Liverpool domestic, sexual violence and community services unite on Monday 9th August for an event which marks the end of lockdown and the most challenging year to date for their services.
RASA Merseyside, Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, Merseyside Police, Liverpool City Council and others will host a celebratory street event to showcase some of the different services available within the Liverpool region that are supporting the community.
The event comes as the services unveil the devastating impact of lockdown on the region’s most vulnerable people.
Lorraine Woods, Operations Manager at RASA Merseyside explained the purpose of the street event: “The impact of lockdown cannot be under-estimated. Alongside the ongoing battle to protect each other from the virus, support for social, mental health, and financial issues is now more needed than ever. We know that people’s mental health deteriorated during lockdown; loneliness increased; adults and children became more vulnerable to abuse with nowhere to escape to, and largely, no one to tell; and for many there has been a devastating financial impact.”
Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “The last 18 months have been incredibly challenging for many people. While our emergency services and voluntary sector, particularly those supporting victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence, really went above and beyond during the pandemic, we know that many people will need more help as restrictions ease.
“It’s so important we let anyone who is struggling know there is care and support available and that there are a whole range of services which are on hand to help. This is particularly crucial for anyone affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence – support services are available and they will listen, they will believe you and they will understand.
“This celebratory event is a fantastic way of spreading that message and showcasing the support these great organisations offer. I would encourage everyone to head down to Williamson Square to enjoy the celebrations and find out more.”
Each agency will staff an outdoor stall to provide information to members of the public on the services which they offer. Not only will the event raise awareness, promote services, and showcase the work achieved during lockdown, but will also celebrate the end of tough restrictions and the importance of community.
During the day there will be offering confidential spaces for those requiring assistance to make disclosures, education on self-care and meditation.
DATE: Monday 9 August
TIME: 9am-5pm
LOCATION: Williamson Square, Liverpool
9:30 Joanne Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool opening remarks
10:00 Baltic Boxing with music from DJ Dobbs
Family boxing demo with community boxing group and Liverpool DJ Dobbs
11:05 Nature Boy
Acoustic jazz and mellow vibes
11:35 Self Love Lydia
Spoken word poetry with local trauma coach Lydia McCartney
12:00 Family fitness session with Kevin the PT
Fun fitness demo for all to enjoy
12:40 Asking for it exhibition
Inspiring performance from local collective
13:20 Dance for Plants Global grooves from two local environmentally conscious DJs
14:00 Pixey
Liverpool’s ‘future superstar’ performs live
14:35 Stealing Sheep
Pop music from local all female band
15:20 Rhythm Sport
Psychedelic club music from Liverpool brothers
16:00 The Possibly Maybes
All the hits from local cover band to close the event
DJs from local station SVARA radio will also be at the event all day.
The event is a collaboration between a number of community services and local organisations, many of which will be present at the event, including:
RASA Merseyside
Jackson Lee Solicitors Everton in the Community The LFC Foundation
Liverpool City Council
Liverpool John Moore’s University The Whitechapel Centre
Merseyside Police
Onward Homes Torus and Torus Foundation Ruby Independent Domestic Violence Advisors
Worst Kept Secret Bully Busters Liverpool Domestic Abuse Services WHISC
We are with you Asking For It Exhibition Perception Theatre Paul Lavelle Foundation
Savera UK South Liverpool Domestic Abuse Services Liverpool Children’s Centre YMCA
