First launched in 2023, the provision was developed in response to the growing challenges affecting children and young people across Merseyside, including high demand for SEND support, limited access to appropriate provision and withdrawal from education.
Merseyside has some of the highest numbers of children with SEND nationally, with seven of the UK's 20 constituencies recording the highest levels of identified SEND located in the county.
Funded by the Premier League and supported by the Professional Footballer’s Association, Safe Hands provides a tailored support package to young people, offering one-to-one guidance from staff and small targeted group work, with the primary aim to support them to successfully reintegrate into education where appropriate or progress into post-16 education, training or employment pathways.
Sue Gregory, CEO of Everton in the Community, said: “Both awards are testament to the unifying power of football to build stronger communities and create brighter futures.
“They recognise the incredible work taking place across Everton in the Community every day, from supporting young people to overcome barriers to education through Safe Hands, to reaching more than 46,000 people through our wider programmes.
“None of this would be possible without the unwavering dedication of our brilliant staff, volunteers, participants, partners, donors and supporters. Thank you.”
Find out more about Everton in the Community’s life-changing work [here.](https://stories.evertonfc.com/eitc--impact-report-25-26/index.html)