Sefton Crowd launches next funding round! Could your community project idea be next?

IF you have an idea to improve Sefton, now's the time to bring it to life.

Next funding round... Sefton Council, in partnership with community crowdfunding platform Spacehive, is launching the next funding round of Sefton Crowd, an exciting initiative that empowers residents to create and deliver innovative community projects.
Up to �5,000 of funding... Through Sefton Crowd, individuals and organisations can apply for up to:- �5,000 from Sefton Council's Community Transition Fund. The funding supports projects that:- strengthen community connections, improve neighbourhoods, boost skills and confidence, and inspire positive change.
Project creator workshop... To kick off the next funding round, an online, project creator workshop will be held on:- Wednesday, 10 September 2025, from:- 12noon to 1pm.

This session is designed to help local people turn their ideas into reality. Attendees will hear about the Sefton Crowd funding, get expert advice on project creation and will take part in interactive sessions to help shape their vision.

2 fantastic local projects... The Spring 2025 round saw 2 fantastic local projects secure funding.

Rowlands Dell is a project that's transforming a neglected historic quarry near Maghull's NHS centre into a vibrant eco-haven. It's a beautiful blend of biodiversity restoration and community wellness.

Another inspiring initiative currently live on the platform is the Lucilla Theatre, a registered charity working to replace outdated stage lighting with eco-friendly LED lamps. This upgrade will cut costs, save energy, and help secure the future of local theatre.

The project is progressing well but still needs support from people in the community to reach its final goal.

Cllr Liz Dowd, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnership Engagement, said:- "It's fantastic to see the 1st projects of this round progressing. These early successes prove that when people come forward with their ideas, our communities rally behind them. This could be you too, so if you've got an idea, now is the time to get involved. Whether you're dreaming of a green space, a creative hub, or a community-led initiative, Sefton Crowd is your chance to make it happen. Join the workshop, share your idea, and be part of the change. Even if you attended a previous workshop, still come along to bring your ideas to life. Everybody is welcome, no matter where you are in your project journey."

People can register for the online project creator workshop at:- Eventbrite.Co.UK. And you can pledge your support to the Lucilla Theatre project by visiting:- SpaceHive.Com.

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner welcomes:- 'bold, evidence-led plans' to create more effective justice system

MERSEYSIDE Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell has welcomed the Government's landmark Sentencing Bill. Introduced in Parliament on 2 September 2025, the legislation is a key part of the Government's Plan for Change, focused on ending the prison crisis inherited by the previous Government and preventing the collapse of the justice system.

Emily Spurrell said:- "I welcome the introduction of the Sentencing Bill as a bold and evidence led step towards a more effective and balanced justice system. Shifting away from short custodial sentences; repeatedly shown to be ineffective at reducing reoffending; is a positive move that reflects the findings of the recent Gauke Review and recognises the severe pressures facing our prison system. This Bill rightly prioritises rehabilitation, placing greater emphasis on community sentences which evidence shows are more effective in tackling the root causes of low-level offending, helping to prevent reoffending. Critically, this shift excludes serious offences, such as domestic abuse, where it is essential judges retain the power to impose prison sentences to protect victims and ensures offenders are appropriately punished. I particularly welcome the increased investment in probation services, which will be vital to the success of this reform. However, this transition must be carefully monitored to ensure that community based alternatives are properly resourced and deliver the outcomes we expect. The Bill also makes important strides in strengthening victims' rights; ensuring domestic abuse is recognised at sentencing, empowering judges to compel offenders to attend hearings, and expanding the Victims' Commissioner's role. These changes send a clear message: victims are at the heart of our justice system. At the same time, we must not lose sight of the need for accountability. Enhanced powers for courts to impose prohibition orders and restriction zones, the increase in tagging, and the ending of automatic release for badly-behaved offenders, will help maintain public confidence. This is welcome and necessary reform, and with the right oversight and investment, it has the potential to deliver a safer, fairer justice system for all."

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said:- "Last year, the criminal justice system was on the verge of collapse. Since being elected, the Government has worked rapidly to repair the damage, starting with investing �7 billion in 14,000 more prison places as part of our Plan for Change. A historic increase in tagging and record investment into probation will make our streets safer. And this Sentencing Bill will ensure that our prisons never run out of space again, we can always lock up dangerous offenders, and that punishment cuts crime rather than creating better criminals."

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Sefton Crowd launches next funding round! Could your community project idea be next?

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner welcomes:- 'bold, evidence-led plans' to create more effective justice system