Councillors approve funding for Health and Care Skills Academy

Article date: February 26 2025

St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet approved the transfer of Towns Deal funding for the Healthy Communities Health and Care Innovation Hub to Mersey & West Lancashire NHS Hospital Trust who will run the transformational facility at the former Clickworks property on Hardshaw Street, alongside the council under the banner of St Helens Cares.

Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Growth and Regeneration, said: "We are delighted to be working alongside our local health partners at Mersey & West Lancashire NHS Hospital Trust to deliver this exciting project that will not only boost inclusive growth by preparing people for a rewarding career in health and social care, but also support the sector as it continues to see growing demand for services. The Town Deal funding is key to providing this skills academy that will also see a prominent building in St Helens town centre brought back to life."

The skills academy will provide a dedicated space in St Helens town centre, delivering a range of products and resources to: 

·       Change the perception of a career in health and care

·       Make employment opportunities more accessible with simpler processes and a 'work ready offer' for those that need it

·       Employ more local people in care, developing a continuing pipeline of talent, which will be mutually beneficial for the sector and the local economy

·       Create a career path to enhance skills of local people to increase incomes and social value

·       Retain and retrain people in health and care through upskilling, advancement and well-being support 

Councillor Andy Bowden, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, added: "Health and care are two key areas for employment in our borough and as a council we are committed to doing all we can to support our residents to get the best quality care when they need it. This new Skills Academy will act as a key component of preparing those who want to take up a enriching career in care and health, give them the necessary skills to support those in our communities who will call on their help and help build links between care providers and the students so that not only are we supporting people into work but also supporting an industry that continues to grow and is keen to bring in more workers."

The project will also work closely with partner organisations to reduce the barriers to employment for residents in the health and care sector.

St Helens will receive £25 million from the Town Deal Fund to deliver eight projects across St Helens town centre that will support residents and businesses, and this project is one of those funded by HM Government.

The Town Deals programme aims to regenerate towns and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth. This is through investments in urban regeneration, digital and physical connectivity, skills, heritage and enterprise infrastructure. As of July 2021, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have offered Town Deals to all 101 places that submitted proposals, committing over £2.35bn of investment across c.700 projects nationwide.