At The ACC Liverpool Group Foundation, we are proud to support organisations that make a real difference in our local communities. Our employees are passionate about giving back and the Foundation is funded by money raised by them throughout the year. These funds are then distributed to local community projects and groups addressing important issues.
Following on from the grants provided by our Foundation in 2024, we wanted to share an update on the local projects we supported.
20 Stories High a passionate collective committed to making the performing arts accessible to young people from working-class and culturally diverse backgrounds. Their ‘Mini Gigs’ project was an initiative that particularly resonated with us here the ACC Liverpool Group Foundation due to our close connection with the live music sector.
The Mini Gigs project provided live music experiences to those who typically might not be able to access it. A small team of acclaimed artists - Mal Lidgett, Faye Donna Francis, Bradley Thompson and local youth group Positive Impact - performed at community centres, secure units, family support centres and public markets. Each Mini gig was followed by an offer to the audience - get up to perform or write something new. This was done through open mics, karaoke and workshops.
By creating inclusive experiences and spaces, 20 Stories High continues to empower young people to express themselves, build confidence, and engage with the arts in ways they might never have before.
Brunswick Youth and Community Centre
The Brunny Family Night is a fortnightly initiative held at the Brunswick Youth and Community Centre in Bootle. It’s designed to support local families through the winter months by offering a warm, welcoming space and a free hot meal.
Run in response to the ongoing impact of the cost-of-living crisis and fuel poverty, the project provides much-needed respite for families who are struggling. Each session is attended by over 40 children and their families. The initiative has had a great positive impact, with one parent sharing that being able to come and not worry about how to feed her children for just one night has significantly eased her anxiety.
In addition to the meal, families enjoy an hour of games, sports, and arts and crafts beforehand, giving parents and children the chance to reconnect and enjoy time together. The Brunny Family Night is not just about providing warmth and food; it’s about creating community, connection, and care when it’s needed most.
Last year, Chaos Arts launched a free community dance company specifically for LGBTQIA+ people, offering weekly dance classes followed by social gatherings. Set in Liverpool city centre — intentionally outside of the traditional gay scene — the initiative aimed to make creative spaces more accessible and inclusive for queer individuals. These weekly sessions provided more than just an opportunity for exercise and creative expression: they became a regular meeting point for participants to collaborate, connect, and build community. The post-class socials played a key role in helping individuals form meaningful friendships and engage with others in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
At the end of the programme, the group performed as part of the Leap Dance Festival, proudly showcasing their work alongside other dance groups and celebrating queer identity through performance. The event provided greater visibility for LGBTQIA+ voices within the arts and shared a powerful message of inclusion.
With support from The ACC Liverpool Group Foundation, this inspiring project helped make Liverpool feel even more like a city where everyone is welcome, seen and celebrated.
Christ Church and Holy Trinity
Based in Walton Breck, Christ Church and Holy Trinity are at the heart of their community, providing essential food services including foodbanks, pantries, and hot meals.
With support from The ACC Liverpool Group Foundation, the churches were able to supply food and stock throughout the winter months, helping to feed over 500 adults and 285 children. Our funding also supported the creation of several emergency food parcels for individuals and families in urgent need.
Christ Church and Holy Trinity are well-known in their local area for the care and compassion they show. They support not just physical needs, but emotional wellbeing too.
Migrant Workers Sefton Community
The Migrant Workers Sefton Community plays a vital role in helping migrant workers settle into life in the UK. Through dedicated outreach and support, the group ensures that migrants feel safe, welcomed, and valued within our region. Their work includes assisting individuals with employment, integration, and everyday challenges as they build a new life here.
With the help of a grant from The ACC Liverpool Group Foundation, the Migrant Workers Sefton Community was able to provide essential emergency support to those in need — including food, toiletries and help with travel costs. This support has helped ensure that vulnerable individuals and families have access to the basics during difficult times.
After receiving a grant from The ACC Liverpool Group Foundation, My Outdoor Classroom launched the Adult ADHD Forest Wellbeing Group.
Based in St Helens, the Forest Wellbeing Group welcomed 16 adults with ADHD who were seeking a deeper connection with nature, improved mental and emotional wellbeing, and a sense of community. Over the course of five months, the group provided a structured yet flexible environment where participants engaged in mindfulness, movement, and social connection.
Sessions included sensory grounding exercises, creative expression, and group discussions — all tailored to the unique strengths and challenges associated with ADHD. Through gentle movement, breathwork and nature-based activities, participants enhanced their focus, reduced stress, and cultivated a greater sense of calm.
The group offered a safe, non-judgmental space for members to share experiences, develop coping strategies, and celebrate their neurodiversity in a relaxed and supportive setting.
New Beginnings, Improving Lives
New Beginnings, Improving Lives (NBIL) is a non-profit organisation committed to supporting vulnerable individuals across Liverpool. One of its initiatives is the mobile foodbank, which brings essential food support directly to those in need regardless of location.
With support from The ACC Liverpool Group Foundation, NBIL was able to provide halal meat for its mobile pantry serving the L8 area. This ensured that around 225 individuals had access to food that met their dietary and religious requirements, allowing NBIL to remain fully inclusive and responsive to the needs of the local community.
This support is especially significant, as NBIL is currently the only service in the area providing halal food - ensuring that no one goes hungry because of their religious beliefs.
South Central Community Transport
South Central Community Transport is home to the Wheel Meet Again (WMA) initiative; a programme dedicated to supporting vulnerable people aged 50 and over across Liverpool. WMA offers a variety of weekly activities, events, excursions, and day trips designed to reduce isolation, promote skill-building, and provide entertainment for its members.
With support from The ACC Liverpool Group Foundation, South Central Community Transport was able to replace essential musical equipment, ensuring that the project could continue and even expand its reach. Thanks to this, the group has recruited ten new members and continued to make an impact on the wider community. Performances have taken place in care homes and sheltered accommodation.
30% of participants reported fewer visits to healthcare providers since joining the programme — a testament to the power of social connection and creative engagement.
St George’s Church in Huyton is home to a thriving community hub of over 85 residents. Through three dedicated social groups, the church fosters a strong sense of belonging and provides a vital support network for those who need it most. While everyone is welcome, these groups have proven especially valuable for elderly and vulnerable individuals in the area, offering connection, companionship and practical support.
With funding from The ACC Liverpool Group Foundation, St George’s Church was able to deliver its Winter Food Project last year. This initiative offered food at low cost — and in many cases, free of charge — providing a crucial lifeline during the colder months for those facing financial hardship. Thanks to their ongoing efforts, the St George’s Church community continues to combat social isolation and ensure that local residents have access to the essentials they need.
Based at The Bluecoat, the Blue Room is a pioneering arts project for learning disabled and neurodivergent adults. It offers a creative and inclusive space to explore art, heritage and nature. With a focus on empowerment and expression, the project continues to make a meaningful impact across the Liverpool community and beyond.
Over the past year, 104 full-day Blue Room sessions were delivered, enabling group members to develop skills across a variety of disciplines including drawing, printmaking, 3D sculpture, textiles and animation. Many participants had the exciting opportunity to publicly showcase their work — exhibiting in venues across the UK and selling their creations at markets.
However, the Blue Room is about more than just art. It provides a safe, welcoming space where individuals can regularly connect, build friendships, and reduce feelings of isolation.
With support from the ACC Liverpool Group Foundation, the Blue Room project has been able to continue providing the materials, resources and opportunities needed to make a lasting impact.
Making a Difference
If you would like to learn more about The ACC Liverpool Foundation, the types of projects we support, and how to access our funding - please click here.