Three Merseyside housing associations try to knock each other out

Published by Jean Clarke for Liverpool Mutual Homes in Housing and also in Communities

Three Merseyside housing association chief executives led staff through a giant mangle and took on The Wedge and The Equaliser in an ‘It’s a Knockout’ competition to raise money for charity.

Using props, games and inflatables from the original 1970s and 80s hit television show, nearly 40 members of staff from Liverpool Mutual Homes (LMH), Helena Partnerships and Wirral Partnership Homes (WPH) tackled the assault course, raising over £1,000 for a local Liverpool women’s refuge, Willowbrook Hospice, Cancer Research and the British Heart Foundation.

The teams were led by the chief executives of the three housing associations; Steve Coffey at LMH, Rob Young at Helena Partnerships, and Brian Simpson at Wirral Partnership Homes.

Helena Homes came out on top after successfully tackling bungee mats, rabbit runs, inflatable tunnels and sack races at the Police Club in Riversdale Road, Aigburth.

Money was raised through a tombola and various stalls including ‘hook a duck’, ‘beat the goalie’, circus training and a kiddies corner with gladiator events, slides, a bouncy castle, face painting and an ice cream van.

A raffle with prizes donated by the housing associations’ contractors included a Nintendo Wii Fit and Wii Fit games, two flat screen televisions, £200 of high street vouchers and a range of spirits and hampers.

LMH Chief Executive, Steve Coffey, said: “It was a fantastic day and everyone had a lot of fun and as three housing associations were battling it out against each other, there was naturally a lot of competition to claim the very important bragging rights! 

“As well as it being a good partnership and team-building event, the day was really about us raising some vital funds for the very worthy chosen charities and we are looking to re-commence battle next year, hopefully with LMH winning!”

Rob Young, Chief Executive of Helena Partnerships, said: “The It’s A Knockout event was a huge success and an excellent opportunity for staff to work together. It was also good for colleagues from three housing associations to get to know each other better – even though the competitive streaks came out when it came to the games! 

“We were very proud to take part in this event and raise money for the charities, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s event.”

Brian Simpson from WPH said: “It was good to see staff from the three organisations enjoying themselves and strengthening our partnership working together, as well as giving us another opportunity to support our chosen charity for this year raise some much needed funds. We are all about working together and having fun in what we do.”

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Photograph: LMH's Steve Coffey takes part in It’s a Knockout to raise money for charity.