Report Page 8 - Southport, Formby, Liverpool, 2020-10-04

News reports located on this page = 3.

British Transport Police issue an appeal after racially aggravated public order incident on a train between Liverpool Central and Hunts Cross

BRITISH Transport Police are appealing for further information after a racially aggravated public order offence on a train from Liverpool. The incident happened at around 6.28pm, on Wednesday, 22 July 2020, on the Liverpool Central to Hunts Cross service. We are told that a man is reported to have been verbally abused by another man before 2 women intervened. The British Transport Police has said that a 60 year old male, from Liverpool, has been reported for the offence. Officers would like to now speak to the 2 women who intervened to gain a further understanding of the incident. anyone who knows them, or who witnessed the offence, is asked to contact BTP by texting:- 61016 or by calling:- 0800405040. In both cases, quote reference number:- '2000050530.' Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800555111.

Celebrity bedtime stories to keep kids safe online

A leading suicide prevention charity has launched a new celebrity Bedtime Stories campaign to help protect children from the nightmare of cyber bullying and harmful online content. North West based PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide says the hard hitting films, which are narrated by celebrities, are designed to raise awareness of the impact online bullying and dangerous content can have on children and young people.

Critically acclaimed actor Michael Sheen OBE, actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, former Love Island star Anton Danyluk and actress, author and singer songwriter Carrie Hope Fletcher gave up their time to support the Bedtime Stories project. Michael Sheen said:- "I'm incredibly proud to be part of the campaign, which highlights the very real dangers that young people face in our increasingly digital world. Bedtime Stories speaks to those with young children, or indeed young people in their lives, raising awareness of how the online environment can impact on the mental health of those using it and reminds them that PAPYRUS is here for them, should they need help and support."

Every year more than 200 Schoolchildren are lost to suicide in the UK. The 4 films share the same backdrop; a welcoming and seemingly safe bedroom. Each story begins softly but these are bedtime stories with a twist, dark tales which warn of hidden dangers. Ged Flynn, Chief Executive of Warrington based PAPYRUS, said:- "We are so grateful to Michael, Julie, Anton and Carrie for lending their star qualities and unique personalities to deliver what is a very powerful campaign. The Bedtime Stories were written to provoke a reaction, particularly among parents. We want them to think ‘what does my child read before going to bed and before they go to sleep?' Are they reading hurtful text messages on their phone? Maybe they are looking at something inappropriate, upsetting and harmful on social media? As they close their eyes are they feeling hurt, scared, sad or overwhelmed?"

It is the 2nd chapter of the Bedtime Stories campaign which PAPYRUS 1st launched in 2018. It will be promoted online, broadcast on radio and feature in national newspaper advertising. In the stories Michael Sheen tells the tale of Annabelle and The Trolls, Julie Hesmondhalgh reads about Rachel and the Rabbit Hole, Anton Danyluk narrates Benji and the Keyboard Warrior and Carrie Hope-Fletcher reads Harry and The Haters. Former Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh said:- "Having met some of the families who have lost children and young people to suicide, I feel very honoured to be part of this eye catching and original campaign. As anyone who works in the mental health field will tell you that awareness is key, knowing how to see the signs in those around you, but also knowing where to seek help and how to talk to people who are struggling. In these extremely challenging times, organisations like PAPYRUS are needed more than ever."

PAPYRUS wants greater online safety and says cyber bullying is a contributing factor for many young people having thoughts of suicide. Ged Flynn added:- "We need everyone to be aware of the impact online bullying and harmful content can have on the mental health of children and young people. It affects them in many different ways. It can impact on their self esteem, emotional wellbeing and can cause them to feel isolated and worthless. Some vulnerable young people spiral into self deprecation and self loathing which can ultimately lead to suicidal behaviours. Parents and caregivers do well to engage with their young people in terms of what they are doing online, give support and reassure them that they are safe and protected."

PAPYRUS produced both of its Bedtime Stories campaigns in collaboration with the award winning agency TBWA\MCR. Lisa Nichols, Executive Creative Director at TBWA\MCR, said:- "We are continuously proud to help an amazing organisation like PAPYRUS. Adding to our already successful Bedtime Stories campaign, with a disruptive twist on the story-telling formula, we hope this campaign will help raise awareness of online bullying and the consequences it can have. It's also a thrill to have celebrities give their time and get involved in such a great cause."

Suicide is the biggest killer of young people in the UK. PAPYRUS aims to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by breaking down the stigma around suicide and equipping people with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.

HOPELINEUK is the charity's confidential helpline service providing practical advice and support to young people with thoughts of suicide and anyone concerned about a young person who may have thoughts of suicide. HOPELINEUK is staffed by trained professionals, offering a telephone, text and email service. For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice please contact PAPYRUS HOPELINEUK on:- 08000684141, text:- 07860039967 or email:- Pat@Papyrus-UK.Org.

All 4 films can be downloaded here:-

► Anabelle and the Trolls download.

► Benji and the Keyboard Warrior download.

► Harry and The Haters download.

► Rachel and the Rabbit Hole download.

LCR Cares passes ₤2 million mark

LCR Cares, the community fund set up by Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, has now raised more than ₤2 million. Set up in partnership with the Community Foundation for Merseyside and the National Emergencies Trust, the Fund has benefited from significant funding from the National Emergencies Trust and the Combined Authority; as well as contributions from other charitable trusts, such as the Daneway Foundation, Dulverton Trust and Westminster Foundation. Businesses, like:- Home Bargains and Barclays Bank, have also contributed; as have high profile individuals, such as Jamie Carragher and Sir Terry Leahy; as well as hundreds of individuals across the City Region. LCR Cares has already distributed ₤1.95 million of that total in nearly 400 grants to local community organisations across the whole Liverpool City Region

Speaking about this latest milestone, Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:- "When the Coronavirus crisis erupted, community groups across our Region leapt into action to do everything they could to help keep their neighbours safe and well during this crisis. From mental health support and debt advice, to providing food and activities for vulnerable people, they have stepped up when their communities needed them. Many of these organisations are small in size and operate on a shoestring budget, so I set up LCR Cares to help give them the support they need to keep up their brilliant work. In just a few months, thanks to the generosity of local people, we've been able to raise and distribute ₤2m to help support our communities through this crisis."

Rae Brooke, Chief Executive for the Community Foundation for Merseyside, said:- "The LCR Cares Covid19 Community Support Fund has now distributed nearly 400 grants to vital community and charitable groups, helping over 333,000 people across the Liverpool City Region. Including those living in poverty, requiring emergency food provision, experiencing mental health issues, older people in need, along with those with learning and physical disabilities, homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence and people needing debt advice. It has been heart warming to receive feedback from groups and individuals that have been helped across all areas of the Liverpool City Region; such as the Congolese Association of Merseyside in Sefton, Sew Halton, Wirral's Gallier House, the Florence Institute in Toxteth, St Helens Citizens Advice Bureau and Knowsley's Listening Ear project, amongst many, many others. In the most difficult times, it is the most vulnerable in our communities that suffer the greatest; especially in these challenging and uncertain times where the effects will be with us for some time. That is why it's so important the LCR Cares Covid19 Community Support Fund is there to continue to provide vital assistance. We thank everyone and every organisation who have supported LCR Cares so far and encourage others, who are able to do so, to donate to the Fund."

Details on how to donate are on the Combined Authority's website. Search "LCRCares" or visit:- LCRCares.Co.UK. Community organisations can apply for grants by visiting:- CFMerseyside.Org.UK.