A Birkenhead-based community interest company has launched a programme to help reduce social isolation for parents and carers in the local community, as well as improve social skills and raise aspirations of young children. Tony McDonough reports.
Equilibrium North West has set up the ‘Little Helpers’ with the help of a grant from One Vision Housing’s Community Development Fund.
It aims to engage children aged one to three through a programme of interactive activities designed to help them understand the roles people play in society.
Studies show that children’s brains develop connections faster in the first 5 years than at any other time in their lives. By the age of three, around 80% of a child’s brain is developed through experiences encountered in those early years.
One Vision Housing provides over 13.6k homes across the North West, and as part of The Sovini Group works closely with partner organisations like Equilibrium to forge a better future for communities.
Sovini Property Services delivered the programme’s latest session, teaching children about the repairs and maintenance they deliver across affordable homes.
Joanne, a local childminder, 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.”
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Ian Mitchell, managing director at One Vision Housing 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.”
A total of £15,000 is available each year for voluntary and community groups through the housing association’s Community Development Fund. Applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year.
To learn more about the fund and how to apply for a grant visit ovh.org.uk.