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A vital Changing Places facility officially opens at The Atkinson improving accessibility for visitors to Southport

22 July 2022
Amy Hitchmough
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News, The Atkinson

Changing Places toilets enable anyone, regardless of their disability, to go to the shops, attend hospital appointments, enjoy community life, socialise, and travel. All the things that most of us take for granted every day. These facilities offer people with profound and multiple learning disabilities or with physical disabilities extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably.

The Atkinson’s Changing Places facility has been available for use by visitors to Southport since 2020, but the official launch was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. On 18 July 2022, The Atkinson was joined by members of Southport Access For Everyone (SAFE) and The Atkinson Development Trust for the official launch of the vital facility and to celebrate the achievements of all involved. The opening ribbon was cut by Matthew Hurst, a regular visitor to The Atkinson and SAFE volunteer.

people attend launch of Changing Places toilet facility at The Atkinson
L-R: Margaret Jolley (Trustee, The Atkinson Development Trust), Stephen Whittle (Principal Manager, Museum, Gallery & Operations, The Atkinson), Fiona Caplan (Secretary, Southport Access For Everyone), Matthew Hurst (Volunteer, Southport Access For Everyone), Emma Harrison (Principal Manager for Access, Engagement & Enterprise, The Atkinson), Barry Jackson (Volunteer, Southport Access For Everyone)

When The Atkinson re-opened in 2013, it had a sizeable accessible toilet on the first floor, with additional accessible toilets on the ground floor and second floor. In 2017 the need for a changing places facility was stressed to The Atkinson by members of SAFE, primarily Fiona Caplan and Matthew Hurst.

 

Fiona Caplan, Secretary, Southport Access For Everyone (SAFE):

Hundreds of thousands of people in the UK live with a disability that severely limits their mobility. They cannot use standard accessible toilets because they need access to the specialist equipment and extra room provided by a Changing Places toilet. Without this facility they are unable to go out and enjoy seeing and doing things that other people take for granted.

 

The Atkinson’s Emma Harrison (Principal Manager for Access, Engagement & Enterprise) met with Fiona Caplan, Matthew Hurst and his father David to discuss the need for a more accessible facility. In 2018, with an official letter of support written by Fiona on behalf of SAFE and a compelling letter of support written by Matthew and his father sharing their personal experiences, The Atkinson applied for a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund to install a Changing Places facility on the first floor of The Atkinson.

 

Matthew & David Hurst, Volunteers, Southport Access For Everyone (SAFE):

Everyone has a right to live in the community with access to its facilities but for some people like Matthew the lack of a fully accessible toilet denies them this right…. On using a Changing Places toilet we found that when using the ceiling hoist compared with mobile hoist, transferring was less difficult, more efficient, easier to access and careers at a lower risk of injury. Matthew was less anxious and far more positive operating the controls independently and with the adjustable washbasin he was also able to be more independent washing his hands.

 

The National Lottery Community Fund grant application was successful, and The Atkinson was awarded ÂŁ10,000 towards a new facility. Further financial support was offered by The Atkinson Development Trust to prepare the existing accessible toilet for the upgrade. After a series of delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Changing Places facility was finally installed in 2020 by Astor Bannerman who are experts in the design and manufacture of specialist bathing and care equipment.

 

Emma Harrison, Principal Manager for Access, Engagement & Enterprise, The Atkinson:

This upgrade allowed us to go from compliant to comfortable and we are proud to have achieved it.  With lots of help from our partners at Southport Access For Everyone (SAFE) we were successful with an application to the National Lottery Community fund. With their funding we could buy the upgraded equipment and have it installed. The Atkinson Development Trust funded the vital work to get the room prepared for the installation. 

 

This journey to expand The Atkinson’s accessibility is echoed in one of their core values in particular: ‘To listen to our audiences and visitors to help us improve the service we offer.’

 

The Atkinson’s fully equipped Changing Places facility is fully lockable, has a floor space of 12 square meters and includes a H frame ceiling track hoist, a wall mounted height adjustable adult sized changing bench, a peninsular toilet, a height adjustable washbasin, a shower, a non-slip floor, a privacy screen, a paper roll and two emergency cords.

 

Residents and visitors to Southport with their own RADAR key (a skeleton key that opens locked accessible toilets in the UK) can use the facility during The Atkinson’s opening hours. The RADAR Key Scheme enables disabled toilets to be locked to prevent vandalism and misuse, while also being readily available to those who really need them. Visitors without a RADAR key can ask a staff member to open the facility for them.

 

Meg (Visitor to The Atkinson) –

Thank you SO much for having this beautiful changing facility. It’s amazing. Now we can have a day out at the beach without having to go home for the toilet. Things like this mean the world to us! Thank you. Meg (aged 8) and her mum Kathy.

 

Find out more about accessibility at The Atkinson and plan your visit online: theatkinson.co.uk/visit-us/plan-your-visit/accessibility

 

 

For further information please contact:

Charlotte Down, Marketing Manager, charlotte.down@sefton.gov.uk, 0151 934 2799

 

Images and videos can be downloaded here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ccSgCbbtQP0rCff2aLMP0OQ1p0z3WbTB?usp=sharing

 

Changing Places

changing-places.org

Changing places toilets in Southport:

  • The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DB
  • Southport Market, King Street, Southport, PR8 1LA
  • The Life Rooms, 23-35 Scarisbrick Avenue, Southport, PR8 1NW

 

Southport Access For Everyone (SAFE)

southportaccessforeveryone.org

 

National Lottery Community Fund

tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

 

The Atkinson Development Trust (Charity number 1161020)

theatkinson.co.uk/about-us/support-us

 

Astor Bannerman

astorbannerman.co.uk

Have your say on Sefton’s new Economic Strategy

22 July 2022
Amy Hitchmough
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Categories: Business and Economy, Front Page, InvestSefton, Latest News, Local Consultation

Sefton Council has launched a public consultation to collect views on how to help improve the Borough’s economy for its residents, communities, and businesses.

Feedback from the consultation will help form a new Sefton Economic Strategy, the plan that looks at Sefton’s business and employment needs and sets out what the Council will do to help meet these needs.

Strategic economic growth is a key part of the Sefton 2030 Vision towards which the Council is working. This new consultation will enable the Council to understand better the needs of Sefton residents, business owners, organisations and investors, as it plans its Economic Strategy for the years 2022 to 2024.

Pre-consultation work has been undertaken, gathering the views on areas including employment and opportunities for work, business growth, investment, and social inclusion from a diverse range of people.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Labour Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said:

“It is important to hear the views of the public, which enable Sefton Council to help create opportunities for the workforce and local businesses across Sefton.

“We recognise the importance of working with our many key partners and stakeholders from the private sector, communities, voluntary sector and local businesses. This consultation is for everyone, including those partners, and can help define our future.”

The Council is encouraging those living or working in Sefton, as well as business owners, organisations, entrepreneurs, and investors to share their views by completing the online survey at yourseftonyoursay.gov.uk

Please read a copy of the draft Sefton Economic Strategy before completing the questions:

Draft Sefton Economic Strategy document

Easy Read Draft Sefton Economic Strategy document

The consultation is now open and will run for four weeks, up until Wednesday 17th August 2022.

Sefton Council launch the ‘Caring Business Charter’- a North West first!

21 July 2022
Bridie Finnan
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News

In a first for the North West, Sefton Council was delighted to launch the Caring Business Charter today alongside local businesses, partners and care experienced young people – with 48 potential employers already signed up.

The Charter aims to improve visibility and access for care experienced young people to employment, training, apprenticeship, work experience and mentoring opportunities. Local businesses and employers have committed to offering these opportunities and support, and to guarantee job interviews where candidates are suitably qualified for a vacancy.

At the launch event today, young people had the chance to meet some of the local businesses already signed up to the Caring Business Charter and discuss what opportunities these businesses could offer them in future.

The list of signatories to date stands at some 48 organisations from the public and private sectors, covering a range of industries from construction and project management to hospitality and healthcare.

 

Cllr. Marion Atkinson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills said:

“I have been blown away by the enthusiasm from our local business community in supporting and enhancing our offer for our care experienced young people.

“Not only does this provide an amazing opportunity for our young people but I am sure businesses will feel the benefit of working alongside some fantastic young people with bags of potential.

“Statistics show that young people with experience of the care system can be disadvantaged in the jobs market. However, we are determined to use our local connections and influence to buck the trend here in Sefton and give our young people all the tools they need to be a success in whatever they choose to do.

“This launch is just the start, we hope to have many more local businesses signed up by the end of the year!”

 

Cllr. Mhairi Doyle, M.B.E., Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care said:

“The launch of our Caring Business Charter is a North West first and is just the beginning of our drive and duty to support our young people into adulthood and help them to gain experience in whatever industry they choose to make their own.

“I have been so thrilled to see our young people chatting with businesses and showcasing their own huge potential. I know that our local business community will learn just as much from our young people as they will from businesses.

“I am so excited to follow the journeys of our young people as they make great connections with our local community and maybe find an opportunity that kickstarts their future.”

 

Mark Davies, Architect Director from K2 Architects said:

“Over the last 12 months K2 Architects have worked closely with Sefton Council on how to repurpose The Strand Shopping Centre and align this with the Council’s vision for people first, connected, resilient and green, reaching net-zero carbon for 2030. We have built strong interpersonal relationships with our partners at Sefton Council and wider stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of their aims and objectives, increasing the chances of delivering successful outcomes.

“We respect the enormous passion and commitment that the Council has put into this process to drive real change to Bootle Town centre, and now the launching of the Caring Business Charter. When Sefton Council approached us to join this Charter, it was a very easy decision for us to back this great initiative, as there was an alignment of a shared values between us.

“This is about inclusivity, and as a caring business, we are committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, ensuring opportunity is there for all and no one is left behind.”

 

The Make a Difference Care Experienced group said:

“When you have experience of the care system, it can feel like the odds are stacked against you but schemes like this open doors into industries that we might never have even considered.

“Meeting the businesses today at the launch event gave us so much confidence that people in Sefton want to make a difference and help people with our life experiences showcase our potential.”

 

If your business is interested in signing up to our Caring Business Charter, please go to our website https://www.sefton.gov.uk/business/caring-business-charter/

Sefton Council considering use of Clean Air Zone as part of plans to improve public health in Sefton

21 July 2022
Alex Jones
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Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News

Plans to tackle air pollution including the potential introduction of a Clean Air Zone in Sefton will take a step forward this week as Sefton Council’s Cabinet is being asked to approve the recommendations and findings of an Outline Business Case before moving to the next stage.

One of the main causes of air pollution in Sefton is heavy goods vehicle (HGVs) traffic as they produce high levels of harmful emissions. Studies have found that a Clean Air Zone targeting prominent HGV traffic areas has the best chance at reducing air pollution in Sefton.

If it is implemented, Sefton’s Clean Air Zone would charge HGVs that do not meet the required engine standards a daily fee to travel through the proposed area, which includes parts of the A565 and A5036.

Funding to affected local businesses to mitigate the cost of the charges is also being considered as part of the plans

As part of their 2030 vision, Sefton Council is committed to maintaining a clean, green and beautiful borough. This pledge encourages everybody to work together to keep Sefton clean and green, with a commitment to better air quality. However, while most of the borough’s air quality is of a good standard, some locations have conditions which could be improved.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said:

“Achieving clean air across Sefton is essential in supporting the public health of our residents. The poorest air quality is within areas of health and income deprivation, meaning that the worst air quality is experienced by those most vulnerable to its effects. I am pleased that our plans for a potential  Clean Air Zone are edging closer, as it will improve the air quality in these areas and help to keep our borough healthy

“I want to be clear; the Clean Air Zone in Sefton will not affect every day commuters using private cars or vans.  We are exploring a CAZ option that will charge only heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) that do not meet the required emissions standards.

“The Council is not using the CAZ as a source of income generation. Any income from the charges will help  fund the operation and management of the scheme.”

Further information on the Clean Air Plan strategy is available via the Council’s website and on the dedicated Clean Air Plan Your Sefton Your Say pages

Value-for-money golf in Sefton as Cazoo Classic tees off on Golf Coast

21 July 2022
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News
Ninth green at Bootle Golf Course

With the 2022 Cazoo Classic teeing off today at Hillside on Sefton’s celebrated Golf Coast, the Council is reminding people about the opportunities to play locally.

Anyone inspired by the arrival of the DP World Tour on our doorstep, can play at the historic Southport Golf Links nearby for just ÂŁ16 and for as little as ÂŁ12 for a twilight ticket. Juniors can play a round for ÂŁ8.

World leading

Originally opened in 1912, the course was designed by Harry Shapland Colt, one of the world’s leading golf course architects of his generation.

Across Sefton, around at Bootle Golf Club costs from just ÂŁ13 and ÂŁ8 for Juniors. Adult twilight tickets are ÂŁ8.50.

And, until the end of July Sefton Council is offering free one-year junior golf memberships worth £80 to under-16s. Junior membership provide a year’s no-cost play at the Bootle and Southport courses.

Details of both courses and how to sign up for the free Junior membership can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/golf or by calling Southport Golf Links on 01704 535 286 or Bootle Golf Club on 0151 928 1371.

Golf club and ball at the new driving range in BootleDriving range

Anyone wanting to polish up their game to classic standards can also just turn up and play at Sefton Council’s 10-bay, floodlit Bootle Driving Range. Prices are just £6 for 100 balls or £4 for 50 balls.

People can find out more about Bootle Driving Range at www.sefton.gov.uk/driving-range.

Boost

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member Health and Wellbeing said: “As well as providing a major boost to the local economy, hosting an event like the Cazoo Classic on our famous Golf Coast can help inspire local people to enjoy this fabulous sport, as can successes like Southport’s Tommy Fleetwood coming joint fourth in last week’s Open at St Andrews. Well done Tommy.

“In Southport Links and Bootle, we have two great courses with equally great prices and the Driving Range, which opened last year is an excellent facility where people can improve their game or just try it out.

“We are keen to ensure young people in Sefton can experience golf, which is why we have introduced the Junior Membership offer for under-16s, which offers great value for money.”

Find out more about golf in Sefton

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