By Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
A domestic violence case worker who has set up services for male victims and developed services for the LGBTQi community through the Sefton Women’s And Children’s Aid charity (SWACA) has been honoured for her inspirational work at the 2024 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards.
Victoria Lawton has worked hard to ensure that there are appropriate services for male victims across the area and has established services and drop-in clinics that are dedicated for men.
The feedback and insight gained from these sessions is fantastic in what is traditionally a very hard group of vulnerable people to engage.
Victoria has been honoured as a Finalist in the Diversity and Inclusion Category, sponsored by Sefton Council.
In addition, she has developed services for the LGBTQi community across Sefton following the recognition of an increase in referrals for young adults.
Victoria is developing a specialist support line, has developed links with local schools and colleges and is pro-active in specific group work and 1-1 sessions with this community.
Victoria also tries to raise funds for these services and seek support and continuously educates herself so that she can be the most approachable and pro-active case worker within these diverse communities so that people who need help and support get it when they need it.
One male helped by Victoria’s support said: “You’re an amazing woman and you have really helped me and motivated me over the last year to get to a better place.”
The Mum of a young adult using the service said: “’You really are a blessing, what you have done for me and my family is insurmountable.”
Another said: “Thank you Victoria, I really don’t know where I would be without your encouragement and support, I feel so happy when I think about my future.”
The 2024 Pride Of Sefton Awards saw 13 categories on the night at The Grand in Southport, with incredible stories behind all the finalists.
There were over 1,300 nominations for community figures from Southport, Bootle, Crosby, Formby, Maghull and across Sefton.
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards were organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport in association with media partners In Demand Radio.
The night was hosted by In Demand Radio presenter Claire Simmo, with entertainment from Whitney Houston tribute performer Michelle Lawson, soul singer Dave Broe and DJ Baz Todd.
As Sefton celebrates its 50th birthday, VIP guests attending the awards included Sefton Council Leader Cllr Marion Atkinson; Mayor of Sefton Cllr June Burns; and council Chief Executive Phil Porter.
Also enjoying the evening were boxing world title challenger Martin Murray and Liverpool FC legend Gary Gillespie.
Pictures on the night were taken by Kevin Brown Photography with videography by Zack Downey from ZED Productions.
Fundraising took place on the night with proceeds going to ICU Steps, the intensive care patient support charity.
- For more details about the Pride Of Sefton Awards please visit: www.prideofseftonawards.co.uk or email: standupforsouthport@gmail.com
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