A MERSEYSIDE social enterprise company has opened its second children’s residential home on Wirral.

After recent registration by Ofsted, We are Juno CIC in Wallasey has welcomed children into its new home and will hope to build on the success of its first home in Oxton, opened in 2023.

Juno's newest residential home has been developed with local housing association Regenda Homes. It is the latest home in Juno’s plans to create a network of ten homes as an alternative to profit-driven models that dominate the children’s residential landscape.

We are Juno CIC (Community Community Interest Company) is a social enterprise set up by Liverpool-based Capacity in 2022 and supported by social investment from Wirral Council, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and The Postcode Innovation Trust.

Sophie Clarke, Juno’s managing director, said: "We are so pleased to be able to open the doors of our second home in Wallasey to local children.

"The team and all our partners have worked so hard over the past year to establish Juno and create homes where children feel safe, loved and supported in their local community.

"We’ve learnt a lot about what’s required to make a positive difference to the lives of children in our care and are delighted to move forward this work, helping more young people grow up in safe, loving and local homes.”

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said: "This is a really positive step for the wellbeing of children and young people across the Liverpool City Region.

"Juno’s commitment to providing safe and nurturing environments really embodies the spirit of community and compassion that we’re rightly proud of in this part of the world."

Mr Rotheram added: "Under the current model, large private operators in children’s residential care are pulling in huge profits, costing councils over £1 billion every year.

"This is one of the reasons why community-based non-profit organisations like Juno are especially important. It means more children can be kept closer to their local communities and have their needs put first.

“I'm proud to support Juno in their mission to create a network of homes that help to address the immediate needs of kids in difficult circumstances, but also are also laying the groundwork for a brighter future, where every child has the opportunity to thrive."

Lauren Huggon, development director at The Regenda Group, said: "It's been brilliant to work with Juno to bring fresh and modern residential children's accommodation to the area.

"As a regeneration business, we exist to support people in our communities and this scheme will do just that.

"We've created a place where young people can thrive, where they can stay in the area as part of their community and close to their support networks."