Author: Martin Driver

With the World Cup getting underway this weekend, Sefton Council is reminding people across the Borough that domestic abuse – which spikes during football tournaments – is entirely unacceptable.

Dramatic rise

Previous research has shown that during football tournaments, domestic abuse has risen dramatically. Figures jumped by up to 27% during England World Cup games and reached 32% when they were defeated. But figures also rose when England won.

Sefton Council is advising anyone who is at risk themselves or whose child, family member or friend are at risk of harm to contact the police urgently by calling 999.

Information about the advice and support available locally for people concerned about domestic abuse is also available from www.sefton.gov.uk/enough22.

Unacceptable

Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing said: “Whether it is physical emotional or sexual, domestic abuse and coercive control that can go with it is unacceptable at any time.

“The shocking statistics around football tournaments mean there will be people, and statistics show the vast majority of them will be women, across Sefton fearing the next few weeks while the World Cup is taking place.

“And because abusers can be controlling making leaving an abusive relationship very hard, it is vital that friends and family support someone they suspect is being abused.

“Encourage them to speak to you or a professional about what is going on.”

Tell-tale signs

Cllr Hardy said the tell-tale signs to look out for can include the person making excuses for their abuser’s behaviour, a high incidence of sickness absence or a nervousness talking openly when their abuser is around.

She added: “In an emergency, people should always dial 999 but if they want to find out how they can support someone they suspect is being abused, they should visit www.sefton.gov.uk/domestic-abuse.”

Enough 2022

Cllr Diane Roscoe, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Education has welcomed the success of three of the Borough’s schools at last night’s Educate Awards.

During Friday’s ceremony at Liverpool Cathedral, Litherland High School won the The Communication Award, Maghull High School won in the Outstanding Commitment to STEM category and St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School won the Outstanding Commitment to Sport in Primary School category.

Redgate Primary has also claimed the top spot in the National Teaching Awards for Early Years Team of the Year. 

Testamant to hard work

Cllr Roscoe said: “I would like to congratulate all three schools for their success at last night’s awards.

“These wins are a testament to the hard work put in by all the teachers and schools staff involved as well as the pupils who are taking part, of course.”

Litherland High School prioritises connecting with its students using contemporary methods including print, social media, digital signage, and its website. The school also invites guest speakers and holds events.

During Mental Health Awareness Week, the school also created ‘The Well-Being Zine’ to offer tips and resources for students to help them with their wellbeing.

Sefton’s Maricourt Catholic High School was runner up in the Communication Award, which is sponsored by CPMM Media Group.

Opportunities and activities

Maghull High School is continually developing and expanding its STEM club and delivers a multitude of associated opportunities and activities to students. Started in 2016, the thriving Club gives regular attendees and students across the whole school, a chance to experience real-life STEM and discover the multitude of exciting careers which STEM has to offer

Great Crosby Catholic Primary School in Sefton was runner up in The Outstanding Commitment to STEM category, which is sponsored by All About STEM.

St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School The primary school received this award as a result of achievements such as the Platinum School Games Mark in recognition of its commitment to school sport, clubs, and competition.  In the 2021/22 academic year, the school had the highest number of entries into competitions in South Sefton.

The Outstanding Commitment to Sport in Primary School category, sponsored by LSSP.

Netherton Moss Primary School was named runner up in the Outstanding Commitment to the Environment and Stephanie Wardale from Hillside High School was runner up in the teacher of the Year category.

Innovation, dedication and ambition 

Cllr Roscoe said: “It’s great to hear about the innovation, dedication and ambition going on in Sefton’s schools and to see it recognised at the Educate Awards.

“My congratulations to all the winners and runners up.”

The Educate Awards showcase the hard work and creativity that takes place in the education sector, from STEM and performing arts to sport and literacy. Now in their eleventh year, the awards also recognise the individuals who bring schools and colleges to life.

In partnership with Copyrite Systems and Ricoh, the Educate Awards took place at the Liverpool Cathedral and welcomed over 600 guests. The evening was hosted by broadcaster, Simon ‘Rossie’ Ross.

Kim O’Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, said: “Congratulations to the Sefton schools that won at this year’s Educate Awards!

“A big well done to the runners up and finalists too. Results this year were incredibly close, and judges had a difficult time deciding not only the shortlist but also overall the winners.”

Once again, a snapshot survey has shown that, officially, there are no rough sleepers in Sefton.

Single-night count

In line with the Government’s required process, Sefton Council carries out a single-night count of rough sleepers in the Borough each year, between October 1st and November 30th. The number of people found sleeping on the streets on that one night is used by the Government as Sefton’s official annual figure.

However, with the current national cost of living crisis taking hold, the Council is aware that a single-night survey may not tell the whole story.

Testament

Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said: “This zero figure for a second year running is a testament to the hard work of the work our own Housing teams and our partner organisations do to help people facing homelessness and rough sleeping.

“But at a time when rents, mortgage rates, heating and lighting costs and prices in the shops are rising, we are concerned that this winter there may well be people who find themselves needing support through no fault of their own.”

Unsafe

Cllr Hardy urged anyone with nowhere to stay or who feels unsafe about returning to their home, or who is facing homelessness to contact the Housing Options Team by emailing housing.options@sefton.gov.uk calling them on 0151 934 3541 or visiting www.sefton.gov.uk/homeless. The team will assess their case and provide housing options.

People can also find out about local organisations providing support by visiting www.seftondirectory.com and searching ‘homeless’.

Committed

Cllr Hardy added: “Through our recently commissioned Integrated Homeless Service and our Housing Options team, the Council is committed to helping people facing homelessness and supporting vulnerable people who may find themselves sleeping rough.

“I would urge any members of the public who suspect people are having to sleep rough in Sefton, by calling the Rough Sleeper Outreach Team via Light for Life on 01704 501256 or 07918 746042 outside normal office hours and weekends.’’

People can also email the Light for Life team at shc@lightforlifesefton.org.uk.

Veterans in Sefton is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation that helps veterans who are homeless or living in unsuitable housing. Based at The Brunswick Youth and Community Centre in Bootle, Veterans in Sefton can be contacted on 0151 933 0800 or 07591 825204 out-of-hours.