We’re proud to have supported Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Primary School in Widnes with funding to enhance their outdoor play provision, following a successful application to our Helping Hands fund. 

The school received £1,000 to help develop a new outdoor zone as part of its involvement in the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) programme.  

Our funding was used to purchase materials to build a large sandpit, including sand and wood for the foundations. 

This new space encourages children to engage in creative, self-directed play, supporting both their physical and emotional development. 

Clare Poulson, Teaching Assistant at the school said: “The funding from Halton Housing has helped us create a space where children can explore, play, and use their imagination every day. It’s already making a big difference to their playtimes.” 

The project benefits children aged 4–11 from the local area and is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting young people and promoting community wellbeing across Halton. 

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.