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One Knowsley to take over the running of the Michael Causer Foundation – as non-profit organisation pledges to help keep Michael’s legacy alive in the borough and across the Liverpool City Region

One Knowsley, the infrastructure body for the third sector in Knowsley and the Michael Causer Foundation, a local charity offering support to young LGBTQIA+, has announced that One Knowsley will take over the day-to-day running of the MCF Foundation from 2023 onwards.

Set up in Michael’s honour after his tragic murder in 2008, the Michael Causer Foundation was set up by his parents Marie and Mike, alongside Merseyside’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community – in order to provide education, motivation and accommodation for young LGBTQIA+ people like their son.

With Michael born in Whiston and a much loved member of the community, One Knowsley will utilise its strong connections in the borough and across the region to ensure the foundation’s amazing work carried out since 2010 will continue for decades to come.

One Knowsley will now work towards improving funding options for projects aligned to the goals of the foundation, as well as continuing to be a voice against Hate Crime and raising key issues across the Liverpool City Region and nationally where appropriate.

Coinciding with its move to Court Hey Park, One Knowsley will provide additional sustainability and future proofing for the Michael Causer Foundation, with the foundation now closing as a stand alone charity and moving under the One Knowsley umbrella.

Current Michael Causer Foundation trustees will work with One Knowsley to form a new independent steering group, which again will help to keep Michael’s legacy alive, as well as providing a safe haven for young LGBTQIA+ residents in Knowsley and beyond.

Racheal Jones, Chief Executive, One Knowsley, said:

“This new venture is very much about shining further spotlight on Michael and the Michael Causer Foundation. With Michael local to Knowsley and a lot of his family still in the borough, I am so proud and incredibly honoured to be flying the flag for the LGBTQIA+ community at Court Hey Park.

“A number of the Michael Causer Foundation’s existing trustees will serve on a sub-committee to support initiatives focused on LGBTQIA+ young people across the Liverpool City Region and we will do all we can to raise as much awareness as possible, through the many schools, groups and communities that we work with and within.”

Steve Macfarlane, outgoing chair of trustees, Michael Causer Foundation, added:

“In our drive for a sustainable legacy and following our approach to One Knowsley several months ago, it is important that we continue to work with Michael’s family going forward and also vital that we liaise with LCR Pride to maintain a strong family and Michael Causer Foundation presence at Pride.

“Furthermore, to run Michael’s vigil on August 2nd in his memory and recognition of so many other victims of hate crime is hugely significant for us and we have full confidence in One Knowsley as an organisation that cares for its people and its groups, that they will do all they can to continue honouring Michael and the LGBTQIA+ community in every way possible.”

For more information about One Knowsley visit oneknowsley.org for more information about the Michael Causer Foundation visit michaelcauser.co.uk