Author: Ollie Cowan

Flags to support the emergency services will be raised at Bootle Town Hall and Southport Town Hall on Monday, 9 September in honour of Emergency Services (999) Day.

Now in its second year, 999 Day is part of the National Emergency Services Memorial which is trying to raise at least £3 million to build Britain’s first national cenotaph dedicated to all UK emergency services. The cenotaph will also honour more than 7000 personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty as well as giving thanks to over 2 million people working in the services today.

999 Day is also an opportunity to promote volunteering in the emergency services, educating the public about using the services responsibly, teaching life-saving skills, and promoting the work that the emergency services do on a daily basis.

The Council is also encouraging residents to take part in a 2 minute silence at 9am on 9 September to remember all who have been killed as a result of their service.

This month as part of the Year of Friendship campaign, Sefton Council will be focusing on children and young people and highlighting some of the amazing organisations and projects which give help and support to them.

Adjusting through teenage years can bring challenges, which may lead to a young person feeling that they don’t fit in or are misunderstood, which can be heightened by the pressures of social media. In 2017/18 Childline carried out 4,636 counselling sessions for loneliness, a 14% rise on the previous year.

There are many groups and organisations across Sefton working to give young people a sense of identity and connection with others. These include 0-19 support in our Family Wellbeing Centres and targeted support from Sefton’s youth workers for young people who typically experience social isolation like those who identify as LGBTQ+.

Disabled young people can turn to Sefton’s Aiming High for Disabled Children Service if they need additional support and guidance.

Each service provides opportunities for children and young people to share passions and experiences and in turn improve their health and wellbeing.

Another Sefton Council service being celebrated for the Year of Friendship is Be Active, which runs sessions every school holidays except for Christmas. The programme delivers a great range of activities to children aged 3-16 across Sefton, tackling isolation by helping children to keep active, have fun and make friends in a safe environment.

Activities range from all day camps for dance and multi-sport, to two-hour taster sessions including gymnastics, archery and fencing, and dodgeball, and pool parties at the swimming pools. Sessions take place at locations across the borough, including Litherland Sports Park, Dunes leisure centre, Meadows leisure centre, Crosby Lakeside, Crosby leisure centre and Netherton Activity centre.

The October programme will be available from the start of October. Find out more here.

For further information or to book any activities contact 0151 288 6286.