However, when many expected to see resignation, many local SMEs fought back. You only need to glance at social media to see that businesses on the Wirral are determined to ride this pandemic out to the end, and come out of it stronger than ever. Many have adapted their strategies, taking on a more digital approach to run their business effectively within the government social distancing guidelines.

Some have moved to a contactless delivery model, and others are releasing digital reiterations of their products. The innovation, ingenuity and straight up tenacity of these businesses has even made some of them busier than ever.

Impressed and inspired by businesses around the Wirral, we reached out to a few for an interview, to see what the driving force and thoughts are behind their actions.

As the first in a series, we spoke to Joe at Peninsular Properties, a successful rental agency based in Prenton, Birkenhead but covering the entire Wirral.

I’m sure you’ll be interested to know how the pandemic is affecting businesses based in the housing industry, and how they plan to keep their business moving forward.

Do you have a business based on the Wirral and would like to share your experience? Let us know here!

Hi! Could you introduce yourself and your business to our readers?

My name is Joe Martin-Bindley and our business is Peninsular Property. We are investment and property management specialists based in Birkenhead.

How and when did you start your business?

I have been in the property industry for the last 15 years and set Peninsular up back in 2016.

What challenges has COVID brought to your business?

The main challenges have been with our tenant database, as part of our group we have a letting agency managing approx. 200 tenants. We have worked closely with our tenants during this time to allow them as much flexibility as possible.

How have you adapted to these challenges with a digital strategy?​

We have regularly kept in close contact with all of our clients via social media and newsletters. We have even gone as far as offering virtual viewings for interested parties which has gone down well.

Do you think the changes you’ve made will have a positive effect on your business going forward?

Absolutely, we feel that if as a business we can get through this current pandemic we can get through anything!

What advice can you give to other businesses struggling to adapt?

There is so much help and advice out there so never be afraid to ask. No-one in business has ever been in this position before and likely never will be again. We are all in the same boat and no matter how alone you feel you never are. Times are hard but they won’t be forever.

What’s next for your business? What’s the plan when all this is over?

Our staff are currently working remotely so I am looking forward to getting normality resumed in our office. We will then look to really kick on with the second half of the year and assisting our clients and their investments in the time we have lost.

Has COVID presented any particular challenges specific to your industry?

The main challenge has been the mortgage markets and tenants rental payments. We have worked closely with both our tenants and landlords during this period. Some landlords and tenants haven’t been as lucky and I suspect it may take the market a number of years to full recover.

How do you think COVID will change the housing industry going forward as a whole?

I think the housing industry will take some years to recover if you consider the amount of issues people are having. On the flip side however it will be very much a buyers market after the pandemic so if you are a first time buyer or investor it can certainly be seen as a positive.

Do you anticipate the lockdown will change how people expect to get their information going forward?

I think the property world was heading that way regardless in terms of virtual house tours and being more social media based, however the current situation has certainly accelerated that. As a business we have a big social media presence online and have certainly pushed this on the back on the lockdown. It also goes to show tenants don’t always need to see properties before they move in as a video tour can be just as good as a face to face viewing.

You can view properties on offer at Peninsular Properties website, or head over and give them a follow on Facebook and Twitter.

Interested in more interviews with Wirral businesses? Don’t forget to follow us on social to get the latest updates!

The post COVID and My Digital Business – Peninsular Property appeared first on My Digital Wirral.

Below is a round up of our favourite watering holes in Birkenhead, let us know your favourites in the comments below!

Glen Affric Brewery Taproom

Unit 3 Lightbox, Knox St, Birkenhead CH41 5JW

We’re extremely fortunate on the Wirral to be home to plenty of small, independent breweries who specialise in craft beers. Whether you love the light, refreshing taste of a pale ale or the smokey, chocolatey taste of a stout, the Glen Affric Brewery has something tempting available to try. The on-site Taproom is a real treasure to indulge in after you’ve had a tour of the brewery; beer tastes all the sweeter when you’ve learned about the care and attention that goes into making it.

Home Brew Tap

58 Christchurch Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Prenton CH43 5SF

Craft beers, handpicked wines and artisan spirits; whatever your tipple, you’ll find something to please the palette here. With a lovely community atmosphere, this bar is ideal for a sneaky bevvy after work or a raucous night out with your mates.

Home Brew Tap’s trendy interiors make it all the more easy to relax and sample what’s currently stocking their fridge – some of our personal recommendations are Kona Big Wave Golden Ale and Nikka whiskey.

Peerless Brewing Company

3nl, 8 Pool St, Birkenhead CH41 3NL

Another well-respected local brewery in Birkenhead. Tell everyone you’re going to explore a cultured spot of local history (because you are.) and spend the afternoon sipping the various offerings so you can practice becoming a refined beer critic. Take a tour and then enjoy a snack and a cold one on-site, you can even buy your very own keg of beer to take home.

Keep an eye out for their regular events too, there’s no better party than a beer festival!

Molly’s Chambers

167 Bridge St, Birkenhead CH41 1AY

Beer tastes better with good music right? Molly’s Chambers is the best place to go for live music, jam sessions and open mic nights. Support your local Birkenhead bands whilst enjoying a tipple, and when it gets late, there’s a night-time kitchen open on the bottom floor serving a range of culinary delights such as hot dogs, schnitzels and burgers. Yum!

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Let us know your favourite Birkenhead drinking destination in the comments below!

The post Best Places to Drink in Birkenhead appeared first on My Digital Wirral.

Below, we’ve listed some of the most popular and highly rated eateries in Birkenhead, so you don’t need to worry about scouring listings and asking for recommendations – we’ve done all the hard work for you.

Sombrero Mexican

712-714 Borough Rd, Tranmere, Birkenhead CH42 9JE

Tostadas at Sombrero Birkenhead

Who doesn’t love a taco? This staple of the Birkenhead food scene offers a great selection for both vegetarians and meat eaters, with lots of authentically Mexican dishes to choose from. You can opt for a cosy night in and get a takeaway, or book a table for an evening out, whichever you choose, there’s a guaranteed contented food coma at the end of the experience.

The menu includes everyday favourites such as nachos, burritos and fajitas, but there’s also dishes you won’t find on the usual high street chains like Chile Rellenos Carnee and Albondigas.

Sugar Food and Dessert Bar

58 Market St, Birkenhead CH41 5BT

Gelato Shakes at Sugar Dessert Bar

I still reminisce about the first time I found a dessert delivery service, back when I was a student. Luckily, this concept really kicked off and now you can get desserts to your door in most major towns. Birkenhead is no exception; Sugar Food and Dessert Bar offer mastery of the art of waffles and crepes, from Chocolate Fudge Cake Waffles drizzled with chocolate sauce to Oreo Crunch Waffles smothered in Nutella.

Don’t forget to wash that down with a luxury gelato shake…

If you’re feeling savoury they also offer a tasty selection of burgers, wraps, paninis and toasties, so that really is the ultimate night in with Netflix sorted!

Jöro Vegan Eatery

The Basement, 47-48 Hamilton Square, Wirral CH41 5AR

Images from the Joros Vegan Eatery Facebook Page

Getting good vegan food can be a real problem, but in Birkenhead we’ve got one of the best plant based eateries around. Ask any local vegan and they’ll likely recommend this little hidden gem – it’s tucked away in a basement on Hamilton Square, and once you know about it, you’ll be torn between telling the world about it and keeping the secret for yourself.

Whether you’re being a healthy vegan and opting for a delicious soup or salad, or a bit more indulgent and grabbing a cake or warm brownie, there are many reasons to visit this cafe. Although even if you start with a salad, I can’t guarantee the experience won’t end in a cake… or a cocktail.

Just browsing though photos of past offerings on their Facebook pages leaves you exclaiming ‘That can’t be vegan!’ – Oh but it is!

The Refreshment Rooms

2 Bedford Rd E, Birkenhead CH42 1LS

Refreshment Rooms Scouse, as featured on their Facebook Page.

Considered iconic for its roasts, The Refreshment Rooms is one of the best opportunities for pub grub on the Wirral. Brimming with original features and lit up by a chandelier reclaimed from the Cunard Buildings, this pub is a piece of local history with a lovely relaxing atmosphere. It’s ideal for a meal with the family, or a chance to sample their extensive selection of gins with a friend.

All the food is locally sourced; with mushrooms grown in West Kirby, eggs from Appleby’s Farm, fresh fish from Wards of Wirral and even watercress from Wirral Watercress. Dishes include the traditional such as their homemade scouse, to the exotic such as Coca-Cola ribs, Korean fillet of beef and miso ramen noodles. There’s a delicious option for even the fussiest of eaters.

Caffe Cream

Birkenhead Park Visitors Centre, Park Dr, Birkenhead CH41 4HY

Close ups of Caffe Cream’s delicious flavours on their Facebook Page.

Sometimes (perhaps most of the time) you just need a good ice cream, and Caffe Cream do some of the best ice cream around. Sure, everyone loves the traditional when they’re made to the highest standards; vanilla, mint choc chip and strawberry are of course, available. However, if you’re a fan of more intriguing flavours, there’s Jaffa Cake, Rocky Road and Pink Pear Drop.

Situated in Birkenhead Park (the inspiration for New York’s Central Park, if you didn’t already know), the location provides the perfect excuse – burn some calories traversing the beautiful park, then indulge in several flavours for sampling purposes.

If you’re following a Gluten Free or Vegan diet you don’t need to miss out, Caffe Cream offers plenty of choice for you too.

Daisy’s Diner

121 Royden Rd, Upton, Birkenhead, Wirral CH49 4LX

Stacks of pancakes at Daisy’s Diner

A true community hub, Daisy’s Diner is a fan favourite. Providing proper food, that will leave you full to the brim and very happy indeed, this is the ideal place to get a traditional roast or a stack of pancakes as big as your head, in a friendly, local atmosphere.

If you’re craving a fry up after a Friday night on the town, there’s no better solution than Daisy’s. With eggs sourced from the local farm and no boujee nonsense, you can simply stuff yourself with toast and bacon to your heart’s content.

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Did we miss out your favourite place to eat in Birkenhead? Let us know, head over to the contact us page!

The post Best Places to Eat In Birkenhead appeared first on My Digital Wirral.

Amorini Antiques Centre

1 Hamilton Street, Birkenhead CH41 6DJ

http://www.amoriniantiquescentre.co.uk/

When it comes to Birkenhead, antiques and vintage hunters will always be spoilt for choice. The town hosts more than the average number of places to peruse objects of the past, and Amorini Antiques Centre should be near the top of your list.

This centre is smaller, but the items are curated and covetable, there’s no sifting through piles of junk here – just resist the temptation to spill the entire contents of your wallet so you have some left for the other Birkenhead businesses…

If you’re on a day trip from Liverpool the antiques centre is just a short jaunt from the ferry terminal. It’s full to the brim with timeless furniture, sparkling vintage jewellery, clothing, ceramics and militaria – there’s something to tempt budding bargain hunters and serious collectors alike.

Room 101 Antiques

Rendel St, Birkenhead CH41 3NJ

http://room101.biz/

Image from Room 101’s Facebook Page

Everyone who loves a long afternoon spent scouring the shelves better head over to Room 101 Antiques, Birkenhead really has enough antiques and vintage to make a weekend of it! We really recommend heading over to Room 101 to get your fill of collectables, furniture and more – it’s a particularly fantastic spot if you’re a dab hand at upcyling, as there are plenty of vintage furniture pieces to give you a project for your home.

The shop is tardis-like, with 1,800 Sq Ft of space to browse, be sure to hunt in every nook and cranny for the best finds. This centre also has free parking, so you can save your parking fee pennies for shopping.

Birkenhead Cycles

258 Conway Street, Birkenhead, CH41 4AH

https://www.birkenheadcycles.co.uk/

Image from Birkenhead Cycles Website

It’s no surprise the cycling scene is alive and growing in Birkenhead as the Wirral offers numerous beautiful cycle routes – whether you’re a serious fitness fanatic or a first-timer looking for a pleasant, easy ride on a summer’s day.

Birkenhead Cycles have been around since the 1950s, making them a real established cornerstone of the town’s business scene. This little shop is brimming with hundreds of bicycle models and the staff are true experts – you can come in as a complete beginner and get all the advice you need to get into this highly addictive hobby.

It’s also worth having this shop on your radar for their bicycle maintenance services too. If you’re serious about covering the length and breadth of the Wirral, you might need them!

Sewing Bee Fabrics

Woodside Business Park, Unit 104, Shore Rd, Birkenhead CH41 1EP

http://sewingbeefabrics.co.uk

Image from Sewing Bee Fabrics’ Facebook Page

If you’re an obsessive crafter and you love stocking up on a plethora of fabrics and haberdashery, you really must book a time to go visit Sewing Bee Fabrics. We can’t guarantee you won’t leave with a 6ft high bundle of fabric rolls in your arms, but really, where’s the harm in such joy?

The best part of this lovely little sewing shop is that it has a sewing community area, where visitors are able to swap their fabric scraps – We’re sure any avid crafty folk know the value in finding the perfect scrap of fabric for applique. In the community area there are also plenty of books to flick through, and you’re welcome to donate any of your own scraps and spares to help out others.

Owen Drew Candles

132 Claughton Rd, Birkenhead CH41 6EY

https://owendrewcandles.com/

You can’t really deny the impact something as simple as a scented candle can have on your life – creating a scented atmosphere in your home can help to invigorate, calm or inspire and can even simply just make your guests think you really have your life together. That’s enough benefit for us!

We’re really lucky on the Wirral to have these must-have candles right within reach, there are so many wondrous scents; from my personal favourite Rose Velvet and Oud, to White Linen and English Lavender. You can’t really go wrong whichever you choose.

Not Just Vintage

136 Oxton Rd, Birkenhead CH41 2TP

https://www.facebook.com/NotJustVintageOxtonRoad/

No two visits to this Aladdin’s cave are the same, Not Just Vintage hosts approximately 20 different traders who always bring a variety of interesting and unique vintage for your browsing pleasure.

If you’re hoping to be more eco-friendly this year, why not head to this little store and browse the rails of vintage and pre-owned clothing for some brilliant finds – there’s nothing like the feeling of finding your holy grail vintage item in a local store.

Not Just Vintage is also a great destination for those looking for unique home accessories, there are plenty of modern trends you can pick up in their first iteration – look out for 70s glamour and modernist furniture and you’ll be right on trend.

Skeleton Records

11 Oxton Rd, Birkenhead CH41 2QQ

https://www.facebook.com/SkeletonRecordsBirkenhead/

One of the last bastions of record shop joy left in the area, we hope that with the growing popularity of Vinyl, this local jewel will have plenty of business to keep it going. Revel in the nostalgia of the past and spend your afternoon flicking through rustling paper to find your favourite band; we can testify that the sound from a vinyl record is far more enveloping and glorious than any streaming service can achieve. We highly recommend a few beers, a beanbag and your favourite record on a Saturday night. Bliss.

Skeleton Records was established in 1971, so they’ve been around a good while now, and hopefully, they’re going nowhere.

Boss Birds Parlour

Boss Birds Parlour, 72 Argyle St, Birkenhead CH41 6AF

https://bossbirdsparlour.co.uk/

Image from Boss Birds Parlour Facebook

Have you been pondering the plant-based life? Perhaps you’re already passionate about all things plants? You’ll be right at home at Boss Birds Parlour, Birkenhead’s first 100% vegan gift emporium. They stock plenty of lovely gift ideas for your friends and family, whether it’s a cosy scarf or a a piece of handmade clothing.

The boutique specialises in vegan beauty products too, so it’s a good idea to head up here and spoil yourself if you’re in dire need of a pamper. There’s soaps, masks, oils and even make-up; all quite affordable too, so there’s no reason to hold back, especially as they even stock chocolates…

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Now that you’ve finished reading this article it’s time to get out there and support our local independent businesses on the Wirral, and if you discover any other shops you feel the need to share with the world, please let us know!

The post Top Small and Independent Shops in Birkenhead appeared first on My Digital Wirral.

Donna Costello is the Social Media Manager at Wirral based digital marketing agency Team Organic. She is volunteering at Wallasey Library to support them in the work that they do.

Books and reading are a big part of the library, but there is a lot going on alongside that provision. “People come to read the newspapers, or to use the computers to go online. The internet is a big draw, with lots of visitors using it for reasons as varied as printing sheet music, to paying bills.”

“There are all sorts of people who come in. Parents want to encourage young children with their reading, but buying books can be expensive. The children’s library is colourful, welcoming and well stocked, and runs events that really engages them.”

What’s apparent is the social aspect of the library. People who might not necessarily want a conversation, but want to feel like they’re at least amongst others can find the library a refuge from isolation.

Donna is volunteering her digital marketing and IT skills and experience to help library visitors get the most of each visit. Computer literacy is a big part of the provision, but also general advice, and signposting the functions of the library service.

“There are so many reasons why libraries are important and integral to our communities.”

The post Team Organic Volunteer Skills to Local Library appeared first on My Digital Wirral.

It’s an increasingly popular destination for visitors who are eager to explore the area. Liverpool City Council’s director of culture, Claire McColgan, said: “Liverpool has firmly secured its status as one of the favourite destinations for many of the big cruise liners”, praising the warm welcome given to guests as one of the reasons behind the success.

For local businesses, the extra traffic can represent a valuable source of income. The guests and staff on board make a significant contribution to nearby businesses with their custom.

The terminal itself along with the cruise lines are also big spenders. Employing staff from the local workforce is only part of it. Liverpool City Council’s procurement team regularly ask for applications from suppliers who can provide them with everything from baggage trailers to move passenger luggage around, to artwork for the terminal buildings.

If you are or have been a supplier for Cruise Liverpool, we’d love to hear more about the products or services that you have provided.

The post £7 million Local Economy Boost Returns for Another Cruise Season appeared first on My Digital Wirral.

Designated by the Government as both a Housing Zone and Enterprise Zone, the region is recognised as equally important in terms of business growth and the demand for housing. It’s the only area of the UK which has been granted dual purpose in this way.

A modern approach to construction

There is a strong emphasis on modern thinking, too. Of the 13,000 residential units which have received planning permission at Wirral Waters, 347 of the house style accommodation is being built in modules. Manchester based Urban Splash will be constructing houses off-site, transporting the modules for assembly at Wirral Waters.

The state-of-the-art plans for the region also include a care village which will be maintained by specialist dementia care provider Belong. It’s a considered nod to the needs of the Wirral, and is another opportunity for suppliers in the area.

A bigger network, more Wirral-based opportunity

Not only does all of the work have a shorter term effect for businesses in the area supplying to demands of construction work. The ongoing projects will also need providing, not to mention the newly installed audience in the housing areas.

An Enterprise Zone to stimulate growth

Recognising the waterfront potential, the Enterprise Zone is seeking to utilise the waterside location as a way of generating more traction for local business. The project is seeking to develop an additional 20,000 jobs in the area, with heavy weight collaboration across organisations. It means that funding opportunities are available for the right pitches, and so well worth considering a step in that direction.

Are you involved in the Wirral Waters project, or considering how it might affect you? We would love to hear from you!

The post Housing & Enterprise Zone Dual Purpose appeared first on My Digital Wirral.

Due to a mix up on our registration, we were asked for tickets that had not been sent to us. After a few moments of discussion, we were allowed through with brochure in hand.

Initial thoughts when walking in were that the event wasn’t quite as big as we expected. Whether this was our own preconceptions of a business expo or the promo beforehand, I’m not sure. The event space itself was modest but well laid out. On our arrival, it was not particularly busy but still there was plenty of engagement at the stalls.

We quickly beelined for the café at the back of the hall for a hot drink, then set about exploring the hall.

Unable to miss the behemoth shiny new Biffa bin wagon to the right of the hall, we were introduced to one of the event’s sponsors. A photo opportunity too great to miss, we then carried on.

The event consisted roughly of a collection of small accountancies, digital marketing agencies, business insurance companies, company-car providers and everything in-between. We had a good chat with the person from the University of Lancashire about apprenticeships in the workplace, and conversed with and received a business card from an office furniture provider (we’re determined to get stand up desks in our office).

We also spoke to Formby Hall about the facilities they offer for Christmas parties and team events. We’re already booked for Christmas this year, but couldn’t resist grabbing a brochure on the way out (we can dream right?).

By this point, the hall had started to fill up, with more conversations taking place – the hall generally felt a lot busier. And with that, we left. Having spent about a mere hour and half there, we felt we had covered all bases.

Does Liverpool have a new business expo worthy to contend with the others? It’s looking likely, but next year it really will need to have more on offer to compete with the bigger shows already taking place in the city.

The post My Digital Wirral Go to Merseyside Business Expo 2018 appeared first on My Digital Wirral.

While privacy has made the news recently primarily in terms of data, there are other ways that you could be compromising your safety when using the internet, whether it’s through over-sharing or not managing your settings efficiently.

The continuous changes made to technology mean it’s only becoming more integrated into our everyday lives, with virtual assistants being the latest piece of kit we welcome into our homes.

While these new accessories are all the rage, they’re also something that need to be managed effectively in order to ensure both yours and your children’s safety.

UK Safer Internet Centre is an online base for those looking to either be safe on the internet themselves or help children learn to enjoy the internet safely. The organisation was founded as the result of a partnership between Childnet International, Internet Watch Foundation and SWGfL.

Appointed by the European Commission, the partnership works to provide support to those who need it in a variety of forms, whether that’s through their helpline, online guides or by raising awareness on UK Safer Internet Day.

In order to find out a bit more about the work UK Safer Internet Centre do, Phil from My Digital Wirral sat down with Kat Tremlett for an in depth discussion about what the centre does, Safer Internet Day and how technology is changing the way kids need to be kept safe online.

Phil: Thanks for having a chat with us, so firstly can you explain what your role in the campaign is?

Kat: The centre itself has three strands; one strand is raising awareness and help professionals teaching young people, to help parents with young people in their lives and to help the young people themselves around online safety. This includes creating resources and delivering online safety training sessions.

Another part of the centre is the Internet Watch Foundation. They are for the reporting of child abuse material online, so that could be any incident imagery of children under the age of 18. They’re also responsible in the UK for removing it.

Only 76% of 18-24 yr old men would report an indecent image of a child online.

Doing so can help victims of child sexual abuse. If you see any suspicious content online confidentially to the Internet Watch Foundation: https://t.co/lMpWk6r8ye pic.twitter.com/B5JruHJnRt

— YMCA Trinity Group (@YMCATrinity) June 8, 2018

Then the third strand is me, which is the helpline, and the helpline is aimed at children’s workforce members (teachers, guardians etc.). In the UK we already have the likes of NSPCC and ChildLine, who are obviously massive, well-established charities. Therefore, we decided to take the angle of supporting a slightly different group, with a slightly different problem. We support members of the children’s workforce with online safety issues they face themselves, and the issues children might face too.

Phil: Are there any new areas the UK Safer Internet Centre have just started getting involved in?

Kat: Most recently we’ve been working on collaborative projects around mental health and wellbeing in particular. We’ve partnered with Head Start in Cornwall who is doing research around children and young people’s feelings online and make it easier for safe guarding professionals to look for key identifiers of risk-taking behaviour and what that might look like online.

We’ve also worked on a couple of other projects. The Daphne funding from the EU for example, some of that got allocated to a project called Enable, which is essentially a European initiative to eliminate bullying across the five countries that collaborated on that. The project took a step back and looked at bullying from a pedagogical angle, from the perspective of every role so it wasn’t just the victim. We’re looking at the bystander, the bully themselves, the people who are outside of that circle of friends and how everyone can have an active role in trying to eliminate bullying within schools.

Phil: It sounds like it’s expanding quite quickly then.

Kat: Yes, we’ve always tried to make sure we’re involved in what we feel to be the most current and most important issues at hand, and right now mental health is such a big driver.

Clearly, we have some key differences in our culture compared to other cultures, especially in terms of the way young people and adults think it’s OK to engage online. And I think anything we can do to address that and try to make a more positive contribution to what happens online then that can only be a good thing.

Phil: What would you say are the major issues facing internet safety at the moment?

Kat: That’s a big question. My personal opinion on this is our general stance on what is acceptable and appropriate behaviour online. It seems that we as a western culture are more likely to use tools in a negative manner than other cultures. That’s been seen on the likes of anonymous apps like Ask.FM and more recently we’ve had another anonymous app pop up called Sayat.me, which actually closed after the suicide of a teenage boy in Northern Ireland.

It’s really interesting to see how we as a society use these tools and I think there’s a lot more research that needs to be done to understand that behaviour.

For me it’s more worrying we think it’s OK to act like that even as a teenager or an adult, and who is role modelling that behaviour? Where is that coming from and what are the things we can do to try and target that?

Phil: Why is it important for people to be safe while using the internet?

Kat: I think it comes down to if you want to be treated in a decent way; you have to treat others with respect online too, and part of that process is being safe to a certain extent. If you’ve got an open [social media] profile for instance or sharing a lot of information with other people, you’re making yourself more vulnerable to others finding out information about you, and that can actually lead to identification fraud or extortion and things like that.

[With online services] some people think it’s just a craze and it’ll die down, but it’s not going to do that. There’s only going to be more technology and more ways to access things, for example we’re one-step away from having more wearable kit.

It’s here to stay, it’s engrained in our culture and we owe it to ourselves to make sure we treat it with respect but also that we’re safe on it, because you’re not only putting yourself at risk but also you’re putting future generations at risk too.

Phil: What tips would you give to people looking to be safer on the internet?

Kat: Think about who you want to engage with. It sounds a bit like a marketing strategy but if I was looking to make up a new profile on Facebook for instance, then I might think about who are the people who are going to be my friends. If, for instance, my parents and grandparents are my friends and some of my teachers are my friends that automatically makes me think, well what I write then has to have a certain air of decency about it.

It’s thinking about who you’re engaging with, and maybe you have different platforms for different types of groups of friends. Thinking about who you’re talking to helps you decide which service is the best one to choose and when you’ve chosen, make sure your privacy settings are set how you want them.

Obviously, if you’re a national celebrity and want to share everything with the world then it’s not going to be very helpful if everything is closed down and only one person can see. At the same time if you’re a mum who’s got a three year old child and is taking a picture of them every day and putting it on your public Facebook profile and you’re Facebook friends with thousands friends who get to see it (and interact with it) then there might be a potential danger there of where that photo goes.

I think the reality of it is we do share things publicly, whether it’s for the gratification of a ‘like’ on Instagram or whatever, these sorts of things appeal to the younger generation. What we need to do is make sure they have the resilience to cope with negative feedback when it comes or a negative experience.

One thing we quite often talk about is online dating. Obviously, the stranger danger message is still very prevalent and it’s a very important message. But when we see the message ‘don’t speak to people you don’t know online’, if I told you that from the national online dating survey around 25% of all relationships in the last year were formed online, it kind of puts that message into perspective a little bit doesn’t it.

That’s why we talk about digital literacy and resilience and why it’s a really important thing for young people to learn just so they’ve got some strategies to deal with these situations when they arise. Because they will arise, it’s not a case of getting through life without anyone approaching you in a horrible manner. Even before the internet, this was happening on the streets so I think all of this talk of “well if you do this then it won’t happen to you” is falsifying the actual truth.

Phil: What tips would you give to parents who want their children to be safe on the internet?

Kat: There are a few things, the first one: Just get online. One of the biggest excuses we hear about not being able to help is “I don’t know anything about it, they know much more about it than me” but there are so many places you can go to find out more information. Internet Matters is a brilliant site, which is specifically designed for parents. It gives information on how to set up parental controls on various different services and the like but there’s also blogs and advice pieces about some of the current issues.

It is really important to chat with your children on an ongoing basis about staying safe online. Not sure where to begin? These conversation starter suggestions can help. https://t.co/Jpzv9Gtfh5

— UK Safer Internet (@UK_SIC) June 12, 2018

Of course there’s also the UK Safer Internet Centre website, which has an advice section for parents too, including loads of guides, one being the “parents’ guide to technology” which is particularly useful as it has specific guides for each of the gaming devices, which seems to be quite a big topic that comes up on the helpline.

If you hear your son or daughter is playing Minecraft, then go and play Minecraft and see what it is. The more you are immersed into their world, the more you’ll understand about it.

It is really important not to be fearful of the technology, because by setting up that barrier you’re almost making it taboo, so embrace it. If you make it part of everyday conversation then when something happens where they need a bit of support then they’re more likely to turn to you for advice.

What we need to remember as parents is maybe we’re not the experts in the technology our kids are using but we are the experts in life experience, we’ve been through a lot, and what we can show them is using our experience to help shape theirs. We’re not always going to have the right answers as parents but it’s about being there when something goes wrong.

Phil: My son is only a couple of months old and I dread to think what technology he’ll be on when he’s older.

Kat: A lot of research that’s done normally focuses on the negatives but there is a hell of a lot of positive benefits as well, especially with young users when you’ve got that instant gratification of swiping left or swiping right, that’s really exciting. For example, using that sort of thing for potty training or rewards charts, that’s an easy win for everyone.

When I was a kid, I was told if you watch too much TV, I‘d get square eyes. I think we do that with children and screen time, and I think this comes in line with gaming.

There are so many games out there that have quite graphic or extreme content. And as kids are likely to act out their favourite TV programs, they’re quite likely to act out some of the stuff they play in a game. But there’s this uproar about it as if it’s the worst thing ever and we’re training them to be mass murderers or whatever.

But I think the point is kids are always going to roleplay and of course they’re going to play out the things that happen in those sorts of environments because it has a massive impact on their life at that time. This doesn’t mean when they’re an adult Paw Patrol, for example, is going to define their life.

There’s so much good to come out of [gaming] and I’m thinking especially of those children who have a special educational need or an additional need of some kind. It might be an arena where they can communicate more freely, it might be somewhere where they don’t need to be as aware of their social cues as they have to be in the offline world to the point where it detracts from them socialising. So there are positives, it’s just about embracing them and making sure, especially with the youngest of children, that the supervision is there too.

Phil: We’ve already had Safer Internet Day this year (6^th February). What sort of activities did the UK Safer Internet Centre do for Safer Internet Day and what’s planned for next year?

Kat: Every year Safer Internet Day is co-ordinated every year in Europe by Insafe. Essentially, we have a network of centres that do the same sort of work as us but in different countries, I think there are 32 of us across the EU at the moment. This year we focused on mental health and wellbeing.

At SID [Safer Internet Day] every year, we have a few things that always happen. We have education packs we release that have resources targeted at specific age groups so we’ll always have key stage 1, an early years one, key stage 2, 3 and 4. This year for the first time we had an educator’s pack and a parent’s pack so parents could download and get involved at home with their kids too.

As well as that, we also have Safer Internet Day TV that’s co-ordinated where I’m based. It complements the education packs but essentially it’s a series of films targeted at each age group as well as one for parents as well.

Safer Internet Day 2018 reaches 45% of young people in the UK – The Safer Internet Day Impact report was published today https://t.co/nanSaIiBm2 pic.twitter.com/hD0B1h82YF

— UK Safer Internet (@UK_SIC) April 10, 2018

The packs are full of activities that kids and the educators themselves can engage with either just on the day or as a whole scheme of work in the lead up to it or afterwards. The packs equip people with the ability to run their own training sessions for parents in their area perhaps or it might be an assembly in school for instance.

On the day itself we always have an event in London and key stakeholders such as government ministers, internet providers or phone providers will come along as well. Essentially, it’s always a youth focused event so there’ll be a group of young people who will talk about something they’ve done to help keep safer online. The event is usually hosted at the BT centre.

This year for the first time we went up to Liverpool FC, which was quite exciting, and we were involved in a massive event organised by the football club who had invited over 800 pupils from the area to come and have workshops on online safety. So me and my colleagues got to deliver to the pupils which was brilliant.

Our workshops got them to think about a message they wanted to deliver to the make the internet better, got them to record it to camera and see themselves on TV with a green screen. We also had a moral compass activity as well, basically giving them scenarios that could happen on the internet.

Alongside that one of our consultants was also running pupil-lead online safety sessions with videos and inter-activity with large groups of pupils.

We’ll definitely be coming back again next year. It’s actually been running for about three years, it was just the first year that the whole [UK Safer Internet Centre] team has been involved. Usually just one of our consultants goes up and delivers but this year they ran a conference-style workshop event with 400 kids in the morning and 400 kids in the afternoon so it was very intense day.

What’s brilliant for us is the football club put this on so it’s not something we have to co-ordinate. We’re just an element of a bigger day. But that’s what Safer Internet Day is all about, it’s about the young people themselves, so anything we can do to support that of course we will.

You can find more information about UK Safer Internet Centre and the projects they’re involved in on their website. What are your thoughts on internet safety? Do you worry about what your children are exposed to online? Share your thoughts in the comment section below or join our online community over on Twitter.

The post UK Safer Internet Centre on Keeping Kids Safe Online, Mental Health and Digital Literacy appeared first on My Digital Wirral.

Helping to get Wirral’s residents motivated into acting against climate change is the council’s new initiative, Cool Wirral.

We spoke to Wirral Council’s sustainability liaison officer Dr. Bryan Lipscombe to find out more about Cool Wirral how the initiative is helping the local area become greener.

Firstly, could you explain in a nutshell what Cool Wirral is all about?

In short, Cool Wirral is about mobilising local people and organisations to take practical action on climate change. There are many common sense steps we can take locally to cut the pollution that drives global warming.

There are also steps we can take to get better prepared for the unavoidable impacts – storms, floods, heat waves and so on. Cool Wirral is about promoting these.

It’s also about connecting people and organisations taking action so that we can learn from and take inspiration from each other.  A key message in Cool is that we can all play a part.

Cool Wirral takes its name from Cool – the climate change strategy for Wirral.  The Cool strategy is supported by a variety of local organisations spanning public, private and voluntary sectors.

One of the two main goals for the climate change strategy is “to substantially cut climate pollution associated with Wirral,” what’s planned for 2018 to help meet this goal?

We are now over three years into the five year strategy. Much work has already been done but there’s a lot more to do. This year, there should be more low energy LED streets lights installed, more cycle routes in place and action on electric vehicle charging amongst others. Some work will result in an immediate benefit. In other areas, it’s about laying a foundation for future change.

How has operating a climate change strategy on the Wirral differed from say another part of the UK, or even the national climate change campaign?

That’s a difficult question. There hasn’t been an overall assessment of local activity across the country for a few years. What I can say is that Wirral has an active, longstanding and outward looking climate change programme.

The approach taken here is very practical. It’s based on a recognition that no single person or organisation can do all of what needs to be done. Not all places will have an active programme. Some that do will focus on things ‘the council’ is doing alone. In Wirral, the approach is based on recognition that action needs to happen at many levels – from household, to school, to business, to council and beyond.

Looking wider, the broad aims in Wirral’s strategy reflect core ideas in national and international initiatives on climate change. That’s unsurprising given that we already know many of the changes that need to happen – using energy more efficiently, getting more of our energy from renewable sources, shifting to a cleaner transport system and so on. But as a local strategy there is a local flavour too.  For example, with local engineering skills and dock infrastructure it makes sense to promote Wirral as a centre for excellence for wind energy. We can draw on local strengths and opportunities to make a unique contribution to the bigger picture.

How are you engaging local people with the climate change strategy? And what has the response been like?

Wider awareness and participation is central to the success of the Cool strategy. This is an area where more needs to be done. We know there is broad awareness about climate change and a willingness to support action locally. The challenge is to harness this goodwill and help point people in the right direction to make their support count.

We don’t have a budget for publicity in the same way that say a commercial organisation might have for promoting a new product, so we rely on more grass roots approaches such as giving talks, getting stories in the press and harnessing social media.

Progress can be slow, but every article written, talk given or tweet posted is the chance to start a new conversation. Climate change can be a bit of a taboo subject. It can be overwhelming. People may not have the confidence to talk about it.

If we can start more conversations about what climate change means to us and about the actions we can take to protect the things that matter to us, that will help. Of course many of these practical actions will help make Wirral a healthier, less polluted, more accessible and self-reliant place; there’s a win-win there too.

What’s your biggest achievement to date since starting Cool Wirral?

I wouldn’t like to say to be honest. Cool is not about one person or one thing. It’s very much a shared journey. Also, some actions don’t have an immediate pay-off but could make a big difference further down the line. For example, a new organisation has been set up called Wirral Community Renewables, which didn’t exist prior to the strategy. It could have a huge impact pooling local resources in order to develop community owned solar power generation in Wirral.

A lot of work has gone in to get this far, but the group’s ultimate impact rests on what happens next. People reading this article might decide to get involved directly and help Wirral Community Renewables make this difference.  It’s not a given that the group will succeed but the foundation is there to build on.

As a resident of the Wirral, where is your favourite place to visit (area or establishment)?

I’m thinking that’s a trick question! I’m not from Wirral so view it through a visitor’s eyes. There’s definitely something about being on a peninsular with the mix of coast, countryside and towns here.  I never tire of walking by the river Mersey; it’s always animated in some way. There are of course many special places in Wirral. Hopefully the love of these cherished places will inspire climate action too.

What’s the best way for local people to get involved with Cool Wirral and the Climate Change Strategy activities?

People can keep in touch by signing up for the Cool News e-bulletin, by following Cool Wirral on twitter, or by joining the Cool Wirral group on project dirt. I’d also urge people to read the strategy – in particular the part titled ‘Putting Cool into practice’. This part spells out things people can do at home, at work and in their communities.

There’s no better way to get involved than to translate the strategy into your own actions.

The post What is Cool Wirral? Learn About Wirral’s New Green Initiative appeared first on My Digital Wirral.