News reports located on this page = 2.

Liverpool City Council outline support and advice about COVID-19 to people seeking asylum

MAYOR Joe Anderson is writing to people seeking asylum within Liverpool in order to outline how they can access support and advice about COVID-19. In the letter, which is being sent to around 1,400 people housed in the City who are awaiting a decision on their application or appeal, he writes:- "Liverpool has always been an international City and we are one of the UK's most diverse communities. Since 2000 Liverpool has welcomed many people who are seeking asylum to rebuild their lives here. You make our City a better place, and we value the contributions you make as our neighbours and friends. I am writing to you at this difficult time, to let you know that support is available to you, your family and friends. It is important to us that everyone who is seeking asylum in Liverpool is able to stay safe and get help during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic."

The letter includes details of the latest advice and guidance around social distancing and hygiene. There is information on what to do if they need to self isolate, and links to information online, including in different languages. There are also details of local support organisations, and what to do if they want to offer help to others in their area. Mayor Joe Anderson said:- "Liverpool is made up of a rich tapestry of cultures, people of different races, religions and backgrounds; and it is really important that we reach out to them all during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide them with the support they need. My letter is just on1 element of the comprehensive programme of work that we are doing to make sure that those who are vulnerable do not go hungry and are aware of the advice and help available to them. The strength of Liverpool is built on its people and there are communities who came here from abroad generations ago who have made a huge contribution to City life, so it is vital that we reach out to those who are living here, for whatever reason, and offer them a helping hand."

5 year old Wirral girl raises over ₤1,800 for the NSPCC with cycling challenge

A 5 year old girl has raised an incredible ₤1,835 for the NSPCC and Childline by cycling 300 km in just 26 days, to help the children's charity still be there for children in these unprecedented times. To put this into prospective,  ₤1,835  enough to answer 458 calls to Childline.

Little Ivy Holder from Bromborough in the Wirral, decided to take on the challenge after talking with her parents about how for some boys and girls home isn't always a safe place. Ivy's mum, Kathryn, a School teacher said:- "When lockdown began, Ivy saw it as a bit of a holiday but as the days went by, when she began to ask about Coronavirus we had to talk to her about the realities of the crisis."

Dad, Dan added:- "In a very age appropriate way, we talked about how for some children, home isn't a sanctuary, a place away from all the things that can harm you. That there may not be children having as much as a nice time as we are together. Ivy is so kind-hearted she wanted to help. Ivy's mum and dad, decided to buy Ivy her 1st big bike as an early birthday present after spotting the NSPCC's cycle 300 challenge. Kathryn added:- "She is loving the cycling each day and proudly tells everyone what she is doing and who for."

It has become a real family affair with even two year old brother, Brax, managing 33km on his balance bike. But there have been some tribulations along the way. 1 day Ivy heavily collided with an adult cyclist travelling at speed, despite her cuts and bruises Ivy got back on her bike and finished her allotted distance for that day.

On Saturday, her extremely proud parents have arranged for family, School friends and Ivy's Class Teacher and Headteacher to come along, at an appropriate social distance, to cheer on Ivy on her last km.

Dan said:- "We wanted to share seeing Ivy crossing the finish line with her friends and family as it such a tremendous achievement for such an essential service. Everyone has been so supportive of Ivy and we can't thank enough all those friends, family, neighbours and even strangers who taken the time to donate."

Ivy and her little brother Brax's support couldn't come at a more crucial time as despite having to close the night service for the 1st time and having a 30% drop in volunteer hours, due to counsellors having to self isolate, Childline is battling to still be there for children across the UK. Since January Childline has delivered almost 7,000 counselling sessions to children concerned about Coronavirus alone.

The NSPCC, which runs Childline, grows increasingly concerned about the number of children who will experience abuse or neglect due to the impact of Coronavirus, with families struggling with lockdown, job losses and School closures. To continue to support children during this challenging period, and to adapt to the ever; changing situation, the NSPCC has launched its emergency appeal:- 'We're still here for children.'

Janette Drew, the local NSPCC Community Fundraising Manager said:- "What an incredible amount of money to raise, well done to Ivy and her little brother. It is always tremendously uplifting to hear about children, like Ivy who want to do all they can for children not as fortunate as themselves. Sadly, we know that for many children, home isn't a safe place and they need our Childline counsellors more than ever. This is the greatest challenge we've faced in decades and we are calling on the support of the public to help us ensure we can still be here for children."

If you would like to help us, to help us still be here for children when they need us the most, please visit our website and donate ₤10 or whatever you can afford to help fund vital services like Childline. There is still time to support Ivy's efforts and make a donation online at:- JustGiving.Com.