Welcome to Academy HQ — Your Community Hub with Heart
At Academy HQ, we're passionate about creating a welcoming space where people of all ages can connect, grow, and thrive. Based in Stalybridge on the outskirts of Manchester, our vibrant hub offers a diverse range of social groups and wellbeing-focused activities designed to support a healthier, happier community.
Our mission is simple: to bring people together, empower individuals, and nurture meaningful connections. Whether you're looking to improve your health, make new friends, or be part of something bigger, you'll find a warm, inclusive environment at Academy HQ.
Why Your Support Matters
By supporting a CIC like Academy HQ, you're investing directly in your community. Your help allows us to expand our services, reach more people, and create a stronger, healthier, and more connected Stalybridge for everyone.
You can support us in a variety of meaningful ways:
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Donate: Your contributions help us grow our programs and reach more members of the community.
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Volunteer: Share your time, talents, or expertise and be part of something that truly makes a difference.
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Partner with Us: Local organizations and businesses can collaborate with us to strengthen community impact.
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Spread the Word: Follow us online and share our work to help us reach those who may benefit or want to get involved.
Together, we can build a healthier, more connected community.
For questions or to get involved, please contact us via email or phone, we’d love to hear from you
Academy HQ is a Community Interest Company committed to creating lasting, positive change in Stalybridge and the surrounding areas. What is a Community Interest Company?
A Community Interest Company (CIC) is a special type of organization that exists to benefit the community rather than private shareholders. At Academy HQ, this means every penny we earn goes straight back into supporting local people through inclusive programs, activities, and events.
Support Us Through Easy Fundraising – It’s Free!
Did you know you can support Academy HQ at no extra cost just by doing your everyday shopping?
We’ve partnered with EasyFundraising, a platform that turns your everyday purchases. Whether it’s groceries, holidays, takeaways, or insurance, it converts into free donations for our community projects. Every time you shop through their site, we receive cashback, which goes directly toward improving our services and running vital activities for local people.
It’s simple to use and completely free.
Start supporting us today:
https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/academy-hq/
Your everyday shopping can help us make an extraordinary difference.
Discover Our Latest Projects on Neighbourly
Want to see what we’re working on next? Visit our page on Neighbourly. A platform that helps raise donations for community-focused projects just like ours. You’ll find details of our latest initiatives and learn how you can support causes that make a real difference locally.
👉 Explore and support us today:
https://www.neighbourly.com/project/682320ec7a6731fab2045e55
Meet The Board
Academy HQ CIC: Driven by Purpose, Powered by Community
As a Community Interest Company (CIC), Academy HQ is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors who are committed to meeting the needs of our local community. We meet regularly to review our progress, evaluate our impact, and develop new projects that align with the evolving needs of the people we serve.
Our focus is on continuous improvement. Enhancing our services, events, and initiatives ensures we deliver meaningful, inclusive, and accessible opportunities.
As a CIC, we do not receive shares or bonuses. Instead, 100% of our profits are reinvested into community activities and support services. Every team member also contributes voluntary hours, demonstrating a shared commitment to the smooth running of our hub and the continued success of our programs.
Together, we work to create a hub where people feel supported, connected, and empowered.
Jane Valentine - Founder, Visionary
Jane Valentine is the founder and original visionary behind Academy HQ, a Community Interest Company (CIC) created to be a hub at the heart of the community—or perhaps more truthfully, a community at the heart of the hub. While the dream began with her desire to create a space where connection, happiness, and well-being could flourish, it’s the team of dedicated people and the wider community that have truly brought it to life. Jane believes that no one builds anything meaningful alone—and Academy HQ stands as a vibrant example of what happens when people come together with purpose.
Mark Wood - Executive Director
Our Executive Director, Mark Wood, is more than a leader—he’s the friendly, welcoming face of Academy HQ. Beloved by all who walk through our doors, Mark is known for his genuine warmth, kindness, and tireless dedication to helping others. Whether it’s assisting a first-time visitor or supporting a long-standing community group, no task is ever too small—Mark truly cannot do enough to help.
Mark manages venue hire, bookings, and day-to-day site operations, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and that every visitor feels valued and supported. He is a true staple of our community hub, always on hand to offer a smile, a listening ear, or practical support.
Under Mark’s guidance, Academy HQ continues to thrive as a safe, inclusive space where everyone feels welcome. His commitment, compassion, and community spirit are at the heart of everything we do.
Leanne Richardson – Project Coordinator & Board Member
Leanne has served on the Board of Directors at Academy HQ since 2023. A graduate in Health and Social Care, she brings both academic insight and hands-on experience to her role as Project Coordinator.
Leanne is responsible for securing vital funding and leading the development of meaningful community projects. Passionate about listening to local voices, she is always eager to hear new ideas and transform them into effective, impactful initiatives that meet real community needs.
If you have a suggestion or see a gap in local services, Leanne would love to hear from you. You can reach her directly at bookings@academyhq.co.uk.