By Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
The Merseyside Police Crime Commissioner said she often reflects on “how amazing the Southport community is” after last summer’s tragedy and riot, as she praised the local people’s strength and resilience.
Emily Spurrell was speaking at the ‘Support Southport’ event at The Bold in Southport which saw police officers distribute £25,000 to a total of 18 schemes led by local groups which all aim to improve local communities in the town.
Organisations which won a share of the funding include: The White House, Compassion Acts, Brighter Living Partnership, Southport Football Club, The Youth & Community Partnership, Phoenix Youth Project, Friends of Bedford Park, We Grow Co, The Cupboard Southport, FC Sandgrounders and more.
Speaking on the night, Merseyside Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:
“It is really great to feel the energy and enthusiasm in this room. It is a really great event for us to do.
“We recognise it has been a really tough few months for Southport and I know we will continue to think of the families and everyone who was affected by the awful awful incidents of last summer.
“One of the things I did want to reflect on – and it wasn’t just the incident on Hart Street, but also the riots which happened after that – but one thing I always reflect on is how amazing the Southport community is.
“How you all came together, how well you wrapped your arms around the families, and the community, people coming out to rebuild the Mosque’s wall, people who were volunteering to bring out food and drink, people who were giving water to the officers who were at the scene, it was very hot over the summer, and that is what I think is the strength and the resilience of Southport.
“That’s why events like this are so important. We know that organisations like yours are absolutely at the forefront of supporting your community. Not just in times of crisis, but all year round.
“You all do an incredible job, investing in your community, supporting your community, helping them access a huge, wide range of skills, sports, welfare, providing them with listening ears, these are hugely important things for a community like Southport.
“This is why tonight is so important, because we want to be able to give back and thank you for the hard work that you do.”
Speaking after the successful event, Emily Spurrell said:
“From schemes that help and support vulnerable people, to projects that offer young people a place to develop skills and flourish, to initiatives that prevent anti-social behaviour and crime, these organisations are at the centre of the communities they serve.
“These events are about creating a foundation, and we do that by improving opportunities for people, and with the insight and enthusiasm of Southport residents, we are able to enhance the brilliant work these local groups are already doing, by channeling this money back into the community – right where it belongs.
“By seizing money and assets off criminals and gangs and giving it back to local people we are preventing those who seek to inflict misery on our neighbourhoods from benefiting financially from their illegal activities, instead reinvesting it in initiatives that help prevent crime, to create safer, stronger places for us all to live, work and play.”
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