Our Helping Hands fund is proud to support a range of community projects that improve wellbeing, inclusion and opportunity for residents of all ages across Halton.

Through a £2,000 grant, we are supporting Active Engagement & Education CIC to continue delivering the much-needed West Bank Youth Hub. Developed in response to the needs of local young people, the hub provides a safe and welcoming space with weekly sessions offering creative activities, support from trained youth workers, and access to digital and leisure equipment. Our funding will cover staffing and activity costs for 16 sessions, benefiting around 30 young people aged 8–18, many with SEND, while helping to reduce antisocial behaviour and strengthen community cohesion.

We have also awarded £750 to Purple Gecko Community CIC to support its Mature Movers programme, a gentle, dance-based exercise project for residents aged 65 and over in Widnes and Runcorn. Delivered over 18 weeks in community venues including Murdishaw Community Centre, Frank Myler Pavilion and Ditton Community Centre, the programme helps participants improve strength, balance and coordination while offering a friendly, sociable environment. The project is expected to benefit up to 80 older residents, particularly those who may be isolated or inactive, supporting healthier, more active ageing.

In addition, we have provided £915.87 to Weston Point U7s to support the newly formed grassroots football team with essential kit and training equipment. The volunteer-run team offers free, fully inclusive football sessions for children aged six and seven, ensuring no child is excluded due to financial barriers. Our funding will help provide kits, boots, winter clothing, equipment storage and training resources, benefiting up to 15 young players and supporting confidence, wellbeing and a sense of belonging.

We are proud to support these projects through our Helping Hands fund, working alongside local organisations to strengthen communities, reduce isolation and create positive opportunities for residents across Halton.

Applications to our Helping Hands fund are reviewed and judged by our Customer Forum, ensuring that funding decisions are shaped by the voices of our customers and reflect the needs of our communities.

Supporting initiatives like this is part of our Thriving Communities theme—one of five key priorities in our 3-year corporate plan, Our Future Focus: 2025–28. It’s all part of our purpose: Improving People’s Lives.

If you or someone you know is running a community project that could benefit from our Helping Hands support—whether it’s a youth club, a community garden, or a wellbeing initiative—we’d love to hear from you. Visit our Helping Hands webpage to learn more.