M6toll Proudly Supports Holbrooks Community Care Association
Midland Expressway Limited (MEL), operators of the M6toll, are thrilled to announce that Holbrooks Community Care Association have been selected as a recipient of their “In the Community” funding aligning with their commitment to support local communities. The project aligns perfectly with placing a focus on supporting the elderly within the community.
The M6toll will provide £1,250 to help deliver a community-based programme offering practical, emotional, and social support. The project will focus on reducing isolation, increasing confidence, and ensuring older residents can access meaningful activities and appropriate guidance.
Holbrooks Community Care Association, based in Coventry, aims to provide targeted support for vulnerable individuals within this age group, improving their wellbeing, independence, and overall quality of life.
Mark Graham said, “We are incredibly grateful to M6toll for their generous support. Their contribution will make a real difference by helping us provide welcoming, inclusive spaces where older residents can connect, build friendships and stay active. For many, these groups are a vital lifeline — reducing isolation, improving wellbeing and strengthening community spirit. We sincerely thank M6toll for recognising the importance of supporting our older generation and investing in the people at the heart of our community.”
Jo Brett, External Communications Assistant, shared, “Our commitment to the welfare of our local community goes beyond the toll booths. We are proud to support Holbrooks Community Care Association and their important community-based programme project, focused on supporting the Elderly in our community to reduce isolation ensuring older residents can access meaningful activities and appropriate guidance.”
For more information about the projects, please visit www.holbrookscommunity.co.uk
For media enquiries, please contact: pressoffice@m6toll.co.uk
Keep a look out on our website and social media channels for information on our quarter two In the Community funding which will focus on Mental Health & Wellbeing
Claire Haymes, Project Support Worker at Holbrooks Community Care Association with our M6toll Project Champion, Ruth Webb
M6toll Project Champion Ruth Webb participating in some seated exercise at Holbrooks Community Care Association
Back to newsM6toll Launches 2026 In the Community Campaign with Focus on Elderly Support
As part of M6toll’s ongoing commitment to supporting meaningful causes through its ‘In the Community’ scheme, we’re proud to launch our 2026 campaign, starting with a focus on supporting elderly people in our communities.
This is the first of four quarterly themes for 2026, with each quarter dedicated to a different area of community support as voted for by M6toll’s colleagues.
Local charities, organisations, and community groups that provide care, companionship, and essential services for older individuals are now invited to apply for a funding boost of up to £1,250. This grant is designed to help projects that improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, and create a positive impact for those who have given so much to our communities.
Jo Brett, External Communications Assistance at M6toll, shared: “Supporting elderly people is about more than care, it’s about connection, dignity, and making sure no one feels alone. Through this quarter’s theme, we’re proud to help local organisations deliver initiatives that truly make a difference.”
Through the In the Community Scheme, M6toll aims to empower local groups working tirelessly to improve lives and strengthen community bonds. The funding is designed to help them grow their reach, enhance their programmes, and continue delivering positive initiatives.
Organisations interested in applying for the funding boost can find more information and apply by visiting HERE
For media enquiries, please contact: pressoffice@m6toll.co.uk
Driving Festive Cheer: M6toll Joins Forces with Help A Squaddie
Midland Expressway Limited (MEL), operators of the M6toll, are proud to announce their support for Help A Squaddie through their “In the Community” funding initiative. This partnership reflects MEL’s ongoing commitment to championing local causes and promoting wellbeing for those who have served our country.
Many veterans and their families face social isolation and financial hardship, particularly during the festive season. Christmas can be a difficult time for those struggling with loneliness, mental health challenges, or the costs associated with the holidays which is why we want to help bring some festive cheer to veterans and their families.
To support, Help A Squaddie will host a Christmas Party for veterans and their families, creating a welcoming space to come together, connect with others who understand their experiences, and enjoy the spirit of the season without financial pressure. The event will include a traditional Christmas meal, entertainment, and a special gift for the children of veterans. It aims to spread joy, strengthen community bonds, and remind veterans and their families that they are valued and not forgotten at Christmas.
Kerry Urquhart, CEO said: “We are incredibly grateful to M6toll and their In the Community scheme for generously funding our Christmas party and Christmas dinner for the veterans at The Russell Aston Home For Veterans. This celebration will bring together veterans who otherwise wouldn’t see anyone over the Christmas period, giving them companionship, warmth, and festive joy. Thank you for making a meaningful difference.”
Jo Brett, External Communications Assistant at M6toll, commented:
“We’re delighted to support Help A Squaddie in their wonderful mission to bring festive cheer to veterans and their families. This project truly embodies the spirit of Christmas and reflects our heartfelt commitment to our local community, bringing people together and spreading joy where it matters most.”
For more information about Help A Squaddie, please visit: https://helpasquaddie.org.uk
For details on M6toll’s Drive for Charity funding CLICK HERE
M6toll Proudly Supports Sports 4 Life Emotional Wellbeing and Mentoring Project
Midland Expressway Limited (MEL), operators of the M6toll, are thrilled to announce that Sports 4 Life have been selected as a recipient of their “In the Community” funding aligning with their commitment to support local communities. The project aligns perfectly with placing a focus on mental wellbeing in support of Mental Health Awareness Week (12 –18 May).
The M6toll will provide £1,250 to support the charity’s overriding goals which are to improve the mental health and emotional wellbeing of 80% of young people engaged in emotional wellbeing mentoring and significantly improve the life skills of 75% of young people engaged in emotional wellbeing mentoring. The funding will provide targeted emotional wellbeing mentoring support to 3 disadvantaged young people in the West Midlands for 12 months.
Sport 4 Life, based in Digbeth, Birmingham, is a sport-for-development and youth charity that works with people aged 11 to 29 across the West Midlands. They empower young people to reach their potential by providing the skills, qualifications and support they need to find work and shape successful futures by utilizing the power of sport.
Tom Clarke-Forrest, Founder & CEO, Sport 4 Life UK said; “We’re incredibly grateful to M6toll for their generous support during Mental Health Awareness Week. This funding will make a real difference – enabling us to provide a full year of dedicated mentoring to young people facing significant challenges with their mental health and wellbeing. At Sport 4 Life UK, we know that timely, tailored support can change the trajectory of a young person’s life, and partnerships like this help make that possible.”
Jo Brett, External Communications Assistant at M6toll, shared, “Our commitment to the welfare of our local community goes beyond the toll booths. We are proud to support Sport 4 Life and their important wellbeing and mentoring project, which aligns perfectly with our goal of highlighting mental health and raising the profile of charities and projects aimed at supporting our local community.”
For more information about the mentoring and wellbeing project and other services offered by Sports 4 Life, please visit Sport 4 Life UK | West Midlands Youth Employment Charity
For media enquiries, please contact: pressoffice@m6toll.co.uk
New funding pot launches for local mental health charities and projects
As part of the M6toll’s ongoing commitment to supporting meaningful causes through their ‘In the Community’ scheme, the company is launching their second quarterly theme for 2025 focused on mental health and are welcoming local charities and projects to apply for funding.
Local organisations dedicated to supporting individuals with mental health challenges can apply for funding boosts of up to £1,250, to help them deliver essential projects and initiatives that will make a positive contribution to the lives of people experiencing or recovering from mental illness.
This announcement comes ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week, organised by the Mental Health Foundation, which takes place from 12 to 18 May 2025. The theme for this year’s awareness week is ‘Community’, reflecting the vital role that supportive communities play in enhancing mental health and well-being.
Jo Seabright, Marketing & Communications and Customer Experience Director at M6toll shared, “We know how much a strong, supportive community can positively impact mental health and well-being. Through this quarter’s theme, we want to support local organisations who are creating those safe spaces and meaningful connections that change lives for the better.”
Through the In the Community Scheme, we aim to empower local organisations working tirelessly to create these supportive networks. The funding boosts are designed to help them continue their vital work, whether through running programs, providing resources, or extending their reach to those in need.
Organisations interested in applying for the funding boost in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week can find more information and apply by visiting https://www.m6toll.co.uk/about-us/drive-for-charity/
M6toll Launches Drive for Charity partnership with Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust
M6toll is excited to announce the second of three 2-year strategic charity partnerships, with the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust (LHCRT) as part of its Drive for Charity initiative, focusing on ‘Community and Culture.’
The Restoration Trust is entirely volunteer-led and is dedicated to restoring the historic 7-mile Lichfield Canal, which was completed in 1797 but was abandoned in 1954 due to the decline of the national inland waterways network. Their goal is to bring this significant waterway back to its former glory and recreate the gateway to the Birmingham Canal Navigations.
M6toll has a long-standing relationship with the Trust, as the Lichfield Canal Aqueduct spans the motorway, having been installed before the road opened to traffic in 2003. The aqueduct remains unconnected to the canal, as restoration continues.
This new 2-year partnership will focus on providing much-needed tools, equipment, and resources for personal and public safety to support the volunteer teams. As more sections of the canal are completed, the need for their maintenance increases. The funds will also support the Trust’s education programme with local communities, schools, and Scout groups on restoration and biodiversity projects.
The Trust now has an even greater emphasis on habitat improvements and making contributions to combating climate change through environmental management and recreating channel sections as open water.
Jo Seabright, Customer Experience and Marketing & Communications and Director at M6toll said “We are incredibly proud to partner with Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust. This collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting community and cultural initiatives that make a positive impact on our environment and local heritage. Our teams are eager to volunteer their time and get involved in these meaningful projects.” —
Bob Williams, LHCRT Finance and Funding Trustee added: ” We are delighted that M6toll is embarking on this partnership with us. Their support will provide vital resources to ensure the ongoing safety and efficiency of our dedicated volunteers as we continue to restore the Lichfield Canal, while supporting our work with local schools and youth groups.”
For further information regarding Drive for Charity please visit www.m6toll.co.uk/drive-for-charity
For further information regarding Lichfield & Hatherton Canal Restroration Trust, please visit LHCRT
For all media enquires, please contact pressoffice@m6toll.co.uk
M6toll fund Community Public Access Defibrillator
Midland Expressway Ltd (operators of the M6toll) have supported South Staffordshire First Responders (SSFR) group with a donation of £1,000 to fund a Community Public Access
Defibrillator.
Community First Responders {CFR) are groups of volunteers trained to a nationally recognised level by West Midlands Ambulance Servic-e and respond to 999 calls in their local communities. They can be vital in reaching those people suffering from medical emergencies fast, particularly in remote rural communities, prior to the arrival of an ambulance. On many occasions, the first few minutes are critical and simple interventions can be performed in order to save lives or prevent disability. CFR’s maybe requested to attend to medical emergencies such as cardiac arrests, diabetic emergencies, strokes, falls, and breathing problems. The charity provides trained volunteers in Codsall, Perton, Pattingham, Wombourne, Kinver and all the surrounding villages.
Matt Jevons, Founding Trustee of SSFR said: “This is a fantastic donation from the M6toll and is much more than we originally thought it might be. The money donated to us will go towards funding a Community Public Access Defibrillator, which is available 24/7. Anyone who needs to access the defibrillator in an emergency calls 999 and the operator will give them a key code to open the box. The defibrillator can be used by anybody and gives the operator verbal instructions how to use it.”
Ian Harvey, M6toll’s Drive for Charity Social Squad member added: “I am proud to champion South Staffordshire First responders. Public access to defibrillators is so important, it can literally be the difference between life and death. In my hometown of Tamworth, there are a few located around the area and it always makes me feel safer. South Staffordshire First Responders are ensuing local people feel safer in their communities.”
You can read another Drive for Charity Article Here to discover more of our work.
Back to newsM6toll fund playground equipment for local School
Midland Expressway Ltd (operators of the M6toll) have supported a local school in Birmingham through their fundraising team ‘Friends of Hamilton’ who help and support children with Autism with a donation of £1,500 for new playground equipment.
Hamilton School is a primary special school and all students have an Education, Health and Care plan as all the children have a diagnosis of Autism. The school keep their focus on learning and have very high expectations as to what staff and students are capable of achieving. One of the key aims of ‘Friends of Hamilton’ is to provide extra equipment for pupils and support for their families so that each pupil can achieve their full potential.
Letitia Carter, Assistant Head Teacher, said “We are so grateful for the M6toll In the Community funding. All the pupils at the school have autism and complex learning difficulties and they need equipment they can use to regulate themselves. We desperately need to replace old equipment that provided movement regulation and this grant will allow us to put in equipment which is similar but better suited for our children.”
Ian Harvey, M6toll’s Drive for Charity Social Squad member added: “As the father of a young adult who is autistic, I have seen first-hand the difficulties faced with receiving the right information and help with social inclusion. I feel that ‘Friends of Hamilton’ play such an important role within the community and I am proud to be championing this project.”
Midland Expressway Ltd’s (MEL) donation forms part of a wider initiative to support local schools and community projects. MEL’s Social Squad is always on the lookout for local charities and community projects to support. To register your charity or community project with MEL for consideration to receive fundraising or practical (volunteering) support now or in the future visit our Drive for Charity page.
For further information about Hamilton Primary School visit http://www.hamilton.bham.sch.uk/
You can also read another Drive for Charity Article Here.
Back to newsFirst Responder Charity secures M6toll funding
Midland Expressway Ltd (operators of the M6toll) have supported local charity, Burntwood & District Community First Responders with a donation of £1500 through their Drive for Charity In the Community scheme.
Formed in 2010, Burntwood & District Community First Responders, have been a Registered Charity since 3rd January 2014 and cover Cannock, Burntwood, Chasetown, Chase Terrace, Norton Canes, Great Wyrley, Cheslyn Hay and surrounding areas. The charity are totally reliant on donations and grants together with their own fundraising to keep them on the road. This includes purchasing and maintaining both of their response vehicles and buying uniform. The funding awarded will enable the charity to issue safety helmets to the charities existing responders and new recruits.
Community First Responders (CFR’s) are volunteers, who respond to emergency 999 calls for the ambulance service. They are trained to a nationally recognised level by the ambulance service and deliver basic life support to patients in cardiac arrest prior to the arrival of the nearest available ambulance resource.
Dan Walsh; Co-ordinator & Trustee at Burntwood & Cannock Chase CFR’s said; “This funding means so much to our team and will enable us to purchase equipment to keep our responders safe.”
Jo Brett, M6toll’s Drive for Charity Scheme Co-ordinator added: “We’ve had the pleasure of supporting Burntwood & District Community First Responders for many years now, including the provision of free passage on the M6toll, enabling them to reach emergencies quicker. We were particularly keen to support this project, enabling the team to continue doing the great work they do safely”.
Midland Expressway Ltd’s (MEL) donation forms part of a wider initiative to support local schools and community projects. MEL’s Social Squad is always on the lookout for local charities and community projects to support. To register your charity or community project with MEL for consideration to receive fundraising or practical (volunteering) support now or in the future visit the Drive for Charity page.
For further information about Burntwood & District Community First Responders visit www.burntwoodcfr.org.uk
You can also read another Drive for Charity Article Here.
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