Greater Manchester-based MCR HQ CIC has been named one of seven national winners of The Great Community Refresh – a nationwide competition by British sweet maker Swizzels, launched to celebrate 70 years of its iconic Refreshers brand.
The initiative attracted over 1,500 entries from people and organisations across the nation, seeking support to refresh community projects and spaces.
MCR HQ CIC is a community interest company based in Ashton-under-Lyne, founded by 18-year-old Miah Maddock-Hodgins after overcoming years of bullying and personal struggles. The organisation offers low-cost dance, fitness, mental health, and educational sessions to thousands of children, young people, and families across Tameside and East Manchester.
Many of its members have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), are home-educated, or face social and financial disadvantages.
MCR HQ CIC has used the Swizzels funding to transform its “tired, uninspiring studio” into a sensory-friendly, multi-use space designed to support wellbeing, movement, and inclusion for all.
The refresh includes portable studio mirrors, soft flooring mats, sensory equipment, LED mood lighting, and a community mural workshop where young people will help decorate the space.
Caroline Maddock-Hodgins, MCR HQ CIC director and mother of founder Miah Maddock-Hodgins said:
“We’re absolutely thrilled and incredibly grateful to be chosen as one of the winners of The Great Community Refresh. This support means the world to us.
“On a personal level, this is especially meaningful. My daughter Miah founded MCR HQ CIC when she was just 18, after overcoming some very challenging years. As a child, she suffered a severe dog attack that left lasting scars and knocked her confidence. Despite the incredible medical care she received, she struggled with bullying when she took up gymnastics. It was only when she discovered dance that her life truly began to turn around.
“Miah’s vision in starting MCR HQ CIC was to create a safe, empowering community for young people who need a confidence boost and a place to call their own. I’m so proud of how far she’s come and the positive impact she’s had on countless young lives.
“Our studio is at the heart of everything we do, but it was tired, uninspiring and not fully accessible for our members with sensory needs. Thanks to Swizzels’ grant, we have created a sensory-friendly, multi-use studio that promotes wellbeing, movement, and inclusion for all.”
Sarah-Louise Heslop, head of marketing at Swizzels, said: “We were truly inspired by MCR HQ CIC’s story and everything they’re doing for young people in Greater Manchester. Miah’s personal journey and the passion she and her team have poured into creating an inclusive, safe, and supportive space for children and families really stood out to us.
“They are making a tangible difference to thousands of young lives, particularly for those with SEND, anxiety, or low confidence, and we’re delighted to help them create a studio space that reflects their incredible work.
“The Great Community Refresh has been an amazing opportunity for us to champion projects like this, which embody everything community spirit is about. We can’t wait to see MCR HQ CIC’s new studio come to life and witness the lasting impact it will have.”
Launched earlier in the year to celebrate 70 years of Refreshers, The Great Community Refresh invited thousands of entries from across the UK.
From Belfast to Dorset, communities came forward with inspiring ideas to refresh local spaces and projects. The seven winning projects range from wellbeing gardens and social spaces to inclusive activity hubs, all designed to bring people together and improve local lives.
