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A unique visual arts project highlighting how the Covid19 Pandemic impacted and united communities across Liverpool is spreading across the City. 'Visible Virals' will see pop-up works in public spaces and venues in neighbourhoods across the City over the next 6 weeks, bringing to life the City's Public Health Annual Report. Director of Public Health Liverpool, Matthew Ashton said:- "Behind closed doors across the City, Covid19 impacted on communities across Liverpool. Visible Virals gives us a chance to tell the stories of people's experience of Lockdown and the Pandemic, provoking discussion and sharing experiences. It is also a chance to shine a spotlight on the incredible community spirit that exists in our City that has shone through over the last 2 years."

The project has been driven by a collective of Liverpool based arts organisations, with Apt Creative leading on the project in partnership with Focal Studios and Def Proc. It is a partnership between Culture Liverpool and the City's Public Health team, aimed at provoking public discussion and reflection on the City's experience of Coronavirus, and encouraging resilience and boosting community spirit as we head into the next phase of responding to and recovering from the Pandemic. Councillor Frazer Lake, Cabinet Member for Public Health, said:- "The Pandemic affected everyone, altering behaviours and really impacting on mental health. Provoking discussions and sharing experiences is all part of the healing process, so we hope Visible Virals will also show people that they were not alone in struggling, and that we are stronger together."

Digital screens, street art and installations will be used to invite people to interact either digitally, on social media or physically, using the hashtag #wearescousers and the slogan:- 'It's in our DNA' to show how communities came together to support each other. Rachael Boden, Managing Director of Apt Creative, said:- "The double helix DNA artwork and:- 'we are' tagline are inspired by the people of Liverpool. When we thanked people for their kindness during Lockdown they said:- 'no need for thanks it's who we are, it's in our DNA.'"

The project has been driven by the experiences of people across Liverpool, who were asked for their personal reflections on the Pandemic at a series of workshops. The installations will also explain how and why viruses spread, and how measures such as social distancing, hand washing, face coverings and fresh air mitigate the impact.

2 drop in events are being held next week for people to share their experiences which will be filmed for inclusion in the project and the next Public Health Annual Report, if they wish:-

► The Liverpool Lighthouse, Oakfield Road, Anfield, L4 0UF; Thursday, 17 February, from:- 11am to 2pm.

► The Florrie, Mill Street, Dingle, L8 4RF; Friday, 18 February, from:- 11am to 2pm.

The finale will take place on the 2nd Anniversary of the 1st Lockdown, on Wednesday, 23 March 2022, at the Museum of Liverpool where digital screens and projections will draw on the collection of archive materials from the Pandemic and there will also be interactive games and installations.

Jen Cleary, Director North, Arts Council England, said:- "We know how important experiencing and participating in arts and culture is to our health and wellbeing and I'm delighted that the Arts Council has supported this project. The Pandemic has had a huge effect on all our lives and it's great that the experiences of this community will be captured and shared as part of Visible Virals, in celebration of the way that people came together during Lockdown and looking ahead to how we move forward together into the future."

Visible Virals has been made possible through funding from Arts Council England and Public Health Liverpool. More information about Visible Virals can be found at:- CultureLiverpool.Co.UK.

PCC and Chief Constable to hold public budget meeting

THE Police Commissioner and the Chief Constable will host a special public meeting at which Merseyside Police's budget for 2022/23 will be set and approved. The budget report is one of the most important documents the Police Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, has to consider during the course of the year. The final budget report for 2022/23 is produced after the Commissioner presented her proposals for the Police precept and to balance the budget to the body which scrutinises her work, the Police and Crime Panel. At the meeting earlier this month, Panel members unanimously endorsed Emily's plans to help Merseyside Police rebuild after a decade of austerity. With careful planning, the Commissioner and Chief Constable have been able to accelerate the Force's recruitment drive over the last 2 years to bring 665 new Officers into the force and out on to the streets of Merseyside; well ahead of Government targets. By setting a balanced the budget, the Commissioner will be able to protect Police staff and PCSO jobs for the year ahead. The meeting will be held at 11am, on Tuesday, 22 February 2022, at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, at the Mather Avenue Training Centre, in Liverpool.

Merseyside's Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:- "Setting a balanced budget is one of my most important responsibilities. I was elected on a clear mandate to help Merseyside Police grow and rebuild after a decade of devastating cuts and that is what I am focused on delivering. By passing this budget, supported by some careful financial saving and planning over the year ahead, we can maintain the 665 new Officers we've recruited in the last two years and protect Police staff and PCSOs jobs, while putting the force in the best possible position to keep our communities safe in the year ahead. There are still going to be challenges ahead; this budget includes ₤3m of cuts to be made in the next 12 months and we estimate a further ₤13.7m of savings will have to be found by 2026/27. Despite our hard work to rebuild Merseyside Police, we remain 456 Officers short of the number we had back in 2010 and I will do everything possible to lobby Ministers to provide the funding for those missing Officers. Setting a balanced budget is no easy task with the challenges ahead, so I welcome anyone who is interested in finding out more about Merseyside Police's budget to attend this meeting."

Anyone wishing to observe this meeting, must register their interest in advance by emailing:- Info@MerseysidePCC.Info.