Author: John McCabe

The night’s alright for young people as Sefton’s parks come to life with sporting activity over the Easter holidays. 

Park Nights is a new programme from Active Sefton, giving young people aged 10-16yrs the chance to try new sporting activities for free in their local park.

Park Nights are taking place at:

• Derby Park, Bootle, 6pm-8pm, March 26 (street golf and football)
• Killen Green Park, Netherton, 5pm-7pm, March 27 (ultimate frisbee and fodgeball)
• North Park, Bootle, 6pm-7.30pm, March 28 (zorb football)
• Crosby Coastal Park, 6pm-8pm, March 29 (climbing wall and games)
• Derby Park, 6pm-8pm, April 3 (street golf and football)
• Derby Park, 5pm-7pm, April 4 (ultimate frisbee and dodgeball)
• Marian Gardens, Netherton, 6pm-7.30pm, April 5 (zorb football)

For more information, contact the Active Sefton team on 0151 288 6286.

Young people from Sefton were recently recognised for their achievements as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. 

Over 500 young people were presented with their awards at an annual celebration event, which took place March 15 at the Floral Hall in Southport Theatre and Convention Centre.

Over 1,000 young people took part in the award over the last year, where they volunteered, learned new skills, enjoyed physical activity and a camping expedition.

Guests of honour at the prestigious ceremony included The Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Mark Blundell DL, The High Sheriff of Merseyside Stephen Burrows DL, and The Mayor of Sefton, Councillor David Robinson who presented the young participants with their Bronze, Silver and Gold awards.

Cllr. Trish Hardy, Cabinet Member for Communities at Sefton Council said:

“It is fantastic to see young people in Sefton using their free time to improve themselves and their communities through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, especially during this, Sefton’s Year of the Volunteer. They have shown true commitment and endeavour to achieve their goals. They are a credit to Sefton and themselves.”

There are 35 registered Duke of Edinburgh Award’s centres in Sefton providing young people, aged 14 to 24yrs, with the opportunity to take part. For more information ask at your local youth club, school or community centre or call Sefton Council’s Integrated Youth Support team on 0151 934 4899.

Sefton Council is asking local residents to be vigilant on the signs of child abuse and report instances when they suspect them.

Using the mantra “If you think it, report it”, the council is joining Government and local authorities, police chiefs and charities across the United Kingdom in its support for the latest phase of ‘Together, we can tackle child abuse’, a national campaign led by the Department for Education (DfE), with support from national charity, the NSPCC.

Recent research has found that among parents of under 16s questioned by YouGov, almost a third (31%) had worried about child’s welfare, or about abuse or neglect in their local area, but just over half (57%) went on to take any actions or raise their concerns.

This stage of the campaign will see the local authority and its partners sharing key themes across their communications channels, including the signs of abuse and how to spot them, who you can talk to about child abuse and the four different types of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual and neglect).

Cllr. John Joseph Kelly, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families said:

“The safeguarding of children and young people is of paramount importance to Sefton Council and we fully support the critical messages of this campaign.

“I encourage anyone who sees the campaign messages to really think about them, be aware of the signs of child abuse, and of course report them to Sefton Council when you see them.”

To find out more, visit the campaign website.

To report a child or young person at risk, visit the Sefton Council website

Businesses in Sefton are being invited to come along to discuss exciting new work opportunities with top buyers who are keen to use local traders for building a new mental health facility in Southport.

MerseyCare NHS and Farran Heron Joint Venture (FHJV) are working in collaboration with Invest Sefton  and Sefton at Work to host the Meet The Buyer event at Bootle Town Hall, February 22, 9.30am – 12nooon.

The new facility will open in 2018 and gives local businesses the potential to pitch for contracts covering a wide range of needs, including:

• External works
• Windows, doors and curtain walling
• Building supplies
• Building trade
• Construction and finishing trades
• Fixtures and fittings

Attendees will learn about joint working and supply chain opportunities, while also gaining useful insight into the timescale of the build. They will also benefit from learning how contractor FHJV chooses its suppliers and free support from Invest Sefton and Sefton at Work, who will provide assistance to those businesses selected for Meet They Buyer to register for the FHJV supplier portal, bidding for public sector contracts and recruitment support.

Meet The Buyer is a ticket only event. In order to secure a ticket for your business, contact Invest Sefton 0151 934 3452 or by email