Councils urge people to check up on vulnerable as country experiences soaring temperatures

COUNCILS are advising people to take precautions as the UK experiences soaring temperatures. With at least a week of hot weather to come, the Local Government Association (LGA), which represents Councils in England and Wales, has encouraged people to enjoy the sun safely and to check up on those who may be more vulnerable, including the elderly and those with heart and respiratory problems.

It comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a level 3 heat alert, with temperatures becoming widely hot this week. There is an expectation that in southeastern and eastern areas temperatures will reach the low 30s.

Council staff will be making calls and extra visits to vulnerable people as required, but Local Authorities are urging people to call them if they believe anyone needing help is being missed out.

Since last year, a new heat health related warning system has been introduced in partnership between the Met Office and the UKHSA, forewarning of periods of high temperatures, which may affect the health of the public.

Local Authorities are involved in year round preparations for exceptional weather conditions, making sure local areas are as able to cope with high temperatures as they are with freezing temperatures or flooding.

Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA's Community Wellbeing Board, said:- "We know that with a period of warm weather on the cards that people will understandably want to be out enjoying the sun, but they should remember to take care, particularly of those who may be more vulnerable to effects of heat. As the climate is warming, it is likely that periods of extreme heat may become more common in the UK and so Councils will be working with others to ensure communities can be kept safe. No-one is immune to the power of the sun. Drinking plenty of water, keeping our homes cool, avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day and using sunscreen are sensible precautions we all need to remember. Looking around at how our older neighbours are coping as we walk our children to School or head to the beach for a day out takes no effort, but could be crucial in making sure they are also able to make the best of the summer."
 

1st look behind the scenes at the artists working on inspirational globe trail:- 'The World Reimagined'

ARTISTS are putting the finishing touches to a series of stunning globes set to be unveiled next month as part of a landmark public art project using the story of the transatlantic slave trade to promote racial justice.

'The World Reimagined' is a ground breaking, national art education project aimed at transforming understanding of the ongoing impact on society of the trade in enslaved Africans.

Ten large globe structures will make up a free public art trail across the Liverpool City Region, bringing to life the reality and impact of transatlantic slavery and inviting the public to think about ways to make racial justice a reality.

The commissioned artists are creating colourful globes responding to themes ranging from:- 'Mother Africa' and 'The Reality of Being Enslaved' to 'Still We Rise' and 'Expanding Soul.'

The project forms part of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority's Race Equality Programme, which was established by Mayor Steve Rotheram in 2020.

This programme includes a £3.2 million Race Equality Hub, the Region's biggest ever investment in tackling racial inequality.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:- "Our Region has a long and storied past; and that hasn't always fallen on the right side of history. Like many port cities across the world, our Region played a shameful and prominent role in the transatlantic slave trade; a legacy that we're still coming to terms with today. While it's uncomfortable to face up to the shadier parts of our past, it is imperative that we are transparent about every aspect of our history, even that parts of it that we aren't proud of. History gives us an opportunity to learn, to reflect, and to remember the lessons and mistakes of the generations before us; and ensure that they are never repeated. Our Region's diversity is 1 of our greatest strengths; it enhances our culture, enriches our lives, and makes our area 1 of the best places in the country to live and work. While we've come so far on our journey, it's clear that there's still a lot of work to be done to tackle racial inequality. As a middle aged white man, I know that it's my job to listen, to learn, and to amplify the voices of our black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. This is an opportunity to give a platform to more conversations around racial injustice and to show people in our communities that everyone has a part to play in the fight against discrimination. I want to ensure that we learn from the lessons of our past, to shape a better future for our City Region; where no 1 is left behind."

The project has been brought to the Region by the Combined Authority, which is the main local sponsor and is co-ordinating all activity across the Region's 6 boroughs.

There will be a walking trail of 5 large globes located around Liverpool City Centre, with a further large globe in Halton, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens and the Wirral.

The Region-wide trail will run from 13 August to 31 October 2022, and aims to provide an enjoyable and thought provoking learning experience for people of all ages.

It will be the centre of a broader learning and engagement programme, with Schools, community groups, and cultural institutions from across the City Region taking part.

In addition to the larger globes, another 41 smaller learning globes will be created by 30 Schools and 11 community organisations across the Region.

Councillor Mike Wharton, Liverpool City Region Portfolio Holder for Culture, Tourism and the Visitor Economy, said:- "The World Reimagined is a hugely ambitious and thought-provoking project that will challenge us all to think about the legacy of our City Region's past and its continuing consequences today. At the same time, it will be a celebration of creativity and I am sure that these incredible artworks will be a huge attraction for people from across our City Region and beyond. We should never underestimate the power of culture to challenge, entertain and educate. I can't wait for the project to open to the public in August."