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Home > News > Kirkby Neighbourhood Community Fund returns with £50,000 available for local projects

26th June 2026

Kirkby Neighbourhood Community Fund returns with £50,000 available for local projects

Charities and community organisations across Kirkby are being invited to apply for a share of £50,000 from the 2026 Kirkby Neighbourhood Community Fund, which today opens for applications.

Since its launch in 2018, the fund has supported a wide range of projects focused on wellbeing, community cohesion, and environmental improvement in Northwood, Cherryfield, Shevington, Whitefield, and Prescot North. The initiative is linked to the Knowsley Rail Transfer Station, operated by SUEZ recycling and recovery UK on behalf of Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA).

Victoria Crabtree, Regional Manager at SUEZ, said: “Each year, the Kirkby Neighbourhood Community Fund showcases the passion and dedication of local organisations. The projects we supported last year made a real difference, improving wellbeing, creating opportunities for young people, and bringing communities closer together.

“Utilising essential contracts to create wider benefit for communities is a great way for local authorities to become more circular and we’re proud to play our part in that. As we reopen the fund for 2026, we’re excited to support even more ideas that will have a lasting, positive impact across Kirkby.”

The fund forms part of an ongoing agreement between Merseyside Energy Recovery Limited (MERL)—of which SUEZ is a shareholder—and MRWA. For every tonne of household residual waste transported from the transfer station, 10p is contributed to the fund, ensuring that local communities benefit directly from the facility.

In 2025, 13 projects received funding, supporting thousands of local residents. Successful applicants included:

Tower Hill Community Hub – The Community Network: Weekly workshops offering financial advice, employability support, and community activities to help residents build resilience and confidence.
Evolving Mindset – Kirkby Men’s Wellbeing Club: Free weekly physical and mental wellbeing sessions tackling social isolation and promoting healthier lifestyles for local men.
Me2u – Memories and Support: Fortnightly sessions for individuals and families following a dementia diagnosis, offering therapeutic activities, practical guidance and peer support.
Apollo Active – Sports in the Parks: Outreach sports and mentoring sessions helping young people build confidence, develop skills, and gain accredited coaching qualifications.

Lesley Worswick, Chief Executive of Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority, said: “It is great to see the direct impact of this fund in Kirkby. Local groups do phenomenal work bringing people together, and MRWA is proud to work with SUEZ to see these groups thrive and make a real difference.”

The deadline for applications is Friday 28 August 2026, with not-for-profit groups, charities, and community organisations working within the eligible areas encouraged to apply.

Further information, application guidance, and stories from last year’s recipients can be found at:

www.suezmerseyside.co.uk/kirkbyfund