Significant psychological, economic and community support is continuing for people in Southport, boosted by a £5.6million funding package to aid the town’s recovery.

Sefton Council’s Cabinet will shortly consider a detailed report which outlines how Southport is responding to and recovering from the tragic events which took place in July 2024. 

Ongoing recovery

The report looks closely at how Sefton Council, along with partners, are leading on a specialist ongoing recovery operation which focusses on helping children and families heal, creating safer and more united communities, assisting affected businesses and supporting with wider sustainable economic recovery longer term for the town.

School needs, hate crime initiatives, enhanced youth services, support for small businesses and long term place marketing and expansion of the destination events programmes and strategies will all benefit from more than £5,000,000 in combined aid from Central and Local Government.

It also outlines how all government aid finances will be allocated to ensure full transparency, as Sefton Council continues to help families and the wider community.

Cabinet

The recovery report will be formally considered by the Local Authority’s Cabinet on Thursday, January 9th.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council said: “Our thoughts will continue to be with the families of Alice, Elsie and Bebe and with all of those involved in those tragic events of July 29th.

“We also continue to stand with the businesses, residents and communities who were devastated by the riots of July 30th.

“Our thanks again go to all those heroic emergency service personnel who did everything they could in those 48 hours. Their bravery and professionalism can never be understated and their ongoing support to our town in the days and weeks that followed will always be remembered.

“This report seeks to set out how we, united, continue to deal with the impact of these heartbreaking events and plan for a better future. It highlights the ongoing teamwork of our staff and partners, Southport as a town and Sefton as a borough along with regional and national government to help those most affected.

Wellbeing

“The future wellbeing and unity of our communities is paramount as we work to create a stronger and more together Southport. We want and encourage the public to stay informed, participate in various support programs and take full advantage of the resources available for emotional, social, and economic support.

“The council and other groups acted quickly to support the victims, families, and the community. We worked with the heroes and helpers who cleaned up damage on St Luke's Road, our social care and communities teams helped people emotionally and we supported groups and individuals who raised an incredible amount of money for those who needed it.

“The huge amount of volunteers, community groups, individuals and businesses who have stepped up and continue to go above and beyond for the families is overwhelming. The whole borough  has come together in so many different ways and we remain undeniably united in our shared goal of doing everything we can to help those affected.

“Yet we are only at the start of this very difficult, very challenging journey. Everything we have done and everything that we will do will be with the families and victims at the very forefront.

“We are guided by them and their needs. This report, and the funding that supports it, represents a significant step in addressing the emotional, social, and economic impacts of the tragedies, while also planning for a stronger future for Southport.”

Funding Breakdown

Leaders in Sefton have welcomed the financial support for Southport, with the Government pledging monetary aid as part of its Community Recovery Fund to support the town.

The offer of support builds on the strong relationship between the council and central government, who have been steadfast in their support for the local community following the tragic events in July. 

Focussing heavily on all efforts that prioritise children, families, and businesses around Southport, it will allow for the creation and extension of programs that address both immediate and long-term needs including mental health support, community rebuilding, and economic revitalization.

The funding is broken down as follows:

• £1,884,700 to support Southport schools and education provisions affected by the tragic events. This includes increased support for complex emotional needs and training for school staff to help pupils who may need or want additional support.

• £790,000 allocated for community cohesion initiatives. This will focus on programs to educate on equality, diversity, and inclusion, including work with minority ethnic communities and addressing extremist ideologies. Funding will also be used for enhanced youth services in Southport, with activities to promote social cohesion and combat racism and extremism. Grants from this funding pot will be available for community events to strengthen local bonds and improve community spirit.

• £665,000 continues to provide comprehensive psychological support to victims, families, and the wider community. This includes expanded mental health services to meet both short and long term psychological needs, enhanced occupational health support and a broader health and wellbeing offer.

• £1,900,000 for the economy of Southport. This ranges from grants which have already been given to businesses in the Hart Street and St Lukes Road area, with the remainder going towards enhancing existing destination events and supporting the development of new destination events, and marketing campaigns that will attract visitors to Southport, ultimately boosting footfall and spending. It will also contribute to long-term regeneration and new development opportunities.

• £420,000 has been allocated to the Southport Recovery Team within Sefton Council to coordinate and oversee all recovery efforts efficiently. This involves a fixed-term team of specialists who manage the recovery efforts and ensure  continued collaboration among partners.

For more information, advice and support relating to Southport please visit www.sefton.gov.uk/SouthportTogether.