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Young People

Can you make a difference to a vulnerable teenager’s life?

26 November 2018
Charlene Smith
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council, Young People, Your Sefton

Sefton Council has launched a recruitment campaign to attract foster carers interested in looking after teenagers.

The Council has created new specialist teen foster carer roles and is looking for people who can provide intensive one-to-one care to some of Sefton’s most vulnerable young people who would otherwise be placed in residential care.

A package of support has been developed to reflect the complexities of this challenging but rewarding role, which includes a bespoke training package, peer support and competitive pay.

Council John Joseph Kelly, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said:

“There are many different reasons why a teenager has come into our care. Most will have had a difficult start to their life, often including problems related to drugs or alcohol, physical or emotional abuse. Young people may appear angry, resentful or stressed, when really what they need is the love, stability and support of a good caregiver.

“Because we recognise the complexities of fostering a teenager we have created these new roles as foster carers could really help to make a difference and re-write a teenager’s story for the better. We’re looking for carers who can build and maintain a meaningful relationship with young people, and understand the impact of a young person’s past experiences and how that affects their behaviour. There is a misconception that teenagers can be a handful, however, what we have to remember is that the behaviour of each individual has been influenced by their past. We need carers to help them develop and provide them with a sense of belonging.”

A job advert has been launched and is targeting professionals who have some prior experience of working with young people in a structured environment, such as policing, emergency services or youth work/probation.

If this sounds like a role for you, visit; http://ow.ly/qXLG30myBH for more information, together with a job description and application process.

Mayor’s Toy Appeal: Make a family’s Christmas extra special

20 November 2018
Ollie Cowan
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Categories: Essential Sefton, Front Page, Latest News, Young People

Sefton’s Mayor is once again asking as many people as possible across the borough to get behind this year’s Christmas gift appeal.

Each year thousands of kind hearted residents donate toys, gifts and stocking fillers to some of the borough’s most deserving children to make their Christmas extra special.

Gifts, for children of all ages, can be taken to either Bootle or Southport Town Halls or dropped off at any Sefton Council library or leisure centre by Friday December 21.

Residents can also donate at the Asda stores in Bootle and Central 12 in Southport. Gift tokens are particularly welcome to be given to older children.

All presents will then be distributed to children and young people throughout the borough by volunteers from Sefton Council and Sefton Children’s Trust on behalf of the Mayor.

Cllr Dave Robinson, the Mayor of Sefton, said: “Every year thousands of people who live or works in Sefton donate a present for the annual Mayor’s Christmas Gift Appeal.

“Their generosity is amazing and I’m hoping 2018 will be no different as we make Christmas that little bit more special for those less fortunate.

“Any donation is welcome and we are looking for gifts for all ages from babies and toddlers to teens.

“To ensure we can get the right gift to the right child may I please ask that the gifts be new and are left unwrapped.”

Letty Draper, ASDA Community Champion, added: “Please take the time to either donate an unwrapped new gift or toy in to the Christmas gift trolley at either of our Bootle or Southport stores.

“You can find the donation points by the in-store Christmas tree. Thank you for all your support and let’s make Christmas better by donating a gift.”

For further information on the Mayor’s Christmas Gift Appeal please call 07837863075.

Children from Sefton get involved in anti-bullying awareness workshops

12 November 2018
Charlene Smith
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council, Young People

This week, November 12 – 16, is National Anti-Bullying week focusing on the theme of Respect. During the week, the Bullybusters team will be completing workshops and assemblies around schools in Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley. Conferences will also be held for secondary school children to attend and get involved in the education and awareness regarding anti-bullying.

The theme of this year’s national anti-bullying week is to ‘Choose Respect’, as respecting yourself and others both face to face and online is a vital message for young people.

‘Respect for me is one of the most important qualities to have and show. If we can’t respect ourselves then how are we supposed to respect others. I feel it is something we should all have and work on daily, not only learning to love and respect ourselves but also showing this to fellow peers and professionals.’ – Fran

The Bullybusters team work hard all year round to spread the anti-bullying message and help young people affected by bullying. The work they carry out within schools around Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley is recognised and praised by school children, teachers, governors, parents and carers.

Bullybusters offer lessons, assemblies and workshops for young people and parents in primary and secondary schools, as well as providing anti-bullying peer mentor training for children to appropriately act upon issues of bullying within their peer group. As well as this, Bullybusters also provide a free and confidential helpline service for young people, parents or teachers available 3pm – 6pm weekdays. For anyone being affected by bullying, or know someone who is, they can call the helpline on 0800 169 6928.

Young Liverpool City Region boxers fly to Louisville as part of Cultural Exchange

8 October 2018
Charlene Smith
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Categories: Essential Sefton, Front Page, Health, Latest News, Sefton Council, Young People
Metro Mayor Boxing

A group of six young boxers, representing all six of the local authorities which make up the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, are jetting off to Louisville today, as part of the next stage of a sporting and musical exchange between the Liverpool City Region and Louisville, Kentucky.

 The exchange celebrates and strengthens cultural links between the Liverpool City Region and Louisville, Kentucky, exemplified by the iconic photograph of The Beatles meeting Muhammad Ali on 18 February 1964.

 In the first part of the exchange, Carly Johnson, an up and coming singer from Louisville, travelled to the Liverpool City Region to play gigs at the legendary Cavern Club and the influential Liverpool Sound City festival.

 Now, the young boxers, aged between 15 and 17,  will travel to Louisville to train at the TKO gym and visit the Muhammad Ali Centre, whose mission is to preserve and share the legacy and ideals of Muhammad Ali, to promote respect, hope, and understanding, and to inspire adults and children everywhere to be as great as they can be.

 Talking about the exchange, Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “In The Beatles and Muhammad Ali, Liverpool City Region and Louisville produced two of the biggest cultural icons of the 20th century.

“More than half a century on from the famous photo that brought these icons together, we are determined to build on those links to create a strong cultural and sporting partnership that will bring our two regions together, paving the way for future cultural and commercial collaborations.”

 Greg Fischer Mayor, Louisville Metro Region, said: “This exchange builds on the Transatlantic connection that Louisville and Liverpool established through the meeting of world-changing artists and a barrier-breaking athlete.

“The Champ and the Fab Four were committed to making the world a better, more compassionate place —  a common bond that’s always worth celebrating.”

 The young boxers have been brought together by the Amateur Boxing Association, which will also provide two coaches to lead the Liverpool City Region team.  

 Paul King, of the Merseyside and Cheshire Amateur Boxing Association, said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these talented young boxers as they represent the Liverpool City Region.  They are really excited at the prospect of training in Ali’s home town and visiting the Muhammad Ali Centre, as well as going into local schools to meet young people from Louisville.  In addition to the benefits to the individual young people, this sort of exchange will also help to build bonds between our two areas.”

Bullybusters’ Top Tips for Returning to School

3 September 2018
Charlene Smith
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Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News, Sefton Council, Sefton Stories, Young People

It’s September and it’s back to school!  Here’s Bullybusters’ top tips for returning to school – whether you’re starting a  new school or going into a new year.  It’s great advice too for parents too who are looking for the best way to support  their children. 

Get to know the staff at your school 

It’s important to know who your learning mentor, pastoral support and head  of year are when returning to school. Getting to know the staff will make things much easier if you ever need to speak to them for any help or guidance throughout the school year. 

Remember your “Safe hands” 

Bullybusters are very passionate about talking about the idea of “Safe Hands”. These are the 5 people you can count off on one hand that you can trust and speak to when you’re in need of help.  Ideally at least 3 of them should be adults over 18.  For example you could have 3 teachers at school to choose from so there is always someone you could speak to.  The other 2 could be a friend, a sibling or even a pet. You can also use your “Safe Hands” at home when considering who to go to for help. 

Don’t be a Bystander  

The Bullybusters team often hear how no one wants to be a “snitch”. However, there’s a difference between being a ‘snitch’ and telling an adult what you have seen so that person can be helped. If you’re snitching on someone it’s to get them in trouble. Even if you feel as though you can’t tell the teacher, go and ask that person if they are okay and see if there is anything you can do. Encourage them to ask for some help.  

Use the 4 W’s 

If you witness bullying in the classroom or the playground, use the 4 W’s to tell an adult about it: 

Who was it? What happened? Where did it happen? When did it happen?

 Don’t blame yourself, it’s never your fault  – Always look to seek help and support if you are being bullied or having a hard time for whatever reason. Talking to someone about what is happening is the best way to resolve the issue.

Use Bullybusters’ Website and Helpline

The Bullybusters’ Website tells you all about the support available from Bullybusters as well as helpful and practical tips.

The Bullybuster’s helpline is open from 3 – 6pm Monday to Friday for children and young people, parents and teachers – 08001696928. 

Bullybusters is an anti-bullying initiative funded by Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley Council to deliver lessons,   assemblies and an anti-bullying helpline. It is operated by the charity, Local Solutions.

 

 

 

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