Almost £70,000 awarded to community projects across Kirkby

Representatives from the successful organisations were invited to join fund-organisers SUEZ, Merseyside Energy Recovery Limited (MERL) and Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) at the Knowsley Rail Transfer Loading Station Visitor Centre on Wednesday 4 November to celebrate this year’s awards and learn more about the projects receiving support.

The Kirkby Neighbourhood Community Fund was created through an agreement between MERL, shareholder SUEZ and MRWA. MERL treats residual household waste from across Merseyside and Halton.

Through SUEZ’s operation of the Knowsley Rail Transfer Loading Station, where household waste is transferred to rail and transported to the Wilton energy-from-waste facility in Teesside, 10p per tonne is contributed to the Kirkby Neighbourhood Community Fund, helping local communities benefit directly from the facility’s operation.

Since launching in 2018, the Kirkby Neighbourhood Community Fund has awarded more than £515,000 to local good causes, helping organisations deliver projects that strengthen community connections and improve residents’ quality of life.

This year’s successful projects reflect the diverse needs of the Kirkby community, from supporting veterans and tackling social isolation to providing accessible sports activities, specialist family support and improved community spaces.

Victoria Crabtree, Regional Manager at SUEZ, said: “Every year, the Kirkby Neighbourhood Community Fund gives us an opportunity to recognise the incredible dedication of local organisations and the difference they make to people’s lives. This year’s successful projects demonstrate just how varied the needs of our communities are, from supporting young people and families to tackling loneliness and providing specialist wellbeing services.

“We’re delighted to be awarding almost £70,000 to 13 deserving organisations and look forward to seeing the lasting benefits these projects will bring to residents across Kirkby.”

The 2026 successful applicants are:

• Apollo Active CIC (£8,600) – Kirkby Active Futures: Free sports activities, outreach and mentoring to engage young people, encourage positive choices and create opportunities for personal development.
• Evolving Mindset CIC (£2,500) – Kirkby Men’s Wellbeing Club: Weekly sessions combining physical activity, peer support and opportunities for men to improve their mental health and social connections.
• Singing Mamas (£3,722) – Kirkby Singing Mamas Pop-ups: Group singing sessions bringing women and mothers together to improve emotional wellbeing and reduce social isolation.
• Making Space (£3,870) – Kirkby Friendship Café: A welcoming weekend café providing social activities, companionship and support for isolated and vulnerable residents.
• Tower Hill Community Hub CIC (£7,500) – Veterans Together: A dedicated wellbeing programme offering activities, workshops and peer support for local veterans, alongside improvements to the hub’s wellness and recovery facilities.
• Pingwood Arts Group (£2,340) – Pingwood Arts for Wellbeing: Creative arts and crafts sessions supporting older residents, including people living with dementia, to build friendships and improve wellbeing.
• Horizons of Hope CIC (£10,000) – Stronger Families, Brighter Futures: Specialist resources and facilities supporting children, young people and families through early intervention, parenting support, SEND activities and therapeutic play.
• SC Development Academy (£3,793) – Free strength and conditioning sessions for children aged six to 14, helping young people improve fitness, confidence and coordination while removing barriers to participation.
• Age UK Mid Mersey (£9,954) – Kirkby Living Well: Advice, Digital and Community Connections: Advice, digital skills support and social opportunities to help older residents maintain independence and stay connected.
• Capacity for Change (£2,100) – Kirkby Women’s Group: Practical workshops covering financial wellbeing, stress management, healthy relationships, personal safety and other topics to build confidence and resilience.
• Wild Warrior Wellbeing CIC (£5,970) – Empowering Women of Knowsley: Trauma-informed wellbeing activities and workshops supporting women and young women to develop confidence and emotional resilience.
• Sports Alive North West (£2,400) – Northwood Community Centre Regeneration: A youth-led project improving the community centre and surrounding spaces through artwork, decorating, gardening and environmental activities.
• Opus Academy CIC (£6,934) – Sensory Garden Renovation: Creating an accessible and welcoming sensory garden for children with special educational needs and disabilities, incorporating planting and calming outdoor spaces.

Lesley Worswick, Chief Executive of Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority, said: "We recognise the unwavering dedication of Kirkby groups in meeting the needs of their community, and we are delighted this funding will provide a welcome boost to their projects. It is always wonderful to hear of the local initiatives helped by the Fund, and I look forward to seeing their progress in action."

The annual fund supports community groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations working across Northwood, Cherryfield, Shevington, Whitefield and Prescot North.

Local schools and community organisations interested in learning more about the journey of Merseyside and Halton’s household waste can arrange educational visits to the Knowsley Rail Transfer Loading Station Visitor Centre.

Further information about the Kirkby Neighbourhood Community Fund and future funding opportunities is available at www.suezmerseyside.co.uk.