Alt Valley Community Trust (AVCT) and the Neighbourhood Services Company (NSC) are two independent social enterprises that work in partnership to support disadvantaged communities of the Alt Valley area of Liverppol.

 

Our relationship with AVCT and NSC started in 2005 when we were approached by the Chief Executive to support a proposal for the development of an innovative programme of community education. We worked closely with Trustees, the Senior Management Team and other external consultants to consult with the local community, define the model, deliver and test financial forecasts and assumptions, and prepare a financially viable and socially sustainable delivery  proposal. The effective working process was build on a foundation of mutual trust and a shared vision, that of supporting the wellbeing of individuals and communities of disadvantaged areas, and has led to a long-standing partnership with Symbiont that continues to this day.

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Over the past 12 years, we have supported AVCT and NSC in their growth and development, delivering increased support and social impact for the residents and communities of Alt Valley. Our role has been varied, often responsive and sometimes directive, and has always been based on hard work, mutual trust and working towards a shared vision. At times we have been Project Managers, Sustainable Business and Renewable Energy deliverers, Ecologists and Environmental Managers, often Fundraisers, and occasionally ship's cat (when needed).

 

The partnership with AVCT and NSC has delivered many achievements of which we are proud, a few notable successes include:

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Croxteth Sports and Wellbeing Centre - the purchase and development of an at risk community sports centre in the heart of Croxteth. Symbiont supported the negotiation of the purchase of the Centre, along with raising investment upwards of £500,000 to invest in improved facilities including the redevelopment of a boxing gym, installation of two all-weather sports pitches, development of a spa and holistic therapies centre and the renewal of the heating system throughout the Centre. The Centre now operates on a financially sustainable basis, and is used by approximately 2,000 local residents, the majority of whom are female.

 

Environmental Education - Symbiont supported the development of an Environmental Education curriculum and materials for primary school children. The project involved planning and developing the curriculum,raising £300,000 for the development of a Schools' Mini-Farms site at NSC's Larkin's Farm, the establishment of habitat creation and wildlife management programmes and the delivery of teaching sessions, also incorporating literacy and numeracy for children.

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Adult Day Care Services - Our work involved the development of a day care service for adults with mild to moderate learning difficulties. The service had previously been delivered from The Communiversity and in partnership with Liverpool City Council, utilising space and resources were available in the community centre at any given time. Symbiont worked with Person-Centred Planners to analyse the existing service, identify improvements and opportunities for improved delivery, develop a new model and identify infrastructure needs. We supported the establishment of a new social enterprise, NSC Care Ltd, to focus specifically on the delivery of care services, and helped to raise investment to redevelop an underused barn at Larkin's Farm to create a dedicated Care Centre with workshop, changing room, toilet and office facilities. The Company now delivers a full programme of therapeutic employment, social integration and personal development activities, employs three staff members, supports over 22 adults and is a model of best practice for adult day care.

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Renewable Energy Generation - involving the installation of two wind turbines. We worked with NSC to assess their energy requirements and the potential for the Company to generate its own, renewable energy on site. A range of options were explored including solar, hydro and biomass, before identifying wind power as the most effective method of exploiting the physical conditions on site and providing a reliable source of renewable energy. A full range of investigations were commissioned including ecology, visual impact, noise, transport, heritage and avaiation impact assessments to ensure that the proposals would not cause any adverse impacts on the local environment. A staged development has resulted in two wind turbines being erected at the site, generating renewable electricity and rendering the Farm energy positive, selling its excess energy to the National Grid.

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Symbiont continues to work with AVCT and NSC on a range of new and exciting initiatives to support the residents and communities of Alt Valley.

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