Liverpool services rally together to celebrate end of lockdown in street party

A street party will be held in Liverpool, on Monday, 9 August 2021, to celebrate the vital work of Merseyside community services and to mark the end of lockdown. RASA (Rape and Sexual Abuse) Merseyside is hosting the all day event in Williamson Square in partnership with local law firm Jackson Lees and Broudie Jackson Canter. The collaborative event will feature outdoor stalls providing information and resources to members of the public and confidential, safe spaces will also be available throughout the day for those requiring assistance to make disclosures in confidence. The event is inclusive, with entertainment provided by local businesses and inspirational community members, including:- face painting and DJs. Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson, will open the event and will be followed by defence lessons from Baltic Boxing, spoken word poetry by local trauma coach Lydia McCartney and music from local cover band The Possibly Maybes amongst other artists and performers. Organisations including:- Merseyside Police, Liverpool Social Care, Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service and Jackson Lees Solicitors will be on hand to offer advice and support. The last 18 months has been a challenging time for charities and vulnerable people and this event will showcase some of the local services who are helping victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

Danielle Blaylock, Solicitor at Jackson Lees, experts in family law and civil litigation, said:- "We are all coming together to mark the end of an extremely difficult period for many people. Our experienced and sympathetic lawyers will be available to talk to throughout the day to help people know where they stand and support to anyone who wants it, or just to have a chat with those who would like to learn more about what we do and how we support families in Merseyside. It's no secret that the impacts of lockdown are long lasting and widespread. What we do know now, however, is that support for social, mental health and financial issues is needed following the tough lockdown restrictions that we've endured over the last year to keep each other protected from the virus. Merseyside's communities have collectively shown incredible strength and resilience as we banded together to protect the most vulnerable in society, but we cannot forget that it is just as important to continue that support as life returns to normality. Many families across Liverpool and beyond have had their lives turned upside down during lockdown. Many have lost jobs, many have been forced to isolate in dangerous situations, and many have struggled with mental health issues that will stay with them long after the restrictions are eased. This event not only marks an end to lockdown but offers hope and a chance to talk to a wide range of professionals and support groups for anyone who needs it. The street party will highlight the importance of community and the incredible work of these organisations and we hope people will come and show their support and educate themselves on all of the vital resources on their doorstep. I have been a Trustee of RASA since 2019 and I am extremely proud to support the invaluable work they do. They, and all the organisations involved in the street event, provide their services to all members of the community in a supportive and respectful way. I am honoured to work alongside such amazing individuals as those at RASA."

If attendees are feeling apprehensive about attending alone, they are more than welcome to bring members of their support network. Likewise, if they'd rather attend alone, the community will be on hand to greet them. For more information about the event, or for free, confidential support, visit:- RASAMerseyside.Org.
 

Merseyrail launches ecoATMphone recycling kiosks across network

MERSEYRAIL has teamed up with tech company ecoATM to give passengers the opportunity to turn in their used smartphones in return for a fast payment. Kiosks have been installed at:- Southport, Ormskirk, Liverpool Central, Liverpool Lime Street Lower Level and Moorfields stations, providing a convenient and environmentally responsible way for customers to dispose of their old phones. There are also future plans to roll out more kiosks across the network.

Around 50 million tonnes of electronic waste (e-waste) are produced around the world every year, but just 20% of this is formally recycled. As 1 of the leaders in electronic waste reduction, ecoATM has helped to divert over 28 million devices from landfill and recycled 6.9 million lbs of e-waste over the last 10 years.

Phones that are deposited with ecoATM are responsibly recycled or given new life, leaving passengers with peace of mind that they are doing their bit for the environment.

To receive their free quote for trading in their used smartphones, all passengers need to do is:-

►  Place their device into an ecoATM kiosk on the network. The machine then securely analyses the phone and offers an immediate price.

►  Accept the price and the ecoATM kiosk will take the device and in return for fast payment straight to the customer's bank statement.

Launched in the USA in 2009, ecoATM has expanded exponentially into Europe over the last 3 years, and now boasts kiosks in 26 cities across the UK.
Suzanne Grant, Commercial Director at Merseyrail, said:- "We are thrilled to be partnering with ecoATM to provide an environmentally responsible and convenient way for our passengers to recycle their old smart devices. This is just another part of our commitment to create a cleaner, greener Merseyrail that will assist in reducing emissions across the Liverpool City Region. We're looking forward to working with ecoATM and hope our passengers enjoy this new service on our network."

Jess O'Dwyer, Country Manager UK and Ireland at ecoATM, said:- "In recent years, the issues associated with e-waste have risen significantly and it is now urgent that we examine how to increase the longevity of these products. This is why we're delighted to be building a long lasting partnership with Merseyrail that benefits passengers and helps both the Liverpool City Region and Merseyrail achieve their sustainability goals. Getting paid for doing good is a win win for everyone."