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Metro Mayor Launches Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity Awards.

31 July 2019
Charlene Smith
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council, Your Sefton

Nominations for the first Culture and Creativity Awards in the Liverpool City Region have been opened by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram to stimulate, recognise and celebrate excellence and innovation in art, culture and creativity.

 The awards are part of the Metro Mayor’s 1% for Culture initiative, and will honour the value and contribution that the cultural and creative sector brings to the Liverpool City Region, making it one of the most vibrant and exciting places to live, work, study, visit or do business in. 

 The 1% for Culture initiative means that Liverpool City Region currently uses the equivalent of 1% of its £30 million annual devolution funding on utilising many of the region’s existing assets and talent to stimulate cultural and creative opportunities.

 The red carpet ceremony will take place on November, 28, 2019 at the Lady Lever Art Gallery hosted by the 2019 Liverpool City Region ‘Borough of Culture’, Wirral.

Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said:

“Culture and the creative arts are an incredibly important part of our identity. Whether it’s our museums, art galleries, theatres or our music, they all provide huge benefits, from bringing people together to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime events, getting involved in creative activities, and encouraging people to visit the city region for the first (and not the last) time. We are hugely proud of our cultural heritage and want to celebrate what makes all of our areas special to the people who live and work within them.”

 Nominations for these awards can include an individual, organisation, group or partnership that is involved in the creation, promotion and use of art and creativity including the following art forms:

  • Performing Arts (including: Theatre, Dance, Music, Opera)
  • Visual Arts
  • Digital Art
  • Photography
  • Film and broadcast media
  • Literature (including comedy and comics)
  • Museums, Galleries and Heritage
  • Sculpture
  • Craft
  • Technology

Phil Redmond Chair of the Cultural Partnership said:

“Talent thrives on encouragement and exhibition. Whether already recognised or emerging, creativity flourishes when given a platform on which to shine. The LCR Culture and Creativity awards are planned to be an annual recognition of the region’s creativity, wherever it may be found, whether on a stage or in a science lab; whether an individual or co-operative effort. It will be the platform for the region’s talent to flourish. It will become the award anyone would love to win.”

 Nominees must live, study and/or work in the Liverpool City Region – Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral, or have created work/projects that significantly benefit the residents or visitors to the LCR and/or has positively contributed to the development of the economy of the LCR.

 The 2019 awards will recognise arts and cultural events, innovative and creative activity that has taken place within the Liverpool City Region during the period 1st April 2018 to 31st March 2019, with the exception of the Borough of Culture’ Star of the Year’ Award which can include individual achievement that has taken place during Wirral’s Borough of Culture from 1st January 2019 up to the closing date– 20 September 2019.

Councillor Shelley Powell the Deputy Portfolio Holder for Culture, Tourism and The Visitor Economy for the Combined Authority said:

“The nominations for these awards are not restricted to professionals it is also for people organising voluntary, community based social activity. They can be an individual, or part of an organisation, business, group or partnership that, has demonstrated outstanding creative achievement. One of our aims is to acknowledge how valuable culture and creativity is in creating positive results both in our communities and in the professional sector.”

In addition to an award, winners will be offered the services of a film maker to develop a three minute bespoke film tailored to the audience that the winner wishes to reach, providing an advocacy tool for future progression.

 Nominations can be completed online and the closing date for entrants and nominations is Friday 20th September at 4pm. After this date the judging panel will shortlist the finalists for the People’s Choice Award – Outstanding Contribution to Culture, and the Liverpool City Region community will be able to vote for their chosen winner.

 All other categories will be decided by members of the Liverpool Cultural Partnership and a judging panel who will compile a shortlist of finalists for each category from the nominations received.

For more information about the categories and how to nominate or apply to be considered please go to https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/lcr-culture-creativity-awards/

 

Reviewing Officer Audrey celebrates 40 years at Sefton Council – and counting!

30 July 2019
Martin Driver
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Categories: Essential Sefton, Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council, Sefton Stories

A Reviewing Officer from Sefton Council’s Adult Social Care team is celebrating after spending 40 years working for Sefton Council – and plans to continue until her retirement.

Audrey Forkings, 56, began her career with the authority as a carer in July 1979, helping vulnerable adults across Sefton.

She has since progressed to work as a Home Care Supervisor and on to her current role as Reviewing Officer with Sefton’s Adult Social Care team, providing help and support to people in the borough when they need it.

Her long career has seen her support individuals and families in the borough through difficult times and crises, and she has twice been nominated for a Sefton Council ‘STAR Award’ – awarded to employees who go the extra mile and achieve exceptional results in their roles.

Looking back on her 40 years Audrey, who has lived in Southport for most of her life and has three children aged 12, 16 and 22, says she feels “proud” to still be working in a job that makes a difference to peoples’ lives.

She said: “I am so lucky to be able to say I still love my job after all these years. Being able to help people going through tough times is a real privilege and never stops being rewarding.

“My job is so diverse and every day brings a new challenge and opportunity. I still go in to work each day looking forward to what the day will bring.

“I work with an amazing team and over the years I have worked with so many lovely colleagues who I now class as great friends.

“A career highlight was when my team and I were twice nominated for a STAR Award, which we won at last year’s event. It was a wonderful moment for us all, and we all felt very honoured.

“I still plan to stay in my role for many years yet and I look forward to what the future holds. I don’t have a set date in mind for retirement yet, but when I do I’ll look back on a job that’s made me feel very happy and fulfilled. I’m proud to have helped make a difference.”

Jerry O’Sullivan, Project Manager for Adult Social Care at Sefton Council and Audrey’s manager, says Audrey is a “great asset” to the team and continues to go the extra mile.

He said: “Audrey is a joy to work alongside. Not only is she conscientious and hard-working, she is also a brilliant practitioner who delivers everything with a smile.

“Even in very difficult situations, her warmth and understanding helps service users, their carers and families achieve the very best outcomes and she is regularly complemented for her compassion and support.

“She is a great asset to the team and she still goes the extra mile and gives 100%, even after 40 years. Her length of service, commitment, hard-work and dedication are all things she should be incredibly proud of. It’s a fantastic achievement.”

Deborah Butcher, Interim Director of Adult Social Care at Sefton Council, said: “We are incredibly lucky in Sefton to have such dedicated staff across all of our teams. Audrey is a great advocate for vulnerable people and their families in Sefton.”

Freshfields Animal Rescue launch appeal to help funding ‘crisis’

30 July 2019
Ollie Cowan
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Categories: Essential Sefton, Featured Friendship News, Front Page, Latest News

Freshfields Animal Rescue Centre in Sefton  is facing a funding crisis, which they say is threatening their  mission to rescue and rehome abused, neglected and unwanted animals.

Due to the never-ending stream of distressed animals who need their help, the centres in Ince Blundell and North Wales are always full to capacity with many more animals waiting to be admitted.

Despite the soaring costs and intense financial pressures this brings, most of the time we survive and thrive, thanks to your support over the past 40 years.

At this moment however, Freshfields is experiencing a serious cash flow crisis – like many charities, they rely on Legacies and Gifts in Wills for around 30% of their funding.

Emma Jensen, Fundraising Manager, said: “This is a worrying situation for us, and a real shame that this has happened in our 40th anniversary year. The last time we launched an appeal like this was February, 2017.

“We need to be here for the next 40 years to help the hundreds of animals and birds who need Freshfields every day.

“We need to buy food and medicines for over 600 animals, who get the care and love they so desperately need. We need to pay our bills, and avoid the need to close our doors to new admissions. It’s an ongoing battle, and we’re currently at crisis point.”

You can donate online by clicking here or you can call 0151 931 1604

Sefton Council lauds Kicks partnership with Police & LFC Foundation

29 July 2019
Ollie Cowan
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Categories: Featured Friendship News, Front Page, Latest News

On Friday (26 July), Merseyside Police attended Netherton Activity Centre in partnership with LFC Foundation and Sefton Council to confirm that the Premier League Kicks programme will continue to be provided to young people in Sefton.

Football coaching events have been run at the Glovers Lane centre every Friday, and a total of 18 sessions are run every week by the charity across high-need areas in Merseyside. This will now continue into next season, restarting in September.

Matt Parish, Director of LFC Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be delivering our Premier League Kicks programme in Sefton in collaboration with Merseyside Police and Sefton Council.

“Their support means that we can continue to provide free sessions that help to inspire young people using the power of football in some of the most high-need areas.

“Our Kicks programme is a huge success and has been running across the Liverpool City Region for over 10 years. Last season (2018/19) we engaged with over 1,600 young children and young people at the 15 sessions we run weekly.”
Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy said: “The Premier League Kicks programme is a wonderful initiative which keeps our young people active and engaged. It’s just what they need and they love having the opportunity to work with the LFC Foundation.

“I am proud of the effort that Merseyside Police continues to make to work alongside organisations like the LFC Foundation and Sefton Council for the benefit of our young people and I thank all those involved for the time and energy they are investing in a brighter future for the next generation.”

Merseyside Police Community Policing Sergeant Ray Mavrakakis said: “It’s great to see the success of the LFC Foundation’s programme of free sessions in Sefton, which will now continue into next season.

“This is all part of a co-ordinated national and local approach to tackling issues of serious and organised crime.

“Our local officers work closely with partners and the communities to help those who might be drawn into gangs, preventing them becoming involved in a life of crime and offering them different pathways and a more hopeful future.”
Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our sporty youngsters in South Sefton.

“Our ongoing partnership work with Merseyside Police and the LFC Foundation works incredibly well and I am delighted to see that this wonderful programme has returned to Sefton once again.”

You can find more information on LFC Foundation at: https://foundation.liverpoolfc.com/programmes/sports-and-health/premier-league-kicks

Celebrate World Friendship Day at South Park

29 July 2019
Charlene Smith
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Categories: 2019 - Sefton's Year of friendship, Front Page, Latest News

South Park is hosting a community picnic to celebrate World Friendship day, Tuesday July 30.

As many people, as possible are invited to come along to the event which takes place 12-2pm.

Bring a picnic with you and free drinks and cakes will be given out on the day.

Mayor of Sefton Council, Councillor June Burns will be attending the celebration at 1pm.

This is an opportunity during Sefton’s Year of Friendship to spend some time with friends and family as well as creating new relationships.

As well as celebrating South Park’s, recent Community Green Flag award, Cllr Burns will present the Friends of North Park group with their newly awarded Community Green Flag.

During the event people can also catch a glimpse of the gold medal which ‘Taking Root’, one of South Park’s Community Garden partners, won at the prestigious Tatton Garden Show. The group won this award for creating a stunning display in the Community Gardens.

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