A GROUP that raises money for local projects in Wirral are hosting their second event following the success of last year.

Wirral SOUP is a volunteer-led, non-profit group, set up by Susie Laughland in May 2022, after she attended events run by Liverpool SOUP.

The group, which consists of nine volunteers, raises money for local projects being run by local people across Wirral. 

Community projects send in their applications to be considered for the money raised, and a shortlisting panel, consisting of Wirral and Liverpool SOUP committee members chooses four to be shortlisted to pitch on the night.

The four shortlisted projects get four minutes to pitch their ideas at the event and then the audience vote on who they want to win.

Wirral SOUP's first event was held in September 2022 and the group raised over £1,200 on ticket sales and donations, which was awarded to Lucky Ali at KRL General Store and Café.

Wirral Globe: Last year's eventLast year's event (Image: Neil Griffiths Photography)

KRL General Store and Café is a family-run café and community hub in Birkenhead.

Lucky said she planned to use the funds to set up a friendly and engaging Community Hub in the heart of Birkenhead, where people can exchange ideas and experiences and enjoy an affordable, healthy, home-cooked Bangladeshi meal.

READ > Ellesmere Port catering company win 'Caterer of the Year' at English Wedding Awards

Speaking to the Globe, Susie Laughland said: "Lucky's story was amazing.

"She was so inspiring and she's been doing lots of good things with it for the community since she won."

Wirral Globe: Lucky Ali won the money in 2022.Lucky Ali won the money in 2022. (Image: Neil Griffiths Photography)

The three runners-up, Prom Pretty, Wake Up Wallasey and Raw N Real each received £100.

This years event

This year, the event will take place on Wednesday, March 29 at Future Yard, Birkenhead at 7pm.

Susie added: "The whole thing this year is run by sponsors and all the money raised goes straight to the winner.

"Everyone gets really excited. The concept of the community deciding where the money goes is great."

Applications to pitch opened yesterday (February 20), so if you or someone you know, needs some funding for a community project that would benefit people in Wirral you can apply here until midnight on March 8.

After a sell-out event in 2022, tickets to reserve seats open on Tuesday, March 14.

To find out more, visit https://www.facebook.com/WirralSOUP.