Building on transformative community impact

Thu 13 Mar, 2025

We are continuing our collaboration with Livv Housing Group as our official Social Impact Partner, reinforcing our shared commitment to delivering transformative cultural, educational, and social opportunities for the people of Knowsley.

Over the past three years, this 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 Livv’s expertise in tackling key social challenges with our cultural mission, the partnership continues to pave the way for lasting positive change.

To date, the partnership has:

• Led the successful Five Elements hip hop youth project (Feb–June 2023), 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. The programme also inspired them to explore careers in arts and culture, expanding opportunities for future creative professionals.
• Supported the recruitment of volunteers who have contributed 1800 hours to the theatre, gaining valuable skills and experience. 5 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 with us.
• Assisted in the recruitment of paid roles at the Playhouse, supporting 5 local candidates from Knowsley through the application and interview process, with 100% securing contracted positions in our teams.
• 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, strengthening our overall approach. This includes developing a robust 3-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 Livv and our aim to strengthen community connections and empower individuals to thrive.

Lisa Allen, our CEO said:

“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.”

Tom Wilde, Director of Community Investment and Engagement at Livv Housing Group, 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.”