A foundation founded by Redrow tycoon Steve Morgan is offering a multi-million pound funding boost to Everton in the Community. Tony McDonough reports
Everton FC’s charitable arm Everton in the Community (EITC) has secured a multi-million pound funding package from the Steve Morgan Foundation.
This cash, the full value of which has not been disclosed, will be used to deliver early intervention programmes for young people in north Liverpool and South Sefton to tackle social deprivation and inequality.
EITC has been working with the Steve Morgan Foundation since 2020, delivering the ‘Steve Morgan Impact Model’ in Speke-Garston to protect young people from exploitation and inspire them to reach their full potential.
In the last three years more than 13,500 individuals have been supported. This, says EITC, has resulted in significant improvements in mental wellbeing, developments in skills and knowledge, and increases in attendance and engagement in school.
Established in 2001, the Steve Morgan Foundation works to support projects that help children and families, people with physical or learning disabilities, the elderly or those that are socially disadvantaged in North Wales, Merseyside and Cheshire.
It was founded by Steve Morgan, a Liverpool-born tycoon who made his fortune via national housebuilder Redrow. Since 2001 it has awarded more than 2.300 grants, supported nearly 4m people and committed assets of £300m.
EITC’s delivery of the Impact Model in South Liverpool has also contributed to wider school and community changes, such as improved Ofsted ratings in two of the three high schools it works in.
And it has led to improved literary scores and declining anti-social behaviour trends in an area where 40% of young people aged 16+ have no qualifications and 40% of children live in poverty.
North Liverpool, particularly Walton, and South Sefton, suffer from high levels of deprivation, crime, poor health and child exploitation. This new funding will see EITC work in primary and secondary schools in the area.
Sue Gregory, chief executive of EITC, said: “The areas of Liverpool 4 and South Sefton are home to some of the most deprived communities in the country where our research has shown that socio-economic challenges severely impact education.
“The aftermath of the pandemic hit these communities harder than most, leaving young people vulnerable and in desperate need of support.
“Our vision is to create systematic change in the Liverpool 4 and South Sefton communities by investing in youth and offering vital support to their families. We believe that the Steve Morgan Impact Model will continue to serve as a pioneering model.”
The Steve Morgan Foundation also provided significant funding and support for the development of The People’s Place – Everton in the Community’s purpose-built mental health and wellbeing hub.
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Liam Eaglestone, chief executive of the foundation, added: “The Impact Model was originally inspired by Steve Morgan’s desire to give back to the community in which he grew up.
“Our partnership with Everton in the Community highlights the Foundation’s approach to providing long-term secure funding, underpinned by very practical support and expertise.”