By engaging with local Liverpool community groups and organisations, we aim to build a better profile and understanding of the Trust’s work and its relevance to Liverpool life in the 21st century.

During 2008, there are several exciting projects and opportunities taking place, as follows:

Volunteering partnership at Speke Hall

The partnership will involve working with Mencap, which will culminate in a new sensory trail for the mansion and an increase in opportunities for adults with learning disabilities to volunteer at the property.

© NTPL / Matthew Antrobus

Volunteering and training opportunities

This project will offer volunteering and training opportunities in the garden and estate at Speke Hall for our local communities. It will particularly focus on young people and adults with learning disabilities in conjunction with Mencap and South Liverpool Housing. The project’s aim will be to improve the garden and estate as a community resource and increase access to, understanding of, and interest in the natural environment.

Outdoor community theatre

Produced and performed by young people working with Black Box Theatre Company, in association with South Liverpool Housing and Liverpool Housing Trust, the project uses performing arts to look at issues such as anti-social behaviour and bullying that affect young people's lives. The final performance will form the heart of a community fun day at Speke Hall when an audience from the nearby communities of  Speke and Garston communities will be invited to attend.

Refurbishment of the stable block at Speke

The stable block will be used as an interpretation and learning resource.

© National Trust

Speke Hall's 'Podcast Tours Project'

Speke Hall’s ‘Podcast Tours Project’ which took place last year when young people aged 13 – 16 from ‘Interchill’ - Speke and Garston’s Young Person’s drop-in centre - decided to write and record their own versions of tours for Speke Hall - 21st century style!

They developed scripts based on stories about the Hall which they had enjoyed, then recorded these and downloaded them onto MP3 players – which are available to all our visitors – and which we hope will be enjoyed especially by teenagers and younger visitors to the Hall.