Shelter is launching a new children’s project on Friday 10 July to support vulnerable children and their families in Knowsley.
The Keys to the Future project will help families who are homeless or at risk of being evicted from their home, due to anti-social behaviour problems within the family.
The project will run for three years and is funded by Positive Destinations (a joint funding programme between BBC Children in Need and the Hunter Foundation), The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Knowsley Housing Trust. The project will support over 600 children living in Knowsley, whilst a specialist team will work intensively with 120 of the most vulnerable children, to provide tailored support.
Shelter Knowsley will work with partner agencies in the local area, such as schools, housing associations and health and social care providers, ensuring that these children are not missing out on vital services and support within the area.
The project aims to provide direct, tailored support to children on a one-to-one basis through recreational and educational activities. This will include a wide range of activities for children to play, learn, build their confidence and make friends.
The team will also work closely with parents, providing them with help and advice on housing applications, budget management and financial support opportunities, finding local recreational activities, and registering with a doctor.
Vanessa Dixon, Shelter’s regional manager for the North West, said: “The specific needs of children can often be overlooked when families find themselves homeless and this can have a devastating impact on the children and young people involved.
“Children caught in homelessness often display behavioural, developmental, emotional and health problems, which significantly increase their chances of failure in education, training and employment. We want to address this problem in Knowsley and help to turn around the lives of these young people.”
For more information about Shelter Knowsley please contact Jenny Tudor on 0207 505 1185 or jenny_tudor@shelter.org.uk
Comments