Knowsley Council is reflecting on the success of the first phase of its Stronger Communities Fund, which injected £220,000 into 27 vital local projects in 2022/2023, delivering significant positive impact across the borough.
The fund, designed to support the council’s key priorities of effective support to those in need, inclusive skills and growth, and achieving net zero by 2040, has exceeded expectations, reaching thousands of residents and fostering a stronger, more connected community.
The Stronger Communities Fund was opened to registered charities, constituted voluntary, community and faith organisations, community interest companies, community benefit societies, charitable incorporated organisations, and community amateur sports clubs in November 2022.
Groups could apply for grants of up to £2000 of seed funding to get new initiatives off the ground or up to £10,000 to expand and enhance existing projects. The fund was distributed across 27 projects, each addressing critical local needs within Knowsley.
Key Achievements:
- £220,000 distributed to 27 initiatives addressing critical local needs.
- 14,535 Knowsley residents benefited from the fund.
- 649 volunteers participated and 401of those were new recruits to community organisations.
- 5,891 new participants joined community projects.
- 13 groups offered services across the entire borough.
- 13 groups provided essential aid to residents facing financial hardship as a result of the cost of living crisis.
Crucially, all funded projects have confirmed their commitment to continuing their work beyond the initial funding period, ensuring long-term benefits for the community.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council said: “The Stronger Communities Fund has been a resounding success, demonstrating the power of community-led initiatives in addressing local challenges,”
“We are incredibly proud of the impact these projects have had on the lives of Knowsley residents, and we are committed to continuing to support our community groups and the invaluable support that they offer to our residents.”
The Stronger Communities Fund has enabled a diverse range of projects to flourish, delivering tangible benefits to Knowsley residents. Here are a few examples of the projects and their impacts:
CELLS CIO’s project ‘Supporting Troubled Families and Children Project’, was allocated £10,000. This project offered crucial mentoring support to local families affected by crime, guiding children and young people away from criminal involvement. One of the families commented:
“X has come a long way from a frightened young boy who lived in his bedroom, he now acts as an ambassador for CELLS and helps others who feel like he once felt.”
The “Act for Action Act for Change Project” received £7,500 from the fund. This initiative empowered disabled residents to stay safe, well, and connected, providing social opportunities, benefits advice, and advocacy support. A resident said:
“Act for Action staff supported me to apply for an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) for my son. They also gave me, a woman who has Autism and ADHD, the chance to gain the confidence to volunteer in their training centre for a three month period. Their kindness and non-judgemental and open support has made me feel that I will be able to join the labour market in the future.”
Flourish and Succeed CiC’s ‘Connection Project’ provided comprehensive support for individuals facing a range of issues, including mental health, debt, isolation, and domestic abuse, and worked with Knowsley Family and Community Education to upskill people. The project was allocated £10,000. One participant said:
“Before I started my Flourish and Succeed journey, I was suffering from severe depression which led me to turn to alcohol and feeling isolated. This project has given me much-needed support in my life from completing courses such as counselling and first aid. I also attend a woman’s weekly fitness class and monthly mountain walks. This has really benefitted my mental health”
Spectrum Connect (formerly Plan B) were awarded £9,882 from the fund. Their project offered support to adults with less complex needs autism, helping them to build friendships, confidence, and self-esteem through supported activities. They made a short film about their work which you can watch HERE
Find out more about the Stronger Communities Fund here
View the impact report here: Stronger Communities Fund Round 1 End of Grant Impact Report