Over the Summer last year, Knowsley Council (on behalf of the Knowsley Better Together Board) was out and about, speaking to thousands of residents across the Borough to find out their views on a range of issues from housing to employment, town centres to green spaces, and more. Specifically, Knowsley residents were asked what support, services and facilities they need in their area to thrive, not just survive.
Using the feedback from this consultation, the Council and the Knowsley Better Together partners have developed “The Knowsley Offer” – this sets out the package of support, information, and services available to residents, not in the future but “right now”. The Knowsley Offer also sets out the plans which are in place to strengthen the services and facilities for residents and businesses over the coming months and years.
Councillor Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council and Chairperson of the Knowsley Better Together Partnership Board, said:
“Our consultation highlighted some really positive feedback from residents – many people said how proud they were to live in Knowsley and how they appreciate local facilities, services, town centres, and parks. It was great to hear such positive feedback after what we know has been an incredibly difficult couple of years for local people.
“Importantly, we also wanted to find out more about what people were worried about, what they would want to see more of here in Knowsley, and what support they need to thrive.
“I want to thank everyone who took part in our consultation and also our partners, community groups, and the individuals who we work with every day to deliver these important services and support.”
Thousands of people were engaged in the consultation either via events or online and all of the feedback has helped to shape the Knowsley Offer which is available at www.knowsleybettertogether.co.uk/TheOffer
The Knowsley Offer is split into ten key areas:
Your Money – over 90% of people in the consultation said that the cost of living crisis was having an impact on them. In response, Knowsley Council has already allocated over £9m to support residents. You’ll find a range of information and support about benefits, cost of living payments, help with energy bills, access to food and other essentials, Warm Hubs, help with childcare costs, and much more on the Knowsley Offer.
The Place – many residents told us that they love living in Knowsley and appreciate having good access to shops, leisure facilities, libraries, clean green spaces, and good public transport in their area. The Knowsley Offer outlines the range of services and facilities available across the Borough, from town centres, leisure centres, parks, and visitor attractions to culture, transport, waste and the environment, tackling climate change and more.
Housing – Knowsley has a wide range of housing and some of the best value homes in the whole of the Liverpool City Region. Through our consultation, we know that residents want more affordable homes or help to get on the property ladder. That’s where the Knowsley Offer can help, outlining where new developments are, help with buying a home, along with affordable homes and supported housing options.
Children and Young People – we all want the best start in life for the children and young people growing up in Knowsley. That’s why it’s so important that people in Knowsley have access to good quality childcare, can get a place at their local school, find activities for young people, and also know where to go for help if their child needs some extra support – you’ll find it all on the Knowsley Offer.
Support for Adults – we know from speaking to our residents that home is where the heart is – people are happier and healthier when they can live independently in their own homes. Whatever your circumstances, help and support is available on the Knowsley Offer.
Health – we know from our consultation that people, more so now than ever before, want to look after their own and their family’s health. We also know that, when people do have health concerns, they want access to help and support quickly and need to know where to go to get the best possible outcome. The Knowsley Offer outlines the range of support available to you.
Community Safety – our consultation showed that people generally feel safe in their own homes and their community. The Knowsley Offer outlines what the Council and partner agencies are doing to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and invest in CCTV as well as providing the latest crime figures and information on help and support around domestic abuse, hate crime, and anti-social behaviour.
Business – Knowsley has a thriving and supportive business community which not only provides employment opportunities for local people, but also contributes positively to the local economy. Through the Knowsley Offer, a range of advice and support is available to businesses to help them to thrive, including support with recruitment and training, cost of living support, funding and grants, and business premises.
Jobs and Training – our consultation highlighted that many people are looking to secure a new job or learn a new skill in the next five years. Whether you are starting out in the working world, returning to employment, or looking to take your next step, there’s a range of help and support available on the Knowsley Offer to help you to achieve your goals.
Get Involved – another thing which really stood out in our consultation was that local people want to be involved and do more in their local areas. In terms of looking after yourself, your neighbours, and your neighbourhood, you’ll find a range of advice and support on the Knowsley Offer.
Find out more
You can find out more at www.knowsleybettertogether.co.uk/TheOffer
Help getting online
If you need help to get online, call into any of the Borough’s five libraries (in Halewood, Huyton, Kirkby, Prescot, and Stockbridge Village) and speak to a “Digital Buddy”. You can check the opening times for the Borough’s libraries by calling (0151)-443 3734. There are also a range of drop-in digital sessions taking place across the Borough through the Family and Community Education (FACE) service – call Michelle Daly on (0151)-443 5389 to find out when and where they are taking place.
The Knowsley Better Together Board includes representatives from the council, police, fire service, health sector, business community, education, housing and the community and voluntary sector.