£50,000 available to community groups in and around Kirkby
The Fund will provide up to £50,000 a year for the next 30 years to support community groups, charities and projects operating in the local area around the Knowsley rail transfer loading station, including Northwood, Cherryfield, Shevington, Whitefield and Prescot North (Knowsley Village).
Community groups developing community, health and wellbeing and environmental projects closest to SUEZ’s Knowsley rail transfer loading station are eligible to apply for grants of anything between £1,000 and £20,000 to support their projects. Applications need to be submitted by Monday 19 October 2020 and the successful projects will be announced at the end of the autumn.
Last year, 12 community groups from in and around Kirkby were successful in applying for funds to support community, health and wellbeing and environmental projects. Three examples of projects selected for funding were:
- Diversity Boxing Academy, which was awarded £3,000 to deliver a girls-only boxing course.
- All Saints Catholic High School, which was awarded £4,000 for an eco-schools community garden growing fruit and vegetables.
- Incredible Edibles Knowsley, which was awarded £9,000 for their work to reduce food poverty, reduce isolation and improve health and wellbeing.
The Fund was set up as part of the agreement with Merseyside Energy Recovery Ltd (MERL) who have been appointed by Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) to treat all of the Merseyside and Halton Borough Council’s residual waste. SUEZ recycling and recovery UK (SUEZ) is both one of the shareholders in MERL and the operator of the rail transfer loading station. MERL and SUEZ recognise that they have an important part to play in the local community and this Fund will help to help contribute to their responsibilities as a good neighbour.
Ed Best, SUEZ’s Regional Manager, said: “This year has been a really challenging year for so many. Community groups and non-profit organisations are crucial to helping local communities recover. The £50,000 that’s available this year could make a huge difference to peoples lives and the environment in and around Kirkby.”