13th September 2024
The team at Ykids have been working hard with the redevelopment of the award winning children’s bookstore, literacy project and café; Kingsley & Co.
Kingsley & Co is a tremendous asset to the community in Bootle, an area which Ykids first set down roots in 2002. Bootle is a significant location for the work that Ykids do. A recent report highlights why projects like Kingsley and Co are so important for the area:-
‘Bootle has become one of the poorest communities in the UK with some areas ranking in the highest 1% in the multiple indices for deprivation. Bootle has seen a 17% increase in child poverty over the past five years, with 1 in 6 under-16s living in poverty. Poverty has a pervasive impact on children’s physical and mental well-being, aspirations & life prospects. Life expectancy is 10 years less here than the national average & 20 years less than affluent areas. A high proportion of children have special educational needs, behavioural problems & mental health issues. It is significantly concerning that Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) can only handle severe cases, leaving those with warning signs of poor mental health unattended. With CAMHS overburdened, we face a tsunami of demand & more challenging young people referred to us’.
Source: Ykids 20 Year Impact Report
Mann Roberts are delighted to have played a small part in helping get the new premises ready for the opening, helping with moving furniture, painting and sorting books. Frances Mann, Relationship & Culture Director, was amazed to see the progress that has been made since the move to the new location at the former Natwest Bank on the Strand.
‘I can’t believe the progress that has been made since our last visit 6 months ago. The place is unrecognisable. Kinsley and Co is going to be a very special place for families in the community to enjoy. I am looking forward to seeing the finished product.’
Good luck to all of the Ykids team with the final push getting the new Kingsley & Co up and running!
