100 day social challenge launches in Liverpool

A ‘100 Day Challenge’ has launched in Liverpool, where three teams will be coming together to test ideas that support children, young people and families to thrive.

The approach gives people closest to their communities, such as doctors, youth workers or community businesses, the opportunity to combine their skills and experience to drive change. Teams then work with local leaders to integrate ideas that they have tested into ongoing plans to sustain the impact made when the 100 days are up.

Liverpool City Council, Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services and Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust has worked with community partners and residents to invite teams to take part from Anfield and Everton, Princes Park and Speke-Garston.

They will be supported by innovation charity Nesta, charitable trust Power to Change, and local decision-makers to bring to life ideas they think will change things for the better.

The cross-disciplinary teams will work as effective partners with families and communities to ensure children and young people have the best possible opportunities to reach their full potential.

Nesta has been running 100 Day Challenges across the UK for five years, helping public services and places to collaborate, learn and experiment.

The structured innovative method has been applied to a vast number of issues, everything from reducing A&E admissions of elderly patients to creating opportunities for those with learning disabilities to shape the care they receive.

Sophie Mckechnie, senior programme manager at Nesta, said: ‘We’re looking forward to seeing how teams use the 100 Day Challenge to build on the activity already happening in their neighbourhoods.

‘Liverpool has a unique history and spirit and we’re excited to see how the Challenge can provide a platform for citizens and communities to continue to drive change through trying out bold and innovative ideas.’

Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for Communities and Partnerships, Cllr Liz Parsons said: ‘This is a great opportunity for us to listen and learn from the people who know our communities best and support them to unlock their collective strengths.

‘We want to build a better, more equitable city where everyone benefits from the opportunities Liverpool has to offer.

‘The 100 Day Challenge is a step towards a different kind of partnership working, where we focus on the things that matter most to local people and collectively have a bigger impact.’