Southport: council expected to approve funding for mental health and business support
£500,000 has been earmarked to help those affected by the deaths of three young girls in the town, and subsequent riots
Last updated 5th Sep 2024
Sefton Council is expected to approve £500,000 in support for people and businesses in Southport affected by the fatal stabbing of three young girls and subsequent riots.
The recovery fund will cover a range of needs, including psychological help, repairs to property, and any losses incurred by local businesses.
The council will meet tomorrow (Thursday 05 September), where it will set its agenda for the rest of the year.
Alice Da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven all tragically died in the knife attack, with eight children and two adults being left in hospital with serious injuries.
Sefton Council described the horror which unfolded on St Lukes Road in late July as ‘unimaginable’ and something which has brought devastation and despair to the local community and beyond.
The local authority continue to offer therapeutic support to residents and have worked with community groups and schools to offer reassurance to parents and families as children return to school this week.
Southport Learning Partnership published an open letter signed by headteachers across the town including those of Farnborough Road Primary School, Churchtown Primary School and Marshside Primary School where each of the three girls attended.
The aim of the letter and other support interventions is to re-establish a sense of safety and inclusiveness and let people know help is available.
The council have already committed to providing immediate and long-term support to all affected families and communities and continue to explore more interventions – including a dedicated psychological trauma support service.
Merseyside Police closures have been in place for a number of weeks while investigations take place and it is estimated that up to 20 businesses on Hart Street have been forced to close due to the police cordon.
InvestSefton officers, Cllr Atkinson and Council Chief Executive Phil Porter have all been engaging with businesses in the affected areas to get their feedback and offer support.
The cabinet meeting is expected to make half a million pounds available for local businesses which have incurred losses following the attack.
Initially, £500,000 will be made available and will come from existing council resources. InvestSefton will work with businesses to assist with the application process and work out rates of reimbursement for any losses incurred.
Council officials will also visit each business who has been forced to close and gain an understanding of their specific circumstances to ensure that the fund is accessible and equitable.