Mossley SOUP raises record £2,187 for school wellbeing room

Mossley's community spirit reached new heights last week when 180 residents packed into Emmaus Mossley for the 20th Mossley SOUP event, raising a record £2,187 to fund local projects. For just £5 each, attendees enjoyed homemade soup, live music, and the chance to vote on which community initiative deserved their support.

The night belonged to Mossley Hollins High School student Thea Smith-Heeley, whose passionate pitch for a new wellbeing room won over the crowd. Every penny raised went to her school's project, which will create a dedicated space for students to manage stress and mental health. 'Thea's presentation was so compelling that people were literally cheering,' said one attendee.

While the wellbeing room took the top prize, three other worthy causes didn't leave empty-handed. Thanks to Premier Kia's sponsorship, the 1st Mossley Scouts, Thompson Cross Community Kitchen, and Trumpet Choir each received £100 grants. Local businesses stepped up too, with 15 firms donating ingredients, raffle prizes, and cakes for the evening.

The generosity extended beyond the attendees-Mossley Town Council and Emmaus Mossley each contributed £250 to boost the total. Organisers are already planning the next themed SOUP for February 19, 2026, and are calling for more creative project pitches. 'We want to see what other brilliant ideas our community can come up with,' said a spokesperson.

This record-breaking night shows Mossley's unique ability to come together and make things happen. From students to scouts, from local businesses to town councillors, everyone played their part in creating something bigger than the sum of its parts. The wellbeing room will be a lasting legacy of what happens when a community decides to invest in itself.