A new ‘pop up’ offer – “In the Know”, run by Women in the Know – has opened in Kirkby town centre – a collaborating community brought together by Kindred CIC in 2023.
What started as a group exploring new ideas for creative and social businesses across Knowsley soon focused its attention on ways to strengthen care-related contracts, expand services and make meaningful connections with the NHS and local authorities. In doing so, it has grown into a long-standing network of peers who genuinely support one another.
Knowsley Council has supported Women in the Know to operate from a unit on St Chad’s Parade on a short-term lease, helping to create a home from the group in the heart of the town centre.
Andrew Beattie, Kindred’s Assistant Director for Operations and Engagement, said “Women in the Know is a great example of a collaborating community in action. Over the last two years. they have stuck together as a supportive group of peers and created a strong local network. They may have asked Kindred to unlock the door for them, but the space will highlight their collective work.”
One of the original members, Jacqui Meadows, is partnering with Kindred to bring the new “In the Know” pop-up shop to life. The unit provides a a central space to showcase, promote, and deliver their work. Just as importantly, it offers somewhere supportive and neutral – a place where organisations can swap knowledge, learn from one another, and collaborate rather than compete.
Jacqui runs Capacity for Change, which will help the shop run smoothly, offering networking opportunities, tailored advice and hands-on guidance for socially trading organisations. It will also run drop-in sessions for small and emerging social enterprises, helping them strengthen their ideas, build confidence and take practical steps forward.
From the base on St Chad’s Parade an engaging range of events and activities will be delivered including:-
- Somatic Therapy Workshops
- Clothing Swaps
- Clay craft afternoons
- Starting a social business / community project workshop
- Christmas wreath workshop
Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said “I’m delighted to welcome such a unique and engaging offer to Kirkby. It’s great to support local ideas and local people so I wish Kirkby in the Know the very best with this venture.”
You can find out more about the offer here.