This winter, hundreds of residents received help from community-led projects supported by Knowsley Council’s Winter Wellness Grants.
The grants enable community and voluntary sector organisations to help people to keep warm over the winter months, from November-March, by addressing the cost of living and fuel poverty, as well as addressing social isolation and loneliness.
In total, 30 community groups and voluntary organisations across the borough received grants of up to £5,000 from the £110,000 programme 2024/25 – funded from the Council’s Public Health budget.
In all, 574 Winter Wellness Grant events were held and over 2,500 hampers, vouchers, items of equipment and coats distributed, helping to keep residents safe, warm and well while supporting their mental health and wellbeing.
It was the third year of the program, and funding was awarded to a wide range of projects. Here are a few examples of the projects and their impacts:
The W.A.R.M project delivered by Kirkby Happy Hours was designed to reduce social isolation among older adults. The project adopted a holistic approach to improve the overall well-being of older adults through engaging activities, distribution of winter clothing, and provision of hot meals and snacks:
“This project has been a lifeline. I used to dread the cold months, but now I have a warm place to go, enjoy a hot meal, and see friendly faces.”
In Whiston, The Sensory Hive’s Stay, Play & Eat project engaged families with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), helping families meet others with children with SEND, develop new networks and connect with other vital services.
Explore Partnership in Halewood delivered 100 Warm Winter Packs and provided in-person support, helping people to stay warm and feel emotionally supported, and more connected:
“I didn’t expect the pack to mean so much, but it’s not just the items – it’s knowing someone thought of me.”
Page Moss Lane Baptist Church hosted weekly events from the Renew Wellbeing café with a free hot lunch, craft activities, games and much more. Those running the group reported:
Cllr Bannon, Knowsley Cabinet Member for Health, visiting the Renew Wellbeing Café at Page Moss Lane Baptist Church
“We have noticed a real change in some of the members attending, who live alone and are socially isolated. One said ‘it makes you feel you belong to a group’. Several have grown in confidence whilst they have been coming. They have loved having a place to come where they are valued.
Safari Kids Club in Stockbridge Village ran sessions providing lunch for 50 parents and their children each time, and distributed over 50 Christmas food hampers to families.
One parent shared that they had gone without food so their children could eat so they really appreciated the fantastic sessions where parents were provided with free lunches.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, visited the Eco-Therapy Garden in Towerhill. The project provided a hot meal and a warm, safe space for people of all ages to three days a week, alongside the foodbank and outdoor therapy garden offer.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, said:
“I am incredibly proud of the real difference our Winter Wellness Grants have made to the lives of residents across the borough for a third year running.
“These projects, delivered by dedicated community groups and voluntary organisations play an invaluable role in supporting our communities and our most vulnerable residents throughout the winter period.
“Not only do they provide crucial practical support – from warm meals and clothing to essential financial aid – they help foster connections and reduced social isolation for hundreds of our residents during the challenging winter months.
“The heart warming comments from residents, speak volumes about the impact of these initiatives – and it’s a testament to the power of collaboration and our shared commitment to supporting our most vulnerable.”
You can view a summary of the impact on communities here: Winter Wellness Fund 202425
The Knowsley Community Fund 2025/26 has now launched. This new consolidated fund replaces the Winter Wellness Grant, Stronger Communities Fund, Physical Activity Grant, Youth Community Fund and Short Breaks Programmes. Local groups and organisations are invited to apply by 5pm on 11 July.