More than £64m in social value generated across Liverpool city region by Everton FC charity Everton in the Community, new report shows. Tony McDonough reports

Everton in the Community (EITC) is reporting its “most impactful” year to date after creating more than £64m in social value across the Liverpool city region. 

According to an independent report by socio-economic specialists RealWorth, EITC’s 50-plus community programmes saw an increase of £8.7m in social value during a 12-month period.

Findings from the study found that the organisation generated £29.86 of social value for every £1 invested through its work in the last 12 months, an 102% increase since 2019.

Societal value is the calculation of benefits created by an organisation as part of their everyday output. The figures are based on an accepted national formula.

They not only take into account the value for money created by EITC but also the wider benefit to society through the direct impact on people’s lives, the economy and the environment.

One of its programmes, the award-winning Blue Family initiative, launched on March 20. It provided vital aid and assistance to more than 31,000 families and individuals during the pandemic,  including those living in some of the most deprived areas in the country.

Blue Family saw £128.09 of social value generated for each £1 invested in the charity by the club, fans, partners and various stakeholder groups. It highlighted the need for crisis support for vulnerable families and individuals.

Sue Gregory, EITC chief executive, said: “We pride ourselves on being a charity that is there for its local community and this evaluation highlights how essential our programmes and support is for those most in need across the Liverpool city region.

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“With the help and support of key funders, partners and stakeholders we have significantly developed our offering and we believe that is why our social value has more than doubled in the last 12 months.

“The aftermath of the pandemic has brought into sharp focus the inequalities that communities in Liverpool face and these inequalities are widening quickly due to the cost-of-living crisis and more people finding themselves living in poverty.

“When we see a need, we act and do whatever we can to support those who need our help and, as this report highlights, our programmes lead to positive change in our participants and within our local community.”