£100,000 grant for Birchwood Charity transforms local support services

The Birchwood Charity in Skelmersdale has received a significant £100,000 cash boost from West Lancashire Borough Council. 

The funds have helped to enhance Birchwood's efforts in tackling homelessness, improving mental health support and health and wellbeing within the local community, while also contributing to the development of a locally driven outreach initiative. 

The Council’s investment has also been used to improve Birchwood's Social Inclusion and Mental Health Support Hub, creating an accessible service for individuals in need. 

The money is a portion of the Council's 2024/2025 UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is a programme helping the council champion communities and businesses across the Borough. 

Birchwood Charity has helped those facing housing needs, mental health challenges and social isolation for more than 40 years. 

The charity creates positive change in communities through integrated homelessness and housing support, mental health support, counselling and wellbeing activities, providing both residential support and community-based services tailored to meet the varied needs of those it serves. 

Councillor Vickie Cummins, lead member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “We’re proud to support organisations like Birchwood Charity that provide critical help to those who need it most. 

“Birchwood Charity offers a lifeline to people facing homelessness, mental health challenges and difficult life circumstances. Their work goes beyond just providing shelter; it’s about offering guidance, stability and hope.  

“This funding will enable the organisation to reach even more people, expand their support services and continue making a real difference in our community.” 

Stella Connell, CEO from Birchwood Charity, said: "Every day we see people facing real hardship. Young people without a safe place to stay, individuals struggling with their mental health and families in crisis.  

“This funding from the Council has been a gamechanger for us. It has allowed us to reach more people, provide crucial assistance and give them the stability and guidance they need to rebuild their lives.  

“We are committed to tackling homelessness, promoting wellbeing and ensuring that no one in our community is left without help.” 

A total of 25 community projects have received funding through the UKSPF West Lancashire Community Grant Fund to empower our communities and support the Council’s key priorities. These projects deliver essential services and facilities for residents across West Lancashire.  

The funding comes from two major sources: the Council’s £1.2 million Communities and Place investment and a £1.3 million investment from the Community Infrastructure Levy.  

For more information on Birchwood Crisis Centre and the services they provide, please visit https://birchwoodcentre.co.uk/ or call 01695 728391.