A Wirral community is banding together to support one another in the aftermath of the "horrendous" murder of popular beautician Elle Edwards.
Elle, 26, was shot dead outside the entrance of the Lighthouse Pub in Wallasey Village on Christmas Eve. Four others were injured in the attack which has caused shock and anger in the community.
Her funeral will take place this Wednesday at St Nicholas Church in Wallasey followed by a private service. Her father Tim Edwards said he hopes to start a foundation in Elle's name to ensure "she can’t be forgotten.”
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Connor Chapman, 22, of Houghton Road in Woodchurch, is expected to stand trial in June this year charged with Elle's murder.
Following the shocking killing, three drop-in face to face counselling sessions with NHS service Insight IAPT have been arranged to take place in February at two community cafes in Wallasey.
The support sessions have been organised by Wallasey councillor Ian Lewis with professional staff hosting sessions at the Community SOUL and Stollies Cafe and Deli.
The outreach events have been designed to aid those affected by the shooting including anyone who may have witnessed the tragic events on Christmas Eve.
They will be held at:
Monday February 6 - 1pm to 5pm at Community SOUL café, 117 Wallasey Village, CH45 3LF
Tuesday February 7 - 1pm to 5pm at Stollies café, 106 Wallasey Village, CH45 3LN
Friday February 10 - 9am to 12pm at Stollies café, 106 Wallasey Village, CH45 3LN
Alfie Nall, head chef at Stollies said it was "a no brainer" to put on the community events. He said: “Wallasey Village has a big sense of community.
"Any time anything happens, we all band together, especially with something as big as this. We wanted to show the community we’re here for them.”
Ruth Hanrahan, a director at Community SOUL said: “We are a Christian and community project set up to support our local village and further afield in any way we can.
“The horrendous shooting that took place on Christmas Eve has shaken the community and it is very much part of our vision to support and provide a safe, caring place for people to work out some of the trauma suffered.”
Cllr Lewis said if anyone needs help before February, Insight IAPT can be contacted online or by phone through their website.
Support is also available through the Victim Care Merseyside support service on 0808 175 3080. A 24 hour crisis helpline has also been set up by Wirral Council on 0800 145 6485.
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