Programme designed to create a better future delivers over 800 hours of educational fun in Birkenhead

EQUILIBRIUM North West, a Birkenhead based community interest company, set up the:- 'Little Helpers' programme in an effort to reduce social isolation of parents and carers, whilst raising the aspirations of young children in the area.

Over 12 sessions, children from ages:- 1 to 3, were invited to explore interactive activities designed to help them understand the roles people play in society and how they help us every day.

Through a grant from One Vision Housing's Community Development Fund, Equilibrium were able to deliver the programme with over 800 hours of educational fun and memory making at Livingstone Street Play and Community Centre.

Jen, who has attended the sessions with her 2 year old son, 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."

Joanne, a local childminder, added:- "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."

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.

Fellow Group member, Sovini Property Services, delivered the programme's latest session and provided children with a fun insight into the repairs and maintenance they deliver across affordable homes.

Sharon Munroe, from Equilibrium North West 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."

Using the HACT Social Value Calculator, which was formed following extensive research to measure the positive impact of social initiatives, One Vision Housing were able to determine that over £576k of social value had been generated thanks to the project.

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, please visit:- OVH.Org.UK.

A record 9.7 million Brits are planning a holiday at home this August Bank Holiday, bringing a £2.7 billion economic boost

VISITENGLAND'S August Bank Holiday Trip Tracker survey shows that 9.7 million Brits are definitely planning an overnight holiday trip in the UK this Bank Holiday weekend, bringing an estimated £2.7 billion boost to the economy.

The figures show an increase of 4.4 million on last year's results when 5.3 million Brits planned to take an overnight holiday trip during the August Bank Holiday weekend. In 2019 the figure was 8.6 million, in 2018 7.3 million and in 2017 6.9 million.

VisitEngland Chief Executive Patricia Yates said:- "It is great to see record numbers are planning a domestic break this long weekend and will be out experiencing the outstanding destinations here on our doorstep, from our world-class B&Bs and self-catering accommodation to our stunning countryside and seaside destinations and our vibrant city attractions. After what has been a mixed summer to date, tourism businesses will be very pleased to see you. We know how important Bank Holidays are in bringing an economic boost with the money generated going in to local economies and supporting jobs. Businesses will also be looking to the long weekend for a critical late summer lift, building vital cash flow. Our research shows the impact that cost of living concerns are having on travel intentions with the weather also having an impact. This highlights the ongoing challenges for tourism businesses and destinations and the importance of extending the tourism season into autumn and beyond."

The survey also showed that a further 4.3 million people were undecided about whether to take an overnight holiday trip in the UK during the Bank Holiday weekend. The top reasons are:- 'waiting to see what the weather is like,' 'waiting to see if I can afford it' and 'waiting for deals / special offers.'

For those not planning an overnight holiday trip in the UK during the Bank Holiday weekend, the top reason is 'I cannot afford it.' The findings reflect the latest monthly wave of VisitEngland's wider domestic consumer sentiment towards travel, published on 21 August, which showed that the top perceived barriers to taking overnight UK trips in the next six months were the 'rising cost of living' followed by 'UK weather' and 'personal finances.'

The full VisitEngland August Bank Holiday Trip Tracker survey can be accessed at:- VisitBritain.Org.

For ideas on what's on this August Bank Holiday across England please see:- VisitEngland.Com.