Liverpool Citizens is a growing city-wide alliance which drives positive social change on important local issues by bringing people together to build community-led solutions. A local chapter of Citizens UK, a national charity that has delivered notable achievements, Liverpool Citizens brings together a wide range of institutions from across the city. Current priorities for change include improving access to NHS dentistry, supporting safe and reliable public transport, enhancing the quality of life for families living in temporary accommodation, and strengthening community cohesion.
Reflecting on the membership and its relationship with Liverpool 2031, University Provost, Professor Richard Black said: “Joining Liverpool Citizens as an institutional member strengthens our commitment to working in partnership with communities and organisations across Liverpool to address shared challenges and create opportunities for positive change, ensuring that the University’s expertise contributes to the future prosperity of our city.”
Liverpool Citizens has secured tangible local improvements, including increasing the reliability of buses serving hospitals and schools, securing free travel for children living temporary accommodation, and redesigning a key road junction to promote community safety.
The Heseltine Institute played a central role in developing the relationship between Liverpool Citizens and the University. Co-Director of the Heseltine Institute, Professor Catherine Durose noted: “Over the past 18 months, Liverpool Citizens has created valuable opportunities for colleagues from across the University to build relationships with community organisations and engage with the issues that matter most to people across Liverpool. Becoming an institutional member marks an important milestone in this journey and reflects our shared commitment to civic leadership, social justice and strengthening the city’s future.”
The membership will provide a platform for staff and students to work to deliver change on the issues that matter to local people.
Catherine McCarron, Senior Organiser at Liverpool Citizens commented: “We are delighted to welcome the University of Liverpool as an institutional member of Liverpool Citizens. Colleagues from across the University have already made an important contribution to our alliance, recognising that lasting change happens when institutions and communities work together to tackle the issues that matter most to local people.”
Get involved
If you would like to learn more about the work of Liverpool Citizens and get involved, please contact Professor Catherine Durose: Catherine.Durose@liverpool.ac.uk.
Staff are also welcome to register to attend the Liverpool Citizens Accountability Assembly on Monday, 16 November, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm and see their work in action.