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Sefton lead the way helping young people into employment

7 October 2019
John McCabe
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Uncategorized

Sefton Council is working with local colleges to support young people with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) into full time employment.

The Supported Internships programme, delivered in partnership with Hugh Baird College and Southport College, links young people with local employers to help them gain vital experience of the workplace.

The borough now far exceeds the national average for people with SEND in full time employment.

Now in its fourth year, Supported Internships helps equip young people for future roles with the aim of securing full time work.

Supported Internships is growing every year, with Mersey Care NHS the latest big organisation to join the programme.

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

“Planning for the future of Sefton and creating economic opportunities has to mean something to everyone in our communities.

“I’m proud to see the Council and local colleges going some way to making this aspiration a reality through Supported Internships. The impact of this programme can’t be overstated. Nationally, among 18-64 year olds with a SEND, 6% are in full time work, for 16-24 year olds with a SEND using supported internships in Sefton, that figure jumps to 31%.

“Supported internships provide young people with vital experience, knowledge and crucially, confidence in the workplace. The internships have not only created full time employment but have also led to a further 48% of young people in full time volunteering roles.

“We’ve always known that young people with a SEND in Sefton have a lot to offer employers and it is brilliant to see that message breaking through as young people and local businesses continue to benefit.”

For more information on Supported Internships and further education opportunities for young people with SEND, visit Sefton’s Local Offer.

Seven Sefton schools make the Educate Awards 2019 shortlist

7 October 2019
Ollie Cowan
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News

Seven schools from Sefton have been shortlisted for this year’s Educate Awards!

From inspiring teachers, dedicated support staff to innovative projects across the curriculum, the awards recognises the work of schools and colleges which are delivering outstanding education and helping students achieve their full potential.

The awards, in partnership with Copyrite Systems and Ricoh, is in its eighth year and is the largest education awards in the North West.

With 21 categories in total, the following Sefton schools have been shortlisted:

  • Bedford Primary School for the Eco School Project of the Year and Outstanding Arts in a Primary School
  • Formby High School for Mental Health & Wellbeing Award and Outstanding Commitment to Sport in a Secondary School
  • Hillside High School for Outstanding Arts in a Secondary School
  • Netherton Moss Primary School for the Most Inspirational Primary School
  • St Oswald’s CE Primary School for the Spirit of Enterprise Award
  • St Thomas CE Primary School’s Katherine Lockley for the School Support Star of the Year
  • Valewood Primary School for the Most Inspirational Primary School

Since launching in Liverpool in 2012, the awards has grown rapidly, now recognising schools and colleges right across the Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

A new category has also been introduced this year, recognising schools’ commitment to mental wellbeing. The Mental Health & Wellbeing Award will be awarded to a school with a strong commitment to promoting social and emotional wellbeing, mental health and wellness.

This difficult task of shortlisting the entries fell upon the esteemed judging panel which includes Michelle Dow, managing director of All About STEM; James Tartt, Merseyside track athlete and architect; Councillor Gary Millar, assistant mayor & mayoral lead for business & international trade; Chris Walker, regional managing editor of Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales; Lesley Martin-Wright, chief executive of Knowsley Chamber; Andrew Pimbley of Wirral’s Claremont Farm; Sue Cronin, head of teacher education at Liverpool Hope University, Suzanne Ramsey former partnership manager at Liverpool School Sports Partnership and Allan Williams, learning manager at Everyman and Playhouse Theatres.

Kim O’Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, said: “Congratulations to the Sefton schools shortlisted for the Educate Awards 2019!

“Every year, the judges’ job gets harder as the entries from schools get better. Whether it is the arts, careers, sport or their commitment to mental health and wellbeing, we aim to recognise all areas of education and shine a spotlight on all the hard work that goes on in schools and colleges each academic year.

“We look forward celebrating with all the finalists and winners on the 15 November.”

The winners will be announced at the annual awards ceremony, which takes place on Friday 15 November at Liverpool Cathedral.

Associate sponsors include: All About STEM, Angel Solutions, CER, CPMM Media Group, DMR David M Robinson Jewellery & Watches, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool Diocesan Schools Trust, Liverpool Learning Partnership, LSSP, Progress To Excellence Group, Satis Education, School Improvement Liverpool, Signature Living and Winstanley College.

Metro Mayor calls for ‘revolution’ in walking and cycling across Liverpool City Region as he confirms investment for new foot and bike routes

4 October 2019
Ollie Cowan
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has said that he wants to see an ‘active travel revolution’ in the Liverpool City Region over the next ten years, and called on people to leave their cars at home in favour of taking more short journeys by foot or bike.

Outlining his city region-wide vision for active travel – a catch-all term for walking and cycling – the Metro Mayor said that it would improve air quality by reducing emissions, have a positive impact on health and wellbeing and help to boost the regional economy.

The long-term plan for cycling and walking infrastructure in the Liverpool City Region will be presented for approval at today’s Combined Authority meeting. The strategy details plans first announced last year for 600km of new and upgraded foot and bike paths across all six local authority areas – Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton and Wirral.

More than ÂŁ16m in funding has already been committed to the first seven key routes, with construction set to begin next year.

The network of foot and cycle paths will be linked to the wider transport network including buses, Mersey Ferries and the new trains arriving on the Merseyrail network from 2020 which offer level access and more storage space for bikes.

The Liverpool City Region has set a target to become zero carbon by 2040, with schemes to support walking and cycling initiatives having already cut carbon emissions in the city region by 1600 tonnes per year – equivalent to taking 350 cars off the road.

Research also shows that active travel can help improve people’s health and wellbeing. Regular walking and cycling reduces the risk of conditions like heart disease or stroke by 1/3, potentially saving the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds over the next decade.

Jean Hunt, walking and cycling lead for Sefton Council said: “We really welcome the Metro Mayor’s call for an active travel revolution and are excited to be part of helping deliver it.

“Getting more people to take journeys by walking and cycling will be hugely positive, not only for air quality and the environment but also for people’s health and wellbeing, with research showing that people who cycle regularly can have the fitness levels of someone ten years younger.

“The important thing is that you don’t have to have done much walking or cycling in the past to take it up – it really is something that you can pick up any age and any experience level. In Sefton we work with the Combined Authority and other partners on projects to encourage active travel – from cycling groups to organised group walks.”

The push for more walking and cycling in the Liverpool City Region is also expected to help deliver on the Metro Mayor’s plans to revitalise regional town centres, with evidence indicating that improved walking and cycling facilities can dramatically increase high street footfall and boost retail spending by 30%.

Mayor Rotheram said: “We are living through a climate emergency – and it is our duty to leave a cleaner planet for future generations, but we need to work together to achieve this. That’s why I’m calling for an active travel revolution in our city region.

Building and improving our network of walking and cycling routes to make them safer and easier to use is vital, but we also need to make sure they’re part of our plans for a fully integrated local transport network.

But it’s not only about building infrastructure – we need a cultural shift so that people think about walking and cycling as a genuine alternative to the car. That’s why we’re driving forward with schemes to help people to travel by bike or foot, regardless of their background.

I’ve been pushing for more devolution and funding for rail in the North, but active travel could be just as important in the development of our city region – and it’s something we can step up and deliver without having to wait for Westminster.”

Community Café kicks off in Crosby

4 October 2019
Ollie Cowan
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Categories: 2019 - Sefton's Year of friendship, Front Page, Latest News

Marine in the Community has opened a new Community CafĂ© based at Marine FC’s small function room on College Road.

The café takes place every Wednesday from 12pm to 2.30pm and all are welcome.

In addition to the usual café delights, the Community Café will also play host to musical performances, dancing, karaoke, card games, dominoes, board games, quizzes, bingo and more.

Guests are also encouraged to bring along their own hobbies to enjoy or share with others such as knitting, sewing, jigsaws or reading.

There will also be the opportunity to meet with other agencies to find out more information on things like home security, fire/smoke alarms, welfare and benefits, scam letters and phone calls, wellbeing, healthy eating, mindfulness and even local history.

During Sefton’s Year of Friendship, events like this are a great way to get out and about to meet new people. There’s no need to book, just turn up on the day and enjoy.

Green Sefton wants your ideas!

3 October 2019
Ollie Cowan
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News

Green Sefton, Sefton Council’s service that looks after parks, green spaces, coast and countryside, is looking for ideas on how it can breathe new life into Sefton’s landscape whilst also helping local community groups and businesses.

The Council is inviting people to offer expressions of interest on how they think Sefton’s green spaces can be put to use in ways that will benefit the community and visitors.

A number of parks, coastal and green spaces have been put forward as potential sites for new and additional ideas to compliment the fantastic facilities we already enjoy, but also to help encourage new investment and opportunities to sites across Sefton, working in partnership with our amazing ‘Friends of’ and community groups.

These sites include the Botanic Gardens, Crosby Coastal Park, North Park, South Park and a number of other special places across the borough.

We are keen to hear from community groups, existing or new, that may want to set up a new venture, and from businesses who want to promote what they do or even that may be looking for a new home. Some suggested ideas include a coffee shop or ice cream parlour in parks or dog grooming business on the beach, as well as ideas for new activities like a kite surfing school or developing children’s soft play areas.

However, expressions of interest are not limited to these suggestions and Green Sefton is keen to hear about any creative ideas people may have to bring people to the amazing parks and green spaces in Sefton. These can be one off events or year around offerings.

Ideas can be submitted online by visiting www.the-chest.org.uk until 25 October 2019.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity to raise the profile of our wonderful parks and coastline and to get more people to visit them and create new and exciting opportunities for both residents and visitors.

“This is also an opportunity for the council to work more closely with the community groups who already dedicate a lot of time to our green spaces and allow them to share their ideas for new investment opportunities.

“I am excited to see what ideas are put forward and hope that this gives budding community groups, business owners, and other organisations across Sefton the chance to put their plans into action.

 

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