Equilibrium North West CIC
Wirral, August 23
Project information
Equilibrium North West CIC, which operates out of Birkenhead's popular Livingstone Street Play & Community Centre, recently designed a programme to help young children (aged 0-5 years) understand the roles people play in society - those who help us all every day. Starting with construction workers and builders, Equilibrium set out to help children role play and have fun whilst learning.
The aim of the Little Helpers programme is to encourage children from a young age to have aspirations which would improve their lives and communities by sharing different paths they may be able to take in life. In addition, it is Equilibrium's hope that those involved in the programme will gain a greater appreciation for the world around them and those who help them every day.
Equilibrium North West CIC works to create better balance to help promote health and wellbeing in the community. They reduce disadvantages to groups and individuals most at risk, helping them to have the same chances and experiences as their peers.
Outcomes
Applications for One Vision Housing's Community Development Fund are sent to a customer panel for consideration. After reviewing their application, it was decided that the full amount of £1000.00 would be awarded to Equilibrium. The panel were impressed with the project and believe it will make a massive difference to the local community, helping to improve children's knowledge of future career opportunities.
Thanks to The Sovini Group's unique business model, fellow Group members, Sovini Property Services, were able to join One Vision Housing at Livingstone Street Play & Community Centre where they took part in a Little Helper's play session, sharing knowledge around their various roles, and letting the children engage with a variety of equipment used in their work.
As a result of the grant, Equilibrium have provided 12 planned play groups with up to 28 attendees at each session; totalling some potential 336 places for children; and a wonderful 840 hours of educational fun and memory making.
In total this project helped to create £576,798 in social value according to the HACT social value calculator, which is £576.80 for every £1 spent.
Little Helper parent, Jan, said:
The sessions are just fantastic. The ideas the centre comes up with are so creative. We can’t really do messy play at home, so it’s been amazing for my son to get involved in it – his social skills have really developed.
Little Helper parent, Joanne, said:
We come every week. There’s always something new for the children to explore and the staff here go above and beyond, so much thought goes into the sessions. The children get to make new friends and experience amazing things. There’s a real community feel here.
Sharon Munroe, Equilibirium North West CIC, said:
We can’t thank One Vision Housing enough for supporting our Little Helpers programme which has been a great success. The sessions have created a place for local families to come together and gain positive learning experiences to reduce social isolation, build confidence and self-esteem.
Ian Mitchell, Managing Director of Housing for The Sovini Group, said:
It is clear to see how this wonderful programme is forging a better future for communities across Wirral and we are thrilled to have played a part in bringing these sessions to life. As part of The Sovini Group, we are committed to creating opportunities and changing lives, and this programme demonstrates the impact we can make by coming together and partnering with fellow Group members and those living in our communities.
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