Non-profit organisation One Knowsley will take over the running of the Michael Causer Foundation from 2023 and has pledged to help keep the legacy of Michael alive in the borough and across the Liverpool City Region.
Set up in Michael’s honour after his tragic murder in 2008, the Michael Causer Foundation was created by his parents Marie and Mike, alongside Merseyside’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community to provide education, motivation and accommodation for young LGBTQIA+ people like their son.
One Knowsley, the infrastructure body for the third sector in Knowsley, will utilise its strong connections in the borough and across the region to ensure the foundation’s work will continue for decades to come.
It will work to improve funding options for projects aligned to the goals of the foundation, as well as continuing to be a voice against Hate Crime and raising key issues across the Liverpool City Region and nationally where appropriate.
Coinciding with its move to Court Hey Park, One Knowsley will provide additional sustainability and future proofing for the Michael Causer Foundation, with the foundation now closing as a standalone charity and moving under the One Knowsley umbrella.
Current Michael Causer Foundation trustees will work with One Knowsley to form a new independent steering group, which again will help to keep Michael’s legacy alive, as well as providing a safe haven for young LGBTQIA+ residents in Knowsley and beyond.
Racheal Jones, Chief Executive, One Knowsley, said: “This new venture is very much about shining further spotlight on Michael and the Michael Causer Foundation. With Michael local to Knowsley and a lot of his family still in the borough, I am so proud and incredibly honoured to be flying the flag for the LGBTQIA+ community at Court Hey Park.
“A number of the Michael Causer Foundation’s existing trustees will serve on a sub-committee to support initiatives focused on LGBTQIA+ young people across the Liverpool City Region and we will do all we can to raise as much awareness as possible, through the many schools, groups and communities that we work with and within.”
Steve Macfarlane, outgoing chair of trustees, Michael Causer Foundation, added: “In our drive for a sustainable legacy and following our approach to One Knowsley several months ago, it is important that we continue to work with Michael’s family going forward and also vital that we liaise with LCR Pride to maintain a strong family and Michael Causer Foundation presence at Pride.
“Furthermore, to run Michael’s vigil on August 2nd in his memory and recognition of so many other victims of hate crime is hugely significant for us and we have full confidence in One Knowsley as an organisation that cares for its people and its groups, that they will do all they can to continue honouring Michael and the LGBTQIA+ community in every way possible.”
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council said: “We are confident this move will enable the foundation to have a strong voice in our communities, supporting diversity and promoting issues that are important to our LGBTQIA+ residents.”
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said: “We work with partners in Knowsley and across the wider city region to combat hate crime and to create safer and more inclusive communities. We are delighted that One Knowsley’s involvement with the Michael Causer Foundation will continue to honour Michael’s legacy, and be an active voice against hate crime and support our LGBTQIA+ community.”
What is hate crime?
Hate Crime is defined an act where the victim or anyone else thinks it was motivated by hostility or prejudice based on one of the following things: Disability, Sex, Age, Race, Religion, Transgender identity, Sexual orientation. You can read more about what Hate Crime is here.
How can I report hate crime?
If it feels like the situation could get heated or violent very soon or if someone is in immediate danger call 999 straight away.
You can report hate crime online or call 1010. If you’d prefer to speak to a police officer in person visit a police station, Merseyside Police can provide a safe and comfortable environment at any of our police stations.
Alternatively, if you don’t feel comfortable reporting it to the police you can report it to Stop Hate UK 0800 138 1625.
Safe havens
Reports can also be made and safety can be found at Merseyside Fire and Rescue stations across Knowsley and Merseyside. Providing there are fire officers on site, you can report any incident of hate crime here. If the fire station is closed and you need immediate assistance all fire stations have yellow phone boxes outside the building that will connect you to the emergency response control room.
For more information about One Knowsley visit https://oneknowsley.org/ and Twitter / Facebook – for more information about the Michael Causer Foundation visit https://michaelcauser.co.uk/ and Twitter / Facebook