Main fundraiser photo

Heatons Post - free community newspaper for SK4/5

Welcome to the Heatons Post, an independent monthly not-for-profit community newspaper for the Heatons and Reddish in Stockport, UK.

Who we are...

Say hello to your local Heatons Post team, all living in the Heatons and desperate for a reliable, positive and informative source of news and information for where we live!

Pic: The Heatons Post Team - Amanda, Suze, Mel

Mel, Suze and Amanda are all voluntarily giving up time and energy to help inform, inspire and connect the local Heatons and Reddish neighbourhoods.​

What we're creating...

The newspaper has been set up to inform, inspire and connect the local community to what's happening in the local area with a particular focus on supporting vulnerable and isolated residents.  Our pages will be filled with grassroots, on-the-ground reporting and unique stories and interviews that are focused on the Heatons and Reddish and the people within our community.

Why we're doing this...

​We're passionate about our local community, and the rich diversity of culture and experience on our doorstep.  We want to promote and publicise all the amazing community groups and activities that take place in the area, and be a loud platform to communicate positive news, developments and innovations that affect the community.

What we need...

Our first priority is to secure one year in print at a 3000 print volume.  The next step for us will be the goal of increasing our distribution.  3000 copies of our newspaper will be available through local eateries, businesses, community hubs and venues throughout the Heatons and Reddish from 1st February 2020, but in order to reach the heart of the community we want to achieve distribution directly to people's homes.

We hope to rely on local Council funding, local business support, and community group contributions to continue a sustainable publishing timeline beyond our current one year projection.  We will invest any surplus funds into increased circulation and helping produce future editions, keeping the project alive long into the future and continuously broadening our reach and impact.

What is it ...

The Heatons Post is a 12 page full colour A3 newspaper printed on newspaper quality 52gsm paper.  The size of the newspaper may change each month based on the quantity of quality content received.  We are asking for all areas of the community to contribute positive news, stories, achievements and results.  We will cover local news, school news, business news, community group news, volunteer requests, job vacancies and hot property, and we will also have a feature on travel, book reviews, film reviews and sustainability and lifestyle.

Our newspaper will initially be distributed through local venues, community hubs and groups, and Council Connectors working with isolated and vulnerable people, but given sufficient funding support our goal is to distribute direct to homes within the first 6 months of production.  Our ethos is that people should read and share, both the news and the newspaper!  "Pick me up, read me, pass me on, and meet someone new when you do!"

Timeline:

February 2020: First issue

By the end of 2020: The goal is for us to achieve distribution to 10,000 homes, focusing on socially isolated areas of the community.

By the end of 2021: The goal is for us to achieve distribution to all homes in the Heatons & Reddish

Additional platforms:

We have a website where we will upload all local event information, both regular and one-off, and share news stories that occur on a more immediate timeline than our printed content.

We also have a Facebook page, Instagram account and Twitter for immediate news sharing, although we recognise the limitations in reaching all areas of the community with our online presence, so that is the beauty of the newspaper in print!

Feedback so far...

We have already received phenomenal support from the community for this idea, with a variety of content and news stories already submitted for publication.

Peter Devonald - Local writer: Such a great idea and so needed. Think you are on to a winner with this.

Mike Bardsley - Open-Outdoor Designs: What a fab addition to the Heatons!

If you'd like more information then please email us.

THANKS!

Organizer

Mel Page
Organizer

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.