North and South Podcasts

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Amy Wright of Pritchard’s Independent Bookshop in Crosby, Sefton! We chat about books and reading and the importance of independent bookshops! Amy speaks well and her passion shines through! You can support Pritchard’s via this link - http://libro.fm/switch?bookshop=pritchardsbookshop – Libro is a platform for audio books that helps local independent bookstores!!! We cover: - - The importance of reading. - World Book Day.- Book Clubs at Pritchard’s.- Children and the benefits of reading. - Encouraging creativity linked to reading with children. - Pritchard’s links with schools and the community. - The benefits of independent bookshops in an online world. - Bookshops as part of the local economy. - Chain bookstores as big corporations. - Human contact in bookshops.- Favourite books and the importance of recommendations. - Why we read.- Finding connection and meaning through reading. Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingaBetterSefton Please join our Facebook Page, for written pieces and our podcasts - https://www.facebook.com/groups/695280703082811 We are also on Substack – where you can access podcasts and written pieces - https://buildingabettersefton.substack.com/ - You can subscribe and contribute financially on here. Follow us on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/timshortsefton.bsky.social You can also contribute financially through our Ko-Fi page - https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Chris Lewis from Merseyside Expanding Horizons and The Big Onion about helping people into business and enterprise and helping people in Sefton with skill development and employment. We also chat about community and connection. Chris is an inspirational figure. -Visit the Big Onion in Bootle Strand. New venue opening on Lord Street in Southport. Also expanding into Prescot! – Big Onion Website - https://thebigonion.co.uk/ -Merseyside Expanding Horizons Website - https://www.expandinghorizons.co.uk/We cover: - - The Northern Lights!- The history of Merseyside Expanding Horizons.- Helping the Third Sector, Social Inclusion and Networking Across the EU.- Helping people to be financially secure and independent. - Providing support hubs for local business and enterprise. - Social connection and opportunity. - Skills training and business development and support. - The New Venue on Medway Mall in Bootle Strand with its café!!! - Big Onion Hubs in Bootle, Southport, and Prescot.- Combating loneliness.- Running employment training. - Business Support Clubs.- Meeting people where they are.- The impact of Brexit.- Resilience. - Providing Credit Unions and links with colleges and universities.- The importance of listening and feedback. - The importance of networking and collaboration. - How to get involved! Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingaBetterSefton Please join our Facebook Page, for written pieces and our podcasts - https://www.facebook.com/groups/695280703082811 We are also on Substack – where you can access podcasts and written pieces - https://buildingabettersefton.substack.com/ - You can subscribe and contribute financially on here. Follow us on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/timshortsefton.bsky.social You can also contribute financially through our Ko-Fi page - https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we do an in-house talk with Lara about her experiences as a Green Councillor in Warwickshire and draw comparisons with Sefton. Lara has a lot of insight. We also chat about other general political themes. We cover: - - Being ill over Xmas! - The weather in David’s absence! - Being a councillor in Warwickshire.- The different levels to councils in different areas.- What councils are responsible for. - Labour changes to local government.- Workload issues in local government.- How councillors form Political Groups. - Sefton having one Green Councillor, and Warwickshire having many. - Going into coalition in Warwickshire. - Neil Doolin and the Green Party in Sefton. - The positives of being a Councillor. - Issues in Sefton. - The opinion that councillors are ineffective and lazy.- The whipping system and how the Greens had free votes. - Councillors pay. - The importance of regular change in politics/politicians.- Accountability and transparency and cross-party scrutiny. - The importance of political engagement. - Conflict and coalition. - Local Action Groups and Cabinet Government.- Styles of government.- The rise of Reform. - Performance of Reform Councils. - Violence Against Women and Girls.- The education system. Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingaBetterSefton Please join our Facebook Page, for written pieces and our podcasts - https://www.facebook.com/groups/695280703082811 We are also on Substack – where you can access podcasts and written pieces - https://buildingabettersefton.substack.com/ - You can subscribe and contribute financially on here. Follow us on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/timshortsefton.bsky.social You can also contribute financially through our Ko-Fi page - https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts You can also support our Crowdfunder - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/VWE0qPrl?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Mike Sammin of the Liberal Democrats. He is the newly elected councillor for Cambridge Ward in Southport. Mike speaks with passion and vision about politics and his role as Lib Dem Councillor.We chat about: - - Why it is important to be an opposition councillor in a council controlled by one party. - Why Mike is a Liberal Democrat. - Balancing Freedom and Society. - Regeneration at Bootle Strand and South Sefton. - Whether the Council buying Bootle Strand was the right option. - Children’s Services in Sefton.- Labour Council marking its own homework. - Transportation issues for SEND Children. - Southport Redevelopment and Regeneration. - Issues with contracts on newbuilds. - Ideas to assist hospitality, local businesses and the service sector. - Parking and Transportation issues in Southport. - The financial situation in Sefton Council. - Streaming Council Meetings. - Saving Sandpipers Care Centre.- The importance of respite care. - The critical role of the Liberal Democrats in Sefton. - The Lib Dems performing better in North Sefton. - The impact and the legacy of the Coalition Government of 2010-15.- The current government.Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingaBetterSefton Please join our Facebook Page, for written pieces and our podcasts - https://www.facebook.com/groups/695280703082811 We are also on Substack – where you can access podcasts and written pieces - https://buildingabettersefton.substack.com/ - You can subscribe and contribute financially on here. Follow us on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/timshortsefton.bsky.social You can also contribute financially through our Ko-Fi page - https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts You can also support our Crowdfunder - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/VWE0qPrl?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to friend of the podcast Bobby Brennan, former Labour Councillor and Mayor of Sefton, about the structure of local council government. This is particularly important given the lack of local media and even online coverage of basic council policies and structures. Bobby is tremendously insightful and critical. We also chat about his new book about Christmas and his upcoming book ‘Love on the Dole.’ Check out Robert J Brennan on Amazon. We chat about: - - Writing and new books. - The seemingly complicated ward system of Sefton Council. - The history of boundary changes. - Upcoming all-out elections. - Perceived criticisms of councillors. - Reform Councils. - The Cabinet System of local government. - One party domination and a lack of transparency and consultation. - Bobby going against the ‘cabal.’ - The scrapping of Area Committees. - The role of Scrutiny Committees. - The importance of multi-party accountability and transparency. - Working with Council Officers. - The impact of austerity and privatisation. - Council Tax rises. - What councillors do. - Bootle Strand. - The removal of Area Action Groups. - Bobby’s resignation from the Labour Party locally. - Principals and politics. - Money in politics. - Democratic Deficit in local politics. - The danger of Reform. Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingaBetterSefton Please join our Facebook Page, for written pieces and our podcasts - https://www.facebook.com/groups/695280703082811 We are also on Substack – where you can access podcasts and written pieces - https://buildingabettersefton.substack.com/ - You can subscribe and contribute financially on here. Follow us on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/timshortsefton.bsky.social You can also contribute financially through our Ko-Fi page - https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts You can also support our Crowdfunder - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/VWE0qPrl?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink

Warning – This episode contains talk of rape, harassment and violence.See this website for help with Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in Sefton. Do not suffer alone. https://www.sefton.gov.uk/domestic-abuse/how-to-get-help/Today at Building a Better Sefton, we explore Violence Against Women and Girls globally, nationally and locally. We hear of shocking experiences that really brings home how devastating this issue can be on people’s lives. We chat about: - - The terrifying impact of stalking. - The impact of the Culture Wars.- Experiences of a predatory boss and his attempts to destroy someone. - Variable Police interest. - The long-term damage of VAWG.- The low conviction rate of rape cases. - The inconsistencies of the ‘legal system’. - Structural inequalities and misogyny. - Ideas of equality and choice. - How patriarchy and inequality affect different groups. - Gender Roles and Identity Politics. - Role Models and Representation. - The impact of culture. - Underreporting and data inaccuracy.- Government Policy nationally and locally. - Men changing their behaviours. - Global issues. - Academia. - Martial Arts and Self Defence. - Education. Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingaBetterSefton Please join our Facebook Page, for written pieces and our podcasts - https://www.facebook.com/groups/695280703082811 We are also on Substack – where you can access podcasts and written pieces - https://buildingabettersefton.substack.com/ - You can subscribe and contribute financially on here. Follow us on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/timshortsefton.bsky.social You can also contribute financially through our Ko-Fi page - https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts You can also support our Crowdfunder - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/VWE0qPrl?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Mike Prendergast, the leader of the Conservative Group in Sefton Council. Mike is a councillor in the Dukes Ward of Birkdale and Southport. Mike speaks very well about holding the Labour Council to account and gives insight into both local and national politics! We chat about: - - Why Mike is a Conservative. - Mike’s approach to opposition locally. - How the national picture shapes local politics. - The importance of scrutiny and of holding to account - particularly when there is a dominant party locally. - Sefton Children’s Services. - The current state of the Conservative Party nationally. - The impact of Reform locally and nationally. - The national situation generally. - Conservative Prime Ministers over the previous 14 years of rule. - Bootle Strand Developments. - The importance of transparency and accountability. - Southport Redevelopment. - Southport Pier. - Issues with contractors in other Southport Redevelopments. - How parking charges might be reformed to encourage the local economy. - The centrality of economic development. - Community cohesion and togetherness after the Southport Murders and Riots. - Criticisms Conservatives face. - The impact of Liz Truss. - Issues with council funding. - Decision making on local funding and priorities. Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingaBetterSefton Please join our Facebook Page, for written pieces and our podcasts - https://www.facebook.com/groups/695280703082811 We are also on Substack – where you can access podcasts and written pieces - https://buildingabettersefton.substack.com/ - You can subscribe and contribute financially on here. Follow us on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/timshortsefton.bsky.social You can also contribute financially through our Ko-Fi page - https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts You can also support our Crowdfunder - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/VWE0qPrl?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Annie Spiers, who is the Creative Director at In Another Place, an inclusive and faith-based organisation that brings community theatre to people in Sefton. They are located at Bootle Strand. If you want to get involved or check out any of their amazing events in the run up to Christmas and beyond, please check out their website.https://inanotherplace.com/Annie is a positive and inspirational figure. We also get interrupted by David’s dog! We chat about: - - The weather!- Community Theatre on the Beach! - Moving to St. George’s Hall – and doing Narnia!- How faith underpins In Another Place and Annie’s approach to life.- Moving to Bootle Strand Shopping Centre in 2019!- The importance of community, community spaces and happiness.- The importance of gratitude in daily life. - How helping others is a key part of happiness and wellbeing. - Religion and family life. - Different types of religious practices.- Positive action as a sign of faith. - Bringing theatre to all people. - The importance of diversity and community cohesion. - Immigration. - Underrepresentation. - The importance of cross community links.- Why art and creativity are a key part of community spaces. - The centrality of art, creativity, culture and meaning in daily life. - Getting key information out there. - Revitalising local communities through Community Theatre. - Upcoming events at In Another Place.Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingaBetterSefton Please join our Facebook Page, for written pieces and our podcasts - https://www.facebook.com/groups/695280703082811 We are also on Substack – where you can access podcasts and written pieces - https://buildingabettersefton.substack.com/ - You can subscribe and contribute financially on here. Follow us on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/timshortsefton.bsky.social You can also contribute financially through our Ko-Fi page - https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts You can also support our Crowdfunder - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/VWE0qPrl?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we introduce a new member to the team! Welcome Lara! We chat about free speech in light of the assassination of Charlie Kirk and look at how local parties in Sefton are doing at council level, and contrast with the national political picture. This is a new type of podcast we are running that looks at international, national and local themes. We chat about: - - The weather! - Free Speech in the UK and the USA. - Voltaire’s view on Free Speech. - Gary Neville and the Flag Issue. - J.K. Rowling and Free Speech. - Powerful people and Social Media amplification. - Lucy Connolly. - Palestine Action and the Suffragettes. - When is breaking the law justified? - The threat to Free Speech in the US and its wider implications. - Ayer – Emotion and Emotivism. - Free Speech as an attempt to hold power to account and its perversion. - Double standards on Left and Right. - Lying as Free Speech. - Toxic Facebook Groups in Sefton and a lack of Free Speech. - Active Right vs Passive Left. - Oligarchs and distraction. - The BBC and ‘independence’. - ‘Woke’ used to close down debate. - GB News and manipulation. - How lies spread quickly. - The current political map of Sefton. - The rise of Reform. - Immigration and Reform. - Frustrations with Labour in Sefton. - Issues with Reform Education Policy. - Reform as an anti-politics protest vote. - The Greens/Conservatives/Liberal Democrats. - The importance of scrutiny in one party dominated councils. - Divisions on the Left. - Whether people should be compelled to vote. - Ideas moving forward. - The possibility of Electoral Reform. Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingaBetterSefton Please join our Facebook Page, for written pieces and our podcasts - https://www.facebook.com/groups/695280703082811 We are also on Substack – where you can access podcasts and written pieces - https://buildingabettersefton.substack.com/ - You can subscribe and contribute financially on here. Follow us on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/timshortsefton.bsky.social You can also contribute financially through our Ko-Fi page - https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts You can also support our Crowdfunder - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/VWE0qPrl?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink

Warning – This podcast contains references to child abuse. Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Jack Colbert, a resident of Seaforth in South Sefton, local activist, and ex-Liberal Democrat Councillor. Jack is a member of the Green Party and may stand in future council elections. He speaks about local issues, including air pollution. We chat about: - - Labour dominance of local politics. - The Green Party as a genuine left alternative and the influence of Green Councillor Neil Doolin. - Growing up in Seaforth and being introduced to Labour and the Trade Union Movement. - Declining services and ‘taking votes for granted’. - The Greens as a national and local force. - Bootle Strand Development and Costs. - Problems in Sefton Children’s Services. - Labour focusing on North Sefton to win seats. - The rise of Reform locally and nationally. - The danger of Reform. - Division on the Left. - Family Connections in Sefton Labour. - How Sefton Labour might improve. - Jack’s achievements as a councillor. - Leaving the Liberal Democrats. - Why the Greens are the right party for Jack. - The issue of pollution in Church Road and Seaforth. Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingaBetterSefton Please join our Facebook Page, for written pieces and our podcasts - https://www.facebook.com/groups/695280703082811 We are also on Substack – where you can access podcasts and written pieces - https://buildingabettersefton.substack.com/ - You can subscribe and contribute financially on here. Follow us on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/timshortsefton.bsky.social You can also contribute financially through our Ko-Fi page - https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts You can also support our Crowdfunder - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/VWE0qPrl?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink

Warning – In this podcast we will be talking about suicide and suicide attempts. Welcome to the first edition of Unbeaten – Men’s Stories with Dean and Tim. Dean Daniel is a mental health advocate and an ambassador for an amazing organisation called Tough To Talk. He tells us about his unbelievable story of overcoming terrible physical and mental pain and anguish and committing his life to helping others. He also introduces his organisation and brand – Unbeaten. We want to talk about mental health and wellbeing for everyone, but with a focus on the male perspective. Together we are all stronger and can help each other. Dean is on Instagram at deandaniel1Here is the website. http://unbeaten.org.uk/Dean is also on LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/dean-daniel-811944100On Facebook as Dean Daniel We chat about: - - Why we are doing this podcast. - What Dean is doing now. - The issues with men.- Helping others. - The importance of openness, sharing and seeking help. - Dean’s public talks. - The importance of being okay with expressing emotions and processing them. - An early setback to Dean’s career in athletics. - Overexercising and developing pain.- Surgery, falls and extreme pain. - More surgery. More pain. - Bigger falls, resuscitation, ‘zombification’.- Being stuck in bed, more hospital, more surgery.- Mental Health Crisis and consideration of suicide.- Things getting worse. Referral to Crisis Team. - Medication. - Family Support. - Needing defibrillation. - Increasing collapses and increasing isolation. - Being in hospital abroad. - Going further down the spiral of despair.- The dangers of suddenly stopping medication. - Suicide attempt. - The compassion of others. - Medication issues, another accident. - Another suicide attempt. - The Turning Point.- Family and finding the supreme purpose. - Founding Unbeaten. - Recovery and ongoing challenges. - Helping and inspiring others. - Getting the message out there. - Having a plan and someone to talk to when you feel bad. - Public speaking and using a brand to spread a message.- Creating a movement and a better future. You can contact your local Crisis Team in your area. Phoning 999 or 111 can get you the help you need. Do not suffer in silence if in crisis. Samaritans in UK – 116 123 – 24/7

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Abi Whistance, Editor and Reporter at the independent online newspaper The Liverpool Post. Local news has been decimated, and Abi talks superbly about the importance of investigative journalism and what the Post does! She also covers some of the big issues in Sefton and how they fit into the wider regional context. This is essential listening! Here is the website. https://www.livpost.co.uk/ - Please support them! You can subscribe here too to receive regular emails and newsletters. You can contact the Post at [email protected] with any potential stories.The Post does vital work in any increasingly decimated news landscape!We chat about: - - The importance of quality and local independent news. - Why investigative journalism is important. - Toxic Facebook groups. - How the Post works and their successful model of journalism. - The difference between the Liverpool Post and the old ‘Daily Post’!- How the internet has changed news. - Sefton Children’s Services.- Councils lacking transparency.- Bootle Strand Redevelopment. - Southport Regeneration.- The causes and impacts of the riots. - What Sefton needs moving forward. - The importance of Section 106.- The investigation into the Big Help Project. - Hopes to expand the Post in the future.Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingaBetterSefton Please join our Facebook Page, for written pieces and our podcasts - https://www.facebook.com/groups/695280703082811 We are also on Substack – where you can access podcasts and written pieces - https://buildingabettersefton.substack.com/ - You can subscribe and contribute financially on here. Follow us on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/timshortsefton.bsky.social You can also contribute financially through our Ko-Fi page - https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts You can also support our Crowdfunder - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/VWE0qPrl?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Neil Doolin, Green Party Councillor for Waterloo and Seaforth Ward in South Sefton. We talk about local politics, green politics, and concerns Neil has about Sefton moving forward. Neil is an excellent councillor with so much to tell. https://greenparty.org.uk/https://sefton.greenparty.org.uk/https://www.facebook.com/greenpartyseftonWe chat about : - - Neil becoming an elected Councillor.- The history of the Green Party in Sefton. - Unhappiness with the traditional parties locally and nationally. - Neil’s impact on the Council. - Winter Fuel Allowance and WASPI Women. - Sefton Labour and loyalty to the National Labour Party.- Rimrose Valley. - Green Party nationally.- How the climate crisis links to local issues such as poverty and cost of living. - Bootle Strand and issues surrounding it. - Sefton Children’s Services.- Investments in Southport.- Divisions between North and South Sefton. - Funding issues over the next three years for key services in Sefton.- Non-transparency in council budgeting. - Lack of scrutiny in committees. - Difficulties and criticisms faced. - Neil’s remarkable election story! - Neil’s analysis of the recently disrupted Full Council Meeting in Southport. Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingaBetterSefton Please join our Facebook Page, for written pieces and our podcasts - https://www.facebook.com/groups/695280703082811 We are also on Substack – where you can access podcasts and written pieces - https://buildingabettersefton.substack.com/ - You can subscribe and contribute financially on here. Follow us on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/timshortsefton.bsky.social You can also contribute financially through our Ko-Fi page - https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts You can also support our Crowdfunder - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/VWE0qPrl?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Mike Brennan of Bootle Action Group. BAG is a Community Interest Company aimed at ‘greening up Bootle’ by looking after green spaces, clearing alleyways and rubbish, and raising awareness around the community of all of these issues. Bootle is a relatively deprived town in the south of Sefton Borough. Bootle Action Group can be found on Facebook. This link hopefully will work – please join them and get involved!!! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1554473551532716We chat about : - - The no doubt soon to be departed fine weather and the stress of the summer holidays! - The perceived North/South divide in Sefton. - The importance of green spaces for mental health. - Pollution, parks and trees. - Life expectancy across Sefton. - Opinions on the redevelopment of Bootle Strand. - Lack of public consultation.- Children’s Services in Sefton.- Issues of high turnover of staff at Children’s Services. - The North/South Divide in the Borough? - Relative deprivation across Sefton. - Standing as an Independent.- The achievements of Bootle Action Group. - Sefton CVS and the voluntary sector across Sefton. - The importance of collaboration, and council and government engagement with community groups. - The lack of consultation with the community. - Ideas for moving forward.Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingaBetterSefton Please join our Facebook Page, for written pieces and our podcasts - https://www.facebook.com/groups/695280703082811 We are also on Substack – where you can access podcasts and written pieces - https://buildingabettersefton.substack.com/ - You can subscribe and contribute financially on here. Follow us on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/timshortsefton.bsky.social You can also contribute financially through our Ko-Fi page - https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts You can also support our Crowdfunder - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/VWE0qPrl?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Janis Blackburn of Southport Friends of Palestine. We look at the terrible situation in Gaza and the West Bank, and how international issues link in with local issues. You can find out about the group here - https://www.southportfriendsofpalestine.co.uk/They are also on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/southportfriendsofpalestineHere is a link to the book – A Gathering for Palestine - https://www.southportfriendsofpalestine.co.uk/a-gathering-for-palestineWe chat about : - - The origins of the group.- Activities they do. - Public Awareness and Media.- Some basic history of the situation in Palestine today. - UK links to the genocide in Gaza.- The current situation on the ground. - Links with social and community cohesion in Southport – particularly after the riots of 2024.- Anti-Semitism and the Labour Party.- Suspension from and then leaving the Labour Party. - Facebook Groups in Sefton and the Far Right. - Ethnic Groups in Sefton. - Immigration and the Other. - Childrens Services in Sefton. - Issues arising in Community Assemblies.- Issues across Sefton.- The Regeneration of Southport.- Selling off land.- Conflict of interests.- Criticisms faced. Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingaBetterSefton Please join our Facebook Page, for written pieces and our podcasts - https://www.facebook.com/groups/695280703082811 We are also on Substack – where you can access podcasts and written pieces - https://buildingabettersefton.substack.com/ - You can subscribe and contribute financially on here. Follow us on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/timshortsefton.bsky.social You can also contribute financially through our Ko-Fi page - https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts You can also support our Crowdfunder - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/VWE0qPrl?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink

Today at Building a Better Sefton, David and Tim talk about the ideas and philosophy behind the podcast series. We want to be a news and interview platform that encourages transparency and accountability across the Borough. We are concerned about the rise of extremism especially with the decline of local newspapers and news deserts. We talk about : - - The importance of factual news and diversity of opinion of ideas.- The importance of speaking to a range of local people – politicians, community groups, local business, charities and voluntary groups, and media. - Encouraging people to get involved in the project. - Children’s Services in Sefton and the Voice of the Families group. - The importance of cross-party unity on key issues. - Community Assemblies and wider participation.- The importance of Active and Responsible Citizenship. - The changes at Bootle Strand Shopping Centre. - How local, national and international issues are interlinked. Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingaBetterSefton Please join our Facebook Page, for written pieces and our podcasts - https://www.facebook.com/groups/695280703082811 We are also on Substack – where you can access podcasts and written pieces - https://buildingabettersefton.substack.com/ - You can subscribe and contribute financially on here. Follow us on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/timshortsefton.bsky.social You can also contribute financially through our Ko-Fi page - https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts You can also support our Crowdfunder - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/VWE0qPrl?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink

Today in our first ever episode of Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Sean Halsall – Independent Councillor for Kew Woods, Southport. Sean is a member of Southport Community Independents Southport Community Independents is a new party founded to give a voice to Southport. https://southport-independents.co.uk/ - This contains details of the Community Assemblies we discussed. The group are also on Facebook - / 61566818510626 Merch available for SCI at https://www.redbubble.com/people/Sout... We chat about : - Leaving the Labour Party. Workers rights being eroded. The need to get ‘normal’ people into politics. Community Assemblies and local democracy in Southport. The importance of community spaces. The Cabinet and Whipping System in local government. Treatment of the disabled. The pantomime of local government. The importance of casework for councillors. Rehoming people. Southport Community Independents – what they do. Southport Regeneration. The importance of being community led and speaking to people. Investing in local business. Issues in Children’s Services locally. Not engaging with the public. How assemblies do not lead to extremism. Local and worker-controlled places. Example of Mondragon in Spain. Co-operatives. How wellbeing should be key to politics. The Housing Situation. ‘Splitting the Left’? The popularity of ideas on the Left. Moving the Overton Window. Working with other ‘Parties’. Different independent groups working together nationally. Lack of media coverage of Leftist ideas. Here are the questions we asked Sean. 1. What do you hope to achieve for Sefton in your current position and how are you going to do this?2. Can you explain what your organisation does for people who are unsure?3. What are your views on Sefton Children’s Services and the Regeneration of Southport?4. What is the biggest change that needs to happen in Sefton?5. What are you most proud of in Sefton and why?6. What do you think is the main criticism you face?

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Bobby Brennan – Former Mayor of Sefton and former Labour Councillor for Orrell and Netherton, Bootle. Bobby now works for Sefton Community and Voluntary Service and is about to publish his fourth book – A Time of Peace and War – a historical novel about the years of the Second World War from the perspective of Bootle. Here is the Amazon link. His other books – which are excellent – are also available on Amazon - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Peace-War-Robert-Brennan/dp/1918038457/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DILJWMV443PD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZDp6ZZTPM1fEHh45qCtMDQ.y-A7teFBPZM0RclAn6pK6d5fRRnpjj3r_VaY3AUcxDo&dib_tag=se&keywords=robert+brennan+a+time+of+peace&qid=1754482991&sprefix=robert+brennan+a+time+of+peace%2Caps%2C66&sr=8-1We chat about : - - The importance of creativity, culture and history. - His latest book – the historical novel – A Time of Peace and War. - Bootle, the Second World War and The Blitz.- The regeneration of Bootle Strand Shopping Centre. - Children’s Services in Sefton. - The importance of scrutiny, transparency, meritocracy and working with other parties. - Criticism of the Cabinet System of Local Government. - Issues in the Labour Party in Sefton – particularly South Sefton. - The threat of Populism and Reform U.K. - Public engagement and lack thereof – Orrell Mount Park.- Standing down as a Labour Councillor and leaving the Party. - Magdalene Laundries in Sefton Area!- The importance of libraries, literacy and learning.- Southport and Community Cohesion. - His achievements as Mayor and Councillor. - Other interesting aspects of his book, local politics and history. Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingaBetterSefton Please join our Facebook Page, for written pieces and our podcasts - https://www.facebook.com/groups/695280703082811 We are also on Substack – where you can access podcasts and written pieces - https://buildingabettersefton.substack.com/ - You can subscribe and contribute financially on here. Follow us on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/timshortsefton.bsky.social You can also contribute financially through our Ko-Fi page - https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts You can also support our Crowdfunder - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/VWE0qPrl?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink

Building a Better Sefton Channel - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingaBetterSeftonFirst episode with Sean Halsall, talking about independent politics in Southport, including Community Assemblies! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d53ZMbz-V4o&t=16s We are also on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/695280703082811 - Building a Better Sefton Substack - Building A Better Sefton | TIMOTHY SHORT | Substack

Today I talk about the heat, keeping cool and climate change. Check out our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1dQzS8KBgeT9iA7MAqhQpA - The channel now includes playlists about associated topics. https://timothyshort.substack.com/Follow us on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/northandsouth.bsky.socialCheck out the CIC website – www.northandsoutheducationcic.co.uk – You can fund the charity through this pagePlease support the Podcast at https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts?ref=onboarding_email_share2