is subject to an agreed delivery plan, approved budget, confirmed capacity and proportionate reporting arrangements.Discuss this routeExplore becoming one of ten anchor businesses or philanthropists in a proposed £100,000 core operating model.
The patron level and annual target remain proposals until an operating budget, programme plan, receiving account and governance process are approved.Discuss this routeACE does not take payments on this website. A conversation must first confirm the programme, delivery capability, receiving account, use of funds, reporting and what happens if plans change.
The ACE Patron Circle
OnSide Youth Zones use substantial patron and corporate support alongside other income to help cover annual running costs and keep young people’s entry nominal.
ACE’s proposed adaptation is simple: a £100,000 annual core operating target, underwritten by ten patrons contributing £10,000 each per year. That predictable foundation can pay for the people, safeguarding, coordination, space and evidence that short project grants often leave exposed. Access can then be free at the point of use wherever funding permits.
The need: Families value a safe, low-demand environment, but short-term awards make continuity fragile.
The offer: A defined block of specialist sessions with clear referral, capability and family-outcome measures.
The need: Many children have emerging, lower-level or unassessed needs that do not fit a simple mainstream/specialist split.
The offer: An adaptable movement pilot for mixed-needs groups, with learning that schools and community settings can use.
The need: Small organisations and local settings cannot always buy a full range of adaptable equipment.
The offer: A shared, bookable kit bank that helps more partners deliver inclusive play with less duplication.
The need: Local programmes can become isolated projects rather than a pathway people can navigate.
The offer: A Stockport-wide network joining open activity, inclusive bridges, specialist support and progression routes.
The need: Short bookings and fragmented venues limit continuity, identity and sustainable income.
The offer: A staged route from meanwhile use to a lasting community base, subject to feasibility, governance and finance.
What responsible support includes
Clear outcomes. Agree what should change, who should benefit and how we will know.
Right-sized delivery. Match referral need to staff capability, safeguards and specialist partners.
Useful evidence. Combine participation data, lived experience, unit cost and learning.
A route beyond the award. Test earned income, commissioning, partnerships and asset options from the start.
For funders and commissioners
ACE is strengthening its governance and evidence systems as part of its next phase. Before any application or agreement, we will confirm current eligibility, safeguarding, delivery capability, board approvals, costs and claims. We will not force a project through a fund whose rules or referral profile do not fit.
Review our evidence approachInterested in the next phase?
Tell ACE whether you want to explore a child bursary, a full cohort, patronage or another form of support. The first conversation confirms fit; no payment is taken through this website.
Talk to ACE