FOUR local projects have been awarded a share of a £110,000 funding pot, to help children in North Birkenhead.

Charities, community organisations and local groups were invited to submit joint applications for grants of up to £25,000 from Cradle to Career’s new Service Collaboration Fund, and demonstrate how their projects will support children, young people and families in North Birkenhead.

After deliberation from local professionals, residents and an independent chair, the successful projects have been announced - Standing Together, Diversity+, Builder Book and POD FUN Birkenhead.

Rekha Patel-Harrison, programme director, Cradle to Career, said: “All four of the successful projects were approved by a panel of local residents and professionals because they address a service gap in the area, from improving community support and opportunities for children with SEN needs to providing family literacy workshops and resources.

“Funding is for a one-year pilot period, during which we will support the organisations all the way to help demonstrate the impact of their work, and support potential applications for future funding.”

Standing Together will work with schools and families in the Birkenhead North area and provide opportunities to learn about and engage themes of discrimination, anti-racism, and the celebration of different cultures.

Builder Book aims to improve mental fitness, literacy and social interaction in children and families via creativity and storytelling, helping narrow the education gap, increase family time, decrease social isolation, and encourage open conversations between families around feelings.

The POD FUN project aims to provide access to peer-led wellbeing services that meet the needs of families with children and young people living with SEND or challenges around SEMH in the North Birkenhead community.

The Service Collaboration Fund is designed to create new opportunities to complement Wirral Council’s 10-part Childhood Offer, a framework for the services, opportunities and support every child should be able to access as they grow.