We’re proud to continue our collaboration with Shakespeare North Playhouse as its official Social Impact Partner. This partnership reinforces our shared commitment to delivering transformative cultural, educational and social opportunities for the people of Knowsley.
Over the past three years, our partnership has impacted hundreds of people across Knowsley, improving access to culture, fostering inclusion and creating opportunities for learning, skills development and community wellbeing. By combining our expertise in tackling key social challenges with Shakespeare North’s cultural mission, our partnership continues to pave the way for lasting positive change.
To date, our partnership has:
- Led the successful Five Elements hip hop youth project, facilitating 17 creative sessions with professional artists and engaging 145 young people (ages 11–16) in MCing, DJing, Breaking, Graffiti and Beatboxing. Through this project, participants developed new skills, built confidence and expressed themselves – with 82% having never engaged with a theatre before.
- Supported the recruitment of volunteers who have contributed 1,800 hours to the theatre, gaining valuable skills and experience. Five volunteers have secured full-time employment at Shakespeare North Playhouse or other organisations. The programme has also built a strong volunteer community, fostering social connections both during and beyond their time at the theatre.
- Assisted in the recruitment of paid roles at the Playhouse, supporting five local residents from Knowsley through the application and interview process, with 100% securing contracted positions at SN.
- We’ve provided essential data insights and social impact expertise to enhance community programmes, such as Chatty Café, our Spoken Word Night Itch, and our Scratch Night, through data-driven strategies. This has strengthened the Playhouse’s overall approach and included developing a robust three-year evaluation framework for the organisation.
- Enhanced access to culture in Knowsley, fostering inclusion and opportunity through continued investment and collaboration.
The extended partnership will build on these successes; expanding cultural access, promoting inclusion and creating opportunities for local residents. It will also support both our organisation’s aims to strengthen community connections and empower individuals to thrive.
Tom Wilde, our Director of Community Investment and Engagement, commented: “As a social impact-driven housing association, we’re passionate about creating opportunities that help people thrive, and it’s fantastic to work with local employers like Shakespeare North Playhouse to deliver meaningful impact in our local communities.
“Our partnership is a powerful example of how culture can bring people together and drive lasting change. By combining our expertise and strong community relationships with the theatre’s outstanding cultural offer, together, we’re making transformative experiences more accessible across Knowsley and opening doors to new opportunities.
“We’re excited to build on this collaboration and make an even greater impact in the years ahead.”
We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Livv Housing Group. It has been fantastic to collaborate with the Livv team and benefit from their expertise in shaping our social impact strategy, such a vital part of our work. We look forward to building on this success and delivering more impactful projects together in the future.