This week saw the screening of the emotional Panorama documentary about last summer’s tragedy in Southport.
It showed evil at its worst; it also showed the remarkable love kindness by so many people in the days and months since.
We also learned that the families involved; those who have lost three young children, and also the children and adults who were wounded, or traumatised; need and deserve ongoing support.
Within 24 hours of the atrocity on 29th July last year, the Southport Strong Together fundraising appeal was launched through a partnership between the Community Foundation for Merseyside, Sefton CVS, and Sefton Council.
The appeal remains open, with people able to donate here:
www.justgiving.com/campaign/southport-strong-together
A remarkable £355,265 has already been raised, with much of the funding already going directly where it’s needed.
Since its launch, the Southport Strong Together Appeal, with two other major fundraising
appeals has distributed more than £830,000 to support the families affected, local schools
and community projects. This second round of community funding builds on that momentum,
prioritising applications from groups that have not yet received support.
In the six months following the attack:
- £640,000 as charitable gifts was provided to all 29 individuals and families directly affected to support them financially however they need
- £41,000 was donated to 11 schools which had pupils who were directly affected to support a range of wellbeing activities initiatives within the school
- £80,000 was donated to support anchor organisations based in Southport to build capacity and continue to support the local community following the tragic events of last summer
- £70,000 was provided to Sefton CVS to establish a Southport Community Response Fund to support a range of smaller Southport based voluntary, community and faith sector organisations delivering direct services to the residents of Southport. The fund includes a micro grants fund for community events together with trauma informed training for local organisations, their staff and volunteers as well as ‘Knifesavers’ training courses, delivered by trained doctors and nurses from Aintree, Whiston and Southport hospitals
The Second Round of Grant Funding to Help Southport Recover was announced a few weeks ago, and closed on Sunday (23rd February 2025).
The decisions will be announced this Friday (28th February 2025), with funded activities delivered between 1st March and 31st October 2025.
Rae Brooke, CEO of CFLM, said:
“The generosity by the public and the resilience shown by the Southport community has
been nothing short of extraordinary. This next phase of funding will enable local
organisations to provide the vital services and activities that will help residents heal, connect,
and move forward together.”
The Southport Strong Together Appeal has become a beacon of hope during a
difficult time. By funding essential services and fostering community resilience, it aims to
help Southport rebuild stronger than ever.
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