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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.”

Sefton Carers Centre are hosting two free events for unpaid carers across Sefton, to help empower people with information and support to know their rights as carers.

Local carers can attend the Carers’ Rights Coffee Mornings where they will be able to access support and information from Sefton Carers Centre staff, find out more about their rights, and pick up a carers winter warmth pack.

The Carers’ Rights Coffee Morning events are being held on:

• Tuesday 22 November, 10am-12pm, at Sefton Carers Centre in Waterloo
• Tuesday 6 December, 10am-12pm, at The Life Rooms in Southport

Vicky Keeley, Chief Executive Officer at Sefton Carers Centre, said: “Whether you are a new carer or have been caring for someone for a while, you need to know your rights. We want to help and empower you with information and support so you feel confident to ask for what you need.

“Many people are taking on caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends and they need to know their rights whether they are at home, in the workplace, or in a healthcare setting.

“All of our services at Sefton Carers Centre are free for unpaid carers to access, and we would encourage any carer to contact our team today to find out how we can support you.”

The events have been organised as part of Carers’ Rights Day; a national event organised by the Carers UK charity. The annual awareness day aims to ensure carers are aware of their rights, help them know where to get help and support, and to raise awareness of the needs of carers.

Sefton Carers Centre is also opening up as a weekly ‘warm hub’ as part of the Sefton Warm Spaces programme, coordinated by Sefton Council and Sefton Council for Voluntary for Service (CVS). They are providing a safe place to drop in, keep warm and enjoy a hot drink, without the fear of spending on gas and electricity. Anyone can drop into Sefton Carer’s Centre, at 27-37 South Road in Waterloo, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am-2pm throughout the winter, or find details of their nearest Warm Space at www.seftoncvs.org.uk/warmspaces.

Sefton Carers Centre is an organisation providing free advice, guidance and emotional and practical support, as well as training, activities, counselling and welfare benefits for unpaid carers living in Sefton. Find out more about Sefton Carers Centre services by visiting their website: www.sefton-carers.org.uk

To book a place at the Carers’ Rights event on 22 November at Sefton Carers Centre in Waterloo, call 0151 288 6060, or email: help@carers.sefton.gov.uk.

To book a place at the Carers’ Rights event on 6 December at The Life Rooms in Southport, call 07815 465 608 or email: help@carers.sefton.gov.uk

As its first round of roadshows draws to a close, Sefton Council’s Technology Enabled Care Solutions is celebrating its success.

Over 500 Sefton residents have been able to meet the team at events in Bootle, Southport, Crosby, Ainsdale and Maghull.

Each roadshow showcased a range of assistive technology that residents can use to remain independent at home. They also provided information on how to access the equipment.

Now, Sefton Council is asking residents to complete a short survey to help them to improve the service in the future.

The survey is available on Your Sefton, Your Say and is open to everyone, from people who already use assistive technology to those who have not heard of it before. By asking people about their level of knowledge around the technology available and barriers that may prevent people from accessing the equipment, the team hopes to find new ways to support residents.

Technology Enabled Care Solutions is the name given to devices and services people can use to support themselves to live independently. These can range from Alexa apps that turn off lights without having to stretch for the switch, to sensors that detect if someone has fallen in their home.

With the current cost of living crisis, technology to help people save on their energy bills is also available. This includes smart meters that help to keep track of the energy used in homes and smart plugs, which can be controlled remotely or linked to a timer.

To help residents find solutions to help them at home, Sefton Council developed the online self-assessment and guidance tool Ask SARA in February. Ask SARA suggests a range of products and services to suit people’s needs and how to access them. People who are interested are also able to get in touch with the Technology Enabled Care Solutions team directly for further advice.

Councillor Paul Cummins, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care said:

“It’s wonderful to hear how well the Technology Enabled Care Solutions roadshows have gone so far. It has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase the technology available to enable our residents with additional needs to live independently.

“It is important that people in Sefton can make informed choices about their own health and wellbeing, and technology allows people to do so, while remaining independent.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve our services and provide the best support we can in Sefton and collecting the views of residents will help us to achieve that.”

To find out more, visit the Technology Enabled Care webpage at www.sefton.gov.uk/independentliving.

The survey can be found at https://yourseftonyoursay.sefton.gov.uk. There is an Easy Read format, and a hard copy can be provided if required.