10 things you need to know about Nugent

It’s one of Liverpool’s oldest charities – and yet possibly one of the least well-known.

For more than a century Nugent has been helping to fight poverty and make people’s lives easier and better across Merseyside.

And it’s needed now as much as ever.

“The cost of living crisis and the huge rise in energy bills has caused further stress for many families we support across Merseyside,” says lead fundraiser Ainsley Briscoe. “And Liverpool is one of the hardest hit places.”

The Merseyside-based charity cares for, educates and protects vulnerable children, young people and adults. How do they do this? Ainsley adds: “We rely on the kind hearts and generosity of our supporters.”

Nugent is always looking for help from people and businesses who can support through volunteering, donations, sponsorship – or taking on a challenge!

If you’re wondering how that can help, here’s 10 things you need to know about Nugent:

Fighting poverty – and fighting for change

Founded in 1881 by Father James Nugent, Nugent is a Liverpool charity with more than 140 years’ experience of providing care, education, community and social work services. Ainsley says: “We look to improve health, life chances, quality of life, and levels of achievement, while reducing poverty and increasing safety for everyone.”

Country-leading care

Nugent owns and runs a number of children’s homes including Marydale, the only charity-run secure children’s home in the country. The home offers the highest level of protection and care for vulnerable and traumatised children who, for example, have been victims of criminal or sexual exploitation. All of Nugent’s homes are rated ‘Good’ by regulators and offer warm, caring environments. One of the children’s homes has got two new residents, Bertie and Bruce, goats who provide comfort and help improve mental health and wellness.

Adult homes and services

Three homes for adults offer support for people suffering from acquired brain injuries or neurological disorders, dementia, and mental health issues. One, Lime House which specialises in dementia care, recently joined forces with Therapy Dogs Nationwide to bring a little tail-wagging joy to its residents.

Nugent also runs supported living and outreach support for adults with disabilities, autism, mental health difficulties and additional needs.

Care after care

One of Nugent’s latest projects is providing practical support to help to bridge the gap for young people transitioning out of care. From providing everything a person needs to move into a new home to a suit for a job interview or as well as emotional support, the charity offers a wide range of assistance: “When they move away they are leaving behind friends and family and trying to become financially responsible for themselves which can be isolating.”

Nugent also just secured funding for its new Brighter Futures project which will look to develop young people’s life skills and self-esteem through work experience and mentoring. They’re currently looking for volunteers and businesses who might be able to offer mentoring services or work experience.

Creating families

Nugent operates a registered and approved adoption agency, having helped place children in loving homes for more than 75 years. Nugent works hard to make sure children who have had a difficult start find a safe and supportive family to enjoy life with, and guides people through the adoption process regardless of age, ethnicity, sexuality, disability, religion, or marital status.

Community care

Committing to a huge amount of community-based support, Nugent operates a weekly food pantry in Overbury Street – for which it’s always looking for donations! Each year the pantry provides vital food and support to thousands of people and their families. It also supports schools who request help on behalf of struggling families. One school chaplain said: “I recently contacted Nugent about a family in dire accommodation with dangerous levels of damp and mould. They not only provided funding for all new bedding and short-term damp solutions, as well as legal advice, they also connected me with another organisation who’ve rehoused the family. A brilliant example of organisations collaborating to change a family’s life.”

New Beginnings

Its New Beginnings service gives help to the homeless and at-risk, linking with Liverpool Mutual Homes to provide accommodation, offering support to learn life skills and gain employment, and giving practical help with ‘welcome packs’ which include everything from bed sheets to pots and pans. Its ‘Sleep Out’ event at Strawberry Field on March 24 will raise funds for New Beginnings.

The service is also all rated ‘Good’ by regulators, just like their homes. Nugent are nothing if not consistent!

Class act

Nugent runs Nugent House School in Billinge for young people with complex social, emotional, and mental health needs. Students recently had their artwork exhibited at St Helens World of Glass Museum as part of an open art competition.

Store success
Nugent’s charity shop in Allerton Road sells almost anything and everything – except toys, electrical goods and furniture, but it can always find a home for them in one of its services. All money raised goes towards the vital work the charity does.

Exciting events

Nugent organises events and appeals throughout the year to raise awareness of, and funds for, all its amazing work. Main events you can support include:

* Tuesday, March 14 – iACCORD Awards. With the help of sponsors and supporters, Nugent takes a moment to celebrate and reward the achievements of all its hardworking volunteers and staff.

* Friday, March 24 – Sleep Out with Nugent. Raise money by giving up your bed for the night to experience a fraction the challenges faced by the homeless.

* Thursday, May 25 – Phil Thompson Golf Classic 2023. Hosted at Hurlston Hall Golf Course, you can tee off with Nugent patron and former Liverpool and England football team legend Phil Thompson. It’s also an opportunity to hear more about Nugent’s vital work.

* Thursday, November 9, Annual Nugent Gala. A black tie event offering a fabulous night at The Rum Warehouse featuring dinner and entertainment. As with all of Nugent’s events, it’s also another chance to raise funds to support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

* A range of challenges throughout the year from abseils to trekking across the sahara all in aid of a good cause