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• August
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• Books of Condolence for Michael Causer

Books of Condolence have opened across Knowsley and online following the tragic death of Michael Causer.

Eighteen-year-old Michael, from Whiston, died in hospital on Saturday, August 2, following an attack on July 25.

Leader of Knowsley Council, Cllr Ron Round, said: “We are all shocked and saddened at Michael’s death. Our thoughts are with his family and friends and we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to them.

“Our thoughts are also with the wider Knowsley community, who will undoubtedly be moved by this tragic incident. The people of Knowsley will not tolerate discrimination of any kind.

“We realise many people locally may want to offer their messages of support and sympathy to Michael’s family and, with this in mind, we have opened Books of Condolence at Huyton, Kirkby, Prescot and Halewood One Stop Shops as well as Whiston Library.”

Cllr Round added: “Knowsley has a dedicated Hate Incident and Domestic Violence Helpline, for people to report any incidents which they believe are rooted in discrimination. The team there are trained to ensure callers gain access to the right agencies for support and advice.

“We would like to reassure members of the lesbian, gay and bisexual community in the borough that there is a lot of support available. The Council has a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender forum to ensure the services it provides are accessible to all residents and Gay Knowsley, an organisation set up by Knowsley Youth Service, is a long-established support group for young gay people living in the borough.

“We are also in the process of consulting about the establishment of a Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual community group.

“We have been in touch with Michael’s family, through the police’s family liaison officer, to offer them our full support at this difficult time.”

• Knowsley’s Hate Incident and Domestic Violence Helpline is staffed between 8am and 8pm (Monday to Friday) and 9.30am to 1pm (Saturday). Contact 0800 953 4433.
  
•  Gay Knowsley is a support group for people aged between 13 and 21. For more information call or text 0774 8140275 (staffed between 6pm and 10pm every Monday) or 0870 9908996 (noon to 6pm weekdays) or email dcsgayknowsley@knowsley.gov.uk.
  
• To get involved in the consultation exercise on the establishment of a Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual group contact the Corporate Equality Team on 0151 443 3773 or email paul.peng@knowsley.gov.uk  

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