Letters - Wednesday, November 18 2020

I’m backing calls for a Green Economic Recovery to help guard against the worst effects of a Covid recession.

A report recently released by the Labour Party challenges the Government to ‘Build it in Britain’ and support 400,000 news jobs with green economic recovery.

The most recent figures available (September 2020) show that unemployment in West Lancashire is currently at 5.5 per cent (3,330 people) and sadly, this is predicted to grow higher as the true costs of the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy become more widely known.

We face both a jobs emergency and a climate emergency and we need a plan to deliver jobs which can also tackle climate crisis.

If we are to build back better after Covid we need a different approach to economic recovery that puts sustainability at the heart of that recovery.

Labour’s report sets out a strategy that has three main areas:

1. Recovery jobs – bring forward planned capital investment dedicated to low-carbon sectors.

2. Retrain workers – training to equip people affected by unemployment with the skills needed for a future greener economy.

3. Rebuild business – the creation of a National Investment Bank focused on green investment.

One of the areas outlined in the report is investment in flooding protection. In West Lancashire, flooding is becoming a major problem.

By investing in flooding protection and training people with the skills to do these jobs, we not only help to create jobs and build our skills base, but we can put that skills base to use to improving the quality of life for so many people.

This strategy is the right thing to do for so many people who are facing unemployment, the right thing to do for our economy and the right thing to do to build a better quality of life for people for now and for the future.

County Coun Julie Gibson

Labour Group Shadow Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration

Appeal

Still supporting older people

With another national lockdown in place, Age UK has sadly had to close the doors of its 250 charity shops across the country for a second time. But some good news is there’s still a way for locals in the North West to bag themselves a bargain and support older people most in need whilst their nearest Age UK shop is closed.

Age UK’s eBay shop sells a wide range of new and good quality items, including Christmas cards and decorations, homeware, toys and gifts, perfect for helping to make the festive season extra special this year.

Older people need us now more than ever and the money raised through eBay will help to fund the Charity’s vital work, including its Information and Advice and Friendship services, which have been a lifeline for older people during the lockdowns and throughout the coronavirus crisis.

We are so grateful for all the support our shops in the North West have received from our customers and local residents throughout this challenging time, and we look forward to welcoming you back to our stores as soon as we are able to.

You can visit Age UK’s official eBay page at: www.ebay.co.uk/str/ageukwarrington

Our shops are also in need of volunteers for when we reopen again. To find out how you can help please visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/shops

Nick Smith

Head of Retail at Age UK

Appeal

Trying to escape online bullying

Every year thousands of children contact Childline about being bullied online and tell us how it can feel impossible to escape.

Lockdown has intensified these feelings for many and since April we’ve counselled more than 1,500 children and young people across the UK and Channel Islands about online bullying.

Children have told us about people sending threatening text messages and being pressured into engaging in sexual conversations.

Others have shared how they’ve been excluded from online games by other children, whilst some spoke of online identities being stolen to embarrass or cause trouble using a child’s name.

Before lockdown measures were first introduced, from January to March per month there were, on average, 134 counselling sessions with children on online bullying. That monthly average has increased by 84 per cent to 246 counselling sessions from April to September.

This is worrying, especially as we continue to adhere to strict restrictions, and children continue to spend more time online.

This Anti Bullying Week, it’s important to reinforce the long-term impact bullying can have on the mental wellbeing of a child, and how important it is that every child knows who they can turn to for support. If a parent thinks their child is being bullied online, it can be hard to remain calm, but it’s crucial not to overwhelm a child with questions.

Taking their device away is likely to make them feel like whatever has happened is their fault; instead it’s helpful to listen to their worries, suggest they take some time away from certain apps, and provide them with reassurance.

Hollie Owens

Childline volunteer coordinator