Community groups developing community, health and wellbeing and environmental projects closest to the Knowsley Rail Transfer Loading Station in Kirkby are eligible to apply for grants of anything between £1,000 and £20,000. Applications need to be in by 30 July 2021 and the winners will be announced in the autumn.

The Fund was set up as part of the agreement with Merseyside Energy Recovery Limited (MERL) who have been appointed by Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) to treat residual waste from across Merseyside and Halton. SUEZ recycling and recovery UK (SUEZ) is both one of the shareholders in MERL and the operator of the Rail Transfer Loading Station. Both MERL and SUEZ recognise that they have an important part to play in the local community and this Fund helps to fulfil their responsibilities as a good neighbour.

Last year, ten community groups were successful in applying for funds. These were:

1. Diversity Amateur Boxing for Girls, who were awarded £2,500 for a new boxing ring
2. Centre 63, who were awarded £11,000 to support their ‘Remake Yourself’ project which supports young women rebuild their confidence and self-esteem following traumatic life experiences
3. The Eco Therapy Garden, who were awarded £3,000 to support cognitive, behavioural and eco-therapy programmes.
4. CELLS Project CIC, who were awarded £8,000 for mentoring for local people on the subjects of inclusion, wellbeing and aspiration.
5. Care Merseyside, who were awarded £4,500 for a ‘Phone a Friend – You’ll Never Walk Alone’ social prescribing project for people suffering with anxiety, loneliness, depression and ill health.
6. Valencia Morris Dancers, who were awarded £7,000 for new equipment.
7. Tailored Advice Services in Communities CIC, who were awarded £9,000 for Northwood Digital Hub, a project which aims to provide courses for residents who are digitally excluded.
8. Music Sweet Music, who were awarded £2,000 for Saint Martins Cabbage Patch Garden.
9. Parochial Church Council of Kirkby, who were awarded £2,100 for a bereavement support group.
10. People Activities Community Achievement, who were awarded £3,000 for a health and fitness project.

Ed Best, SUEZ’s Regional Manager, said: ‘I’m delighted to announce that the 2021 Kirkby Neighbourhood Community Fund is open for applications. We funded some incredible projects last year so I can’t wait to see what this year brings. If you have a great idea that could benefit your community, please apply.’

For further details about the fund, check the Community and environmental improvement projects page. The application forms and application guidance notes can be downloaded using the links below:

Kirkby Fund 2021 – Application form

Kirkby Fund 2021 – Application Guide

Community and residents groups from across Merseyside and Halton can discover first-hand what happens to their residual waste at the Knowsley Rail Transfer Loading Station Visitor Centre in Kirkby. To find out more, visit www.suezmerseyside.co.uk . Visits will resume once lockdown restrictions have been lifted.

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