Recharge and Restore will be providing complementary therapy sessions at two venues in Runcorn and Widnes on Tuesday 21st May (Widnes) and Saturday 1st June (Runcorn). While they are applying for additional funding to continue and expand their work they are able to offer these sessions at a greatly reduced price. 30 minute sessions are £15 and 60 minute sessions are £25. They offer massage, reflexology and reiki and you can have a combination of your choice.

It can take up to 20 minutes for your mind and body to completely relax and begin to repair and recharge. Most carers are not able to make time or take time for themselves on a regular basis and they believe these sessions can help. Feedback from their recently completed Lottery funded project with a parent carer group in Halton has been excellent and the benefits included better sleep, less anxiety and stress and generally feeling much calmer and better able to cope with day to day pressures of life. 

They are also beginning a series of workshops teaching a 7 step relaxation technique based on reflexology which has been designed for those caring for adults and children with high levels of stress and/or anxiety, ADHD, Autistic Spectrum Conditions, Alzheimers & dementia. The first workshop is being held in Runcorn on Wednesday 19 June with the second on Wednesday 26 June. Widnes event proposed for July.

Please get in touch for more information or to book a session or workshop place in Runcorn or Widnes. 

Email rechargerestore@gmail.com or contact Angelita on 07808 160315 or Eileen on 07533 044283.

We have received a very sad message from St Helens Bereavement Service letting us know that the service is closing and no longer accepting clients.  The St Helens Bereavement Service was originally set up as a sister project of St Helens CVS and we worked very closely together for many years.  Everyone at Halton & St Helens VCA would like to thank the Bereavement Service for their membership and input over the many years we worked together.  The full message from Barbara Swift, St Helens Bereavement Service Chair, can be found below.

With deep regret and sadness the Trustees of St. Helens Bereavement Service wish to notify the local community that they are unable to continue to operate a service of support for local bereaved people.

Over the past few years our funding has been reducing at the same time as we have experienced difficulty in recruiting enough volunteers to sustain the service and Trustees to oversee its governance.

The recent changes in both Government and Charity Commission legislation has placed an added burden on our very stretched resources and we have finally decided that we can no longer sustain our service at the level we need to.

St. Helens Bereavement Service was established in 1983/84 as a project of St. Helens Council for Voluntary Service (now known as Halton and St. Helens VCA). The Service achieved charitable status in October 1986 and over a period of 33 years has provided help and support to well over 6,000 local bereaved people.  The service also established two social support groups one in St. Helens which only closed down two years ago and another in Rainford which still operates but on a limited basis.

The trustees would like to take the opportunity of thanking all its colleagues in other organisations that have helped and supported our work  over the years in particular Halton and St. Helens VCA who, for many years, provided our operational base.

Consultations have been held with the Local Authority and the Clinical Commissioning Group (statutory funders of the organisation) and they are hopeful that Willowbrook Hospice will take on some parts of the role our organisation has provided for so many years.

St. Helens Bereavement Service has already ceased accepting new referrals although we continue to support our existing clients. However from the end of June the service will cease to operate any form or service. 

We would be grateful if you would amend your records by removing our organisation as a referral agency for bereaved people.

A SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING of the Trustees will take place on Monday the 20th  May at. 10.a.m in the Deafness Resource Centre the purpose of which will be to propose the Dissolution of the Charity.

The next meeting of the St Helens & District Group of Diabetes UK will be on Wednesday 5th June 2019 at 7.30pm in St Helens United Reformed Church, King St, WA10 2JZ. The church is next to Windle Pilkington Hall.  The speaker will be Professor Kevin Hardy who will be talking on the subject of:

Ten things to add years to your life and life to your years 
 
Professor Hardy is a Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist from the Specialist Diabetes Unit in St Helens Hospital, he is also the Medical Director of St Helens & Knowsley Hospitals Trust, and a popular speaker. Professor Hardy will be helping us to understand how we can live better with diabetes, so please come along! If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes and have not been to a meeting before you are particularly welcome. They are a very friendly group and you may be assured of a warm welcome. They have a large selection of free diabetes leaflets available. So go along and find out more!

Please note that this will be the last meeting until Wednesday 4th September 2019 
 
For further details contact C Bowmaker on 0151 480 0821. 

Are any of the volunteers or service users from your organisation diabetic? Do they also live in Widnes?

If so, please let them know about an upcoming focus group. We’d love to hear from them.

Widnes General Practices have recently come together to review the diabetic patient care they each deliver with the aim of delivering a consistent high standard of care across all eight of the practices.

The practices are currently in a testing phase where they are aligning their systems and processes, considering the care given to patients and testing what works and what doesn’t.

As part of this work they would like to speak to a number of Type 2 diabetic patients (aged 17 years and over) to share with you the work they have done and get some feedback and comments to further inform this work.

The general practices have asked Halton & St Helens VCA to carry out a focus group on Tuesday 4th June, 7-9pm at St Maries, Lugsdale Road, Widnes, WA8 6DB.

There is limited places for the session so if you would like to get involved please contact Matthew Roberts by phone, (01928) 592 405 or email mroberts@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Six Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in Merseyside and Cheshire are currently working together to review more than 100 local NHS policies and treatments to ensure that they have the best possible outcomes for patients, are in line with the latest clinical guidance and are making the best of the limited NHS resources available.

CCGs in Halton, Liverpool, Southport and Formby, South Sefton, St Helens and Warrington are currently reviewing treatments and procedures relating to:

• Continuous glucose monitoring systems
• Cough assist devices
• Insulin pumps
• Secondary care peripheral steroid joint injections
• Surgery for Prostatism or lower urinary tract infection
• Transanal irrigation

They are looking to understand the views and experiences of individuals/families who have received or are currently receiving one or more of the above treatments.  Clinicians, providers and community groups with an interest in the above treatments or policy changes, are also encouraged to share their views in the survey.

They are also informing patients about updates to Botulinum Toxin A & B treatments to bring them in line with NICE guidance and the Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee (APC).

The survey will be available online https://nhs.researchfeedback.net/s.asp?k=155652839910 which will take about 15 minutes to complete. The survey closes on 7 July 2019.

If you require this or more information in another format or language, an easy read version, would like to receive a hard copy or would like support completing this survey, please email them on mlcsu.involvement@nhs.net or call us on 01782 872506.

Anything you share will be anonymous. No personal identifiable information will be shared or published.

You can find out more about health policy reviews on your CCG’s website or by contacting them using the email address or telephone number provided.

Launch Event - Thursday 11th July 2019 – 1.30-3pm. Bridge Suite, Halton Stadium

Halton Children and Young People Safeguarding Partnership would like to invite you to this launch event to give you an opportunity to find out about the new local safeguarding arrangements.

Senior Leaders from the three safeguarding partners will introduce the new Partnership arrangements:

• David Parr, Chief Executive - Halton Borough Council
• Denise Worth, Detective Chief Superintendent – Cheshire Constabulary
• Michelle Creed, Chief Nurse - NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group
• Milorad Vasic, Strategic Director People - Halton Borough Council

This will include an outline of the changes, introduce the requirements for named ‘relevant agencies’, explain the new review processes, introduce the new website with sign-up facility for updates and let you know how you will be involved with these new arrangements.

You will have opportunity to ask questions during the Q & A Session.

Note - Registration and refreshments is from 1pm, for a 1.30pm prompt start.

Who should attend?

The event is aimed at Senior Leaders within organisations, for information about the new arrangements to be cascaded to staff/teams that work with children, young people and their family:

• Head Teachers/Principals
• Strategic Leaders
• Senior and team managers                                                                                 

To reserve a place at this event, please contact the Children & Young People Policy Team on cyppolicy@halton.gov.uk by Friday 5th July 2019.

Please provide the following details for all attendees:

• Name
• Position/role
• Organisation
• Email address

The Campaign

The Active St Helens campaign will contribute to improving overall health and wellbeing of adults and children across St Helens in a bid to encourage inactive residents to become active by signposting walking, running, swimming, cycling activities offered by St Helens Council and partner organisations.  The campaign will contribute to improving the overall health and wellbeing of adults and children across St Helens. 

The aim of the campaign to increase physical activity levels in the Borough, encouraging inactive people to walk, swim, cycle or run and to make a pledge to be more active. There are monthly competitions to win a Fitbit and other prizes and a competition to win £1500 holiday voucher so please encourage anyone who lives, works or studies in the borough to visit the website, make a pledge and get active!

The creative features colourful vector style images across four themes – swimming, walking, running and cycling directing people to www.activesthelens.co.uk, Facebook/activesthelens and Twitter/activesthelens. The campaign features a twelve month digital campaign focusing on high impact display creatives, including skin takeovers, billboards, in article and double height MPU’s, in premium positions. Additionally, a remarketing campaign to stay engaged with interested people across social media and targeting a younger audience through platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram will also be exploited.

Video case studies featuring local residents, promoting the signposted activities, talking about their own experiences and the benefits of exercise alongside the hashtag #beyourownhero will also form part of the digital campaign. Print media will be used to promote the activities, raise awareness and encourage behavioural change.

Objectives

• Deliver an integrated, co-ordinated campaign utilising a range of media to raise awareness of physical activity programmes (swimming, cycling, walking and running only)
• Target ‘deprived’ areas to motivate and encourage behaviour change
• Raise awareness of the health benefits of physical activity
• Combat negative perceptions of the cost of exercising The Campaign

The Facts
• In St Helens, 32% of adults are inactive
• 70% of children do less than 30 minutes activity a day
• The health of St Helens residents is generally worse than the England average
• Self-harm and suicide worse than England average

Diabetes
• 30 people a year in St Helens suffer a diabetes amputation
• 80% of people with Type 2 Diabetes are overweight or obese at diagnosis
• Almost 17,000 people in St Helens are suspected to have pre-diabetes

Key Messages

• Adults (19-64) should try to be active daily and should do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity, in bouts of 10 minutes or more, each week.
• Adults (19-64) should try to be active for 30 minutes, 5 days a week.
• Adults (19-64) should undertake muscle strengthening activity at least twice a week, such as, yoga, exercising with weights, or carrying heavy shopping.
• Physical activity contributes to wellbeing and is essential for good health.
• Physical activity can reduce the risk of many chronic conditions, like coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer, obesity, mental health problems and musculoskeletal conditions.
• Active St Helens provides access to safe and affordable opportunities to engage in physical activity.
• The spectrum of physical activity includes active play, sport, recreation, work active transport and active living.
• The health benefits from physical activity will vary depending on the frequency, intensity and type of activity.

For more information about the campaign, please see the attached tool kit below.

Volunteers Week 2019 (1st - 7th June) is an opportunity to recognise the contribution made by volunteers across the UK and raise awareness of the value and impact their volunteering can have on people’s lives. The annual campaign, established in 1984, seeks to recognise the contribution millions of volunteers make to our communities every week. More than 15m people volunteer in the UK every month. They lend their time and talents to causes as varied as food banks, libraries and hospitals. Volunteers’ Week is the perfect opportunity to recognise volunteers who give their time, energy and enthusiasm to helping other. Volunteering is a way to give something back.  It is also an opportunity for volunteers to benefit from new experiences, make friends, gain skills and have fun.

As part of this volunteer celebration, Halton Volunteer Centre are holding a number of events/days out that any volunteer from either Halton, St Helens or the wider area is welcome to attend / join:

Volunteer Quiz : Night Monday 3 June 7.30-10pm. Free, (sandwiches, bring your own tipple) at St Marie's, Lugsdale Road, Widnes WA8 6DB. For teams of up to 6 people - at least one must be a volunteer. Need help raising a full team? We can help you partner with another organisation. 

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/volunteer-quiz-night-1

Afternoon Tea on the Daniel Adamson: Tues 4th 1-3.30pm £4.50 payable on booking, non-refundable (cream scones, cakes and a hot drink). Enjoy cakes and a cuppa on board this historic steam tug, whilst moored at Sutton Weaver Swing Bridge. Live easy listening music. Optional free boat tour. Pay bar open. On X2 & X30 bus routes. Please note:  Not suitable for those with limited mobility. Very limited parking.

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/afternoon-tea-daniel-adamson

Widnes Promotion Event: Wed 5th June 10-1pm Free, Widnes indoor market. Come and chat with Volunteer Centre staff who will be promoting the latest volunteering opportunities from across Halton and beyond. Book a slot for your group to promote themselves - sorry no fundraising. 

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/widnes-promotion-event-0

Llandudno Trip: Thurs 6th June 9.15-5pm. £13, payable on booking, non-refundable. Pick ups at St Marie's, & The Brindley, Runcorn. Sights, sea air or shops!. The choice is yours on our day trip to Llandudno.

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/llandudno-trip-0

Salsa Night: Fri 7th June 7.30-10.30pm. £7.50, payable on booking, non-refundable. (hot supper, bring your own tipple), at St Marie's, Lugsdale Road, Widnes. Join in the dancing or just  enjoy the music, demonstrations and help for beginners.

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/salsa-party-0

Organisations which help to prevent crime and protect communities in Merseyside are being invited to apply for a share of a fund aimed at helping building stronger, safer communities.

This is the fifth year that Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy has opened the Crime Prevention Fund which is used to help charities, community groups and social enterprises stop problems before they occur, by reducing the opportunities for crime and by deterring people away from becoming involved in anti-social and criminal behaviour.

A total of £135,000 is available from the fund and the Commissioner is inviting groups to submit bids of between £5,000 and £25,000 for innovative community safety projects or schemes that will run over the next 12 months. For the last three years, the Commissioner has specifically urged organisations that are working to tackle the underlying causes of serious and organised crime to apply for funding and this has again been made a priority for this round of funding.

Jane said: “Serious and organised crime is, for many people in our region, their greatest concern. It blights our communities, bringing misery and harm and causing decent, ordinary people to live in fear.

“Merseyside Police allocates extensive resources to tackling this issue, but we cannot simply ‘police’ our way of this issue.  We need to work with all our partners, particularly those in the community and voluntary sector to address the deep-seated, and often complex, causes of serious violence.

“Local people understand their communities better than anyone and know what will work best to improve their area.  We are fortunate to have a wealth of voluntary and community groups which are working hard to prevent people, especially young people from getting involved with this type of crime and I want to hear from them.

“Through the Crime Prevention Fund, I want to see what more can be done to tackle this issue and with these grants I hope I can give organisations which are trying to address the root causes of this issue a valuable cash boost which will help to make a difference to communities across Merseyside.”

Last year, 14 grassroots organisations were chosen to share £135,000 from the Crime Prevention Fund from a total of 75 bids submitted. Many of the projects focused on preventing young people from getting involved with crime.

Jane said: “Sadly, we have seen really damaging cuts, not only to the police, but to a lot of our really important partner organisations which focus their efforts on community safety, such as the Youth Offending Teams, local authority crime prevention services and mental health provision, in recent years.

“The reduction in many of these services is being strongly felt in our communities, so I hope these small grants can be used to help to alleviate some of these cutbacks. I’ve met hundreds of people across Merseyside who are really proud and passionate about the places they live in and are committed to keeping them safe and I look forward to reviewing their proposals for how this fund can be best spent.”

Any organisation wishing to apply for funding will need to show how their project works to tackle the priorities set out in the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan - these are to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour; provide a visible and accessible neighbourhood policing style; tackle serious and organised crime and to support victims; protect vulnerable people and maintain public safety; and improve road safety.

Applications will also need to show how the initiatives will deter individuals from committing crime, reduce the number of people entering the criminal justice system, or lower reoffending. They will also be assessed to see how well they will protect vulnerable communities.

The fund will be administered by the Community Foundation for Merseyside (CFM), an independent charity which assists grant-making and charitable giving. CFM is also available to help any organisation looking to make a bid.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on 24th June 2019.

Find out more and apply here.

If you were given the chance to design a town exactly how you wanted it, what would be most important to you?  Of course a town is made up of people, so it’s the characteristics of that group of people that need to be defined; that group would have:
• Top class health, exceptional medical care, and reducing prescription drugs
• Education which fits each person’s needs, and aspirations to take next steps
• High performance through more creativity, intelligence, and happiness
• Lowered anxiety, depression, and no suicides
• Wise decision making coupled with a good memory
• Great quality of life free of substance and alcohol abuse
• No need for criminal activity 

That’s what Maharishi Foundation believe most of us want to see. But what is it that blocks our ability as individuals and as a group to live this sort of life? The main problem is stress. It’s been termed the scourge of the western world, and its corrosive influence affects everything that we do. A supreme stress buster is required, and Maharishi Foundation have a technique to do just that.

It’s a prime method of eliminating stress and if you want all of the above for everyone (if only a fraction take it up it everyone benefits) in your town then consider the attached list of research findings on Transcendental Meditation®. Maharishi Foundation intention is that for all those associated with Halton & St Helens Voluntary Community Action training will be offered free. (Conditions apply). 

For more information, please contact John  Markham on 07973 303943 or email john.markham@tm.org.

Join the party! – Willowbrook Hospice’s Moonlight Colour Walk

June 8 at 9:00 pm from Willowbrook – The Living Well, Borough Road, St Helens

Register NOW for Willowbrook Hospice’s fabulous Moonlight Colour Walk on Saturday 8 June!

It’s great fun for all the family (you can even bring your dog along!) and the walk helps to raise much needed funds so that Willowbrook can continue to care and support local people with life limiting illnesses across St Helens and Knowsley.

There are two routes to choose from (10k or 6.5k) and there’s an optional ‘colour splash’ where you’ll be covered head to toe in rainbow powder. At the end of the walk, you’ll be rewarded with one of our special medals as well as a well-earned bacon butty (or pastry)

The entry fees are £15 for adults and £5 for children under 16 (dogs go free!). Please register now by ringing 01744 453798, going online at: https://willowbrookhospice.charitycheckout.co.uk/MLW/ or by calling into The Living Well on Borough Road, St Helens.

Sight Loss?

Vision Support may be able to help with

• Independent living
• IT Training (computer lessons)
• Low vision and daily living aids
• Home visiting
• Volunteering opportunities
• Welfare and benefits advice
• Social clubs and activities

To find out more contact Vision Support, Halton Sensory Services, 126 Widnes Road, Widnes, WA8 6AX or phone 0151 511 8801

The Vision Support Mobile Information Unit will be visiting on Thursday 16th May 10am to 3pm at Widnes Market (by Morrisons) and also on Tuesday 21st May 10am to 2pm at Runcorn Library (Halton Lea Shopping City) so you can call in to see what support they can offer. 

Jack's Supports (part of the Tesco family) and Groundwork UK are inviting good causes and charity groups in St Helens to be a part of the next round of a small grants programme between £250- £750 available, with applications accepted within 5 miles of a Jacks store. Once applications are submitted they will be reviewed by colleagues who will create a shortlist of four good causes. Each of the four shortlisted good causes will receive a donation of £250.

Voting then begins in store for the winning good cause, the winner will receive carrier bag proceeds from their local store for a three month period. This will be guaranteed minimum of £500.

To be considered for the next round of voting, applications need to be submitted by 10th May 2019.

For more information and to find out how to apply please click the link below:

https://www.jacks-uk.com/jacks-supports

Our colleagues from Halton Borough Council’s External Funding Team have prepared some Funding Bulletins containing valuable information for voluntary organisations looking for grants to get projects off the ground.

The Monthly funding bulletins offering information on funding opportunities in the following areas:

Arts, Community & Voluntary, Environment & Heritage, European, Faith, Health, Schools, Sports and Youth.

To access the information, please click on the link below:

https://www4.halton.gov.uk/Pages/business/FinanceandGrants/finance.aspx

Tuesday 7th May 2019 from 10:00am 
The Heath Business Park, Runcorn, WA7 4QX

Looking to Recruit?  Need a new approach?  Keen for your workforce to truly understand and reflect your customer base?  Then Halton’s Supported Internship Programme may be just what you need.  At 10am on the 7th of May at ‘The Heath’, in Runcorn, Halton Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise are going to meet the businesses that are currently benefiting from Supported Internships as well as current and future interns who are participating in this practical and comprehensive programme of support.  

Supported Internships are a great way for local businesses to find valuable skills and lower staff turnover. This programme acts like an extended working interview helping organisations to develop a workforce that reflects society, as well as it’s customers base. With ongoing support and mentoring opportunities for staff, this programme gives organisations the best possible chance of getting the right person.

Agenda

10:00am - Welcome & Introductions - Rachael Owen

10:05am - National Grid Employability Programme – Seeing is Believing.- Mark Pickles

10.20am - Group Supported Internships - Holiday Inn Liverpool - Helen Roberts

10:35am - Opportunity to meet current and future interns

10:45am - What support is available and how to get involved

10:55am - Panel Q&A

For more information and to book your place, please see the link below:

https://www.haltonchamber.co.uk/events/could-supported-internships-work-for-your-organisation---recruitment-with-real-added-value_106.html

Vacancy for a Trustee Board Member at Widnes and Runcorn Cancer Support Group

Are you passionate about supporting people who have been affected by cancer?

Widnes and Runcorn Cancer Support Group are looking to recruit a volunteer Trustee Board Member to join their team at Widnes & Runcorn Cancer Support Group. They have supported people from the Halton area who have been affected by cancer for many years. They are a community based organisation which is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee.  

They have great pride in their service and in their position within the Halton community. They would like to welcome an experienced individual who could offer their expertise in people management, employment and coaching and development.

This individual will be an important part of carrying out their mission: ‘To provide a community based welcoming environment where emotional and psychological support is available for people from Halton who have been touched by cancer’.

For further information see attached or contact Nicola Donoghue on 0151 423 5730 or email info@widnesandruncorncancersupport.org.uk. If you would like to be considered you will be asked to provide a personal statement about why you would like to be a board member of what you can offer to the role. There will then be a meeting with representatives of the organisation.

One of Halton’s Dementia Action Alliance member organisations, PD Law, are kindly providing free access to legal advice as part of Halton’s Dementia Action Week activities. During Dementia Awareness week they are running a free legal advice drop in clinic at Notcutts Rivendell Garden Centre on Mill Lane on Tuesday 21st May 2019 between 10.30am and 2.30pm. The clinic will be raising awareness of dementia to the local community whilst offering the opportunity for access to free legal advice and guidance to any person living with dementia and/or their carers.

Message from Siobhan Harley, Campaign Director at The Great Get Together 

When Jo Cox was killed, we saw what can happen in a culture of intolerance and hate. Yet 3 years later, we still feel more divided than ever. But Jo wouldn’t have given up, and neither will we.

This week we’re asking you to pledge to get back together with someone or something in your community you’ve lost touch, argued with or are simply avoiding. And what better time than at The Great Get Together weekend on 21-23rd June.

We also want to make as much noise on social media, in the news and where we live about the importance of kindness, respect and community.

To be part of it, it’s simple and will take just a minute.

Take the pledge 

Arguments, judgements, conflict and hate - we’re all sick of it. The fact is most of us just want to get along and share the things that unite us.

If each of us, one by one, gets back together, overcomes our differences and shows we have #MoreInCommon we can make a change.

Thanks so much for getting involved.

Siobhan Harley
Campaign Director
The Great Get Together

Staying Strong, Staying Steady - Chair based or Standing exercises.

Try it free for 20 minutes or full 50 minutes.

It is on Thursday 9th May 10am to 11am (or 10am to 10.20am for mini taster) at the Frank Myler Pavillion, Liverpool Road, Widnes (next to Ditton Primary School, WA8 7HD).  Join for a cuppa and biscuits afterwards, and a chance to get further information (this class will then operate every Thursday and cost £4 weekly)

Activities for older people to help maintain independence, keep you mobile, active and on your feet.  Sessions include the use of progressive therapy bands to improve your strength, flexibility, balance and confidence in every day tasks.  Make new friends, have fun ... come along and join in.

For further information about Staying Steady class contact: Paul McGregor; Postural Stability Instructor: 07701 016291 or visit www.yourhealthisyourwealth.com 

For further information about this activity or physical activity in Halton contact Paula Parle: 0151 511 8550 or email Paula.parle@halton.gov.uk

A £2.7 million programme to tackle unemployment has been launched in April 2019 with backing from the European Social Fund.

The funds have been granted by the government’s Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) in partnership with Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership to the Worker’s Educational Association (WEA), an adult education charity which provides training and learning opportunities for people at risk of exclusion.

Over the next two years, the charity will help thousands of people who face additional barriers in the workplace, such as lone parents, improve their employability and gain permanent employment.

The WEA will distribute small grants of £20,000 across Merseyside and Halton to eligible organisations in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector between April 2019 and May 2021.

Funded activities will target those aged 19 and over, from the hardest to reach communities. The funding can help all who are out of work but especially those with:

• disabilities and long term health conditions
• single parents
• women
• people from ethnic minorities
• people over 50
• those planning to return to the workplace after a long period of absence

Round 1 of ESF Community Grants for Liverpool City Region is now OPEN.  The closing date for electronic applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 5th June 2019 – please click here for information on how to apply.

For information on application scoring criteria and decision making please click here.

For any other queries please call the ESF Grants Team on 0151 243 5356 or email ESFgrantslcr@wea.org.uk.

TO BOOK YOUR PLACE AT OUR MEET THE FUNDER EVENT  - CLICK HERE

Recofferee 

For anyone who is in recovery from addiction and is looking for an alternative based in the community .  This is Mutual Aid led by peers for peers based on behaviour.

Come and find out more – grab a coffee and a chat with someone who is in recovery.  Free coffee, free chat in private                                                                            

To find out more look for Facebook page ACT Peer Recovery Widnes & Halton or look on the website www.act-peer-recovery.com 

Meetings will take place on Wednesdays at 11am to 12.30pm in the Tesco Cafe (cafe upstairs but lift access available)

The Price Parry Charitable Trust, are a charitable foundation which helps small projects in the Wirral area, extending to Liverpool (they will consider applications from Widnes, Runcorn and St Helens), with the focus on disadvantaged areas. Please find attached guidance and application form for your information.

If you could benefit from funding and want to find out more please contact Megan Grant on Megan.grant@Rathbones.com

The Trustees have a meeting twice a year the next meeting is on the 16th May.

The WEA has launched round 1 of its 2019-2021 ESF Community Grants programme.  It is a £2.7 million programme to tackle unemployment, with backing from the European Social Fund (ESF) and the government’s Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), in partnership with Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP); and managed locally by WEA.

Over the next two years, the programme will help thousands of people who face additional barriers in the workplace, such as lone parents, improve their employability and gain permanent employment.

The WEA will distribute small grants of £20,000 across Merseyside and Halton to eligible organisations in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector between April 2019 and May 2021.

Please click here to visit the WEA website for further information and how to apply.

Join Willowbrook Hospics on Sunday 19 May at the St Helens Hotel for their BIG BIG Tea Party – a special traditional afternoon tea but with entertainment, mini-pampering sessions, prize raffle and a range of stalls selling handmade goods and crafts!

Tickets are only £15 and available from The Living Well on 01744 453798 or by emailing: events@willowbrookhospice.org.uk

You can also book online at: https://willowbrookhospice.charitycheckout.co.uk/bigteaparty2019

St Helens Street Pastors are seeking a new Coordinator to manage, promote and develop the work of St Helens Street Pastors.  The Coordinator will be responsible for the recruitment, training and support of volunteers; the administration and smooth running of the charity; and working in partnership with local churches and other agencies to further the aims of Street Pastors.

They are looking for a well-rounded individual who is enthusiastic and self-motivated; who can work well with a variety of people and organisations; and who is able to communicate effectively and inspire others about the work of Street Pastors, whilst keeping the administrative wheels rolling.

This post is for 12 hours per week, at a rate of £12 per hour.  The Coordinator will be accountable to the Board of Trustees.

There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement for this role to be a practising Christian, in line with the Street Pastors ethos and code of conduct.

The deadline for applications is Monday 13th May and interviews will be held during the week beginning 20th May (exact date and time to be confirmed).

For more information and an application pack, please contact Rev Nick White (chair of trustees) on sainthelens@streetpastors.org.uk

Volunteers needed for St Helens Mind Befriending Service, Befriending people in St Helens who have become isolated due to mental ill health.  You can make a difference. For more information please telephone 01744 647089 or email admin@sthelensmind.org.uk for more information.

The next Talkfest engagement events will take place during National Mental Health Awareness Week, the 13th to 19th of May. The event will have a specific focus on mental health and how to support local communities to support others who are experiencing poor mental health. At the event they will also provide an update on St Helens Cares, Shared Care Record, Contact Cares and discuss the priorities of the Peoples Board. They will also update you on the findings from February's Talkfest and the Health and Wellbeing Fair held in March

Sessions will last approximately 2 hours and will be held as follows:

Monday 13th May – Woodside Medical Centre, Woodside Road, Haydock, WA11 0NA 1.30pm arrival for 2.00pm start

Wednesday 15th May – Thatto Heath Library, Thatto Heath Road, WA10 3QX 1.00pm arrival for 1.30pm start

Thursday 16th May – Garswood Medical Centre, Billinge Road, Garswood, WN4 0XD 9.30am arrival for 10.00am start
 
As well as the dedicated events above they will also have a stand both days (Friday 17th and Saturday 18th May) at the Healthy in St Helens event, located within Parish Church, Church Square in the town centre.

During the week the team will also be attending a number of existing sessions across St Helens such as coffee mornings and Get Together sessions as well as working with local businesses and schools.

If you would like to register for an event please contact engagement@sthelensccg.nhs.uk or 01744 627596 to book your place stating your name, organisation (if applicable) and the session you would like to attend.

Liverpool City Region Talent Match Plus Programme, funded by the European Social Fund and Youth Employment Initiative and Big Lottery, is seeking to procure services to enhance their offer which support young people aged 15-29 who are furthest away from the labour market to progress into training, education or employment.

MYA are procuring two service providers for their Talent Match Plus project – 1. an independent evaluator; and 2. Marketing support.

Key timescales:

• Deadline for completed applications: 10.00am 30th April 2019
• Applications assessed: 2nd and 3rd May 2019
• Shortlisted applicants interviewed: either 13th or 14th May 2019
• Successful applicants informed:17th May 2019
• Following completion of relevant SLA documentation, service delivery will begin on 1st June 2019

For more information please see the link below:

https://www.mya.org.uk/talent-match-plus-commissioning-opportunities/

Wellbeing Enterprises have produced a citizen led asset map for the Halton area, using a new app technology they have developed called "happyplace".

The report gives voice to local people to describe what assets they value in their community and why. It is hoped that the report and the data will be helpful from a town planning, conservation, and public health perspective, as well as encouraging visitors to the area.

Please also see links to:

• Promo film about the app: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBq4w7HwEDs
• The happyplace app website: www.happyplace.org.uk

Closing date: 30 April, 2019 4:00 pm

Hours per week: 35.00

Salary: £63,753 to £86,833

Location: No1 Mann Island, L3 1BP

Employment type: Full Time

Contract type: Permanent

Job Description:

Lead Officer – Adult Education Budget (AEB)
£63,753 – £86,833

(starting salary & incremental progression will be dependent upon experience)

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is looking for an exceptional individual to join our team and deliver their vision for an inclusive, globally competitive city region at the heart of the Northern Powerhouse. This is an exciting time, having successfully negotiated and secured a Devolution Agreement with Government and elected the City Region’s first ever metro Mayor. The devolution of the Adult Education Budget gives them the opportunity to tailor the skills and adult education system to better address the local priorities.

As the Lead Officer for AEB you will provide leadership in order to drive forward the successful delivery of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s (LCRCA) commitments in respect of the devolution of the Adult Education Budget from 2019/2020.

They are looking for an experienced manager to lead their team of education and skills professionals, working with colleagues and stakeholders across the city region, to drive the work and ensure that they maximise this opportunity.

For more information and to apply, please see the link below:

https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/vacancy/4012/

Diabetes UK are currently working on a new and exciting volunteer project in Halton with the aim of raising awareness about diabetes and the prevention of Type 2 diabetes.

The number of people with diabetes is growing rapidly and Halton is no different in fact Halton has the 3rd highest population of people living with the condition in the North West of England. They want to make sure people in Halton know about diabetes, spread the prevention messages and support people living with the condition to manage it well.

They are recruiting volunteers to be part of this exciting project who have a mixture of skills, interests and ideas. Together the task force will work as a team to raise awareness in Halton about diabetes and ways of preventing Type 2 diabetes through a series of activities/events. By connecting as a group they hope that anyone involved can help to motivate, encourage and support each other throughout the project.

For more informaiton and to get involved please contact Jessica Graham on the details below:

Email: jessica.graham@diabetes.org.uk 

Phone: 01925 644 566

We are currently undertaking a root and branches review of what we do.  We are looking towards the future and want to ensure that we are able to support voluntary and community groups, charities and social enterprises for many years to come.

This survey involves looking in detail at everything we do.  As part of that we would like to hear from all the groups and organisations who have been in touch with us in some way over the last 12 months.  We want to find out what services have groups and organisations used and are most valuable and if there is anything we can improve on.  In such a challenging economic environment, it’s important to us to know that we are providing the right kind of support and that we’re focusing our efforts on the most relevant and appropriate services.  Even if you haven’t used all our services you can also comment on what services you think are important in our section ‘Together Moving Forward’

We’d be extremely grateful if you could spend 10 minutes completing our brief online survey so that we can take your views into account and contribute to helping us shape the future of your membership organisation as we plan our future activities. 

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/annual-feedback-survey-2019

Halton Sensory Service

Those suffering from vision or hearing loss in Halton now have access to a specialised support service.

Halton Sensory Services opened on March 27 by the Mayor of Halton in 126 Widnes Road, Widnes, and will be a hub where residents can access information and support under one roof.

There will be a team of specialist staff experienced in sight and hearing loss, vision impairment and deafness available for general enquiries or appointments in rehabilitation, aids and adaptations.

Home visits can also be arranged for people with mobility or health issues.

The partners, Vision Support, Deafness Resource Centre and Halton Borough Council, are working together to establish the fully integrated sensory service, reducing the need for residents to contact different organisations for support with their sensory needs.

The service will also make use of a mobile unit to go to into communities to reach out to more isolated residents and to inform people of the support available.

A spokesperson for Halton Borough Council said: "Halton Sensory Services and the opening of the new base in Widnes will make a real difference to the quality of life and wellbeing of people living with sensory loss in Halton."

You can contact them on 0151 511 8801.

A £2.7 million programme to tackle unemployment has been launched in April 2019 with backing from the European Social Fund.

The funds have been granted by the government’s Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) in partnership with Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership to the Worker’s Educational Association (WEA), an adult education charity which provides training and learning opportunities for people at risk of exclusion.

Over the next two years, the charity will help thousands of people who face additional barriers in the workplace, such as lone parents, improve their employability and gain permanent employment.

The WEA will distribute small grants of £20,000 across Merseyside and Halton to eligible organisations in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector between April 2019 and May 2021.

Funded activities will target those aged 19 and over, from the hardest to reach communities. The funding can help all who are out of work but especially those with:

• disabilities and long term health conditions
• single parents
• women
• people from ethnic minorities
• people over 50
• those planning to return to the workplace after a long period of absence

Round 1 of ESF Community Grants will open on Wednesday 24th April 2019 

For more information and how to apply, please see the link below:

https://www.wea.org.uk/liverpool-city-region-esf-community-grants-2019-2021

1 x full time or 2 x 18.5 hours (job share).
Fixed term for 1 year
Secondment will be considered.
Salary: Band 6 (£30,401per annum) or pro-rated if part-time
Closing Date: Wednesday 24th April at 5pm

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a High Intensity User (HIU) Lead to join NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group and Wellbeing Enterprises CIC to work across the local health and social care system.

They are seeking an experienced, resilient and motivated individual, with experience of working with people with complex needs, as well as working within a fast-paced environment.

The successful candidate will work with a rolling cohort of patients who attend A&E, call 999 or have been admitted to hospital more than might be expected. They are looking for an individual whose ability to connect with people is strong enough to support the change in behaviour of people with even the most complex medical/social needs. The post holder will seek to appropriately reduce the number of emergency contacts and other care interactions across Halton. You will also work alongside a team of dedicated non-medical community wellbeing professionals who support people to address wider social issues impacting on health and wellbeing.

Skills required will be empathy, compassion, strong negotiation, patience and a real appetite for helping those that many others may have either forgotten about or have turned away. This is an excellent opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives, by putting in place interventions that reintegrate people into the local community, without the need to make demands on services that may not be the most appropriate to meet their needs . The successful candidate(s) will be working closely with Halton Clinical Commissioning Group, A&E departments at Warrington & St Helens Hospitals, Ambulance service (NWAS), Police, Local Authorities and local Community Health Teams.

The successful candidate will work a 37 hour week or 18.5 hour week (if part-time). A flexible work approach is required as there may be some out of hour’s calls i.e. evenings and weekends, as its imperative that high intensity users feel fully supported during their time on the HIU programme. Due to the requirement of the post the candidate must commit to remaining with the project for 1 year. The work will be a combination of face to face contact with high intensity users, as well as telephone contact and liaison with other service providers to support improved outcomes for service users.

For more information and how to apply please contact Wellbeing Enterprises:
Helen McPeake
E: h.mcpeake@wellbeingenterprises.org.uk
T: 01928 589 799

Job Vacancy with VSNW for a Communications Officer 

Salary:  £27,000 per annum
35 Hours per week
Working in Greater Manchester

Closing Date: 13 May 2019

Main Purpose

To lead and develop inspiring communications for Voluntary Sector North West (VSNW), supporting the work of the Chief Executive. In particular, delivering:
 
●    VSNW’s communications
●    Greater Manchester Cancer Champions’ VCSE Screening Programme communications 

Reporting Responsibility

The post holder will report to and be managed by the Chief Executive of VSNW.

Principal Duties

1.  Proactively generate high quality digital and print communications content.

2.  Lead on VCSE Screening Programme Communications Strategy, including implementation and delivery of online and tech platforms

3.  Develop and deliver VSNW’s communications and marketing strategies to reach, listen to and engage our key audiences.

4.  Deliver GM Cancer Champions’ communications and content creation using digital channels, and print, to:

• Drive relevant traffic to the recruitment page with a focus on conversion from page visits to completing applications
• Engage a wide variety of partners, networks and grassroots organisations to build relationships and ensure our content and conversations are shared with their contacts.
• Effectively link with the Screening Programme’s Engagement and Delivery Team.

5. Ensure that VSNW effectively communicates with members and the broader Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector. Currently this includes maintaining and creating content for the website (www.vsnw.org.uk), Twitter, Mailchimp e-bulletin and other publications/mechanisms.

6.  Create reports on the effectiveness of the strategies being used to inform and further develop the communications strategy. 

7.  Collect and collate information on project activities to enable complete and accurate completion of progress reports to commissioners and shareable content for our audiences.

General

1.      To promote and uphold the values of VSNW at all times.

2.      To continuously develop and share knowledge within key partnerships and the VSNW team.

3.      At all times to take account of equal opportunities considerations when working with the VCSE; paying particular attention to the needs and perspectives of groups and communities who are marginalised or excluded from participation in sub-regional governance.

4.      To be a co-operative and supportive member of the VSNW staff team, ensuring that all members are aware of any issues in the post holder's workload which may impact on other staff or partners.

5.      To listen to and engage North West VCSE partners to be active members of VSNW.

6.      To produce reports for the VSNW Board of Trustees as required.

7.      To observe all policies and procedures that are determined by VSNW’s Board of Trustees, e.g. Health & Safety, New Technology.

8.      To undertake regular supervision with your line manager and to keep her or him informed of significant developments in the progress of work.

9. To undertake such tasks as may be reasonably requested by the Chief Executive of VSNW to further the objects of the organisation in alignment with its values.

To apply, please download the full person specification, complete the application form and send to recruitment@vsnw.org.uk. Please state the position you are applying for in the subject line. 

Interviews are w/c 20th May 2019.

Job Description and Application form attached 

Genesis Jobs, Education & Training

Do you want a new career in Health & Social Care?

Training is available to get you ready for work.  There is an information and enrolment session on Wednesday 24th April at 10am at Genesis, 2nd Floor YMCA Beacon Building, College Street, St Helens, WA10 1TF (opposite the police station)

This is a fully accredited Health & Social Care qualification and gives learners a great introduction to the industry and readies learners for interview.  

They have 3 local employers who will be offering job interviews to learners who complete the training. 

Topics covered during the learning will include:

• Dementia Awareness
• The person-centred approach to the care and support of individuals with dementia
• Understand the factors that can influence communication and interaction with individuals who have dementia
• Understand equality, diversity and inclusion in dementia care
• Explore principles of healthy eating
• Consider nutritional needs of a variety of individuals
• Use food and nutrition information to plan a healthy diet
• The principles of weight management
• Understanding eating disorders

This gives learners the opportunity to:  

• Develop occupationally related knowledge and skills  
• Develop knowledge and skills that support employability and career progression
• Achieve a nationally-recognised Level 1 qualification 

To book a place call Joe Lennard on 01744 733 711 / 07503 963 457 

Easter egg quiz and trail in Taylor Park

Easter Monday, 22nd April 2019

Starting at 2.00pm

The Friends of Taylor Park are staging the annual easter egg quiz and trail around one of St Helens’ finest park on Easter Monday, 22nd April.

Youngsters under 12 or so, as long as they are accompanied by an adult, can take part in an easy quiz during a short walk around this fabulous park.

The first 200 to complete the walk will get a free Cadburys creme egg. There will also be 3 huge Easter eggs prizes in our draw which is open to those youngsters who complete the course.

The whole thing starts at 2.00pm from the boathouse in Taylor Park. Last quiz sheets will be issued at 3.00pm and the draw is at 4.00pm. It’s an afternoon not to be missed and the friends look forward to seeing you there.

The creme eggs are being donated by the council’s ranger service. The park (post code WA10 3HX) is located just off Prescot Road which is the main route between St Helens and Prescot. It is well served by buses and Thatto Heath Station is about 10 minutes walk away. Free public parking is available in the park at the Grosvenor Road and Holme Road entrances but it is limited. There is some on Street parking but the friends urge visitors who have to drive to be considerate of local residents when parking.  Poster attached.

Ladies badminton sessions every Tuesday, 10-11am, held at Broadway Badminton Centre, just Pay 'n Play. All equipment provided and beginners very welcome. 

Family badminton sessions run every Tuesday evening between 6-7pm at Broadway Badminton Centre. This is an open session for friends and family, everyone welcome, just turn up Pay 'n Play.

£4 per session run by Qualified Badminton England Coach and are held at Broadway Badminton Centre Broadway, Grange Park, St Helens, WA10 3RY 

Each year Earlestown Christmas Lights Committee invest into making the Town look spectacular during the festive season.  They are a very proud community and all take pride and look forward to different events throughout the year. They fund their main event which is the Earlestown Christmas Lights through various organised local events, public donations, business donations and sponsorship and also CIF funding from St Helens Council. 

The committee try to make this switch on a bigger and better event than previous years and the whole community get together and have a really enjoyable day, with fairground, attractions and market stalls before the countdown to the annual switch on of the Lights, which is usually turned on by a nominated school child. This year the annual switch on is Sunday 24th November 2019 and the event runs from 12 noon until 6pm on Earlstown Market square.

The majority of the lights are are coming up to 5 years old and some if not all may need replacing as well as buying additional ones, with this in mind they are asking if anyone would be able to donate funding for this, this is a much looked forward to event where all local schools, communities and organisations take part each year.  If you can donate please email Janine Billings on Earlestownchristmaslights@gmail.com, or phone 07817336326.

28 hours -£20,384 a FTE of £25,480 – Funded until September 2022

Based at head office in Warrington with a national reach and therefore travel nationwide

Purpose of Role:

Cycling Projects is a national charity that focusses on reaching connecting and weaving cycling into lifestyle of marginalised individuals and their communities. We have a particular focus on supporting people living with disabilities, inactive community members and those living with lifelong illness
This is an exciting opportunity for an individual to join a forward thinking and energetic team, as the lead person for our training programme portfolio. Cycling Projects is the largest provider of inclusive cycle training opportunities in the country, and to support the growth of our Wheels for All and Pedal Away national programmes, we want to further develop a range of training packages that support our participants, our volunteers staff and partner organisations.

The successful candidate will be responsible for co-ordinating and delivering the current range of training packages, supporting inclusive cycle delivery, community rides and maintenance programmes, as well as developing new packages. They will have the skillset and experience to manage and develop the training packages to meet the needs of everyone regardless of their ability. This role will be based at our head office in Warrington, but will travel across the country supporting our regional staff and training requirement through our partnerships and will manage our training programmes on a national scale.

Please see the attachments below for more information and application form.

For further information and an application pack please contact – Ian Tierney via email Ian.tierney@cycling.org.uk or phone 01925 234213

Closing date for returned application is Tuesday 9th April

Interviews to be held week commencing 15th April 2019

Job Title: Learning Disabilities Assistant
Salary: £18,000 p.a.
Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday (with some flexibility)
Responsible to: Learning Coordinator
Location: Knowsley Disability Concern, Huyton, L36 0SD and a variety of community settings across the Borough of Knowsley and occasionally further afield

Purpose of the role:
To support KDC’s vision which is for people with learning disabilities to improve their independence and be able to exercise choice and control over their lives by speaking up and having their views and wishes heard through active participation, engagement, learning and development. 

Who you are:
• You will have good organisation, administrative and time-management skills and the ability to work as part of a small team
• you will have the ability to juggle a variety of tasks whilst keeping track of the day-to-day requirements needed to provide effective administration.
• you will be flexible to the needs of the projects with a ‘can do’ attitude and ready to ‘jump-in’ and help out
• you will have ‘hands-on’ experience of working with people with learning and communication needs individually and in group settings
• you will be passionate about the rights of people with disabilities

What you would be accountable for: 
• Providing day to day support for the BIG Group and BIG Pathway projects
• Assisting with enrolment processes for BIG Pathway learners, and writing up individual learning plans
• Preparing learning resources and setting up sessions
• Providing one to one support for BIG Pathway participants in ‘classroom’ settings
• Supporting the Learning Disabilities Coordinator to develop the BIG Group through engagement with and in response to the needs and wishes of adults with learning disabilities 
• Supporting marketing and communication activities to promote the BIG Group and BIG Pathway including use of all social media platforms

Interested?
The detailed job description can be accessed from their website via the link - https://www.kdc.org.uk/learning-disabilities-projects-job-opportunities/ .

To apply, download the application and consent forms and complete in full returning them to recruitment@kdc.org.uk .

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 17 April 2019.

The Institute of Advanced Drivers Group is having an informal open 'morning' session at the Ibis Hotel, Haydock, on Sunday 28th April between 11:00am and 1:00pm, offering information and advice regarding RoadSmart courses on advanced motoring. A discount of £89 on the standard course fee of £149 is offered to drivers of 35 years and under and a discount of £50 for drivers of 60 years and over. Anybody with an interest in safer driving, saving money on fuel, vehicle wear and tear and possible car insurance is welcome. Free driving assessments can be provided on the day or at a later date and light refreshments are available.

For further information if required, Email: contact@shgam.org.uk, Web: www.shgam.org.uk, Mobile: 07849 674939 (after 6pm only)

St Helens Public Health are launching a physical activity campaign in April which aims to get the people living and working in the Borough more active.

They are promoting four activities – Walking, Running, Cycling and Swimming. Encouraging those who are currently inactive to do more physical activity. 

The campaign is for all ages and across the borough including businesses and professionals. They will be holding a number of events and challenges throughout the year to promote activities including events for workplaces. Additionally, there will be free training available for professionals on in the importance of physical activity, delivered by Public Health England. 

If you are interested and would like to find out how to get involved, please contact Emma Ciclitira on:  01744 673494 or emmaciclitira@sthelens.gov.uk

Become a Local Authority Foster Carer Information Session.

Interested in Fostering? Looking for a rewarding, home-based, flexible role that uses your skills with children? You could really change the lives of children and young people in the Halton area and develop a career that works for you and your circumstances. 

Come along and find out more, listen to the presentation and meet the friendly team of experienced foster carers and supervising social workers:

25 April 6pm - Castlefields Community Centre, Runcorn

21st May 2019 10am: Halton Stadium, Lower House Lane, Widnes. WA8 7DZ

If you're ready, at the end of the session, you can fill in an Expression of Interest form to take the next step.

You can find out more by access the website below or ringing 0800 195 3175
www.foster4.co.uk

In order to support the delivery of the prevention challenge across the sub region the Cheshire & Merseyside Health & Care Partnership requested the development of a Population Health Framework.

Traditionally efficiencies have been delivered through improved delivery of care but meeting the current goals of saving lives, reducing morbidity, improving quality, being more cost effective and reducing inequalities requires a new solution and a focus on stemming demand through delaying or preventing the onset of need.

The Cheshire & Merseyside Population Health Framework has been developed in conjunction with Cheshire & Merseyside Health & Care Partnership Prevention Board, Public Health England, Local Authorities, the NHS, the voluntary sector and third sector. It sets out evidence based guidelines partners can use to create a transformational and sustainable shift in the health and wellbeing of the Cheshire & Merseyside population.

The guidelines are not prescriptive; they aim to support prevention within local place based settings. They can therefore be adapted and interpreted at a local level.

The Population Health Framework promotes the integration of services, the development of multidisciplinary and multisector teams working together to improve population health. This includes individual care management, the mobilisation of community assets, committing to integrated care models, and making every contact count across sectors, as well as population level interventions like access to employment and workplace health and education.

In support of this approach the prevention framework provides practical suggestions for each Place Based Care System for working on population health with:

• Local system leaders
• General Practices or Primary Care Hubs
• Local tertiary and acute providers
• Communities

More information about the framework can be found in the attached documents. 

Healthwatch St Helens have been tasked by NHS England to do a piece of work around the NHS Long Term Plan Engagement, it is to find out about people’s experiences of health and care services in the borough and to tell them what the NHS can do to help them and their communities stay well and to make the support available better.

They have developed two surveys one for general health and one for long term conditions.  If you have more than one long term condition could you please fill out a survey for each condition that you have.  

https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/what-would-you-do

DIABETES UK
St Helens & District Group
 
The next meeting of the St Helens & District Group of Diabetes UK will be on Wednesday 3rd April 2019 at 7.30pm in St Helens United Reformed Church, King St, WA10 2JZ. The church is next to Windle Pilkington Hall. Due to a slight change to the programme the speaker will now be Michelle Cowan, thanks to Michelle for stepping in at short notice and talking about the following:- 
 
Looking after your feet when you have diabetes.
 
Michelle is an Advanced Podiatrist from the North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Trust.  Anyone with an interest in diabetes is welcome to attend, admission is free and refreshments are available after the meeting. There is also a large selection of diabetes leaflets available. If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes and have not been to a meeting before you are particularly welcome. They are a very friendly group and you may be assured of a warm welcome. 
 
For further details contact C Bowmaker on 0151 480 0821, 
or go to our website at www.st-helens-and-district.diabetesukgroup.org 
 

The JohnPaul Project is a charitable service which aims to improve the emotional wellbeing of veterans and their families across Merseyside through targeted psychological therapies and support programmes. The project was set up memory of JohnPaul Finnigan a local veteran who sadly lost his life to suicide in 2018 after a lengthy battle with PTSD.

The project is determined to reduce the number of Veteran deaths by suicide, saving lives by using prevention strategies that are based on the best evidence available, together with supporting both veterans and their families to join us all on the road of being a survivor who is equipped to deal with the complexities that life presents.

They have produced a new promotional video supporting veterans across the Liverpool City Region:

The JohnPaul Project is managed and coordinated by the registered charity Caring Connections. If you would like to find out more or need support please email veterans@caringconnections.org.uk

Our colleagues from Halton Borough Council’s External Funding Team have prepared some Funding Bulletins containing valuable information for voluntary organisations looking for grants to get projects off the ground.

The Monthly funding bulletins offering information on funding opportunities in the following areas:

Arts, Community & Voluntary, Environment & Heritage, European, Faith, Health, Schools, Sports and Youth.

To access the information, please click on the link below:

https://www4.halton.gov.uk/Pages/business/FinanceandGrants/finance.aspx

Mersey Gateway are offering to give presentations to local groups to hear all about the Mersey Gateway Project – one of the largest construction projects in the UK – from the construction phase to the continuing work in the environment.  If your group would like to take up the opportunity please email info@merseylink.com.

Mersey Gateway are also offering to take groups on a guided walk around Spike Island to hear about the Mersey Gateway Project, what’s going on in the environment now and in the past, and the chemical industry, if you are interested then email info@merseylink.com

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is looking for people with the passion to deliver on their vision and help them to create a truly global and competitive city region which works for everyone.  If you’re interested in a career with the Combined Authority take a look at their current opportunities.

Housing First Team Recruitment

​Closing date: 15 April, 2019 4:00 pm

Hours per week: 35.00

Salary: Various

Location: No1 Mann Island, L3 1BP

Employment type: Full Time

Contract type: Fixed Term for 18 Months

View Vacancy 

Assistant Investment Analyst

Closing date: 24 April, 2019 4:00 pm

Hours per week: 35 hours

Salary: £21,598 - £24,284

Location: Merseyside

Employment type: Full Time

Contract type: Fixed Term for 2.5 years

View Vacancy

Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are looking for a new Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist to join the WHH Family. 

This is a permanent, new role at Band 7 (£33,222 to £43,041 pa) Working pattern is 37.5 hours per week.

The closing date for applications is 7th April 2019 and the interviews will be taking place on 24th April 2019. 

For more information and details on how to apply please go to https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/xi/vacancy/?vac_ref=915504302

Keep Britain Tidy is seeking new LitterHeroes Ambassadors to join the volunteer programme and they need your help! 

The LitterHeroes Ambassador programme is for people from all walks of life who want to get their communities involved in litter picking and improving public spaces for all .

You need to be at least 18 years old, good at motivating others and willing to get outdoors and lead by example.  Applications are now open until Monday 6th May 2019 and successful applicants will be notified of next steps during the week commencing 6th May. 

All you need to do is; apply directly online via https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LHAapply2019 or email them on LHAmbassador@keepbritaintidy.org and they will send you a link to the application form, alternatively you can visit the website here for more information..

The LitterHeroes Ambassador programme is supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery and aims to support community cohesion, improve public spaces and help benefit mental and physical wellbeing.

Please find attached a poster 

Job Vacancy: Telephone Helpline & Befriending Co-ordinator

• 30 hours per week  |  Salary: £15,444
• Closing date for applications: 7th April 2019
• Proposed interview date: 15th April 2019
• For an application form and pack: bethan.harries@sightline.org.uk
• Contract: Reaching communities Big Lottery funded until February 2020

Sightline is a unique service delivering practical and emotional support to the visually impaired community through a confidential, evening, Freephone helpline. The helpline service is available to callers with any visual impairment, families, carers and professionals.

Staffed by trained visually impaired volunteers the service operates each evening between 6pm to 10pm.

The post will have its office base in Preston, but the role involves working across the North West of England. Clean driving license needed.

For more information please see attachments. 

Rosa - the UK fund for women and girls, is pleased to open the fourth round of their flagship grants programme, Voices from the Frontline. The programme offers grants of up to £5,000 to women's organisations of all sizes for advocacy, campaigning and activism.

They want to encourage applications from a wide range of women's organisations from across the UK.

The first three rounds of Voices from the Frontline have supported organisations and campaigns like the Good Night Out Campaign, an organisation working to change how licensed organisations deal with gendered violence and sexual harassment; Yorkshire Sound Women to lobby the music industry for better opportunities for women; and Women in Sport, to launch a campaign about the visibility of sporting role models for women. 

To date, Voices from the Front Line has supported more than 60 grassroots and national women’s organisations across the UK.

To apply or find out more about Voices from the Frontline please read the application guidance. 

The deadline for applications is 5.00pm on Tuesday 14th May. 

They will be running two 'How to apply' webinars for Voices from the Frontline. Please register below:

Wednesday 27 March 11.00 – 12.00pm Register here

Tuesday 30 April 12.30 – 1.30pm Register here

The team at Halton & St Helens VCA are sad to hear that Dr Lyons has left his role as Chair at NHS Halton CCG. We are grateful to him for his support  of voluntary sector organisations throughout his tenure. In particular, his championing of the CCG radio show (supported by the VCA) on Halton Community Radio.

Following much consideration, Dr Lyon took the difficult decision to resign from his post as Chair, with effect from 14th March 2019.

David Merrill, Vice Chair, who took up the position of Chair in the interim period, will continue to discharge the duties of Chair until a new substantive Chair has been appointed.

In terms of the next steps, discussions will be held with the CCG membership with a view to progressing the recruitment process.

Please be assured that Dr Lyon is well but he has requested that no formal leaving presentation arrangements are made. However, if you would like to extend best wishes to Dr Lyon then please feel free to send these to Dr Lyon via the Castlefields Health Centre or please contact Dr Lyon via his email address.

Changing Lives is a national charity that supports over 17,500 people each year. They are a well-respected, growing organisation dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable people across the UK. 

They began as a soup run, supporting people who were homeless in the North East over 45 years ago. Since 1970, their services have grown and developed to support people experiencing a wide range of personal challenges, including addiction and recovery programmes, employment guidance, help for people in prison or on probation, and support for people experiencing sexual exploitation or domestic abuse. 

They are looking for committed and compassionate professionals who share their enthusiasm for changing lives. 

About The Job
To provide high-quality frontline advice and support to women/men and their children fleeing domestic abuse living in the refuge.

Apply For The Job
Want to know more about this extremely exciting and rewarding opportunity? Download the full job description and application form from https://www.changing-lives.org.uk/careers/vacancies/ 

They are passionate about creating a diverse workforce and positively encourage applications from under-represented communities. 

HR017 – Refuge Project Worker

Location: Halton

Salary: £10,558.37 per annum (pro rata of £19,533)

Hours: 20 hours per week

Closing Date:  8th April 2019

Interview : TBC

Partnership Chair of the Halton Autism Action Alliance

Job Advertisement

Remuneration for the post is to the amount of £150 per half a day up to a maximum of 6 days per year.

The post is hosted by Halton Borough Council and will be filled for a period of two years on a consultancy basis paid through the local authority payroll for HMRC purposes.                           

The Halton Autism Action Alliance is looking to appoint a Partnership Chair of this newly established board, which will be responsible for the delivery of the new One Halton All-Age Autism Strategy and associated Delivery Plan.  This ambitious new strategy aims to take a more joined-up and holistic approach to developing opportunities and realising potential for people with Autism at every stage of their lives.

The Alliance brings together different organisations, services and stakeholders to create an integrated strategic planning forum that is responsible for identifying local commissioning priorities and developing/improving autism provision across the local health and social care landscape. This strategic, multi-agency approach will result in improved experiences and better outcomes for people with autism and their families/carers.

The successful candidate will be highly motivated and passionate about improving the lives of people with autism in Halton.

To be successful, applicants must have relevant experience in Autism and will need to demonstrate significant experience of working at a senior leadership level within health/social care.

The following skills and experience will also be required:

• The ability to build and maintain strong working relationships and productive partnerships;
• Experience of successfully chairing high-level, complex/multi-agency meetings;
• Exceptional communication skills and political astuteness;
• An awareness of the issues faced by people with autism and a sound knowledge of relevant legislation, good practice and guidance;
• A commitment to delivering the strategy in collaboration with all stakeholders.

The post holder will be required to attend six board meetings per calendar year and this would include setting agendas and reading/preparing for the meetings up to a maximum of 6 days per year.

The Partnership Chair will be accountable to the Principal Social Worker/Divisional Manager for Care Management and undertake quarterly meetings to review the role.

Application Process: Cover letter detailing your suitability for the role and relevant experience, accompanied by your CV.  The letter should be no more than 3 sides of A4. 

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Marie Lynch, Divisional Manager on 0151 511 8392 or Patrick Frost, Principal Manager on 0151 511 8086.

Closing date: 31st March 2019, close of play.

Address for cover letters/CVs to be submitted:

Emma Sutton-Thompson 

Principal Manager

Policy, Performance and Customer Care

Halton Borough Council

Runcorn Town Hall

Heath Road

Runcorn

WA7 5TD

“Pass it on” is a new, community-wide project starting early 2019 and closing with celebration and award events in June and July 2019.

Project Aim

To create a safer, more cohesive community with early identification and improved reporting of safeguarding and vulnerability issues. Halton is a borough that has always been a welcoming and inclusive place to live and work and is becoming a more diverse community. This project offers the opportunity for us to celebrate this. They are looking for people to participate- to share their good news stories, to try any activity on being a good neighbour and to look after each other, especially those people in our community that may have care or support needs. They are leading a public campaign, joining with partners in the community, across social media, the press and hosting public celebration events. They are offering FREE Alerter Training, delivered by award-winning Geese Theatre Company; that will help people to understand how to identify and find support for those who may be at risk of harm.

Issues being dealt with through this project

Many local issues were identified in a report that was written on behalf of Halton’s Faith Sector Forum and submitted to both Halton Safeguarding Boards (Children’s and Adults). Further details are provided in ‘background’ section of the attached document. Other issues have been identified and verified by partners within the two safeguarding boards and its sub groups.

The main, but not exclusive, ones being addressed by this project are:

• Safeguarding of adults, children and young people
• Hate crime and harassment reduction
• Loneliness and social isolation
• Diversity of culture, backgrounds and circumstances eg asylum seekers, refugees
• People who have been trafficked
• People who have been abused
• Vulnerability
• The introduction of Universal Credit (UC) and its negative effects on people e.g. evictions, homelessness, rising debt, increase in use of food banks, fuel poverty, destitution. 

Please see the attached documents for more information on the awards and details on how to book on the training.  Please feel free to share and encourage people to take part!

Healthwatch St Helens have been tasked by NHS England to do a piece of work around the NHS Long Term Plan Engagement, it is to find out about people’s experiences of health and care services in the borough and to tell them what  the NHS can do to help them and their communities stay well and to make the support available better.

They have developed two surveys one for general health and one for long term conditions.  If you have more than one long term condition could you please fill out a survey for each condition that you have.  

https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/what-would-you-do

Its important to let them know your views so feel free to pass this information on to family and friends so they can participate and complete a survey

Come along to remember those that have been lost to suicide, show support for one another and help raise awereness of suicide prevention. 

The event will be on Wednesday 10th April at 7pm-9:30pm, it will be held at St Helens RFC Totally Wicked Stadium. 

If you would like to attend the memorial service, simply turn up or to reserve a seat please visit https://www.listening-ear.co.uk/ or call 0330 0889255. 

Poster attached if you would like to help publicise the event

Apex Trust are inviting Women of St Helens to join them every Wednesday from 10:00am to 3:30pm at the Womens HUB at their base in Century House, Hardshaw Street, St Helens, WA10 1QU.  There will be a variety of activities so to find out more please call Apex Trust on 01744 612898 for more details. 

Gift Aid Small Donation Scheme

If you rely on donations from individuals please note that from April 2019 the Gift Aid Small Donation Scheme limit will increase from £20 to £30.

This means charities and community amateur sports clubs can claim top-up payments on small donations up to a maximum of £2,000, You also do not need to know the identity of the donors or collect Gift Aid declarations. There is more information available on Gov.uk.

Don’t forget claim Gift Aid on your other donations.

To champion the fight against poverty and inequality enabling people to take control of their lives. Based in Liverpool but travel to the surrounding areas

Role: Money Advice Caseworker

Hours: 35 hours per week

Pay: Scale 6 point 26-28 £23,688 - £25,463 (pro rata)

Established in 1999 Raise is an advice service that supports clients within their own home with welfare benefits, money advice and financial capability advice at a specialist level. This is an opportunity to be involved in the delivery of their money advice service to clients in the Liverpool City Region. In order to achieve this they need a highly motivated individual who is passionate about empowering individuals to manage their money worries. You will be experienced in providing high level debt advice within a performance management framework. You will have excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to relate and work with a large variety of different people.

Closing date: Monday 25 March 12 noon
Interviews will be held on: Thursday 28 March 2019

For a job pack please visit the website www.benefitsadviceteam.co.uk or email admin@benefitsadviceteam.co.uk
 

Our colleagues from Halton Borough Council’s External Funding Team have prepared some Funding Bulletins containing valuable information for voluntary organisations looking for grants to get projects off the ground.

The Monthly funding bulletins offering information on funding opportunities in the following areas:

Arts, Community & Voluntary, Environment & Heritage, European, Faith, Health, Schools, Sports and Youth.

To access the information, please click on the link below:

https://www4.halton.gov.uk/Pages/business/FinanceandGrants/finance.aspx

Free legal assistance

The Not-for-Profits Programme from Law Works is for small not-for-profit organisations that cannot afford or would struggle to pay for legal advice.

Where a not-for-profit organisation needs help with a one-off legal issue, Law Works match the organisation with a volunteer lawyer from its network of member law firms and in-house legal teams who can advise on that matter.  The advice is given for free (pro bono).

Examples of discrete matters volunteers can help with include:

• drafting a contract
• reviewing a lease
• updating a constitution/articles, or
• clarifying rights in a commercial dispute.

You can find out more about eligibility and how to apply for legal advice here. 

Self- Neglect Conference: Halton Stadium 9am-12.30pm Monday 18th March 2019

Halton Safeguarding Adults Board's would like to invite you to attend the annual awareness event, which this year focusses on Self-Neglect.

On the day they hope to raise awareness and understanding of this very sensitive and complex issue. The event is free to any adult who lives or works in Halton. This includes paid employees, volunteers, carers, including family carers, those employed through a personal budget and those who use services.  Hear from experts in the field and gain valuable tools and information to help the people you care for.

Self-neglect can be a complex and challenging issue to address, because of the need to find the right balance between respecting a person's autonomy and fulfilling a duty to protect the adult's health and wellbeing. Both perspectives can be supported by human rights arguments. SCIE. At a glance 71. Published October 2018.

The event aims:

•          to highlight what we already know about self-neglect generally
•          to understand what approach and support is available in Halton
•          to identify what is needed in Halton to further help adults that may be experiencing self-neglect.
•          to understand roles and responsibilities and address expectations of care and support

To book your place please click on the link below

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/halton-safeguarding-adults-board-awareness-day-self-neglect-tickets-53680607141

Applications are now open for SSE’s biggest UK programme: the Lloyds Bank and Bank of Scotland Social Entrepreneurs Programme, in partnership with School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE), supported by the National Lottery Community Fund.

They are looking for people across the UK who are starting up and growing projects that create social and environmental impact. They can help them at all stages, from idea through to scale.

The programme provides free support for a year:

• A grant (£1,000 - £7,000)
• A learning programme
• Mentoring
• A supportive community

Find out more here: http://bit.ly/lloyds2019
 

Crownway Community Centre are currently looking for people to lend a helping hand in the café for a few hours on Wednesdays and Fridays. If you are interested, please enquire in the office at Crown Street, Earlestown, Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, WA12 9DA, call 01925 22290 or email them to find out more information office@crownwaycommunitycentre.co.uk

Free Suicide Prevention Training at The Citadel, St Helens. On Wednesday 6th March, 11am - 12noon.

Be empowered to act!
• Learn how to spot the signs
• Learn techniques to reach out to a colleague, friend or family member you are concerned about
• Be prepared for a life-saving conversation, both in a professional & personal setting.

Free tickets available.  To book yours please call The Citadel Box Office on 01744 762300
or email: info@citadel.org.uk.

For more information, please visit: https://www.citadel.org.uk/event/zero-suicide-alliance/

The Merseyside Police and Crime Panel is seeking a committed and enthusiastic person from the Merseyside area to serve as a co-opted independent member on the panel from July 2019 for a term to end in May 2023.

This role is an exciting opportunity to be involved in the arrangements for police governance and accountability, which would involve scrutinising and supporting the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 introduced significant changes in police governance and accountability; in particular, replacing Police Authorities by directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) from November 2012.

In summary, the public accountability for the delivery and performance of the police service within each force is now placed into the hands of the PCC on behalf of their electorate. The PCC draws on this electoral mandate to set and shape the strategic objectives of their force area in consultation with the Chief Constable. The PCC is accountable both to the electorate and the Police and Crime Panel; the Chief Constable is directly accountable to the PCC.

Each force area has a Police and Crime Panel to offer both support and challenge in relation to the PCC’s decision-making and actions. The PCC is required to consult with the Panel on the strategic plan for local policing, as well as the level of council tax needed to support the local policing budget, and the appointment of a Chief Constable. Independent members, through their knowledge and experience, are expected to enhance the Panel’s ability to play its role effectively.

The panel is made up of 10 local councillors in total from the five local authorities in the force area, plus two independent co-opted members.

The role of a panel member is an important and demanding one. The typical commitment required from a member of the panel is expected to average one day a month, including preparation time.

Applicants must live or work within the Merseyside area (Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton and Wirral). Experience in community safety, victim support, criminal justice and related issues would be helpful, but is not essential. There is no salary for the role, but reasonable travel expenses can be reclaimed.

Panel Meetings are generally held in the daytime with meetings ordinarily being held in Huyton, Knowsley.  All panel members receive induction and other appropriate training.

Please find below a link to the application pack, which will provide you with the relevant documents you will need to consider when applying for this position, including the application form:

Application Pack

Alternatively, please telephone 0151-443-3367 to request a copy of the application pack.

There is no formal closing date for applications. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early as the panel reserves the right to close the advert to new applications on receipt of sufficient eligible applications to enable progression to interview stage.

All completed application forms need to be returned either:

• by post to David Moran, Scrutiny and Partnership Manager, Knowsley Borough Council, Archway Road, Huyton, L36 9YU ; or
• by email to david.moran@knowsley.gov.uk.

The panel wishes to reflect the breadth of communities in the Merseyside area and particularly welcomes applications from all eligible people irrespective of gender, ethnic origin, religious belief, sexual orientation, disability or any other factor.

Halton Carers Centre & Halton Borough Council are holding a Carers Forum on 7th March 2019 in Halton Stadium 9.30am - 2pm. The event is open for carers in Halton to come and share their views on carers services in Halton and shaping future services. On the day they will be joined by 20+ organisations in Halton who will be be holding stands to promote their services.

Lunch will be served for those who attend. Place/s must be booked, to reserve your place please contact Halton Carers Centre on 01928 580182.

Salary: £19,516 – £21,074 per annum + up to 5% pension (dependent upon experience

Contract: Fixed term to 31 March 2020

Citizens Advice St Helens is set to deliver a new service called “Universal Support: Help to Claim” which offers end-to-end support to help people make a new Universal Credit claim and be ready for when their first payment arrives.

They are looking for an adviser with good IT skills to support clients to make and complete their new Universal Credit claim, as well as a commitment to the aims and principles of the Citizens Advice Service.

You’ll have the ability to interview clients using sensitive listening and questioning skills to get to the root of the issues and empower clients, whilst maintaining structure and control of meetings

Closing date: 12 noon Friday 8th March 2019

Interview date: Tuesday 12th March 2019

For more information and to apply, please see the link below:

http://sthelenscab.org.uk/vacancies/universal-support/?fbclid=IwAR1hQUM7_yqlSB01bask5E9DDAsL_zEfQoprZFSAGErwaiJkJ7jRxEhUKCw

Halton Carers Centre are facilitating a talk from ‘Captain Krankypants’ on Tuesday 12 March 2019 at Churchill Hall, Cooper Street Runcorn. Doors will be open from 12.30pm for tea/coffee for a 1.00pm start. The talk finishes at 3.00pm. Trace Dann (Captain Krankypants) is coming over from Australia and tours all over the country delivering his talks.

The talk is aimed at patients with PTSD and depression but their carers will benefit too. The talk is informative but also fun and will be in a relaxed environment. The talk highlights coping and living with these mental illnesses.

Tickets are £8 and can be bought at the door on the day.

Any queries please call Halton Carers Centre on 01928 580 182

Halton Safeguarding Adults Board would like to invite you to attend there annual awareness event taking place at Halton Stadium 9am - 12.30pm Monday 18th March, this year focusses on Self-Neglect.

On the day they hope to raise awareness and understanding of this very sensitive and complex issue. The event is free to any adult who lives or works in Halton. This includes paid employees, volunteers, carers, including family carers, those employed through a personal budget and those who use services.  Hear from experts in the field and gain valuable tools and information to help the people you care for.

1. Self-neglect can be a complex and challenging issue……. to address, because of the need to find the right balance between respecting a person's autonomy and fulfilling..[a]..duty to protect the adult's health and wellbeing. Both perspectives can be supported by human rights arguments. SCIE. At a glance 71. Published October 2018.

The event aims:

• to highlight what we already know about self-neglect generally
• to understand what approach and support is available in Halton
• to identify what is needed in Halton to further help adults that may be experiencing self-neglect.
• to understand roles and responsibilities and address expectations of care and support

To book your place please follow this link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/halton-safeguarding-adults-board-awareness-day-self-neglect-tickets-53680607141

Roll up, roll up. It's that time again to get reading your triva books and stop being a couch potato. St Helens Autism & Asperger Society second annual quiz is nearing. The date for your dairies is Firday 22nd March. The place is the UNISION Club, Bishop Rd, St Helens.

Your team is only 40 answers from glory and a cash prize, or no glory and a cabbage! So if you know what the capital of Eire is or how many beans make five your're out of luck because those questions are not in it. But if you know similar things this is the place to be.

Doors open 7pm, quiz starts 7-30, cost £5pp. All are welcome whether a veteran quizzer or a virgin or there just to have a laugh with your friends

There is a vacancy for a Non-executive Director at Warrington and Halton NHS Foundation Trust. This is an exceptional opportunity to share your talents and expertise to make a positive difference to the lives of people in your community.

As a Non-Executive Director, you will work with other Non-Executives, the Chairman and the Executive Directors as an equal member of the Board of Directors. You will also work in partnership with the Council of Governors who is also charged with holding the Non-Executive Directors to account for the performance of the Board of Directors.

You will act as an objective member of the Board and will be required to contribute to setting the strategic direction of the Trust, participate fully in all meetings of the Board and Board Committee meetings, ensuring effective challenge, governance and compliance as well as meeting performance targets required by NHS Improvement, NHS England, the Care Quality Commission and other regulatory bodies.

You will ensure that the Board acts in the best interests of service users, carers, members and the wider public.

You will commit to working and encouraging within the Trust, the highest standards of probity, integrity and governance and contribute to ensuring that the Trust’s internal governance arrangements conform to best practice and statutory requirements.

You will be expected to use your skills together with your personal experience of the community and the NHS to guide the work of the Foundation Trust .

The time commitment is currently a minimum of 3 days a month and may be during the working day or during the evening.

Non-Executive Directors of the Trust currently receive remuneration of £12,750 per annum.

Key dates:

• Advert Close date: 1 March 2019
• Shortlisting: 18 March 2019
• Interviews: 3 April 2019
• Appointment commences: May 2019

Find out more:

If you have any queries or wish to know more, please contact Michelle Cloney, Director of HR&OD on 01925 662237 or by emailing michelle.cloney2@nhs.net

For more information and to apply, please see the attached recruitment pack

Bold Rangers JFC is thriving in the Parr Community, so need somemore volunteers to become coaches and other important roles within the club.

No training needed, just give them 12 months of your time and they will give you the training and qualifications.

So anyone who loves football and is able to commit to the kids, then they would like to hear from you.  

You can contact them through Volunteer Centre St Helens, volunteersthelens@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk or phone 01744 751759

Aspire combat sports in partnership with the John Paul project has developed a new programme supporting veterans with PTSD / emotional health issues through Brazilian ju-jitsu.

• Develop new skills, improve fitness and improve your emotional wellbeing
• Develop a hobby that can last a lifetime
• Build a new social group in a friendly environment
• Develop effective self-defence skills taught by experts

Location:

Aspire Combat Sports Academy
818 Queens Drive
Liverpool L13 4BT

For more information and to book your place please contact them on the details below:

Telephone: 01512892761 

Email: veterans@caringconnections.org.uk 

The next meeting of the St Helens & District Group of Diabetes UK will be on Wednesday 6th March 2019 at 7.30pm in St Helens United Reformed Church, King St, WA10 2JZ.

The church is next to Windle Pilkington Hall. The speakers will be Hollie Fullerton and Claire Lee, who will be talking about the following:- 

Inpatient Care for people with diabetes. Hollie and Claire are Inpatient Diabetes Specialist Nurses, who are based at the Diabetes Unit at St Helens Hospital. Anyone with an interest in diabetes is welcome to attend, admission is free and refreshments are available after the meeting.

There will also be a large selection of diabetes leaflets available. They would particularly like to welcome anyone who has been recently diagnosed with diabetes and has not been to a meeting before. They are a very friendly group and you will have a warm welcome.

For further details contact C Bowmaker on 0151 480 0821 or go to their website at https://st-helens-and-district.diabetesukgroup.org/ 

Sahir House is an award-winning charity, which provides support for people living with (or affected by) HIV and delivers a range of sexual health promotion, training and information services to professionals and the wider public. The charity is looking for up to three forward-thinking trustees to drive the next stage of development.

Trustees will work with the rest of the board, and executive team, to set a refreshed vision and strategy for the charity, which is seeking to broaden its scope, making this an interesting and exciting time for someone to join.

They are seeking people who are committed to the values of the charity, who are fair but tactful communicators; who have the confidence to set and achieve high level goals and who can exercise fairness and good judgement. The current trustees have a mix of skills and experience; they are seeking to recruit new trustees who will complement their existing skills base and welcome applicants with experience in any of the following areas:

• Financial Oversight
• Company / Charity Law
• Business Planning
• Marketing, PR, Comms
• Knowledge/experience of health and social care services

Board members are unremunerated, although out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed by the charity. Sahir House invests in the personal development of board members, ensuring their skills base increases according to the changing demands of the role and providing development opportunities.

Applicants should send a short CV (up to two pages) and a covering letter demonstrating how they meet each of the criteria in the person specification (another two pages max) and a completed equal opportunities form and email to gillian.lewis@sahir.uk.com.  If you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Gillian Lewis on 0151 2373989 or email gillian.lewis@sahir.uk.com

All appointments are subject to satisfactory references.

• Closing date for all application forms: 12th March 2019 (10am)
• Interviews will be held w/c 25th March

Sahir House welcomes diversity and hopes to get applications from all sections of the community. We always encourage applications from groups which reflect Sahir House service user population – HIV positive people, disabled people, people from BAME groups, LGBT people & refugee communities

Salsa Night, Fri 7th June 7.30-10.30pm. £7.50, payable on booking, non-refundable. (hot supper, bring your own tipple), at St Marie's, Lugsdale Road, Widnes. Join in the dancing or just  enjoy the music, demonstrations and help for beginners. To book or for more information, please contact Linda or Alison on: 01928 593112 email: volunteerhalton@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk. Address: St Marie's, Lugsdale Road, Widnes WA8 6DB. Cheques pyable to Halton & St Helens VCA.

Llandudno Trip, Thurs 6th June 9.15-5pm. £13, payable on booking, non-refundable. Pick ups at St Marie's, & The Brindley, Runcorn. Sights, sea air or shops!. The choice is yours on our day trip to Llandudno. To book or for more information, please contact Linda or Alison on: 01928 593112 email: volunteerhalton@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk. Address: St Marie's, Lugsdale Road, Widnes WA8 6DB. Cheques pyable to Halton & St Helens VCA.

Widnes Promotion Event, Wed 5th June 10-1pm Free, Widnes indoor market. Come and chat with Volunteer Centre staff who will be promoting the latest volunteering opportunities from across Halton and beyond. Book a slot for your group to promote themselves - sorry no fundraising. To book or for more information, please contact Linda or Alison on: 01928 593112 email: volunteerhalton@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk. Address: St Marie's, Lugsdale Road, Widnes WA8 6DB 

Afternoon Tea on the Daniel Adamson, Tues 4th 1-3.30pm £4.50 payable on booking, non-refundable (cream scones, cakes and a hot drink). Enjoy cakes and a cuppa on board this historic steam tug, whilst moored at Sutton Weaver Swing Bridge. Live easy listening music. Optional free boat tour. Pay bar open. On X2 & X30 bus routes. Please note:  Not suitable for those with limited mobility. Very limited parking.To book or for more information, please contact Linda or Alison on: 01928 593112 email: volunteerhalton@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk. Address: St Marie's, Lugsdale Road, Widnes WA8 6DB (cheques payable to Halton & St Helens VCA)

Quiz Night Monday 3 June 7.30-10pm. Free, (sandwiches, bring your own tipple) at St Marie's, Lugsdale Road, Widnes WA8 6DB. For teams of up to 6 people - at least one must be a volunteer. Need help raising a full team? We can help you partner with another organisation. For more information or to book a table contact Linda or Alison on: 01928 593112 email: volunteerhalton@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Saints Community Foundation are coming together with YMCA St Helens, Y Sports, Teardrops and St Helens Sports Development to host a sleep out as part of the national YMCA Sleep Easy week, sleeping out in the Totally Wicked stadium for one night as part of the Saints Sleep Easy Fundraising event..

Taking place on Friday 15th March 2019, as part of YMCA’s National Sleep Easy Week, the Saints Community Sleep out will ask those taking part to give up the comfort of their own bed for the night and commit to raising Funds to be split three ways between SCDF, YMCA St Helens Sports and Teardrops.

One night can make a lot of difference to a homeless person and by sleeping out and raising funds you can make a difference too, so sleeping rough so that others wont have to.  

There is a £20 registration fee to take part and participants are asked to raise funds through sponsorship. Under 16s cost £10 and the minimum age limit is 14 (accompanied by an adult)

To take part in the saints Sleep out book online at saintssuperstore.com or call 01744 455052

What is Help to Save?

Help to Save is a new government saving scheme to support working people on  tax credits and Universal Credit build their savings. You can save between £1 and £50 every calendar month and accounts last for four years from the date you open the account.

Within these limits how much you save and when you pay in is up to you. After two years, you’ll get a 50% tax-free bonus on your savings. And if you continue saving you could get another 50% tax-free bonus after four years. This means you could receive tax-free bonuses worth up to £1,200, to spend how you like.

How to apply

Opening an online account is simple. Customers can check their eligibility and open an online account within minutes. You can do this at gov.uk/helptosave or through the HMRC app.

If you don’t have access to the internet, you can still get an account by calling 0300 322 7093. 

More information is attached to help you publicise this through your networks and a useful Top ten of what you need to know if you want to apply for an account.

With your help we will seek to improve the lives of older people who find themselves unable to manage in their current environment. As a volunteer your role will be flexible but will benefit people who may need practical support to do with their home and environment, or to help them reintegrate with others or join in leisure or activity groups, which will prevent isolation and loneliness, helping improve health and wellbeing. There will be training and support to assist you with this role, and become part of our volunteering team. We will work to your strengths and abilities.

The Staying Home Project is being extended to support vulnerable and isolated St Helens residents over the age of 55 to enable them to remain independent by experiencing a better quality of life. Volunteers will spend up to six months with an individual supporting them to access groups and activities with the ultimate aim that the individual will make friends and contacts, build confidence and continue with the activities without the volunteer.

A warm caring attitude is essential.  Excellent active listening skills. Good communication. Reliability is a must.  A desire to help others. Life experience.  I.T skills, optional.  An open friendly attitude.  Willingness to work in different sites within the borough.  Patience.  Willingness to use own car to travel to venues or take people to activities is desirable but not essential.  This role requires a DBS check.

Interested?  Contact the Volunteer Centre on 01744 751759 or email volunteersthelens@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Women First Fund

Smallwood Trust are inviting applications for projects that demonstrate good practice in achieving outcomes for women on low incomes by building their skills, confidence and aspirations to enable them to enter into employment. 

The fund is open to charities, social enterprises and other non-profit organisations who have projects that support their mission of enabling women to become financially resilient. Please note, they are looking to fund existing projects that show evidence of good practice.

In this funding round they are prioritising applications from:

• Greater Manchester
• Newcastle, Teesside and other parts of the North East
• Hull and Humberside
• Leeds and Bradford
• Sheffield
• Merseyside
• Rural communities in Kent, Cornwall, Cumbria, Dorset and Norfolk 

Organisations can apply for grants of £10,000 to £15,000. They expect to award 10 -15 grants in this round.

For further information about eligibility and how to apply please visit https://www.smallwoodtrust.org.uk/women-first.

The deadline for completed applications is 5pm on Monday 4th March 2019.

The successful applicants are expected to be notified in May 2019.

The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) has launched a new scheme for charities and other organisations to apply more quickly to become registered advisors to EU citizens when they apply to settle in the UK.

The scheme is aimed at smaller, community-based charities and other organisations, including faith-based and local advice groups.

Successful applicants will be able to provide basic ‘level 1’ advice (solely on EU settlement), without needing to complete the written exam, which is usually part of the application process.

The streamlined process will allow applications to be considered more quickly, with decisions expected 4 to 6 weeks after receipt.

It is a criminal offence for a person to provide immigration advice or services in the UK unless their organisation is regulated by the OISC or meets certain other specific criteria.

Details about what assistance can be given to migrants without the requirement to be regulated can be found in the OISC immigration assistance document.

Further guidance for the Community and Voluntary Sector about registering with the OISC, as well as information on the new EU settlement scheme registration is available on the OISC website.

Our colleagues from Halton Borough Council’s External Funding Team have prepared some Funding Bulletins containing valuable information for voluntary organisations looking for grants to get projects off the ground.

The Monthly funding bulletins offering information on funding opportunities in the following areas: 

Arts, Community & Voluntary, Environment & Heritage, European, Faith, Health, Schools, Sports and Youth.

To access the information, please click on the link below: 

https://www4.halton.gov.uk/Pages/business/FinanceandGrants/finance.aspx

Runcorn Sea Cadets are looking for enthusiastic and passionate volunteers to organise activities for young people and become Sea Cadet Volunteer Instructors. As a volunteer, you really can make a huge positive difference to the lives of young people from our region. Sea Cadets Volunteers come from all walks of life and no previous experience or qualifications are necessary as full training will be given. Please contact runcorn291@gmail.com for more information!

Have you served in the armed forces? In any capacity? Worried about housing, benefits? Or feeling isolated? The Merseyside Aged Veterans partnership helps older veterans in Merseyside who are struggling with a range of different issues.

Shelter offer practical support on:

• Housing issues, such as poor living conditions, problems with renting or eviction, or home adaptations.
• Financial issues, including making sure you are receiving the benefits you’re entitled to.
• Isolation and loneliness, through activities and events.

If you’d like support, please call Shelter on 0344 515 1900 or email MerseysideASG@shelter.org.uk and they will link you to the right services based on your situation.

What are Children’s Mental Health Week and Time to Talk Day?

Children’s Mental Health Week and Time to Talk (TTT) Day are held each year in February. TTT is an annual awareness raising event promoted by Time to Change (please see https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/timetotalkday for more information and downloadable resources).

This year's theme for Children’s Mental Health Week is about being Healthy: Inside and Out, and the Time to Change theme for Time to Talk Day is all about bringing together the right ingredients to have a conversation about mental health. Whether that’s tea, biscuits and close friends or a room full of people challenging mental health stigma, we want you to get talking.

With the above in mind, the Healthy Living Team is holding a week long campaign at a local primary school.  This will incorporate training and promotion of mental health related topics and messages such as Basic Mental Health Awareness and 5 Ways to Wellbeing to children, parents and staff, with a coffee afternoon to encourage social interaction – an important factor in reducing mental ill health and improving well- being.

Why is it important?

Mental health problems affect 1 in 10 children and young people. They include depression, anxiety and conduct disorder, and are often a direct response to what is happening in their lives.

1 in 4 adults in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year Depression and Anxiety impact on our ability to work, and to work productively. Globally, more than 300 million people suffer from depression, the leading cause of disability. More than 260 million are living with anxiety disorders. Many of these people live with both.

More than 800,000 people take their lives each year across the world and up to 25 times as many make a suicide attempt. In the UK and ROI, more than 6,000 people die by suicide a year - an average of 18 a day.

Reaching out to people who are going through a difficult time or have become disconnected from others can be a game changer. Those who are feeling low or suicidal often feel worthless and think that no-one cares. Small things like hearing from friends or family, feeling listened to or just being asked the question 'are you ok?' can make a huge difference.

What you can do

Focusing on 5 Ways to Wellbeing #5waystowellbeing can help us to maintain or improve our mental health and wellbeing, to keep us well mentally, physically and cognitively and improve our self-esteem and self-confidence.  Being mindful (in the moment) of ourselves and the world around us, is part of the 5 Ways theme, and can help to improve our wellbeing.

Start a conversation today if you think a friend, colleague or family member may be struggling. You can also join us on Twitter to spread the word using the #itsokaytotalk

When a person reaches a point where they are focused on taking their life, they’ve often lost sight of trying to find a way through their problems. This period usually only lasts a short while and often it doesn’t take a huge amount to bring someone back from that decision – something as simple as asking, ‘are you ok?’ can be enough to move someone out of suicidal crisis.

How can people reach out?

It can be daunting to approach someone who is struggling to cope; you may not know what to say or worry that you'll make things worse. However, you don’t need to be an expert. Often, just asking if someone's OK can give people the confidence to open up about how they're feeling.  The information shown in the attachement below are useful resources in supporting you or others who may be experiencing mental ill health.

Are you a voluntary and community organisation (VCO) or a not-for-profit group?

Do you require research, policy review or a work based learning research project that will support the aims of your organisation?

Are you looking to expand your knowledge base?

Can you support a Student Community Researcher for 12 or 20weeks?

If you have answered yes to any of the above then you SHOULD read on about

The Interchange Experience (T.I.E.) 

Who are Interchange?

Interchange is a registered charity that connects Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with Voluntary and Community Organisations (VCOs) for the purpose of research, policy review and work-based learning research projects. 

Interchange staff will work with you and your organisation to create and/or develop one or more of your research or policy review ideas.  Working together they will produce a research or policy review project brief. 

They will then provide a Student with the opportunity to work with a VCO and carry out a piece of work that will assist your organisation with areas to include:

• Evaluating a service provision;       
• Business Planning;
• Increasing service provision           
• Annual Reports;
• Becoming more sustainable;          
• Improving services;           
• Funding applications;                     
• Policy Reviews
• Gaps in knowledge from a specific area

Where is Interchange based?

They are based in one of their partner organisations, the University of Liverpool, Bedford Street South, Liverpool. 

Which area do they work in?

They work with VCOs mainly in the Greater Merseyside area.  They can also provide Student Community Researchers to VCOs across the North West and North Wales.

Who are the Students?

Their students are 3rd Yr Undergraduate students mainly from the Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology within the School of Law and Social Justice at the University of Liverpool. 

How will TIE and a Student benefit your organisation?

Both the VCO and the Student will benefit from this experience as VCOs will receive an in-depth report on a specific area of your work and Students will have the opportunity of working in the ‘real time’ VCO sector.  Working together, they will develop a research or policy review brief.  A Student will undertake your project and carry out the research or policy review.

When will the Students start?

Students will start in September 2019 and produce a final report for you in January 2020 (for Policy Review) and in May 2020 for the Research Report.

Is there a charge for this service?

They make no charge for this service – but ask that you meet the travel costs and pay for the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) if required.

What do VCOs do next?

If you have a research or policy review idea, then please complete the attached form and email it to the email below as soon as possible

interchange@liverpool.ac.uk

Once Interchange has received your form they will then arrange a meeting to discuss further.

If you have any queries or would like to talk to the Interchange before completing the form then please contact: 

Claudette or Alishia on

Tel: 0151 794 2986 / 0151 795 8684

 Email: interchange@liverpool.ac.uk

One Halton Transformation Programme are looking for someone who is highly motivated, innovative and experienced in project/programme support along with significant administrative experience to work with them to deliver a challenging but exciting programme of change.

They are currently working with a wide range of stakeholders across Health and Social Care to identify opportunities and transformation schemes for the next 5 years. They are working in partnership with a range of organisations across our health economy to deliver our Strategic Vision.

First and foremost they are highly committed to providing the best possible care to the people they serve. To do that they make sure their systems and processes are tip top and that they invest heavily in employing and keeping highly skilled, committed staff by ensuring they work in a stimulating environment that provides professional development opportunities.

In particular the post holder will be required to provide a comprehensive administrative and project support service to the One Halton Programme Management Office, including proactively providing general administrative and secretarial services to the One Halton Board and associated meetings.

They are looking for an experienced administrator who can arrange, attend and minute meetings across the borough. As the meetings involve a variety of stakeholders the post holder will need access to a car to be able to travel to these meetings.

This is a 12 month fixed term post. Secondments would be considered.

If you are looking for an exciting post in an innovative place based environment which offers challenge and opportunities for development, then this could be the post for you.

Employer: Halton Clinical Commissioning Group

Department: Project Administration

Location: Runcorn Town Hall, Runcorn

Salary: £20,150- £23, 363 pa

Closing Date: 13th February 2019

For more informaition and to apply please click the link below:

https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/xi/vacancy/?vac_ref=915438938

For informal discussions or any further information please contact Sophie Bartsch, One Halton Project Manager on 01928 593016 or sophie.bartsch@nhs.net

St Helens Youth Aspergers Social Group is a registered charity that helps and supports Autistic teenagers. 

The main goal for this role is to help organise activies, to provide peer support and get involved with the teenagers whist they play games and activies.  Also attend occasional social trips to the bowling ally and laser tag ect. 

They ask that the volunteer gives 2 hours of their time fortnightly 7-9pm on a Tuesday at The P.E.R.T.H centre Thatto Heath. 

For all enquires please email aspergersthelens@hotmail.co.uk 

The Next Volunteer Managers/Co-ordinators Forum will be on Tuesday 30 April 2019 - 11.30am-2pm, at St Marie's, Lugsdale Road, Widnes WA8 6DB

The Forum meets six monthly to share information, discuss issues, monitoring and anything else to do with volunteering.

The meetings are informal and enjoyable. We hope you will feel able to participate.

Should you feel it would be helpful or appropriate for your role as a Volunteer Manager/Co-ordinator, please come along on the above date.

Lunch is not provided, so please bring along your own. Tea and coffee will be provided.

If you would like to attend please confirm your attendance to Linda Goodier either by phone: 01928 593112 or email: lgoodier@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk If you would like any items adding to the agenda please let Linda know on: lgoodier@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

FREE event on Sunday 17th February 2019. 11am-3pm. Norton Priory Museum & Gardens, Tudor Road, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 1SX

The Snowdrop Walk is a special day to remember the babies and children who have died and the children who are bereaved each year.

Norton Priory have very kindly opened the stunning Walled Garden, exclusively for Child Bereavement UK.  It will be available for you to explore at your leisure with the addition of a children’s Treasure Hunt where they receive a fun-filled goody bag at the end.

Snowdrops are available for purchase on the day and charity staff and volunteers will be on hand to help with the planting at a dedicated area within Norton Priory.

Refreshments will be available from the traditional Straw Bale building.

Only guide and hearing dogs are permitted within the Walled Garden.

If you have any questions about the event, please don’t hesitate to contact Seb on sebastian.farrell@childbereavementuk.org or on 01928 573539  

There are many ways you can volunteer but here are 3 opportunities that need volunteers and can offer different challenges.  If you are interested in any of them, please get in touch with the Volunteer Centre to discuss. 01744 751759 / volunteersthelens@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

The Staying Home Project

With your help we will seek to improve the lives of older people who find themselves unable to manage in their current environment. As a volunteer your role will be flexible but will benefit people who may need practical support to do with their home and environment, or to help them reintegrate with others or join in leisure or activity groups, which will prevent isolation and loneliness, helping improve health and wellbeing. There will be training and support to assist you with this role, and become part of our volunteering team. We will work to your strengths and abilities.

The Staying Home Project is being extended to support vulnerable and isolated St Helens residents over the age of 55 to enable them to remain independent by experiencing a better quality of life. Volunteers will spend up to six months with an individual supporting them to access groups and activities with the ultimate aim that the individual will make friends and contacts, build confidence and continue with the activities without the volunteer.

A warm caring attitude is essential.  Excellent active listening skills. Good communication. Reliability is a must.  A desire to help others. Life experience.  I.T skills, optional.  An open friendly attitude.  Willingness to work in different sites within the borough.  Patience.  Willingness to use own car to travel to venues or take people to activities is desirable but not essential.  This role requires a DBS check.

Independent Visitor

Independent Visitors are adult volunteers who befriend children and young people who are looked after by St Helens Council. You will be matched with a young person in care based on age, interests, likes and dislikes and will visit them every month. You will offer support, advice, guidance and take them out on activitities of their choice. You don't need special qualifications but patience, stamina and a non-judgemental attitude is essential.

We are looking for someone with good life skills, communication skills and the ability to understand the circumstances of looked after young people.  This role will require a DBS check.

Social Group Volunteer

The Aspergers Social group, which is a charitable group run by trustees to provide a social group for teenagers with ASD and Aspergers, help them make friends and socialise in a safe environment. We run like a youth group from the PERTH Centre in Thatto Heath, and hold fortnightly meetings every alternate Tuesday 7-9pm. If you have friends or siblings who have ASD, and feel you can commit a few hours to help develop social skills among high school age children and have some fun at the same time, please get in touch.

A person with a non judgmental attitude, patience and good communication skills

For more information about any of these roles or the many other volunteer opportunites we have, please contact us on:

Telephone: 01744 751759

email: volunteersthelens@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Taking volunteers into your organisation can make a massive difference not only to you but to your service users and the volunteers.  Don’t take our word for it, read what a volunteer and a volunteer involving organisation think:

The Volunteer

I enjoyed working at the playscheme. It was fun watching and playing with the children. I found it very enjoyable. The children were all well-mannered and polite. The playscheme staff were so kind and friendly, they all made me feel very welcome.

I enjoyed volunteering over the summer as it gave me something to do, rather than just sitting at home all day doing nothing. It made me challenge myself, as you cannot talk to children the way you do with your friends or adults. You have to think like them, and almost put yourself in their shoes. When we got to the last session, I was sad, because I did not want it to end.

If you find yourself having nothing to do, I cannot recommend volunteering enough to you. If you are a student, it looks great to your college, and it is something that looks good on your CV. It also gives back to your community and, in the end; you could be making an impact on someone’s life.    

The Organisation

Just emailing to say we were delighted to receive 2 responses to our 'advert' for our Summer Playscheme at Chain Lane Community Centre. One of the respondents gained employment and so wasn't able to join us, but one volunteer joined us and was an excellent addition to our staff team. She has asked to join us again next year - and offered her services for other volunteering at the Centre. We hope she will become a regular member of our Summer Playscheme staff.

This really demonstrates the value of recruiting through the Volunteer Centre in St. Helens.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering or registering your voluntary opportunities with us please contact us:

Telephone: 01744 751759

email: volunteersthelens@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Willowbrook Hospice Fundraising Team is excited to announce the return of Bananaz Bingo – a wild night of partying, music and dancing … with a bit of bingo thrown in!

Bingo-goers are welcomed to join in the fun at Rainhill Ex Services Club on 8 March, starting from 7pm, with tickets only £15 which includes bingo books, pens and a glass of prosecco

Melissa Kenny, Community fundraising officer for Willowbrook Hospice, said: “Following the success of last year’s events, Bananaz Bingo is becoming a regular feature on the Willowbrook Fundraising Calendar. Bananaz is a great night out for anyone who ‘up for a laugh’! There’ll be music and dancing as well as the traditional elements of bingo with a chance to win some fabulous prizes.  Every penny raised at the event helps Willowbrook continue to care and support local people and their families, so why not get together with your family and friends and come and join us for a fantastic evening which definitely puts the ‘fun’ in fundraising!”

Tickets are available online at https://willowbrookhospice.charitycheckout.co.uk/bananaz-bingo#!/ or by ringing 01744 453798 or emailing events@willowbrookhospice.org.uk.

As the Government has increased its planning for a "no deal" Brexit, growth hubs around the country are seeking insights from local businesses to inform a cross-departmental intelligence gathering commission.

The Liverpoool City Region Growth Hub are encouraging businesses to provide their insights via this Brexit preparation local insights survey.

https://activeprofile.typeform.com/to/H2bXRP

The survey questions are as follows: 

• How do you think the UK leaving the EU is going to impact your business / organisation? Will this be a positive or negative impact? 
• What are your top five priorities regarding your business right now? 
• Do you have any concerns regarding the UK leaving the EU in relation to your business operations? If so, what are these? 
• Are you undertaking any activities to prepare your business for EU exit? If so, what are these? If not, please explain why?  
• What are the upcoming issues / challenges your business is facing (i.e. looking to the short, medium and long term)?  
• What are the barriers / blockers to progress faced by your business / organisation right now? 
• Where would you look for business advice regarding the UK leaving the EU? 
• Through what avenues / in what formats would you find advice regarding Brexit most useful? (e.g. tools, questionnaires, articles, videos, telephone hotline, face-to-face help etc.) 
• Do you have any additional thoughts you would like to add? 

The survey should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete. It is an opportunity for businesses to feedback their thoughts to the Government via a cross-party unit comprising the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. 

As a reminder, the official advice to businesses for a potential “no deal” Brexit can be found on the gov.uk website, with any new guidance and assets to be published in a dedicated Brexit section. The BBC have also published a Brexit Checklist to help businesses consider the changes that Brexit may bring to your firm, and to help business planning at both operational and Board levels. 

The New St.Helens Borough Local Plan 2020-2035

St.Helens Council is preparing a new Local Plan. This Plan will set how much new development for housing, employment and other uses should take place in the Borough. It will identify where new development should take place and set out the policies for assessing planning applications.

Have your say on the St Helens Local Plan

They have prepared the next stage of the new Local Plan,known as the Submission Draft.  They are holding a number of local drop in sessions in neighbourhoods across St Helens. These sessions are open to all and will give you an opportunity to ask questions about the Local Plan and how to make your comments.

Drop-in' Events
The events are as follows:

• St John Vianney School, Thatto Heath – Tuesday 12th February, 2pm–6.30pm
• Newton Library, Newton-le-Willows – Thursday 14th February, 2pm–6.30pm
• St Julie’s Church Hall, Eccleston – Monday 18th February, 2pm–6.30pm
• Billinge Road Community Hall, Garswood – Wednesday 20th February, 2pm–6.30pm
• Haydock Library, Haydock – Monday 25th February, 2pm–6.30pm
• Chester Lane Library – Tuesday 26th February, 2pm–6.30pm
• Rainford Village Hall, Rainford – Thursday 28th February, 2pm–6.30pm

For more information on the Local Plan visit: sthelens.gov.uk/localplan

Poster attached.

The FSI's popular small charity training is back in Liverpool this 17th April, with support from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Explore 3 different courses covering topics including developing a case for support, fundraising strategy and corporate relationships.

The Liverpool event will offer 60 delegate training places so that all small charities, wherever they are, can access the skills they need to become self-sustaining. This training day is part of the Small Local Charities and Community Groups Training Programme.

Training sessions cover a wide range of fundraising techniques and back office skills delivered by experienced and knowledgeable trainers.

Venue: Gateway Conference Centre, 71 London Road, Liverpool, L3 8HY.
Time: 9.45am – 4.30pm (registration from 9.15am)

To find out more and to book your place, please click the link below:

https://bit.ly/2APQSY2 

SERVICE:  Halton Integrated Recovery Service

SALARY:  £17,078.83 - £17,848.98

HOURS: 37.5

CLOSING DATE: Thursday, 31 January 2019 - 11:45pm

JOB REFERENCE: CGL2987

A vacancy has arisen within the service for an administrator. You will work as part of a small team of full time administrators and volunteers in ensuring that all of the administrative systems and processes required in running a busy substance misuse service are established and function efficiently.  As well as taking part in reception and front line delivery duties as part of a wider team, you will be expected to provide day to day support to the recovery workers and managers.  You will work on the production of a prescription generating process, as well as supporting the supply of goods services and utilities required in maintaining quality service delivery. 

You will have excellent engagement skills, be committed to high quality service provision and the active involvement of service users. You will have relevant qualifications, or experience.

Change, Grow, Live are committed to creating an inclusive environment, which celebrates difference and allows staff and service users to flourish. They recruit the very best staff from a wide range of backgrounds, ensuring service user’s benefit from our diverse skills and expertise. They always work to the principles of fairness and equality of opportunity in all their recruitment processes.

They also expect an assertive approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults, and applicants to these posts will need to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to best safeguarding practice.

To find out more and how to apply, please click the link below:

https://www.changegrowlive.org/vacancy/project-administrator-halton-cgl2987

Research shows that social Isolation and loneliness is harmful to your health. There are nine million lonely people in the UK and four million of those are older people. Loneliness is one of the biggest public health challenges of our time, associated with higher risks of mortality and morbidity.

The good news is that people can ‘recover’ from loneliness. Community life, social connections and active citizenship are all key factors that can enhance a person’s wellbeing and reduce the feeling of loneliness.

The purpose of the Halton Loneliness conference is to bring together people from across Halton including local residents, businesses, schools, housing providers, local police, community leads and health and social care organisations and the voluntary sector to discuss how we can tackle loneliness in Halton.

They will be holding a series of breakout workshops to look at how to identify and help people in Halton who are lonely and more fundamentally make a pledge to end loneliness in our community.

If you cannot attend for the whole day, you are still welcome to come along to any of the workshops.

The Halton organisations supporting the conference are:

Halton Borough Council
Deafness Resource Centre
Royal Voluntary Service
Age UK Mid Mersey
Vision Support
Cheshire Fire Service
Cheshire Police
Halton Open
British Red Cross
Community Connectors

Date And Time

Thu, 7 February 2019

10:00 – 15:00 GMT

Add to Calendar

Location

Halton Stadium
Lower House Lane
Widnes
WA8 7DZ

View Map

To find out more and to book your place, please click the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/halton-loneliness-conference-registration-54593409357

#HaltOnLoneliness

We all go through times in our lives when we are either too busy or lack the motivation to look after ourselves properly. Between work, taking care of kids or relatives, paying bills, making meals, and so many other responsibilities to juggle, it can seem almost impossible most days to fit in time to take care of yourself too.

Willowbrook’s Holistic Support Services, based at The Living Well on Borough Road, St Helens, is offering a ten week programme of workshops and activities to help local people improve their health and wellbeing by enjoying some ‘me time’.

Focusing on developing confidence, self-esteem and independence, the sessions are led by volunteers and take place every Tuesday - the next programme starting on 12 February, the following programme beginning 23 April.

Available sessions are: Creative wellbeing, Wellness for you and Complementary therapy with participants able to pre-book a programme of 10 individual sessions at £2 each week, ‘pick and mix’ or sign up for the whole day of activities at a reduced rate of £5 per week.*

The Holistic Support Services is based in an informal but supportive setting with sessions open to anyone aged over 18 living in either St Helens or Knowsley.  

For more information or to book onto the programme, please contact Debbie Ryan on 01744 646810 or email debbier@willowbrookhospice.org.uk

*Participants must pre-book for the 10 week programme.

Do you have spare time once a month? Are you able to make a long term commitment to a young person in care for a minimum of two years? NYAS are looking for adults of all ages and from all walks of life who relate well to young people to become a Volunteer Independent Visitor. No formal experience necessary as full training and induction provided including out of pocket expenses. Interested & would like more information? Please contact Di Watmough diane.watmough@nyas.net More details on NYAS website www.nyas.net.

Young Carers Awareness Day 31st January 2019 is focusing on Mental Health and encouraging #CareForMeToo.

Halton Carers Centre have organised an event at St Marie’s Church, Lugsdale Road Widnes, for Young Carers and their families to attend the Market Place of organisations that work with Young people across Halton. This will show case different hobbies, interests and social clubs that are available.

There will also be an opportunity to meet The Young Carers Team and find out what activities and trips they have planned.

The event is free of charge and will be starting 5pm-7pm.

Come along to Young Carers Awareness Day 2019 and find out what activites for young people are on offer in your local area. 

Halton Peoples Health Forum have two forums taking place next month;

Widnes
Thursday 7th February 2019
1.30pm – 3.30pm
Halton Stadium, Widnes

Runcorn
Wednesday 13th February 2019
1.30pm – 3.30pm
Grangeway Community Centre, Runcorn

All forums are free to attend.

The main topic of conversation will be the development of the Urgent Care Centres into Urgent Treatment Centres. The commissioners will explain about the additional services that will be provided and talk about the possibility of changing the opening times.

They will also be discussing Care Navigation, and how it is progressing around the Borough.

It will be great if you get the chance to join them at any of the meetings, and as always there is more information avalaible online at http://www.haltonccg.nhs.uk/get-involved/health-forums you can also email them at engagement@haltonccg.nhs.uk or even call on 01928 593479.

Halton Play Council's Open Access Playschemes will be starting Monday 11th to Thursday 14th February.

It will start at 10AM-12.30PM and 1.30–4PM and will be £1 per session. 

Open Accsess Playschemes will be suitable for ages 5 to 12 years old.

If you would like to join in or know someone who would you can find the playscheme at St Peter & Paul High School, Highfield Road, Widnes and Holy Spirit Primary Cotterill, Runcorn.

For anymore information please contact Halton Play Council on 01928 574087.

The Oglesby Charitable Trust has just launched a new £275,000 fund focused on supporting people who are refugees or seeking asylum in the North West of England.

Spotlight is their first fund that is open to proposals, rather than invitation-only. They hope that this approach creates an opportunity for the learning, ideas and contributions of those working at the grass roots to be heard – enabling even the smallest organisations to tell them where their support would be most effective.

They have set up a simple application process, consisting initially of a two-page outline proposal. Applications can be for one-off or multi-year projects up to a total value of £20,000 per year, and must be for direct work with people who are refugees or seeking asylum. The deadline for applications is 5pm on the 4th February.

More information can be found at www.thespotlightfund.org.uk. or the attachment below.

Are you a voluntary organisation or community group based in Halton and want to share information about your service directly to the people who need it most? Then Wellbeing Enterprises can help! Contact Katherine on 01928 589799 and find out how you could promote your service in all GP Practices across the borough today. They can help you connect with your community!

The Mayor of St Helens Charity Valentines Ball.

The Ball is on Saturday 16th February from 7pm till late at the Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens RFC, McManus Drive, St Helens, WA9 3AL.  The Mayor's chosen charities are The Steve Prescott Foundation and The Diabetes Centre of St Helens Hospital, tickets are £40 and include a three course meal and great entertainment from Marble Eyes and Olivia Parr, Disco from DJ Terryokee.  To reserve a place or for further information contact info@steveprescottfoundation.co.uk or purchase online at www.eventbrite.com/e/mayors-charity-valentine-ball-tickets-52817796451

Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation Orders are civil injunctions that offer a legal means to protect and safeguard both victims of, and potential victims of these harmful practices. The process to obtain an order is very simple, and their effects can have a significant positive impact on the life of the person to be protected.

This event aims to raise awareness of the scope and effectiveness of the orders, along with a practical guide to applying, with the aim of encouraging professionals to always consider them in any safeguarding plans.

What can you expect to learn?

• What is FGM?
• What is Forced Marriage and so called ‘Honour Based’ Violence?
• How to identity risk
• Powerful survivor experience
• The practicalities of obtaining an order
• Tools to assist in the application
• Application of learning - case studies

Who is the event aimed at?

• Social Workers
• Police
• Those working in the family and criminal courts
• Legal professionals
• Health professionals
• Education professionals
• NGO’s
• Safeguarding charities
• In fact, anyone that might be able to make a difference in someone’s life by advising them or assisting in applying for an order.

This event is FREE to attend and is being delivered by the Home Office in partnership with Ministry of Justice, Merseyside Police and the National FGM Centre.

To book a place please follow the link: https://gov.smartwebportal.co.uk/homeoffice/public/webform.asp?id=139&id2=30E342

There is limited availability for this event which is expected to be very popular. To this end, they ask that anyone that is unable to attend after having registered please advise as soon as possible on the email address below to allow your place to be reallocated. A waiting list is available.

Refreshments

Please note that tea/coffee will be provided, however there is no lunch provided for this event.  Canteen facilities are available at the venue.  There are also cafes and shops within a few minutes’ walk.   You are welcome to bring your own refreshments with you.

Directions

You are advised to travel by public transport.  There are excellent links to Liverpool by bus or train.  The venue is next to Liverpool One Bus Station.  The mainline train station is Liverpool Lime Street where you can transfer to the lower level and take the Merseyrail service to James Street train station and walk through Liverpool One shopping area to Police Headquarters.

If travelling by car, follow the brown tourist signs for Liverpool Waterfront and Albert Dock. Merseyside Police Headquarters is opposite the Albert Dock.   

Parking

There is no parking available at the venue.   However, there are several car parks available at a charge in the city centre.

For all booking enquiries contact

There is limited availability for this event which we expect to be very popular. To this end, we ask that anyone that is unable to attend after having registered please advise as soon as possible on the email address below to allow your place to be reallocated. A waiting list is available.

Refreshments

Please note that tea/coffee will be provided, however there is no lunch provided for this event.  Canteen facilities are available at the venue.  There are also cafes and shops within a few minutes’ walk.   You are welcome to bring your own refreshments with you.

Directions

You are advised to travel by public transport.  There are excellent links to Liverpool by bus or train.  The venue is next to Liverpool One Bus Station.  The mainline train station is Liverpool Lime Street where you can transfer to the lower level and take the Merseyrail service to James Street train station and walk through Liverpool One shopping area to Police Headquarters.

If travelling by car, follow the brown tourist signs for Liverpool Waterfront and Albert Dock. Merseyside Police Headquarters is opposite the Albert Dock.   

Parking

There is no parking available at the venue.   However, there are several car parks available at a charge in the city centre.

For all booking enquiries contact Gillian.Squires1@homeoffice.gov.uk

Please read carefully before booking:

• This is a free event however you are requested to contact the organiser asap should you be unable to attend to allow your place to be reallocated.
• Please DO NOT book multiple tickets in one name. Each delegate must register separately to assist with registration and fire regulations.
• Lunch is NOT provided.
• If you require any reasonable adjustments, please let the organiser know.

Exhibitors - If you would like to promote and share information on your organisation’s services at the event then please request a table via DC Gill Squires on Gillian.Squires1@homeoffice.gov.uk

Please read carefully before booking:

• This is a free event however you are requested to contact the organiser asap should you be unable to attend to allow your place to be reallocated.
• Please DO NOT book multiple tickets in one name. Each delegate must register separately to assist with registration and fire regulations.
• Lunch is NOT provided.
• If you require any reasonable adjustments, please let the organiser know.

Exhibitors - If you would like to promote and share information on your organisation’s services at the event then please request a table via DC Gill Squires on Gillian.Squires1@homeoffice.gov.uk

Sahir House are recruiting a Macmillan LGBT Cancer Programme Co-ordinator for the Liverpool City Region (for one year initially)

Sahir House has been offering HIV support, information and training across Merseyside since 1985. It offers a wide range of services to people living with or affected by HIV; HIV related training; up to date HIV information; prevention and testing; and opportunities to volunteer.

After a successful pilot project run between Macmillan Cancer Support and the LGBT Foundation in Manchester, Macmillan are now funding this post based in central Liverpool. The post holder will work with lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people affected by cancer, their families, supporters, carers and clinicians. They will ensure the needs of LGBT are acknowledged and addressed in provision of services, information and support across the Liverpool City Region.

Macmillan LGBT Cancer Programme Co-ordinator – part time (21 hours) as a job share £25,951-£27,668 (pro rata)

Sahir House are recruiting a suitably experienced person to lead the development and implementation of this new and exciting project. In particular, they are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Experience of developing and delivering effective partnership work
• Ability to communicate well with a range of individuals/stakeholders
• Experiencing of conducting primary research, utilising quantitative and qualitative methods
• Experience of delivering high quality training
• Significant knowledge of the LGBT communities across the Liverpool City Region and the challenges they face

Applicants should send a short CV (up to two pages) and a covering letter demonstrating how they meet each of the criteria in the person specification (another two pages max) email to info@sahir.uk.co.

Sahir House is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. They especially welcome applications from groups which reflect Sahir House service user groups – HIV positive people (and other disabled people), people from Black and Minority Ethnic groups, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people and refugee communities.

The post is offered on a fixed term basis of one year initially with the possibility of extension funding beyond this. Appointment is subject to a 3-month probationary period, satisfactory references and DBS check.

Closing date for applications: 10am on Tuesday 5th February 2019

Shortlisting: Later that week

Interviews: Friday 15th February 2019

The full Job Description and Equal Opportunities Monitoring form can be found in the attachements.

One of the outcomes from the successful 'We Stand Together' Redeming Our Communities (ROC) event held in November 2017  was to have two follow up events, the result of which is that they have the following ROC Conversation (community engagement) events to be held this February: Come to meet with others from your local community including police and fire services, the local council, and faith-based groups to discuss ways of working together for the good of the community.

Monday 11th February (7 - 9pm) in Runcorn

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/roc-conversation-runcorn-tickets-53805638112

Monday 18th February (7 - 9pm) in Widnes:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/roc-conversation-widnes-tickets-53808762457

ROC would like to invite you to these events. Please join in as they celebrate the good that is already happening in our community. Discover how to support those who work to serve us. Help identify the key issues that really need addressing. Get involved in suggesting practical solutions. Become a part of the Action Team to ensure the Conversation isn’t just talk. In over 160 communities ROC Conversations have made a difference. As one person described it ... “Great and encouraging event and something I'd love to get involved in. Great for all the community to be together,” a friend said “I feel like we’ve really achieved something!”.

Sam's Diamonds Cancer support have moved back to Widnes and are now based at our Widnes office! Their new phone number is 01928 592405.

Sam's Diamonds support ladies with all different types of Cancer through a diagnosis and to move forward with their lives with a positive outlook. Founder Sam says " we are delighted to be in such a beautiful building, with some great people, we are very excited for the year ahead!" Sam's Diamonds have regular meet ups in local coffee shops and provide 24hr support on their private Facebook page. If you have had a cancer diagnosis and need to be surrounded by women who get how you are feeling, please get in touch with them:

New Address:

Sam's Diamonds
St Maries
Lugsdale Road
Widnes
WA8 6DB

Telephone number: 01928 592405

email: samsdiamonds@hotmail.com

Want to gain or use your management, decision making, leadership and team working skills? Want to get behind the scenes of a charity and be involved in shaping how it operates? Then the role of a Trustee with Stick ‘n’ Step is for you.

Stick ‘n’ Step is a small but ambitious charity. They aim to enable, inspire and support children with cerebral palsy and their families. They achieve this by providing a programme of excellent conductive education, delivered from their specialised centres in Wallasey and Runcorn.

They have been on an exciting journey to reach and support more families and are looking to strengthen the Board to ensure the organisation has the expertise and knowledge to support the charity’s recent and continuing growth.   

They are looking for individuals who have a strong empathy with Stick ‘n’ Step’s mission and ethos. In particular they are looking for individuals who have experience, skills, and knowledge in the following areas:

• Digital marketing & communications
• Health & Safety management
• Risk management & strategic planning
• HR & organisational development
• Corporate fundraising or sales

If you feel you have other skills and expertise that would benefit Stick ‘n’ Step, they would love to hear from you.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a lasting and positive difference to a growing organisation, alongside friendly, professional people. Please read the attached role description for full information.

If you would like to apply, please send your CV with a covering letter to Amy Couture – amy@sticknstep.org. Your covering letter should explain why you are interested in becoming a Trustee at Stick ‘n’ Step and what expertise specifically you can offer.

Closing date: 13th March 2019

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the 5.5 million people living in Britain’s former mining communities. Many of these communities still require support due to the huge impact the closure of the mines had upon them.

The Coalfields Community Investment Programme (England) is a £500,000 fund created to support activities that tackle some of the key challenges that still remain in coalfield communities. The fund is open to projects that deliver in the top 30% most deprived coalfield communities and that will make a positive difference in addressing the following themes:

Skills: Growing the skills of people in order to increase their opportunities

Employment: Developing pathways to increase the number of people in work

Health: Supporting activities that improve the health and wellbeing of all age groups

Their offer is now re-opened and all the information on registering an enquiry relating to a project can be found in the link below:

https://www.coalfields-regen.org.uk/funding

Please read all the information and the guidance notes carefully before deciding whether to complete the Eligibility Survey. 

Following publication of the NHS Long Term Plan, NAVCA have produced a member briefing note, outlining a summary of the document’s key priorities and how it’s significant for our sector.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing project from the Halton Health Improvement Team are offering free training for anyone who lives or works in the Halton borough to help improve mental health and tackle mental health stigma. 

They are currently offering the following training. (Further details about the training are available via the weblinks):

Ditton Community Centre

Mental Health Awareness - Wednesday 13th February & 14th August  2019 9:30am – 12 noon

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mental-health-awareness-tickets-53807043315

Suicide Awareness – Wednesday 13th February & 14th August 2019 1pm – 3pm

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/halton-suicide-awareness-guidance-tickets-53807234888

Mental Health Awareness for Managers Wednesday 14th February & 15th August 2019 2pm – 4:30pm

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mental-health-awareness-for-managers-tickets-53808298068

Grangeway Community Centre

Mental Health Awareness - Wednesday 22nd May & 13th November 2019 9:30am – 12 noon

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mental-health-awareness-tickets-53807440503

Suicide Awareness - Wednesday 22nd May and  13th November 2019 1pm – 3pm

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/halton-suicide-awareness-guidance-tickets-53807394365

Mental Health Awareness for Managers – Thursday 24th May & 14th November 2019 2pm – 4pm – 4:30pm

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mental-health-awareness-for-managers-tickets-53810286014

They can also support you to complete the "Time to Change Employers Pledge" which helps improve mental health within your own organisation.

A new SIA Security course in Widnes starts on Monday 21st January at 9.30 till 3.30pm at Widnes Masonic Hall, Kingsway, Widnes WA8 7QH and runs for 14 days consecutively (excluding weekends).  Learners receive a full Level 2 in Door Supervision, Level 2 Customer Service and the SIA badge is fully funded.  The badge payment is made by Training Strategies if the learner successfully passes. 

The whole process can take around 8 - 10 weeks.  3 for the course, 4 for awarding body to mark the 3 SIA exams and 3 or so weeks for a badge payment run. 

They work with Cordant Security, who have Retail Security Officer positions in Tesco, Iceland, Morrison’s or Matalan. They also have site security positions through Nationwide.

The start date is short notice but if you are interested and would like further information contact Training Strategies on 0151 523 9655 or email info@trainingstrategies.co.uk.  You can also look at their website www.trainingstrategies.co.uk for more information.

You are warmly invited to the Chain Lane Community Centre's Annual General Meeting which they are holding on Tuesday 29th January, 6.00 pm at the Community Centre, Hinckley Road, St. Helens WA11 9HT.

They would be delighted to welcome you - you can hear about their progress in 2017/18, their volunteering and the work of the management committee.

Run 'by the community for the community' they are also looking for additional Trustees/Directors to join the committee and help drive the Centre forward for the benefit of the local community. 

Please contact Pam on 07586 842 161 or email ccchainlane@gmail.com for further details.

DIABETES UK

St Helens & District Group

The next meeting of the St Helens & District Group of Diabetes UK will be on Wednesday 6th February 2019, at 7.30pm in St Helens United Reformed Church, King Street, St Helens. WA10 2JZ. The speaker will be Professor Sarah O`Brien, who will be talking on the subject of :-

Reducing the risk of diabetes complications 

Sarah is now the Clinical Accountable Officer of St Helens CCG. She will be explaining all about the risks that may develop because of diabetes, and how we can reduce those risks as much as possible.

Anyone with an interest in diabetes is welcome to attend, admission is free and refreshments are available after the meeting. There will also be a large selection of diabetes leaflets available. They would particularly like to welcome anyone who has been recently diagnosed with diabetes and has not been to a meeting before.

For further details visit the website at www.st-helens-and-district.diabetesukgroup.org 

or contact C Bowmaker on 0151 480 0821.

Our colleagues from NHS Halton CCG have sent us the following press release about a consultation opportunity regarding the future of Halton's Urgent Care Centres. 

Please note the link to the consultation further down in the article. 

Development of Halton Urgent Care Centres in Urgent Treatment Centres, have your say…

NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) intends to develop the two Urgent Care Centres (UCCs) in Halton into Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs). This development will continue to provide the best possible treatment for our residents whilst making them sustainable for the future.

Why are we changing these services in Halton?

In 2013 there was a national review of emergency and urgent care services. This review called for these services to be more responsive, offer personalised care for patients and deliver even better clinical outcomes.

The review involved a public consultation, where patients and the public informed the national review that there is a confusing mix of services offering varied levels of care.

To end this confusion, a national set of core standards has been established for

Urgent Treatment Centres, including having a generic name for these services which will be Urgent Treatment Centres and that the UTCs will be open for at least 12 hrs a day.

What have people already told us?

Between October and December 2018, we asked Halton residents about their experiences of the current UCCs in Widnes and Runcorn and their views of the national model to ensure that both local Urgent Treatment Centres meet the needs of Halton residents. Healthwatch Halton has also engaged with people who have used both services and their findings have also been taken into account. 

The results from this report are available on NHS Halton CCG’s website.

What is NHS Halton CCG proposing?

The current opening hours of both Urgent Care Centres is 15 hours, per day (7am to 10pm). 365 days per year. 

In line with national standards, but following feedback from the pre-consultation and to ensure there is a comprehensive primary care offer the CCG is proposing to reduce the opening times from 15 to 13 hours, with the opening hours proposed as being 8am – 9pm.  

As this proposal is a change of service, NHS Halton CCG is keen to consult with patients, the public and key stakeholders to ask their views on the opening hours of the Urgent Treatment Centres.

How you can have your say

We are looking for your views on the new model for the two Halton Urgent Treatment Centres and on the CCGs proposal to reduce the opening hours to 13 hours. 

A formal 8-week public consultation will commence on Monday 7th January 2019 and will conclude on Sunday 3rd March 2019.  

The survey can be completed by heading to NHS Halton CCGs website or by following this link www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HaltonUTC2019

Paper copies are also available at Runcorn Town hall and at both Urgent Care Centres;

Widnes Urgent Care Centre                             Runcorn Urgent Care Centre

Healthcare Resource Centre                            Halton General Hospital

Caldwell Road                                                 Hospital Way

Widnes WA8 7GD                                            Runcorn WA7 2DA

There is more information available on our website www.haltonccg.nhs.uk including how to get in contact with us and how you can get more involved.

Runcorn Foodbank Christmas opening times: 

Wednesday 19th Dec - The Rise, Halton Brook 2pm - 4pm
Thursday 20th Dec - Christ Church, Castleflds 1pm - 3pm 
Friday 21st Dec - Hope Corner(Old Town) 11am -1pm
Saturday 22nd Dec - Bethesda Church, Palaceflds 10am - 12pm
Sunday 23rd Dec - CLOSED
Monday 24th Dec - CLOSED
Tuesday 25th Dec - CLOSED
Wednesday 26th Dec - CLOSED
Thusday 27th Dec - Christ Church, Castleflds 1pm - 3pm
Friday 28th Dec - Hope Corner(Old Town) 11am - 1pm
Friday 28th Dec  -  Frodsham Guide HQ 1pm - 3pm
Saturday 29th Dec -  Bethesda Church, Palaceflds 10am - 12pm
Sunday 30th Dec - CLOSED
Monday 31st Dec - CLOSED
Tuesday 1st Jan - CLOSED
Wednesday 2nd Jan - Brook Chapel, Boston Ave 2pm -  4pm
Thusday 3rd Jan - Christ Church, Castleflds 1pm - 3pm 

Widnes Foodbank Christmas opening times:

Saturday 22nd Dec - CLOSED
Sunday 23rd Dec - CLOSED
Monday 24th Dec - Crossing Point 11am - 2pm 
Tuesday 25th Dec -  CLOSED 
Wednesday 26th Dec - CLOSED
Thursday 27th Dec - West Bank 11am - 1pm
Friday 28th Dec - Crossing point 10am - 1pm and St Pauls 1pm - 3pm 
Saturday 29th Dec - CLOSED
Sunday 30th Dec - CLOSED
Monday 31st Dec - Crossing point- 11am - 1pm 
Tuesday 1st Jan - CLOSED 

All opening times return to normal Wednesday 2nd January for Runcorn and Widnes.

St Helens Foodbank Christmas opening times:

For all information about St Helens foodbanks please contact St Helens foodbank on 01744 26414 or email them on info@sthelens.foodbank.org.uk or visit https://sthelens.foodbank.org.uk/

The festive season can be a joyous time for most, celebrated with friends and loves ones. However, many people can be gripped by stress, anxiety and loneliness. To help people cope with loneliness, Northwest Boroughs Healthcare have produced a short animation, with handy tips and advice on how to maintain good mental health and wellbeing:

For anyone struggling over the festive period with stress, anxiety or feeling they can’t cope with day-to-day life, including thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit the help in a crisis page on the Trust’s website for support and advice: www.nwbh.nhs.uk/help-in-a-crisis 
 

They also have mental health assessment teams in Halton, Knowsley, St Helens, Warrington and Wigan. These are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If you feel you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can contact your local assessment team directly on the numbers below:

• Halton: 0151 422 6804
• Knowsley: 0151 676 5263
• St Helens: 01744 621 688
• Warrington: 01925 666 647
• Wigan and Leigh: 01942 482 239

Below is the schedule of office opening hours for DWP Jobcentres and information letting customers know when they can expect their payments over the Christmas Period.

Christmas Opening hours

Date                                                                  Offices                              Phone lines

Friday 21 December                                           Open                                  Open

Monday 24 December                                        Closed                                Open for missing or urgent payment enquiries only. Closing at 5pm

Tuesday 25 December                                        Closed                                Closed

Wednesday 26 December                                   Closed                                Closed

Thursday 27 December                                      Open                                  Open

Friday 28 December                                           Open                                  Open

Monday 31 December                                        Open                                  Open, closing at 5pm

Tuesday 1 January                                             Closed                                Closed

Wednesday 2 January                                        Open                                  Open

The payments dates for benefits or pensions (excluding Universal Credit) are shown below. If the date is not shown then the usual payment date will apply.

Payment due date                                                                                       Payment date Other benefits

21 December 2018                                                                                          21 December 2018

22 December 2018                                                                                          21 December 2018

23 December 2018                                                                                          21 December 2018

24 December 2018                                                                                          21 December 2018

25 December 2018                                                                                          21 December 2018

26 December 2018                                                                                          21 December 2018

27 December 2018                                                                                          27 December 2018

28 December 2018                                                                                          28 December 2018

29 December 2018                                                                                          28 December 2018

30 December 2018                                                                                          28 December 2018

31 December 2018                                                                                          31 December 2018

1 January 2019                                                                                               31 December 2018

2 January 2019: All benefits                                                                           31 December 2018

2 January 2019: ESA, JSA and Income Support in England and Wales             2 January 2019

The payment date for Universal Credit is shown below. If the date is not shown then the usual payment date will apply.

Payment due date                                       Payment date Universal Credit

21 December 2018                                          21 December 2018

22 December 2018                                          21 December 2018

23 December 2018                                          21 December 2018

24 December 2018                                          24 December 2018

25 December 2018                                          24 December 2018

26 December 2018                                          24 December 2018

27 December 2018                                          27 December 2018

28 December 2018                                          28 December 2018

29 December 2018                                          28 December 2018

30 December 2018                                          28 December 2018

31 December 2018                                          31 December 2018

1 January 2019                                               31 December 2018

2 January 2019                                               2 January 2019

Monitoring & Database Worker –   £21, 693 pro rata.

Hours - between 16 and 21 hours per week (there is some flexibility in the number of hours required, which can be worked across 3, 4 or 5 days per week).

The Monitoring and Database Worker makes sure that all of the data is recorded, tracks everything that happens with their service users, writes reports on this with other staff members and helps identify where they can make improvements. 

In particular, they are looking for someone who:

• Pays meticulous attention to detail and can produce detailed, accurate written reports for monitoring and evaluation purposes
• Understands the world of outcomes and outputs; monitoring and evaluation; and knows how services like Sahir House can demonstrate the impact they make
• Can develop and maintain their new database
• Communicates effectively, both face-to-face and in writing, and can adapt their communication style and for different audiences
• Has excellent IT skills, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Likes flexibility and being part of a team
• Has bags of energy, is happy to manage their own time and prioritise their workload

Sahir House is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. They especially welcome applications from groups that reflect Sahir House service user groups – HIV positive people (and other disabled people); people from Black and Minority Ethnic groups; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people and refugee communities.

Appointment is subject to a 3-month probationary period, satisfactory references and DBS check.

Closing date for applications: 1pm on Thursday 9th January 2019

Interviews:  Tuesday 22nd January 2019

Applicants should complete a Sahir House application form demonstrating how they meet each of the criteria in the person specification.

Full job description, person specification, application form and equal opportunities form can found in the attachments below.

The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is asking people across Halton to comment on its draft proposals for new council ward boundaries.

The Commission’s plans would mean changes to all wards in Halton.

A 10-week public consultation on the recommendations is now in place and will end on 11 February 2019. The consultation is open to anyone who wants to have their say on new council wards, ward boundaries and ward names across Halton.

The Commission’s draft recommendations propose that Halton should have 54 councillors in future: this is 2 fewer than there are now. The recommendations also outline how those councillors should represent 18 three-councillor across the borough.

The full recommendations and detailed interactive maps are available on the Commission’s website at consultation.lgbce.org.uk and www.lgbce.org.uk. Hard copies of the Commission’s report and maps will also be available to view at council buildings.

Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said: “We are publishing proposals for a new pattern of wards across Halton and we are keen to hear what local people think of the recommendations.

“Over the next 10 weeks, we are asking local people to tell us if they agree with the proposals or if not, how they can be improved. 

“Our review aims to deliver electoral equality for local voters. This means that each councillor represents a similar number of people, so that everyone’s vote in council elections is worth roughly the same, regardless of where you live.

“We also want to ensure that our proposals reflect the interests and identities of local communities across Halton and that the pattern of wards can help the council deliver effective local government for local people.

“We will consider all the submissions we receive, whoever they are from and whether your evidence applies to the whole of the borough or just a part of it.”

The Commission wants to hear as much evidence as possible to develop final recommendations for Halton. If you would like to make a submission to the Commission, please write or email by 11 February 2019.

The Review Officer (Halton)
Local Government Boundary Commission for England
1st Floor, Windsor House
50 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0TL

Email: reviews@lgbce.org.uk

Follow on Twitter @LGBCE

Have your say directly through the Commission’s consultation portal:

https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/13208

Link to the dedicated web page for the Halton Council electoral review:

http://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/north-west/cheshire/halton

For further information contact:

Press Office: 0330 500 1250 / 1525

press@lgbce.org.uk

In January, Halton Haven Hospice are running a Christmas tree collection across Widnes, Runcorn, Frodsham and surrounding areas, saving people the hassle of having to dispose of their Christmas tree in the new year.

In return for a donation of your choice, Halton Haven Hospice will pick up your real Christmas tree from your home on Thursday 10^th and Friday 11^th January. The money raised from the initiative will help fund patient care at the hospice, caring for local people who are living with end of life and life-limiting conditions.

The collection is being made possible thanks to the support of several local organisations. Display Team, the point of sales company based in Manor Park in Runcorn, are using their own vans and staff to pick up the trees; Runcorn-based tree surgery company Treebor is taking care of the chipping and disposal of the trees; and St Michael’s Primary School in Widnes are very kindly allowing the hospice to store the trees in their grounds before being chipped.

Chris Andrews, Senior Fundraising Manager at Halton Haven Hospice, said “This is a great initiative for the Hospice and the local area. People don’t have to worry about getting rid of their tree when we can do it for them! And it all raises vital funds for the Haven too. Thank you to everyone who has already registered their tree for collection. If you haven’t done it yet, don’t miss the 8^th January deadline! A big thank you also to Display Team, Treebor and St Michael’s Primary School for their wonderful support.”

For Halton Haven Hospice to pick up your tree, simply visit www.haltonhaven.org.uk/christmastree and register your details before Tuesday 8^th January. The hospice is picking up trees from the WA6, WA7, WA8 and WA4 6 postcode areas.

VISION SUPPORT

Rehabilitation Assistant

12 hours per week over 2 or 3 days

Vision Support is seeking to recruit a Rehabilitation Assistant for people with sensory loss. The post will be based at the Halton Sensory Services Office with travel throughout the Runcorn and Widnes areas providing practical help and support to enable individuals to live independently.

They are looking for someone who is hard working, enthusiastic and flexible.

If you are interested in this position and would like further details please contact Derek Hough on 01244 381515. Alternatively, if you would like an application pack please email recruitment@visionsupport.org.uk

Closing date for applications is 2nd January 2019

Successful completion of a DBS check is required for this position (costs will be met by the employer). 

The Borough of Culuture have launched an open competition to design the official logo for the Borough of Culture initiative and want residents and artists (amateur and professional) from across the Liverpool City Region to get involved.

As the first Combined Authority in the country to have powers over culture included in its devolution deal, they created the Borough of Culture award last year, to encourage cultural activities across the whole city region.

The Borough of Culture title is awarded annually on a rotational basis to one of the six local authorities that make up our city region, as part of our 1% for Culture programme. 

The purpose of the Borough of Culture award is to stimulate new cultural and creative opportunities; highlighting the unique character and distinctiveness of its people and places, and developing  the skills and talents of its residents in order to create an exciting year of cultural events and activity that everyone can enjoy and take part in.

Each host borough will create its own programme of cultural and creative events, activities and opportunities, but all will include five key elements:

• Children and Young People – accessing, enjoying, learning through culture and creative engagement, developing skills and talents.
• Positive outcomes – wellbeing, health, education, cohesion and future world of work.
• Communities – increased opportunities for participation and involvement
• Distinctiveness of place – promoting the creative and culture offer to local people and visitors
• Infrastructure and Legacy – building future cultural and creative opportunities beyond the Borough of Culture year.

The Borough of Culture initiative is designed to utilise many of the region’s existing assets and talent to stimulate cultural and creative opportunities, both formal and informal, wherever they can be found.

They want you to help them to inspire and make more people aware of the fantastic cultural and creative opportunities on offer across the Liverpool City Region by creating a logo for Borough of Culture.

The winning submission will receive a prize of £800 and will be developed into the Borough of Culture official logo from 2019 onwards.

The brief:

• They need a logo design that can be used by each borough throughout its host year in the year it is awarded the title.
• The competition is open to anyone aged 16 years or over living in the Liverpool City Region.
• Your design must be an entirely original unpublished work that you have created.

What they are looking for:

• An original design for a logo that will represent the Borough of Culture brand.
• A design that captures the spirit of creativity and Culture in ALL its forms but which is simple, clear and easily recognisable.
• It should not be too cluttered or use stereotypical images eg theatre masks/paintbrushes/film reel.
• The logo could be a type treatment (eg uses the words Borough of Culture) and/or can be an image based design.
• The brand must not incorporate any of the already established elements of each Liverpool City Region Borough’s logo identity – but must be compatible with them.
• The logo will need to be able to be applied across all promotional materials, including merchandising in print and online through social media channels and website.
• Your design should be effective in both colour and black and white versions.

They will accept your design ideas in the following formats:

• Digitally produced artwork
• Scanned hand drawn sketches / paintings
• Full colour and in horizontal, rectangular format

Submissions:

• Entries should be submitted no later than Monday, 7 January 2019 at midday to boroughofculturelogo@liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk 
• Files should be in jpg format and no larger than 5MB
• Please include your name, age and contact details with your submission.
• You must also include a short explanation about your design concept in no more than 250 words.
• If you have difficulties submitting your entry in this format please contact boroughofculturelogo@liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk

The prize:

The winner will receive a cash prize of £800 and the design will be developed into the Borough of Culture official logo from 2019 onwards.

More details about the competition and full terms and conditions can by found by clicking the link below:

http://liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/logo-competition

Please find below the details on the next series of Basic Bid-Writing Training and Monitoring & Evaluation Courses run by Halton Borough Council’s External Funding Team. If you wish to attend please complete and return the attached booking form or complete it online.

https://halton.me/external-funding-course-booking-form/

The training will be provided for free to Halton groups and to those groups who do work in Halton only. For any other organisations, there is a £40 charge.

Basic Bid Writing Training:

- Tuesday 5th February 2019: 9.30am-1pm, Upton Community Centre

- Tuesday 7th May 2019: 9.30am-1pm, Murdishaw Community Centre

- Tuesday 3rd September 2018: 9.30am-1pm, Upton Community Centre

- Tuesday 3rd December 2019: 9.30am-1pm, Castlefields Community Centre

Subjects covered in the course include: Essential requirements of a strong bid (‘Top-Tips’); Basic bid-writing skills to meet the funder’s essential requirements; Common reasons for bid failure.

Monitoring and Evaluation Training

- Thursday 4th April 2019: 9.30am-1pm, Upton Community Centre

- Tuesday 5th November 2019: 9.30am-1pm, Murdishaw Community Centre

Subjects covered in the course include: To understand what Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) involves; To learn why it is necessary; To understand where and how Monitoring &Evaluation should be used in grant-funded projects; To learn best practice (‘top tips’) for producing good quality and effective data and reports.

If you require any more information, please get in touch with Jonathan Patten via (0151) 511 7214 or jonathan.patten@halton.gov.uk

VCA would like to express a huge thank you to Harrison Lightfoot, a pupil at Wade Deacon High School, with the help of his family and a generous donation from Uncle John they have donated a large amount of toys to the Halton Christmas Toy Appeal.  All of the toys collected will go to help make Christmas special for less fortunate children who otherwise might not have very much to celebrate. 

We will still be collecting until the 14th December at our Halton Office, so if you'd like to donate any new and unopened toys for children aged between 0 and 18 we would be very happy to accept them.

A new shop in the heart of St Helens is rescuing unwanted furniture from the scrap heap while providing practical skills for job-seeking residents.

The ReStore St Helens shop is the brainchild of Changing Communities – a Community Interest Company established by local charity The Hope Centre – and sees unwanted household furniture repaired and re-used instead of being thrown away.

The new shop on Peckers Hill Road in Sutton houses an on-site workshop where volunteers repair, restore and upcycle donated furniture – anything from dining tables, chairs and bookcases, to drawers, desks, wardrobes and cupboards. Any waste wood or by-product is used to create new items such as garden planters, benches and ornaments. All items are sold in the shop with any profits being ploughed back into the venture.

On 16th November the ReStore shop was officially opened by local MP Marie Rimmer OBE, Director at The Hope Centre Angela Metcalfe, and Carl Beer, the Chief Executive of Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority who have provided £8000 towards the project as part of their Community Fund for waste prevention, re-use and recycling initiatives. 

Marie Rimmer OBE said: “Sutton Village is one of the oldest communities in the borough and it’s great to see ReStore St Helens providing a valuable service in this area. ReStore offers the opportunity to upcycle furniture items, which may have gone to landfill, whilst at the same time offering skills and work experience to local people.

“This is yet another example of the valuable service The Hope Centre provides in supporting the local community and I know this project will go from strength to strength.”

Carl Beer congratulated everyone involved in the scheme and hoped to see more similar initiatives in the future: “I’d love to see more of this type of shop throughout the whole of Merseyside where usable furniture doesn’t even make it into the waste stream but instead back into people’s homes. This is such a great scheme and I’d like to give everyone here a huge round of applause for their efforts in getting the shop up and running.”

By the end of the project it is hoped that well over a tonne of furniture will have been repaired and upcycled. If successful ReStore will look to develop the re-use and upcycling of a wider range of furniture such as sofas and white goods.

The Project Manager at ReStore Julie Waring said: “St Helens has a number of well-established charity and commercial second hand furniture shops, proving there is a strong market for second hand furniture. However, these organisations don’t tend to repair or upcycle household furniture. ReStore will take unwanted furniture that would otherwise become waste. We will add life and value to these items, preventing them from entering the waste stream and avoiding new items being purchased.

“We’re basically creating something new and desirable from something old and unwanted.”

ReStore is primarily volunteer run and as well as refurbishing unwanted furniture is also providing opportunities for long-term unemployed individuals with mild/moderate mental wellbeing issues. Using The Hope Centre’s extensive volunteer network participants are being provided with opportunities to learn DIY and retail skills, giving practical experience of working routines to help gain employment.

ReStore will directly engage with at least 24 people including 10 volunteers, four people seeking work and 10 local residents.

Angela Metcalfe, Director at The Hope Centre, said: “It’s wonderful that so much furniture is being saved, but just as importantly by building links with the local community we are giving people valuable experience that they can take to the job market. Volunteering combats loneliness and reduces social isolation. As participants gain new skills their confidence should increase and hopefully they’ll feel they can take control of their situation.”

MRWA is a local government body with nine elected members from the five constituent councils in Merseyside. It organises and manages disposal of all waste collected by the five councils and operates 14 Household Waste Recycling Facilities. merseysidewda.gov.uk

The MRWA and Veolia Community Fund 2018/19 has seen 14 community groups from Merseyside and Halton receive a funding boost to help make the region a cleaner and greener place. The financial support will see the groups help reduce household waste, encourage recycling and resource re-use, and prevent carbon emissions. For more information see http://www.merseysidewda.gov.uk/waste-strategy/community-fund/community-fund-201819/

Halton Carers Widnes office has now moved! They are no longer based in Peelhouse Family Centre, every wed & Thurs 10am - 4pm the Carers Support Worker will be based in Halton & St Helens VCA on Lugsdale Road, Widnes, WA8 6DB (the old St Maries Church, next to Tesco). Their weekly Therapy & Podiatry appointments will also be here! If you wish to telephone to speak to their worker in Widnes you can ring 01928 592405 (which is Halton & St Helens VCA number) and we will transfer you to them.

There is no change with their Runcorn office or telephone number 01928 580182.

Civil Society Involvement (CSI) will work to help third sector organisations access European Funding ahead of Brexit and to shape future legacy funds.

The new programme has launched to help voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations across England access European funding for the remaining 2014-2020 programme. The project will also work to influence the shape of future legacy funds post-Brexit, including the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

CSI will work with the third sector to understand the issues within the current European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) programme, which are preventing organisations from accessing the funds.

These findings will be communicated through skilled representation on the national Growth Programme Board and its nine national sub-committees, meaning that the voice of the sector will be heard at a national level.

The dedicated team of CSI representatives include the Vice Chair of the Social Audit Network, Anne Lythgoe, the CEO of The Women’s Organisation, Maggie O’Carroll, and Deputy CEO of the Workers’ Educational Association, Joanna Cain. Representation will also come from Citizens Advice Halton, The National Trust, as well as Network for Europe and VONNE.

A new website launched this month which will act as a vital resource for those wanting to find out more about accessing funding and will also enable colleagues to contact the relevant representatives on the Growth Programme Board.

The CSI team are calling for third sector support organisations to share the resource with colleagues from across the sector. Those wanting to be kept up-to-date with current funding calls and industry news are also been encouraged to sign up to the CSI newsletter.

Helen Millne, Deputy CEO of The Women’s Organisation, the lead partner of the CSI project, says: “Navigating European funding can be a very complicated and time-consuming process, which can turn many organisations off from the possibilities. We want to make sure that those working in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector are able to access European funds and make it work for their projects.

“There is still plenty of opportunity to access this pot of European money before the programme comes to an end in 2020. We would encourage anyone working within the third sector to engage with the CSI project, either by sharing your experiences with us to help shape future funds post Brexit, or by signing up to our newsletter to be kept in the loop about the remaining programme”.

The CSI project is receiving funding from the European Social Fund, as part of the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme in England, and will run until December 2020

The project is led by Liverpool-based charity, The Women’s Organisation, with the Workers Educational Association (WEA) and Citizens’ Advice Halton working as project partners.

If you would like to find out more about how Civil Society Involvement can help you, please contact info@civilscoietyinvolvement.com. To receive updates from the project and latest news on European Funding, you can join the mailing list via www.civilsocietyinvolvement.com.

Widnes and Runcorn Cancer Support Group are holding a Christmas Fair at Farnworth Methodist Church Hall,  Derby Rd, Widnes WA8 9JX, on Saturday 8th December between 11am and 3pm. There will be stalls from local businesses selling all manner of gifts and treats along side stalls selling goods made by their service users.

There will be refreshments including hot chocolate with marshmallows and non-alcoholic mulled wine available to buy, raffles, games and Santa himself will be in his grotto, you can check if you're on his nice list!

Entrance is free and they look forward to seeing you there.

Halton and St Helens VCA were very proud to sponsor one of the awards at the inaugural Pride of St Helens Business Awards, which were organised by Invest in St Helens (in partnership with the Steve Prescott Foundation and the St Helens Star). .

The evening was a tremendous success as representatives from public, private and voluntary organisations gathered at the Totally Wicked Stadium (home of St Helens legendary rugby league team) to celebrate local success stories. With a fun casino, excellent musical performances and a host from Sky Sports, it was an evening full of glamour and entertainment.

The award we sponsored was “The Community Impact Award” and there were 3 superb nominees: Apex Trust, Co-op Lea Green Distribution Centre and Groundwork. We’d like to offer heartfelt congratulations to Groundwork who won the award.

Kim Hughes, Apex Trust CEO stated “we were already winners in being selected as 1 of 3 finalists for this award.  On behalf of Apex Trust staff, trustees and volunteers past and present, we are thrilled to have been selected and recognised for the work and support we offer to a marginalised client group, facing many barriers”.

Congratulations to everyone who was involved in the evening for delivering an event which made everyone proud to be working or living in St Helens and successfully raised the profile of the town.

Pilotlight and the Garfield Weston Foundation would like to announce that the Weston Charity Awards are now open for applications.

Established to celebrate and support ambitious charities working in the fields of Youth, Welfare and Community, we are looking for charities who would like mentoring and coaching support to get their organisation to the next stage in its development. This year the Awards are will support 20 charities across the North, the Midlands and Wales.

Winners will receive £6,500 unrestricted grant funding alongside business mentoring support from award-winning charity Pilotlight.

For more information or to apply visit the website here or call them on 020 7283 7022.

Deadline for applications: Friday 11th January 2019.

Our colleagues from Halton Borough Council’s External Funding Team have prepared some Funding Bulletins containing valuable information for voluntary organisations looking for grants to get projects off the ground.

The Monthly funding bulletins offering information on funding opportunities in the following areas: 

Arts, Community & Voluntary, Environment & Heritage, European, Faith, Health, Schools, Sports and Youth.

To access the information, please click on the link below: 

https://www4.halton.gov.uk/Pages/business/FinanceandGrants/finance.aspx

If you are looking for things to do why not go along to the Studio, they have lots of groups and taster sessions, all the groups and taster sessions take place at The Studio, Lacey Street, Widnes, WA8 7SQ or you can phone 07930388844 or email info@TheStudioWidnes.org.uk for more information, see below for group and taster session details:

The Studio Sings is a free choir, just turn up, sing your heart out and feel great.  It meets on Monday's from 6.30pm to 8pm 

Mindcraft - Come and join the free craft group or just have a cup of tea and meet like minded people.  It meets on Friday's 12.30pm to 2.30pm

Taster sessions - all taster session are taking place until 14 December 

• Singing the musicals - whether you want to kick start your career on the stage or just sing through your favourite musical hits, composer and musical director Ashley M A Walsh (Closets, The Jury) will take you from warm ups to the West End.  The sessions are on Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 8pm  and you need to be 16 +.  
• Write On - free creative writing sessions are being held on Monday 6.30pm to 8pm for 16+, Friday 1pm to 3pm for 16+, Saturday 11am to 12.30pm for 7-11s.  Writing to be published in the new seasonal newsletter
• Tambourine Tots - a free musical group for 0-5s, accompanied by their parents or carers exploring rhythm and movement through song.  The session are on Saturdays 11am to 12pm 
• Games Tank - Meet up group for Gamers.  Share, play, compete, on new and vintage games and consoles.  The sessions are on Mondays 4.30pm to 6.30pm for 11 -17s 
• Can do Fridays - Reclaiming, refreshing & reinvigorating held on Fridays 1pm to 3pm.  Sound sessions - upgrading and refurbing at The Recording Studio and Rehearsal Rooms, Get Up - Gardening & Upcycling - giving new life to the outdoor spaces & old instruments.  Bring your ideas, skills and tools.  Free refreshments.  

For more information about The Studio click the link below to go to their website:

http://www.thestudiowidnes.org.uk/

The first ever Festive Faith Fair,  will be held at St Helens Town Hall on Wednesday 5th December from 3.30-6.30pm. 

 The hope is that during this busy festive period, the event will shed some light on the Christian organisations that are working all year round at the heart of our communities to reach out and help people who are in need.

 Why not join them for a free mince pie and a hot chocolate and take the time to find out about how the church is working in St Helens today.

Mike Palin, Chief Executive of St Helens Council would like to appeal for gifts for those in care.  They want to provide something for those who have left care - including a Christmas lunch on the 24th December as well as a hamper for young  people who for whatever reason couldn't be cared for by family and hence were in care and in reality may not have a family to spend Christmas with.  Mike is looking for any groups or businesses who could make a donation of gifts for hampers or offer any other support.

Cathryn White has volunteered to coordinate the process and you can contact her on CathrynWhite@sthelens.gov.uk or you can contact Mike Palin on MikePalin@sthelens.gov.uk 

St Helens Council would like to invite you take part in an interactive engagement event to help shape the future of St Helens Parks and Green Spaces.

The Mersey Forest Team is supporting St Helens Council to develop a Vision for Parks and Green Spaces in the borough.

The event is taking place at St Helens Town Hall on Tuesday 4th December. There are two sessions planned, one from 2-4pm and the second from 6-8pm. You can book your free ticket by simply clicking on this link;

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-vision-for-st-helens-parks-and-green-spaces-4th-december-2018-tickets-52090103903

From this link you can  "Select a Time" to choose which session you would like to attend.

Each session will follow the same format, with presentations to provide the context and then an opportunity to have your say about parks and green spaces in small groups - so everyone will have a chance to contribute.

If you have any questions, please contact Paul on the details below:

Paul Nolan
Director | The Mersey Forest Team
01925 816217 | 07788 438670
paul.nolan@merseyforest.org.uk

The main focus of the meeting was the 6 “Priority Programmes”. They are:

1.      Healthy Streets

Develop a Healthy Streets programme that builds on the work of the Well North Programme and being dementia friendly and takes forward the whole systems approach to healthy weight.

2.      Making Every Contact Count

Build a prevention culture within providers by embedding Making Every Contact Count at scale.

3.      One Halton Population Health Framework

Pilot the One Halton Population Health Framework model for Primary Care Hubs.

4.      Workplace Health Programme

Develop a Workplace Health Programme across Halton that enables employees to stay well and supports more people with health conditions and disability to remain in the labour market, to support productivity, reduce non-clinical demands on primary care and to reduce the flow of people who move onto long-term sickness and disability benefits.

5.      Social and Emotional Health Programme for Young People

Develop a social and emotional health programme for young people in education aged 16 – 22 years commencing with Halton College.

6.      Physical Activity

Build on the current work for physical activity by promoting and engaging people in every walk of life at scale.
 

Attendees stated what they were currently doing and how they might “fit into” or under one of the priorities.

At the end of the meeting, Chair Person Eileen O’Meara asked everyone present to consider which priority their work best fitted under.

At Halton & St Helens VCA, we want make our member organisations aware of the priorities and to ask them if they are delivering any projects which could be seen as contributing towards one of the 6 priorities.

If your VCSE organisation is delivering a project which you think should be taken into consideration, please contact Lynne Woods via Lynne.Woods3@halton.gov.uk before Friday 7th December.

If you have any questions about the One Halton Board, please feel free to contact VCA Chief Executive, Sally Yeoman via syeoman@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Two local organisations are looking for volunteers to help them over the Christmas period:

Hope House will be opening their doors over Christmas for those less fortunate people in St Helens.  They are looking for volunteers to help them bring cheer during the festive period.

Warrington and Halton Hospitals Charity need Volunteer Christmas bag packers  to help collect much needed funds to support equipment and activities to help patients of all ages. If you can spare an hour or two get in touch to register.

 If you would like to know more about either of these opportunities, please contact the Volunteer Centre St Helens on 01744 751759 or email volunteersthelens@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk for more details

Newton Community and Family Centre has 3 new oppportunties for you to get involved with:

Family fun time is a stay and play for under 5’s. Its is on Tuesdays 12.30-3pm (term time only) for children aged 0-5 years.

Club 426 is an after school club (term time only)  for children aged 5-13 years old on a Thursday 3.30pm-6.30pm. Club 426 is full of crafts, games, sports and food.

Coffee Bar Volunteer  - To help run a coffee bar and provide a friendly atmosphere for centre users, tutors and members of the public. You will be serving the public with refreshments and light snacks.

If you would like to know more contact the Volunteer Centre St Helens on 01744 751759 or email volunteersthelens@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk for more details

Lucem House Community Cinema in St Helens are looking for volunteers to assist in the smooth running of the cinema both front of house and behind the scenes.

Front of house volunteers will amongst other activities, meet and greet cinema goers, help with box office duties and the provision of refreshments.

Technical volunteers will assist in the smooth running of the screening of the film.

If this sounds like your cup of tea, get in touch with Volunteer Centre St Helens on 01744 751759 or email volunteersthelens@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk for more details.

More than 13,000 problems with purchases in England and Wales on online marketplaces were reported to the Citizens Advice consumer service last year.

Online marketplaces - websites where traders and private individuals list and sell products - are becoming increasingly popular for people trying to find the best deal.

As customers turn to online marketplaces in the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, Citizens Advice Halton is warning residents in Widnes and Runcorn to be aware of the dangers.

This year’s National Consumer Week, which runs from 26 November to 2 December, focuses on customer rights when buying from an online marketplace. Citizens Advice Halton says people don’t always know they have fewer rights when they buy from a private seller, compared to if they buy from a business.

If you buy from a private seller the principle of “buyer beware” applies. This means while the seller can’t mis-describe the item, they can omit information. For example, if a laptop is described as being a silver laptop in “excellent working condition” but it’s faulty, you could ask for your money back. But if “excellent working condition” is missing from the description, you won’t be able to.

As part of National Consumer Week, Citizens Advice Halton suggests people check all the product information carefully before buying something on an online marketplace. They also recommend that shoppers take extra care, like reading previous reviews and saving screenshots of their purchases.

Hitesh Patel, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Halton said:

“Far too many people are being ripped off on online marketplaces. As part of National Consumer Week we want to make sure customers know what to look out for when making a purchase and their rights if something goes wrong.

“With millions of people trying to find a bargain online on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, buyers need to beware when purchasing off online marketplaces.

“To reduce the risk of being left out-of-pocket it’s a good idea to check the product information on these sites carefully before they make a purchase.”

Here are Citizens Advice’s tips for using online marketplaces:

• Check the product details - This should include: photos; a description; cost of the item; delivery charges; contact details for the seller; and any cancellation rights. It should be clear if it’s being sold by a trader or private seller - this is important as your rights are different. It is wise to read previous reviews as these can often flag potential issues, but watch out for fake reviews. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Take screenshots of the item you want to buy - This will come in handy if the item you receive is different to what you saw on the website.

• Use a payment method that protects you - You’ll have a better chance of getting your money back if there’s a problem by using a card or Paypal, particularly if it’s an overseas seller. Avoid paying by bank transfer.

• Go back to the seller if there’s a problem - Explain what’s happened, how you’d like them to fix it and give a deadline for them to respond. If they don’t sort it out, see if there’s an alternative dispute resolution service that can help. Report them and the online marketplace to Trading Standards if you think the issue is unfair.

• Getting your money back from a private seller - The product description needs to be accurate, but if information is missing you won’t be able to ask for your money back. If the item doesn’t match the photos on the website, you may also have grounds to ask for your money back.

Halton & St Helens VCA are now a drop off point for Halton Christmas Toy Appeal. Donations can be dropped off at our office on Lugsdale Road, Widnes during opening times Monday to Thursday 9-5pm & Friday 9-4pm. Donations are needed for boys and girls ages ranging from 0-18. The purpose being to supply disadvantaged children living in Halton with a present to open on Christmas Day, which they would not normally receive. 

A share of £115,000 is up for grabs to help make the region a cleaner and greener place.

The funding has been made available for Merseyside and Halton community and voluntary groups, schools, faith groups and not-for-profit organisations, who can reduce household waste, encourage recycling and resource re-use and prevent carbon emissions. The projects will also have to demonstrate wider positive impacts on the environment, health and education.

The money is coming from the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority and Veolia Community Fund 2019/20, which has been running annually since 2006.

Successful applicants can be awarded up to £25,000 for schemes which operate across all six districts in Merseyside and Halton, and £8,000 for projects which work solely at one local authority level.

The impact of the 2017/18 Fund saw 12 projects deliver 28 full time equivalent jobs (created or safeguarded), participation by 486 volunteers, 29,435 people directly engaged, 1222 tonnes of waste material diverted from landfill and a 1181 tonnes reduction in CO2 equivalent emissions.

Previous Community Fund projects have included:

• creating a sensory learning garden from re-used materials at a college in St Helens
• the development of a shop in Wirral to sell used clothes and develop sewing and textiles re-use skills
• the repair and re-use of unused furniture for redistribution to the local community in Halton
• bicycle repair and maintenance workshops in Knowsley
• using cookery clubs across Merseyside and Halton to improve people’s diet, to reduce food waste and make financial savings.
• improving online retail skills for a charity shop in Sefton

Bids must tackle one or more of the four priority household waste materials which have been identified by MRWA as key, namely Food, Plastics, Textiles and Furniture. An analysis of waste in Merseyside and Halton highlighted that a greater amount of these materials could be re-used or recycled. Projects can also include other household waste materials, for example paper, card, metals.

The Liverpool-based Granby Toxteth Development Trust (GTDT) is one organisation to have benefitted from the Community Fund. The project has used the funding to engage residents around Lodge Lane with waste reduction and recycling messages.

Dr Lindsey Guy, Chief Executive of GTDT, said: “We have been delivering recycling and waste management projects for several years around the Granby Toxteth area, and recently more further afield. Funding from MRWA and GTDT’s own Big Lottery funding – L8 Living Sustainably - has enabled us to develop a transferable model which works successfully with many different communities and groups.

“For 2017/2018 we continued to work with these, and new, communities as well as working with MRWA to develop our models of good practice within communities to create packages of support which promote good re-use and recycling practices and help to change people’s behaviour.”

Chairperson of Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA), Councillor Tony Concepcion, said: “We’ve made this money available for new and existing projects which can have an impact on their local community and make Merseyside and Halton a cleaner and greener place for us all to live and work. Giving groups the opportunity to get involved in looking after their environment can only bring benefits to all and can help us appreciate items as valuable resources rather than something which otherwise might be just thrown away.”

Interested groups should complete and submit a Stage One form with MRWA. If applicants are shortlisted then they will be asked to fill in a more detailed Stage Two entry. Successful projects will receive the funding in April 2019 and will have twelve months to deliver their schemes.

Organisations interested in this year’s Community Fund can:

• Download the Stage One application form and Guidance at www.merseysidewda.gov.uk.   
• Contact the Authority by Email: communityfund2019/2020@merseysidewda.gov.uk / Tel: 0151 255 1444

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF STAGE ONE APPLICATION: Friday 4th January 2019, 11.59pm.

MRWA will be holding a Community Fund Application Workshop to help interested groups get advice on applying for funding. The workshop will take place on Thursday 6th December 2018, 10.00am, at Liverpool Quaker Meeting House, 22 School Lane, Liverpool. For tickets please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mrwa-community-fund-201920-application-advice-workshop-tickets-52933845557

Newton Community Centre's Christmas Craft Fair will be taking place on Saturday 1st December 2018 at 12pm-5pm 

Everybody is welcome to come along.

Activities include things such as:

• A Choir
• Candles
• Jewelry 
• Lots of gift stalls
• Also Santa himself 
• And many more

If you would like to come along and join in the fun the fair will be taking place at;

Newton Community Centre
Park Road South
Newton-le-Willows
Merseyside
WA12 8EX

For more information you can contact them on 01925 224731 

Willowbrook Hospice are inviting you to Light Up A Life 2018 where you can remember a loved one this Christmas. Christmas is a time when we think about our family and friends, past and present so come along and join Willowbrook at one of their special services across St Helens and Knowsley (poster attached).

The two church services will include carols, readings and the lighting of the Light Up A Life tree, followed by a moment of silence so you can sit and reflect on special times and memories of loved ones. Each year many loved ones are remembered in the Light Up A Life appeal and thousands of pounds are raised for Willowbrook Hospice.

The services will be taking place at 7pm on:

Monday 10th December 2018 at;

Prescot Parish Church,
Church Street,
Prescot,
L34 3LA

and on  Wednesday 12th December 2018 at;

St Mary's Lowe House,
North Road,
St Helens,
WA10 2BJ

Everybody is welcome to attend the services, refreshments will be served from 6pm. 

For more information about donating to Willowbrook Hospice see flyer attached or you can contact Willowbrook on 01744 453 798 or email events@willowbrookhospice.org.uk, you can also check out their website at  https://www.willowbrook.org.uk/

Healthwatch Halton are moving offices. 

As of Monday 3rd December 2018 the Healthwatch Halton team will be based at:

Suite 5,
Foundry House,
Waterside Lane
Halebank,
Widnes
WA8 8GT

Their contact number will remain the same 0300 777 6543

On Sunday,13th January 2019 at the Ibis Hotel, Haydock, 10:00am to 1:00pm anyone who may be interested will be welcomed and able to discuss the Advanced Drivers Courses with Members and Officers of the Group. The St Helens Group of Advanced Motorists offer substantial discounts to those aged 17 to 35 years, a saving of up to £89, you pay only £60 and a discount of £50 to those of 60 years and over.

Advanced drivers could get cheaper insurance, use less fuel and brake wear, gain confidence on motorways and rural roads and become more aware to avoid road collisions and injuries. Free driving assessments will be available and light refreshments are provided. If you wish you can contact them by mobile at 07849 674939 (after 6pm only), Email: contact @shgam.org.uk or visit their website: www.shgam.org.uk

Trustees' Week 2018

Between 12-16 November 2018 those in the third sector, and beyond, celebrated trustees during Trustee week.  Trustees are vital to the successful running of charities. They provide direction, guidance and valuable, practical skills, and what’s more they do it all for free. Trustees' week is the annual event that showcases and celebrates the role of trustees, the great work that they do and the many opportunities that are available for people to get involved with charities and groups local to them.  The Trustee Week website is still open and has many useful resources for trustees.  To find out what is available click on the link below

Trustee Week Website 

FFTransport are a not for profit organisation part of former forces support and have an affordable 17 seat community mini bus for hire, available with a driver or can be hired on a self drive basis. 

The minibus is available to book at an affordable rate

Self Drive:

• 4 hours £50 (minimum hire)
• 8 hours £80
• 12 hours £100
• 24 hours £150

If you need a driver they may be able to provide one at a cost of £10 per hour (the driver will stay for the whole duration of the minibus hire)

For more information or to check availability email fftranzport@gmail.com or use the contact area on the website www.formerforcessupport.co.uk/fftransport 

All bookings must be in writing and include the following

• Group name
• Date/s and time of travel
• Full address of destination
• Where the vehicle will be kept overnight (if applicable)
• Purpose of the trip

See poster below for more details

Runcorn Festivals are pleased to announce that they are working with Unlock Runcorn to bring you Winterfest 2018.

Winterfest 2018 will be taking place on 1st and 2nd of December 2018 from 11:00am-11:00pm on both dates. Its is being held at:

R.L.R.S 'Unlock Runcorn' visitors Centre
Dukesfield
Runcorn
WA7 1ER

The event is free entry and also child and dog friendly, Santa will be arriving at 10:30am on Saturday. Other attractions also include;

• Artisan vendors and gift stalls
• Licensed bar 
• Street food 
• Live music and DJ'S
• A Santa grotto
• Live spray painting
• and many more

For more information see poster attached or contact runcornfestivals@gmail.com  

Halton Peoples Health Forum are holding two events which include information on the development of the Urgent Care Centres  (they need your views to help them shape this service for the future), information about how to book a same day GP appointment, information on Halton Community Connectors and Diabetes advice on what services are available in Halton and how to access them. 

Both dates are free to attend so go along, have a cup of tea and a chat.  The forums will be taking place on the following dates:

Monday 26th November 2018,11am to 1pm at

Farnworth Methodist Church,
Derby Road,
Widnes,
WA8 9JX

Thursday 29th November 2018, 1pm to 3pm at

Grangeway Community Centre,
Grangeway,
Runcorn,
WA7 5LY

For more information please feel free to contact them on 01928 593479 or email engagement@haltonccg.nhs.uk

Poster attached

Mind Halton is challenging Halton to meet up at Runcorn Hill Park on Sunday 16 December to get moving and connect with other elf elders and elflets and help celebrate the first ever Halton Mental Elf Fun Run.

The event is about having fun, so whether you want to run, skip or jog Mind Halton really appreciate your help in raising vital funds that help them continue doing what they do, which is supporting local people.

Whether you come by yourself or part of a group the team of elves will make sure you have a great time.

Entry is £10 for Elf elders and eflets under 15yrs £3

You can use the "We Got Tickets" links below to enter for which there is a small booking fee or alternatively drop off your completed entry form at their main office at 3 Wellington Street, Runcorn

Elf elders: https://www.wegottickets.com/event/455580

Elflets: https://www.wegottickets.com/event/455581

Halton Carers Centre are now delivering a Carers Mental Health Support Group in Widnes in the evening which may benefit people who work in the day or cannot get across to attend the Runcorn Group. The group is for any unpaid carers who are caring for someone with a mental illness.

The group will meet at Halton Stadium on the second Wednesday of the month 6-8pm. Runcorn Group will meet the last Wednesday of the month 1-3pm at Halton Carers Centre 62-64 Church Street (from January 2019).

So if you care for someone with Depression, Bi Polar, Anxiety, Psychosis, Panic Attacks, Schizophrenia, OCD etc Halton Carers Centre, Halton Borough Council and NWBH NHS Trust are here to support you at this new group. It offers peer support, activities and guest speakers in a friendly environment where you can meet others in similar situations. 

For more information see the attached leaflet below, or contact Runcorn Carers office on 01928 580182 or the Widnes Carers office on 0151 257 9673 

Over the Rainbow is a part social, part support group for young people aged 13-25 years who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Trans, questioning or unsure of their sexuality or gender identity. They run a closed confidential youth group based in St Helens. At Over the Rainbow, you will find a group of likeminded young people that you can socialise with safely.

When you access you will receive an induction including an explanation of how the group works and what it can offer. You will be asked if there are any particular issues you may want support with, and if you are receiving any support elsewhere.

Young people will be informed about the venue and planned activities they may take part in.

Over the Rainbow social support group takes place on the 1st Wednesday of the month.

For more information please contact Shealth.improvment@sthk.nhs.uk or call 01744 457243 and ask for Emma.

In the last few years many advice centres and legal services have closed due to cuts in funding.  Many areas across the country have become ‘Advice Deserts’.  In an effort to redress this Merseyside Law Centre has successfully bid for Legal Aid Agency contracts to extend their service to provide a specialist Housing Advice in Halton,  St Helens and Warrington.

Legal Aid is available for Housing issues including possession, eviction, homelessness, unlawful eviction, anti-social behaviour and serious disrepair. Legal Aid can fund legal advice and representation, including representation in Court, to help stop possession action or to help to retain or obtain a home.  Legal Aid is available to those on low incomes and/or in receipt of benefits.

Merseyside Law Centre is committed to fighting against increasing levels of poverty that can often result in homelessness.  They provide a holistic legal advice service for the most vulnerable clients. 

They want to make this much needed service accessible to as many people as possible.

To chat with them and find out more information please get in touch on:

Tel:  07471 035392 or

Email: housing@merseysidelawcentre.co.uk

Visit their Website at  www.merseysidelawcentre.co.uk

Windmill Hill Primary School in Halton, have quite a few quilts that they no longer need. 

They are all in excellent condition, for more information please contact Gill Gleave on Sec.WindmillHill@halton.gov.uk

We have been in exploratory conversations with Halton Borough Council about ensuring that the Apprenticeship Levy isn’t lost to the Borough. More information about apprenticeships is below. We are interested in gauging the interest (although we can't make any guarantees).

Within our sector these apprenticeships are likely to be current workforce roles that could be converted into apprenticeships. From April 2018  every employer who pays into an Apprenticeship levy fund will be able to transfer up to 10% of its funds to other employers to support apprenticeships in their business. (This will raise to up to 25% of funds as from April 2019).

Key Points:

• Transferred funds will support specific apprenticeships. Employers are not able to make a bulk transfer of funds to another employer
• Transferred funds can only be used for apprenticeship standards, not frameworks
• Transferred funds can only be used to fund new starts/existing workforce
• Employers sending funds must agree to fund 100% of the cost of the apprenticeship
• Can transfer funds to any employer, whether they be levy or non-levy employers
• Funds cannot be re-transferred – an employer receiving a transfer cannot transfer those funds to another employer
• An employer cannot send and receive a transfer at the same time

Further information links as follows: Hire an apprentice for general information about employing an apprentice and Find apprenticeship training to search for different types and levels of apprenticeship.

Mind are looking to set up an advisory group for physical activity with people who have lived experience of mental health issues to improve sport and physical activity provision. 

• Do you want to help the sport and leisure sectors create a more welcoming environment for people with mental health problems?
• Are you looking for an opportunity to develop your skills and enhance your CV?
   

What do they mean by sport and physical activity?

By this they mean any activity that involves bodily movement that raises your heart rate and requires energy expenditure. This could be anything from walking and cycling to boxing and playing squash.

Why does Mind need this group?

All of Mind’s work, including sport and physical activity, is shaped and influenced by people like yourself, people with lived experience of mental health problems. This ensures that they deliver appropriate and effective services that meets everyones needs.

Since 2014, Mind has delivered the successful Get Set to Go programme, which has been co-designed and co-delivered by people with lived experience of mental health problems.

In this next phase of the programme, the Physical Activity team at Mind want to bring together an advisory group of 12 people with lived experience to influence the Get Set to Go programme and Mind’s wider sport and physical activity work at a national level.  They want to help leisure centres, sports clubs, gyms, and other sport and physical activity providers to create a more welcoming environment for people with mental health problems.

Attached is a document answering key questions about the advisory group.

If you have any other questions then please email the Physical Activity team at sport@mind.org.uk or give them a call on 07557 150 172.

If you have been bereaved or affected by suicide, please join Amparo for a Memorial and Reflection Service at the Lady Chapel in Chester Cathedral to remember family and friends.

Please bring along a framed photograph of your loved one which can be displayed on the evening.

This event is free, but please book a place. If you would like to book a place please go to https://www.listening-ear.co.uk/Event/chester-memorial-evening.

If you would like more details of the evening, please contact Amparo:

E: enquiries@listening-ear.co.uk

T: 0300 029 0029

The event is taking place on Tuesday 20th November, 7pm to 9pm at:

Chester Cathedral,
St Werburgh St,
Chester,
CH1 2DY

Tuesday 11th December at 7pm.

What could be more magical than gathering in a warm St Marie’s on a brisk December evening to join family & friends (both old & new) in singing some Christmas carols?

We think it’s the perfect way to start the Christmas season.

The St Marie’s Heritage Group are delighted to welcome back the wonderful Parish Choir of St Wilfrid who will be leading attendees in a Christmas Carol singalong on the night. The choir will be choosing their favourite traditional Carols and we will provide copies of the words for anyone who always worries about forgetting the next line. The choir will be positioned in front of the beautiful St Marie’s Altar and attendees will sit facing them on the pews and other chairs. We think that when we all sing together, it will all sound magnificent.

There will be mince pies, mulled wine, hot drinks and our usual array of fabulous biscuits. There will be plenty of time to chat and catch up with old friends after the Carols have been sung.

It’s free to attend, but places are limited, so please reserve yours quickly to avoid disappointment.

To reserve your place, please contact Matthew Roberts on (01928) 592 405 or e-mail mroberts@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Trustee Week is here again (12th - 16th November) and to celebrate the great work trustees do supporting our local charities and voluntary organisations we would like to highlight a new role for a local organisation.

Peter Street Centre Ltd is seeking voluntary Directors ideally with a background in one or more of the following areas: existing Board Director experience, building maintenance, human resources, health and safety, marketing, education. These are exciting opportunities for people who are passionate about their community, the charity sector and providing community benefit. The Board needs to continue to operate the Centre sustainably by encouraging user groups to benefit from the facilities provided. It is therefore vital to have a range of characters and backgrounds, as well as specific skills sets.

For more details about this and other trustee roles contact Volunteer Centre St Helens on 01744 751759 or email volunteersthelens@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Newton Family Community Centre have 3 new volunteer opportunities:

Club 426 is an after school club (term time only) that is for children aged 5-13 years old on a Thursday 3.30pm-6.30pm. Club 426 is full of crafts, games, sports and food. Every week with the help of wonderful volunteers they endeavor to provide a safe, fun environment where the kids can make, play and have fun!

Family Fun Time is a stay and play for under 5’s. Its is on Tuesdays 12.30-3pm (term time only) for children aged 0-5 years. Family fun time drop in sessions are relaxed, friendly and offer a range of activities including creative activities, story corner, baby corner, construction, small world and many more. Parents/carers are present at the group.

Volunteer in the Coffee Bar -To help run a coffee bar and provide a friendly atmosphere for centre users, tutors and members of the public. You will be serving the public with refreshments and light snacks.

For more information about these and other opportunities contact Volunteer Centre St Helens on 01744 751759 or email volunteersthelens@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

RLRS Winterfestival 2018 1st and 2nd December, join in at the visitors centre Algernon Street, Runcorn, WA7 1ER for great food and drink, winter market's music,entertainment and a whole lot more for all the family, including santas grotto.  Open Saturday 11 am - 9 pm and  Sunday 11 am - 8pm.

For more information about Unlock Runcorn and the work they do, visit the website http://www.unlockruncorn.org/

Sahir House, the HIV support service in Merseyside are looking for helpers with its annual World AIDS Day fundraising campaign. Sahir House provides vital support to people living with HIV who are often marginalised and vulnerable due to the fear and stigma that still surrounds the virus. Whilst lifesaving medication enables people to live a near normal life span and supress the virus to untransmittable levels, the prejudice is still causes distress and barriers for those living with HIV. Raising awareness and much needed funds is crucial to providing Sahir House support and reduces those barriers and continue to empower people living with HIV to live more independent lives.

World AIDS Day fundraising campaign team are looking for support by encouraging the public to donate and wear the red ribbons that symbolise HIV awareness, support for those living with HIV and remember those who have died of HIV. They have permission and are holding several train station collections and need help fundraising and getting the red ribbons out to the public.

Times and Dates Needed:

Friday 30th November 2018

8am – 10am or 4pm – 6pm

James Street Train Station or Moorfields Train Station

Saturday 1st December 2018

10am – 12pm, 12pm – 2pm or 2pm – 4pm

Liverpool Central Train Station

There will be a lead Sahir House collector on each shift who liaise with station staff and deal with any queries during the shift. Red ribbons, collection tins and relevant resources are provided by Sahir House. Every collector requires an ID badge so calling in to Sahir House before collection date to ensure ID badge is completed is essential. Certificate of thanks provided to all collectors.

If you are unable to help out on the above events and would still like to take part in their fundraising efforts, contact Sahir House for resources to hold a collection in your workplace, college, group or community group.

There are lots of other World AIDS Day and National HIV Testing Week events including the Liverpool Reconnect and Remember our HIV Community Quilts Project. Check out Sahir House website for more details.

To find out more contact Cath Turner, Development Manager 0151 237 3989 cath@sahir.uk.com

37 hours per week

£18,940 per annum

(Fixed term contract until July 2020)

Crownway Community Centre are looking for someone who has the skills, knowledge and experience required to fulfil this demanding but rewarding role in a busy, thriving community centre.

The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to motivate, influence and form effective working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders. You will need to have a good understanding of issues impacting on local neighbourhoods and isolated communities, with the drive and determination to make a difference.

The role will include all aspects of marketing and publicity including the effective use of social media and web-based activities, monitoring and evaluation, fundraising and general administration and reception duties.

Ideally you will have experience of working with volunteers. Understanding good practice in volunteer recruitment, management and supervision, you will provide support to the Centre Manager in the delivery of the volunteer programme.

For further information and/or to request an application pack which will include a full job description and person specification, please visit the Centre’s website:

https://www.crownwaycommunitycentre.co.uk/2018/11/vacancy-development-support-worker/ or collect a pack from the office during office working hours 9am – 3pm Monday to Friday.

Alternatively, contact Carol on 01925 222907 or email crownwaycommunitycentre@yahoo.co.uk

Closing date for applications is 28th November 2018 and interviews will take place week beginning 10th December 2018.

Please do not send a CV. This is an application process.

This post will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check paid for by the organisation

Crownway Community Centre is an equal opportunities employer

The NEW Pride of St Helens Business Awards in association with Invest in St Helens, is an evening of celebration and glamour for the leading organisations who invest in St Helens 2018. Halton and St Helens Voluntary and Community Action are proud to be the Sponsor Of The Community Impact Award!

The nominees for this award are Apex Trust, Co-op Lea Green Distribution Centre and Groundwork.  We have 2 short films below to introduce Apex Trust and Co-op Lea Green Distribution Centre and we're hoping to get one from Groundwork this week.

Meet Kim Hughes from Apex Trust 

Meet Gary McMahon from Co-op Lea Green Distribution Centre ​

Everyone at VCA would like to send all 3 nominees congratulations on being nominated and good luck for the award night!

The Reader is a national charity which is working to bring the human benefits of sharing literature to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. They bring people together in small groups, to read good quality literature aloud and stop every so often to talk about what they have read. They would define 'good quality literature' as writing which captures and gives language to some of the deepest areas of human experience, in its joys, challenges and complexities. Trained Reader Leaders take responsibility for all reading aloud, in case group members do not have reading skills themselves, or simply wish to sit back and listen that day. The Shared Reading model is based around an ethos of acceptance and kindness, meaning that no one is ever put on the spot, or expected to contribute. They are not an educational programme or literacy support, but rather celebrate the personal responses of the people we read with and the connections made during sessions they run. They work in nurseries, schools, mental health inpatient wards, prisons, community centres and care homes, to name a few settings. In a piece recent of research carried out by their partners at the University of Liverpool, one group member had this to say about their experience of Shared Reading:

  "I’m not really a book person. I’m the person who’d probably go to the end or just get distracted or give up, or it’s boring, you know, I don’t take the time to sort of get involved. But now I think: really is this what books can do? I go into it. It is really bringing me alive. It is making me awaken..." -Group-member

They are currently working in partnership with Torus Housing to help bring Shared Reading to older people living in sheltered accommodation schemes across St. Helens in order to reduce social isolation and improve general wellbeing. In order to expand their reach they are offering excellent training and volunteer opportunities to anyone who wants to get involved. If this sounds like something you'd be interested in -please do get in touch for a friendly chat michellebarrett@thereader.org.uk

Our colleagues from Halton Borough Council’s External Funding Team have prepared some Funding Bulletins containing valuable information for voluntary organisations looking for grants to get projects off the ground.

The Monthly funding bulletins offering information on funding opportunities in the following areas:

Arts, Community & Voluntary, Environment & Heritage, European, Faith, Health, Schools, Sports and Youth.

To access the information, please click on the link below:

https://www4.halton.gov.uk/Pages/business/FinanceandGrants/finance.aspx

GoGreen have a large number of second hand furniture items and kitchen appliances which they are keen to donate to local community groups and charities.

482034 Cashier Chair

482047 Clock

574079 Desk

482028 DVD Player

482041 Fridge

482039 Kettle

482021 Meeting Chair

482046 Meeting Chair

482020 Meeting Chair

482038 Microwave

574078 Operator Chair

482037 Operator Chair

482042 Operator Chair

482016 Operator Chair

482029 Pedestal

482045 Pinboard

482044 Radio

574082 Screen

574083 Screen

482043 Soft Seating/Breakout

482040 Toaster

482027 TV

Schedule dependant, they can potentially arrange for the delivery of items to you free of charge however if items are required urgently they can arrange for these to be delivered to you quickly for a small fee, or you can attend to collect the item(s) for free from one of their operatives at an uplift and collection point. All they ask for kindly in return is a quick ‘Thank you’ note so that they can display just how second hand items are benefiting the local community.If there are any items listed above that you are in need of, please advise them by contacting them on the details below, confirming which item(s) you would like more information about and one of the Go Green Team Members will be in touch as soon as possible.

Please note, not all items are guaranteed to be available upon day of collection/delivery due to a customer wishing to retain an item however if this is the case, they will keep your charity/local community group on their records should an item you are in need of become available again in future.

For more information, please contact Diane Bache on the details below:

Tel: 0844 335 6320

Mobile: 07377 555073

email: DBACHE@gogreenteam.co.uk

www.gogreenteam.co.uk

The DWP have been promoting Disability Confident over the last few months and Merseyside are looking to hold a City wide event to give further information on the initiative. The event is for all employers and the DWP are asking you as employers, if you would be willing to register as a Disability Confident employer or be  interested in progressing to the next level should you already be signed up?

The Event is on the morning of Friday 23rd November in Liverpool, the Mayor is expected to open the Event.

If you would like to attend or find out more, please contact one of the Employment Advisers on the details below:

Chris McDonnell (CHRISTINE.MCDONNELL@DWP.GSI.GOV.UK)

Denise Porter(DENISE.PORTER1@DWP.GSI.GOV.UK)

Sign up to become a Disability Confident Employer

Welfare Rights Advisor, based in Liverpool but travel to the surrounding areas

35 hours a week
NJC Scale 6 (23,866 - £25,463)
Fixed term: 6 months (possible extension)

Established in 1999 Raise is an advice service that supports clients within their own home with welfare benefits, debt and financial capability advice at a specialist level. This is an exciting opportunity to join a team giving specialist welfare rights advice to Housing Association tenants.

Raise is a small charity with 23 staff, including a team of 8 welfare rights advisers, and two volunteers. They have very close contacts with five housing associations that refer tenants to them for benefits advice, debt advice, or financial capability. They need a highly motivated individual who is passionate about empowering individuals to navigate the complexity that is our Social Security system. You will be experienced in providing speciality welfare rights advice, undertaking casework and tribunal representation. You will have excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to relate and work with a large variety of different people.

This job is for an experienced worker but if you are interested in pursuing a career in welfare rights you might also be interested in their trainee opportunities – please email them for more information.

Closing date: 9 November 2018

Interviews will be held on: 14 November 2018

For a job pack please visit https://www.benefitsadviceteam.co.uk/jobs/ or email: admin@benefitsadviceteam.co.uk

The High Sheriff of Merseyside Mr Peter Woods DL lent his support to Willowbrook Hospice’s fundraising efforts by contributing to the charity’s ‘Home Money Box’ appeal during a recent visit to the hospice’s Living Well building.

Welcomed by the chairman of the hospice’s Board of Trustees Alan Chick and Willowbrook Ambassador, Lady Kirsty Pilkington, the High Sheriff and his partner Francis Ryan were given a tour of the facilities, speaking to both staff and volunteers including members of the hospice’s fundraising team.

Nichola Saunders, Head of Fundraising at Willowbrook said: “It was lovely to meet the High Sheriff and he obviously has a keen interest in the hospice and the work we do.

“Our Home Money Box appeal has been running for several years and it’s surprising how much every penny really does count in helping us to continue to care and support local people with life limiting illnesses across St Helens and Knowsley.”

For more information on how you can support Willowbrook Hospice please visit www.willowbrook.org.uk or ring 01744 453798.

Liverpool John Moores University has developed an online resource hub for professionals working with asylum seekers and refugees.  It has some really good resources and contacts which you might find useful.

The online resource hub aims to provide accessible and up-to-date information on the rights and well-being of asylum seekers and refugees. Its development was underpinned by a literature review and empirical research based on an action research approach. The respondents were professionals with extensive experience in working with asylum seekers and refugees; some of them were former refugees themselves. They explored and identified the key challenges and solutions related to the complex needs of asylum seekers and refugees and suggested the resources required to support and advance their rights and well-being. The concepts identified were categorised into themes, which were used for organising the contents of the hub.  The hub therefore provides information on the plight and health concerns of refugees and asylum seekers. It also highlights the policy changes and the services available to them. As a result, it enhances knowledge and good practice in promoting the health and well-being of refugees and asylum seekers.

https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/microsites/resources-for-professionals-who-support-asylum-seekers-and-refugees

Cheshire Fire Authority has now published its draft Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) 2019/2020 for consultation. 

Every year the Authority publishes an Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP). This plan is about improving public safety, reducing the number of emergency incidents and saving lives. 

The plan provides information on the risks facing Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and details how the organisation is structured and operates to mitigate these risks. It also details how Cheshire Fire Authority is funded and outlines plans for the future, which include:

• Proposing to increase the Authority’s precept (council tax) by 2.99% in 2019/2020. The Authority currently levies £75.48 per year (£1.45 per week) for a Band D equivalent property in Cheshire.
• Continuing with a programme of work to improve how the Service recruits and retains on-call firefighters. On-call firefighters are members of the local community who live or work near to the fire station and use an alerter to respond to emergency calls when required.
• Undertake a staff engagement survey to measure the engagement of the workforce.
• Subject to planning permission, commence work on the development of a replacement, fit for purpose fire station in Chester on the site of the existing building on St Anne Street.
• Progress the development of an operational training centre at its Sadler Road site in Winsford.
• Plan for a joint fire and police facility on the site of the existing fire station in Macon Way, Crewe, alongside Cheshire Constabulary and the Police and Crime Commissioner.
• Begin work on a wider programme of modernisation across a number of fire stations and other properties. 
• Commencing a ‘whole service’ review of the Service. This review will set the direction for the Service over the period 2020-2024. The outcomes of the review may be subject to consultation as part of future IRMPs, but to support this work we’d like you to let us know what you think our priorities should be and which activities you would like your fire and rescue service to undertake to improve the local community.

View the draft Plan

Please use the link below to view a copy of the full Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) for 2019/2020 (the Year 16 plan) and a summary:

Draft Annual Action Plan (IRMP 16) 2019-20 (new window, PDF 3865KB)

Summary - Draft Annual Action Plan (IRMP 16) 2019-20 (new window, PDF 605KB)

Note:  A text-only version of the Integrated Risk Management Plan 2019/2020 has also been produced, for those people who cannot read the plan above. Here is the text-only version of the Integrated Risk Management Plan 2019/2020:

Text-only version - Draft Annual Action Plan (IRMP 16) 2019-20 (new window, PDF 607KB)

Have Your Say

They are consulting on their plan between Monday 1st October and Friday 4th January 2019 and would welcome any views you may have on the draft Plan. Please take the opportunity to fill in this short online survey through the link below:

Have your say on the draft plans for 2019/2020 (opens in new window)

Alternatively, you can feedback any comments through the Service’s Facebook or Twitter accounts, by emailing consultation@cheshirefire.gov.uk or calling them on 01606 868700.

Roadshow dates

They will be holding a series of consultation roadshows across Cheshire during October and November, where they will be handing out copies of the summary draft IRMP and paper copies of the survey alongside fire safety leaflets.

These dates are published below and will be advertised on their social media accounts.

• Chester - at Morrisons on 10th October, 11am start - 72 Liverpool Road, Chester CH2 1AU
• Ellsemere Port - at ASDA on 16th October, 11am start - Grange Road, Ellesmere Port CH65 0BZ
• Crewe - at ASDA on 25th October, 11am start - Victoria Centre (Asda), Newdigate Street, Crewe CW1 2PT
• Macclesfield - at Sainsbury's on 30th October, 11am start - 61 Cumberland Street, Macclesfield SK10 1BJ
• Runcorn - at ASDA on 5th November, 11am start - West Lane, Runcorn WA7 2PY
• Birchwood - at ASDA on 9th November, 11am start - 1 Dewhurst Road, Birchwood, Warrington WA3 7PG
• Widnes - at ASDA on 13th November, 11am start - Widnes Road, Widnes WA8 6AH
• Warrington - at Tesco Extra on 21st November, 11am start - Winwick Road, Warrington, WA2 7NE

They will also be consulting with staff, cadets and volunteers and with a range of stakeholders across Cheshire such as representative bodies, local authorities and community/voluntary groups.

Feedback from the consultation on the draft Plan will be provided for Members of Cheshire Fire Authority to consider at the meeting of Cheshire Fire Authority on Wednesday 13th February 2019.

Winds and heavy rain have hit rooms at the Eccleston park facility, resulting in a reduced capacity for the hospice to care for people who need their services most. Charity bosses say they are in urgent need of funding to replace fixtures and fitting.

Nichola Saunders, head of fundraising, said: “The recent storms led to severe flooding at the hospice which has particularly affected four of our 12 inpatient bedrooms. Although some of the damage is covered by insurance, many of the fixtures and fittings have been ruined by damp and dirty water and need replacing. We urgently need the support of local people so that we can get up and running again as soon as possible.”

Nichola, whose husband Mark was cared for at the hospice in 2001, knows all too well the value of the specialist care offered at Willowbrook and how every penny make a difference.

She added: “Mark and myself donated some baby clothes to help raise funds for Willowbrook. At the time, we were both in our 20s with two small children and thought we had a long and happy life ahead. Unfortunately, a few years down the line, Mark received the terrible news that he had terminal cancer. When we walked through the doors at Willowbrook, we were both filled with all the usual emotions associated with what we were facing. Despite all this, in some small way, we knew that our donations had helped to ensure that the hospice was able to care for people like Mark. People often say that ‘you don’t realise the value of something until you need it most’ but it’s important, now more than ever, that people think of the future for their loved ones – whether it’s family, friends or work colleagues – and do their best to help support Willowbrook. It takes a community to make a hospice and we’re hoping that once again our local community will dig deep to help us in any way they can so that we can back to normal.”

Help Willowbrook in any way you can by:

• Setting up a regular donation with your bank – please ring us for more information or visit the website www.willowbrook.org.uk

• Making a one off donation either online at: www.willowbrook.org.uk, over the phone on 01744 453798, by post or in person or by texting CARE08 £5 to 70070 to donate £5

• Collecting your loose change in one of their home money boxes.

• Joining their weekly lottery

• Taking part in one of their events or organising your own.

For more details on how you can help Willowbrook, please visit www.willowbrook.org.uk, email events@willowbrookhospice.org.uk, ring 01744 453798 or call into their office at Willowbrook – The Living Well, Borough Road, St Helens WA10 3RN

You are invited to attend the launch event for the new Halton Multi-Ethnic community group "A Better Tomorrow" on Monday 5th November 2018, 10.00 – 14.00 at Halton Stadium, Lowerhouse Lane, Widnes, WA8 7DZ.

This group will be the main link between local organisations and people from other countries be they migrant, refugee or asylum seekers living in Halton. It will be both supporting them to live independently and to be able to integrate with the local community by providing them with different activities according to their needs and abilities.

Programme
10:00 -10:30 Welcome and refreshments.
10:30-11:00 Introduction and welcome from Ashraf Hamido chairperson of A Better Tomorrow
11:00 -11:30 Video presentation
11:30 -12:00 Network opportunities
12:00 -12:30 Lunch
12:30-14:00 Multi cultural Music
14:00 Close

For more information and to book your place, please email: abettertomorrow.halton@yahoo.com

FREE - Basic Drug and alcohol awareness training available for Services and Community Groups across the St Helens Borough from CGL who are offering Brief Drug and Alcohol Awareness training.

This includes:

• A full day of Drug awareness.
• A full day of Alcohol awareness and I.B.A (Information and Brief Advice)

Also a 3 hour snapshot session covering all of the above.

To arrange a booking please email Siobhan on Siobhan.McParland@cgl.org.uk

Come along to the CGL Volunteer recruitment event on Wednesday 24 October 2018 and find out about the work that CGL do and what volunteering Opportunities are available. Their goal is to help service users regain control, change direction of their lives, grow as a person and live life to their full potential . You will have the opportunity to meet lots of the team and chat about their roles. 

Time from: 2:00 pm

Time to: 7:00 pm

Venue: Lincoln House, 80 Corporation Street, St Helens, WA10 1UQ

For more information about the work that CGL do in St Helens, please click the link below to visit their website:

https://www.changegrowlive.org/content/st-helens-integrated-recovery-service

The awards aim to raise the profile of the borough’s hardworking, innovative and enterprising business community and build on the Pride of St Helens community awards, which were founded by the Steve Prescott Foundation and the St Helens Star in 2012.

The awards evening will be held on Thursday, November 15 at Saints' Totally Wicked Stadium in partnership with the Star and the SPF. The community Pride of St Helens awards will take place on Friday, November 16.

The business finalists were shortlisted by a panel from the St Helens Economy Board and St Helens Council Leader, Derek Long.

Eamonn McManus, chairman of both the St Helens Economy Board and St Helens RFC, said: “These awards will celebrate the role of St Helens businesses and social enterprises in raising the profile of St Helens.

"While we can only present awards to a select few, it is the collective diligence of all local businesses that make St Helens an attractive place to invest, live, work, learn and visit, by nurturing pride and aspirations, and creating inspiration and employment opportunities.”

St Helens Council leader, Derek Long said: “The quality and creativity of businesses and their staff in St Helens borough is breath-taking.

"It’s no wonder businesses are investing here. Congratulations to everyone who entered. You are an asset to our local economy.”

Sponsors of the awards include Natwest, Knauf Insulation, Unite the Union, St Helens College, St Helens Theatre Royal, Steve Prescott Foundation, DC&A Financial Planning, Global Mutual, Halton and St Helens Voluntary and Community Action, Lucam Consultancy, and Cultivate.

Full list of finalists follows:

Community Impact - Sponsored by Halton & St Helens VCA

• Apex Charitable Trust
• Co-op Lea Green Distribution Centre
• Groundwork

Growing the Creative Industry

• Jamm Studios
• St Helens Theatre Royal
• Vinyline Graphics

Employee/Team of the Year

• Boots – Jodie Sefton
• Groundwork – Amy Dawber
• Ibis Styles –'Mauricio Dorta Vinas
• Waterside Training Ltd – Kathryn Kirby

Employer of the Year

• Boots
• Communication Plus Ltd
• Handepay

Excellence in Logistics

• DriverNet
• Proactive Despatch Ltd
• Nijman/Zeetank

Excellence in Manufacturing

• Coral Products Ltd
• Inovus Medical
• The Filter Design Company

Medium/Large Business

• Handepay
• Longworth Building Services Ltd
• Network Space

Skills for the Future

• Carmel College
• Cowley International College
• Mill Green School

Small Business 10-49 Employees

• Compound Feed Engineering Ltd
• ODs
• Safer Sphere

Small Business <10 Employees

• Forsters Farm Shop
• Heaven Sent
• Phoenix Plant Based Eatery

Growing the Visitor Economy

• Theatre Royal
• Saints Rugby Club
• Haydock Racecourse

St Helens and Halton CCG held a joint Third Sector Engagement Group meeting on Thursday 13 September at St Marie’s Church in Widnes.

The agenda included an update on engagement opportunities, developments in health and focussed on the work and support the community and third sector could offer in relation to:

• Mental Health Services 
• Engagement and developments for the new cancer hub
• Focus and support opportunities

Attached is a copy of the report from the meeting.

If you want to find out more contact Halton CCG or St Helens CCG 

 Des Chow  des.chow@haltonccg.nhs.uk

Paul Steele Paul.Steele@sthelensccg.nhs.uk

We recently attended a meeting pulled together following the sad events in Runcorn. Attached below is information about the discussions and planned responses. If you or your organisation can make a positive contribution to the work in Runcorn, want to get involved in supporting community activities please get in touch with Sally Yeoman on the contact details below and we can pass your details onto those more connected to the work.

email: syeoman@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

telephone: 01928 592 405

Volunteer Centre Halton's annual Christmas Quiz night for volunteers & co-ordinators/managers is on Monday 3 December 2018, 7.30-10pm. At St Marie's, Lugsdale Road, Widnes WA8 6DB (next door to the large Tesco). 

The quiz is free to enter. Teams max 6 people - at least one must be a volunteer. If you don't have a full team, we can help you to join another team. Half time free refreshments. Bring your own tipple

To book a table or if you have any questions contact Alison or Linda on: 01928 593112 or email: volunteerhalton@haltonsthelnsvca.org.uk

Local Volunteer Co-ordinator - St Helens & Warrington: £12 per hour, 18 hours per week (£24,960 pro rata)

Line managed by: Director of Operations

Job Description:

MitE is an ecumenical provider of workplace chaplaincy across the Merseyside region. The chaplains come alongside people in businesses, shopping centres and more, providing a friendly listening ear to people of all faiths and none. As an independent presence in the workplace, MitE's chaplains are ideally placed to provide a confidential and safe space to enable those they meet to flourish in their work life, wellbeing and spirituality. MitE is looking to appoint a part-time Local Volunteer Coordinator for St Helens and Warrington to work with volunteer chaplains from all denominations. The ideal person to join the team will be passionate about enabling people to be the best that they can be.

Application closing date: 5pm Monday 5th November 2018

Interviews: w/c 12th November 2018

To request an application pack: email info@mite.org.uk

Former Forces Support can provide a17 seat minibus at affordable rates for hire to community groups, charities or sporting clubs. They are based in St Helens, Merseyside, however, organisations from all over the North West have hired their minibus in the past. 

Your Organisation could loan their safe and reliable 17 seat minibus. Available with a volunteer driver or for the lowest cost to your group, the minibus can be hired on a self-drive basis.

• 4 hours is £50.00 (Minimum hire)
• 8 hours is £80.00
• 12 hours is £100.00
• 24 hours is £150.00​​​​

Just refill with diesel 

Need a driver?  They may be able to provide a driver for £10 per hour. 

For more information please contact them on the details below:

Telephone: 07526066496

email: fftranzport@gmail.com

Ever wanted to control a robot? Or design your own computer game? 

Ever wondered how supercomputers can be used to predict the weather or even design shampoo?

Would you like to try exciting hands on science activities and demos?

You’re invited to explore and get involved at Daresbury Laboratory! Morning or afternoon tickets available for Wednesday 24th October 2018. 

Morning Activities (9:15am - 12:45pm) ‘self drive and park’ at Daresbury Laboratory. Please book tickets for free online at https://tinyurl.com/y82jlbzs

Afternoon Activities (1:45pm - 5pm) ‘coach to Daresbury plus lunch’ (Coaches leave children’s centres from 12pm and will return around 6pm). Please book with your local children's centre just £2 per family!

Please visit one of the following Children’s Centres to book your tickets

Please note coaches will pick up and drop off from these locations on the day of the event at the following times — the coach pick up and drop off times will also be printed on your ticket

This event has been designed for families with children aged 8—13 in mind, however accompanied children of all ages are welcome and activities will also be laid on for them!

Ways to Work Recruitment Event: Wednesday 24th October 2pm-5pm at the Karalius Suite, Select Security Stadium, Lowerhouse Lane, Widnes, WA8 7DZ

Looking for help into work? 16-29 and living in Halton? Immediate starts available.

The Halton *Ways to Work team is holding an event focusing on offering 6 month paid work opportunities (ILMs) in the following fields:

• Administration
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Digital and Creative
• Visitor Economy

They have a number of exciting opportunities with bus and coach operators. This paid work involves training you to become a bus driver and gain PSV licence. They also have career opportunities in Information Technology, advanced manufacturing, and administration. Places are limited so DON’T
MISS OUT - Please come along to the stadium and register to access these superb opportunities immediately. (Bring ID and Right to Work in the UK evidence documents)

Enquiries: phone 0151 511 7555 or email: w2wreferrals@halton.gov.uk

*The Ways to Work Programme is supported by the European Union Social Fund and Youth Employment Initiative

Friends of Taylor Park

Friends of Taylor Park Events Co-ordinator

The Friends of Taylor Park, a voluntary community group established in 2002, is looking for someone to co-ordinate / lead the group’s programme of family events in Taylor Park, St Helens.  The current incumbent is retiring from the role after 16 years but will still be involved in the group, probably as Honorary Secretary. He will be available to assist/ advise the new Appointee.

The existing programme of events consists of:

• Easter egg quiz and trail,
• July Taylor Park Festival,
• September Kite Festival.

The role is voluntary and part time. Reasonable expenses will be payable. More details can be obtained from Peter Yates, Honorary Secretary, on 01744 752696.

Christmas at the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre on Saturday 8th December, 1pm to 4pm

There will be:

• Crafts & Stalls
• Face painting
• Mulled wine & mince pies
• Story telling
• Festive carols

Com along and meet Santa and his elves!

Mersey Road, Widnes, WA8 0DF.  Telephone 0151 420 1121.  www.catalyst.org.uk

DIABETES UK - St Helens & District Group

The next meeting of the St Helens & District Group of Diabetes UK will be on Wednesday 7th November 2018 at 7.30pm in St Helens United Reformed Church, King Street, WA10 2JZ. The church is next to Windle Pilkington Hall. The speaker will be Nicola Jackson who will be talking on the subject of :-

Eating well with diabetes

Nicola is a Diabetes Dietitian from the Specialist Diabetes Unit in St Helens Hospital, she will be helping you to understand how you can improve your diet so you can hopefully improve the control of your diabetes. They would particularly like to welcome anyone who has been recently diagnosed with diabetes and has not been to a meeting before. They have a large selection of free diabetes leaflets available. So come along and find out more!

Please note that this will be the last meeting until Wednesday 6th February 2019

For further details contact C Bowmaker on 0151 480 0821.

The Foundation for Social Improvement (FSI) are hosting their annual Northern Fundraising Conference for small charities 18th October in Leeds. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from a range of fundraising experts, all keen to share their best practice on the following topics:

• Future Proofing Your Fundraising: Maximising Millennials – Morgan Kainth
• Meet the Funders – Trusts and Foundations Panel (Greggs Foundation, People’s Postcode Lottery, Provincial/Wash Trust for Bolton, Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust)
• Community & Events Fundraising: from student to graduate to donor… - Andy King (East African Playgrounds)
• Make your Fundraising Sustainable – Julie Procter (Greenspace Scotland) & Janine Edwards (The FSI)
• & more to be announced.

At just £15 for FSI members, places will fill up fast, so book today To find out more and to access this opportunity, please click the link below:

https://www.thefsi.org/services/conferences/northern-fundraising-conference-october-2018/?utm_source=FSI&utm_medium=OTHERPARTY&utm_campaign=NORTHCONF2018

Hitesh Patel from Citizens Advice Halton has sent in the following update from the Halton Careers Strategy meeting.  This meeting focused on two main issues: 1) Young Carers in Halton and 2) Developing the next Carers Strategy

• Regarding young carers:
  • Verbal presentations were received from Halton BC and Young Addaction.
  • Each year around 200 young people get registered as "carers" but this is the tip of the ice-berg.
  • Compared to other wards in Halton, Halton Lodge and Halton Brook have higher concentrations of registered Young Carers.
  • It was agreed that more work needs to be done to ensure frontline staff can better encourage the identification and registration of Young Carers so that carers can better access support.
  • The next national Young Carers Awareness Day will be on 31st January 2019 and it is hoped we can do something to promote local services.
  • There was discussion about how we can influence local procurement processes so that all commissioned services are "Carer friendly" and that Carers are given the same priority as other vulnerable groups e.g. victims of domestic violence, homeless people, etc.  It was also agreed to feedback to the One Halton programme that the needs of Carers .
  • The Carers Centre are looking at developing information leaflets in the format of a comic, so that they can better engage with young carers.

• Regarding the next Carers Strategy:
  • It was agreed that next Carer Strategy document would be kept succinct and easy to read
  • The action plan was amended to now include a section on: a) Training for front line staff, and b) a marketing/communication plan (because we recognised that we need to raise awareness of what support there is for Carers in Halton.
  • ADASS have produced a useful tip sheet on things businesses can do to better support any Carers they employ (https://www.adass.org.uk/media/5920/workingcarerstoptips-final-3152017.pdf)

At the next meeting (1st October, 2pm, at Runcorn Town Hall) we will be looking at Adult Carers in Halton.

Do you love cycling and would you like to lead short local bike rides and help people achieve a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle?

At the local cycle hubs in St Helens (Taylor Park, Bold Miners, FourAcre and Sankey Valley) they are committed to getting people out bikes to help enable them to do short, everyday journeys. They do this through a range of activities and platforms, including social media, travel advice, cycling skills development, learn to rides, puncture repair lessons, bike renovation, Dr Bike sessions and led rides.

They are looking for someone to help with the current led rides and skills and confidence sessions as an assistant. Going forward you may have the opportunity to lead your own rides depending on your own experience, confidence and desire to do so.

Summary of tasks:

• Support ride leader in teaching and group management
• Help organize participants
• Help carry out M-checks of bikes to be used as part of pre-ride prep
• Support ride
• Log volunteer activities and hours online.

Skills required:

• Ability to cycle safely and legally on local roads and paths
• Punctual
• Reliable
• Clear communication skills
• Commitment to sustainable transport and cycling
• Group management
• Appropriate cycle ride leader training can be provided.

Time commitment

Flexible – 2 hours per week minimum preferred. 

Training and support offered

• Initial induction session for all volunteers. Health and safety guidelines will be provided.
• Cycle Ride Leader and appropriate related training can be provided.
• Ongoing support from fellow volunteers.

Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults

You will be given access to the safeguarding Policy that sets out Pedal Power experiences’ organisational commitment to safeguarding best practice. 

Contact information

Please contact the Stewart at pedalpowerexperience@gmail.com or by calling 07947750982 for more information and how to apply for this role.

Apex Charitable Trust is a Merseyside based charity with a registered office in St Helens town centre.

Apex has a mission to deliver services that enable offenders and those at risk of offending to be the best that they can be and inspire breakthroughs in the way society treats them.

They have worked in the Merseyside region since 1996 offering a tailored service to ex-offenders and those at risk of offending to move away from a life of crime to employment, training, and education (ETE) & voluntary work. They work holistically with local adult ex-offenders to release their full potential & support them in breaking down the barriers they face.

Have a look at the ‘who we are’ film 

As a trustee you are likely to attend 6 board meetings, one away day, as well as other occasional celebratory events within a 12 month period.

Please note that this is a voluntary role and as such, there will be no payment, other than that specified by the Charity Commission as regards reasonable expenses. As a volunteer, it will be an opportunity for you to experience charity management and use your skills to make a difference to people’s lives.

Roles and responsibilities:

As a Treasurer/Trustee of Apex Charitable Trust, you will be required to work with the Board of Directors to:

• Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit and in accordance with its aims and objectives
• Comply with Apex Charitable Trust governing document and the law, and act in the best interest of Apex Trust to enable the charity to carry out its purposes
• Assist in the management of Apex Charitable Trust resources, financial and otherwise, and ensure the charity is accountable.

To apply, please email Apex Charitable Trust’s CEO – Kim Hughes at K.hughes3@apextrust.com stating which role you are interested in, why you are interested in the role, and how you feel your skills make you suitable for the position. Please include your CV.

All shortlisted candidates will then be invited to an informal interview at the offices of Apex Trust between 12 midday and 2.00pm on Friday 23rd November 2018.

The Women’s Vote Centenary Grant Scheme (WVCGS) is a £1.5 million government fund that will support local and community groups across England in celebrating the centenary of women gaining the right to vote.

Small Grants Fund

You can apply for a grant of between £300 and £2,000 for activities to mark the centenary in your community. Small Grants are available for grassroots projects to run small-scale events and activities to celebrate the centenary of women gaining the vote. There have previously been two bidding rounds in 2018, this is now the third and final bidding round. The fund is open to organisations and activity in England only.

Round 3 of Small Grants Fund is NOW OPEN and the closing date is 23:59 Tuesday 16 October 2018. This will be the last opportunity to apply for grant funds under this scheme.

Funding available – grants of up to £2,000

You can apply for a grant of between £300 and £2,000 for activities to mark the centenary in your community.

They are looking to fund as many projects as possible in this round, hence we ask you to consider your budget carefully when applying.

Objectives:

All projects must meet the overall CELEBRATE objective of the Small Grant Fund:

• CELEBRATE, INSPIRE and REMEMBER: to increase national awareness and mark 100 years since women got the right to vote. We will therefore fund activities which:
  • Celebrate key centenary milestones (see below).
  • Increase people’s awareness of the women’s suffrage movement
  • Improve people's understanding of democracy in the UK, particularly young people
  • Encourage and inspire participation in civic life.

Eligibility:

Your application must meet the CELEBRATE objective of the Small Grant Fund (see above). We will also prioritise applications holding an event or activity connected to and on or around these key centenary milestones:

• The Parliament (Qualification of Women Act) 1918 which gave women over 21 the right to stand for election as a Member of Parliament (MP) on 21 November 1918.
• Women voted in a general election for the first time on 14 December 1918 with 8.5 million women eligible.

For Round 3 they want to especially welcome applications from under-represented regions from Rounds 1 and 2, specifically: East Midlands; East of England and South East. However, this does not preclude projects from other regions from applying, and we expect to fund projects from across England.

How to apply

Round 3 of the Small Grant Fund is open for applications from 4 September 2018 and the deadline to submit your application is 23:59 on 16 October 2018. All projects must be ready to start by 15 December and be completed no later than 31 December 2018.

They aim to let you know the outcome within four weeks of submitting your application. Please make sure you apply in sufficient time before your planned start date.

You should carefully read the Guidance, Frequently Asked Questions and the model application form available on their website at www.womensvotecentenaryfund.co.uk before you complete your online application. All applications must be submitted online. A model application form can be downloaded from the website that will help you identify the information you will need to provide. Please note that you must use the online portal to submit your application

Any further questions?

Further information is available on their website www.womensvotecentenaryfund.co.uk If you have any further questions, please do get in touch at womensvotecentenaryfund@ecorys.com

Remedi are recruiting 2 x Young Victim Case Workers to work as part of the ‘Got Your Back’ team in Cheshire. The Role will be supporting young people aged 17 and under emotionally and practically to help them Cope and Recover from an offence. They require 1 x 35 hour & 1x 20 hour per week over 5 days (including some evening and Saturday work) based in the Halton area. The post is subject to Police Vetting clearance.

Location: Cheshire

Hours: 1 x 35 hours per week, 1 x 20 hours per week

Salary: 35 hour post - £20,280 (pro rata) p.a. plus 5% pension contribution. 20 hour post - £20,280 (pro rata) p.a. (actual £11,588 per annum) plus 5% pension contribution

Leave: 25 days plus Bank Holidays

To request an application pack please download from their website: www.remediuk.org or email: rj@remediuk.org

Completed applications can be sent by email to: rj@remediuk.org or by post to: Remedi, The Circle, 33 Rockingham St, Sheffield, S1 4FW

Closing date for receipt of completed applications is: 10am Monday 8th October 2018

Nicola Donoghue from Widnes and Runcorn Cancer Support group has sent the following update in from the Halton Integreated Team Meeting:

The groups is still developing so there was a lot of discussion around Terms of Reference, questions about decision making and governance etc. One of the key points was that any pilot or trial of change would be done at GP Hub level and that intelligence on the current hospital admissions and details of the area would be used to inform and determine which hub/hubs would be identified as the first to undergo any trial/change.  All attendees were asked to consider if they were in the appropriate work stream.  Aside from that, the meeting was more about how things will work and meeting schedules rather than what will be done so I am sure there will be more to report after future meetings.

If you would like to know more about the meeting, please contact Nicola on the details below:

Nicola Donoghue
Operations Manager
Widnes & Runcorn Cancer Support Centre
21-23 Alforde Street
Widnes
Cheshire
WA8 7TR

Tel: 0151 423 5730

nicola.donoghue@widnesandruncorncancersupport.org.uk

Our colleagues from Halton Borough Council’s External Funding Team have prepared some Funding Bulletins containing valuable information for voluntary organisations looking for grants to get projects off the ground.

The Monthly funding bulletins offering information on funding opportunities in the following areas:

Arts, Community & Voluntary, Environment & Heritage, European, Faith, Health, Schools, Sports and Youth.

To access the information, please click on the link below:

https://www4.halton.gov.uk/Pages/business/FinanceandGrants/finance.aspx

Halton & St Helens VCA’s 2018 Annual Conference featured the retirement of Jean Mulford MBE from her position as Chair of the Board of Trustees, a role she had held since 1996. Friends & colleagues of Jean made the following short film to pay tribute to her as she stepped down from her role after 22 years. It’s difficult to express how much she’ll be missed and to express just how grateful we all are for her hard work. Our new Chair Justin Hill spoke these words at the conference about the impact and work Jean has made over the years.

Today I’m tasked with saying a few words about our outgoing Chair, Jean Mulford.

It’s a daunting challenge to accurately outline everything Jean has done for our sector and explain quite how much she’ll be missed in just a few minutes.

Jean is the only Chair that every single member of our staff team has ever known. She is the only Chair that every member of the Board of Trustees has known. As Chair, she has provided knowledge, stability, kindness and guidance for a long enough period of time to have seen off 5 Prime Ministers, 9 England Football Managers and 6 Doctor Whos.

I once heard a member of our staff team refer to Jean as a “Voluntary Sector Legend” on the old VCA radio show. There would be other titles bestowed upon Jean which are perhaps more memorable, but this one she undoubtedly deserves.

Jean took her first steps into our sector as a teenager when, following encouragement from her father, she joined St John’s Ambulance Brigade and as a qualified first-aider, she provided much needed support to local sports teams.

That initial grounding in voluntary work was soon to become a way of life for Jean and she became involved with the local Guide Dogs for the Blind. This involved her working with newly diagnosed blind people learning to cope with everyday life.

In the late 60’s and early 70’s, Jean worked as a Lecturer at Newton College alongside students with learning disabilities. Having identified their need for a social outlet which could broaden their horizons and enable them to become more independent, Jean developed a Youth Group that met twice per week. Also at the College she worked with older people providing crafts and artwork sessions. Once again she identified additional needs of local older people living in sheltered accommodation and local care homes and, in a voluntary capacity, organised a variety of courses including cookery, different crafts and even basic skills.

In 1986, Jean took on a voluntary role on the Steering Group for Earlestown Opportunities for the Disabled, from which St Helens Home Start developed. Still a proud board member, Jean has remained integral to the organisation since its inception. She was also instrumental in aiding the development of Disability, Advice & Information (DASH), the Coalition of Disabled People and Parr Hall Millennium Green Trust.

In the late 1980’s, at a time when Jean had been promoted to the position of Assistant Principal of the newly merged St Helens College, she still managed to find the time to join the Board of St Helens Council for Voluntary Service (CVS). Her leadership skills were recognised and she became Chair in 1996, a position she has held till today. 

In recent years, with funding difficulties creating problems within both statutory and voluntary sectors, Jean has overseen the merging of Halton Voluntary Action and St Helens CVS into Halton & St Helens VCA and also the amalgamation of Disability Advice & Information with Shopmobility to form a new organisation – St Helens Independent Living Services (SILS).

In her capacity as Chair of Halton & St Helens VCA, Jean represented the voluntary sector on both the Local Strategic Partnership and attended Mission in the Economy events.

Jean has even used her skills in the field of baking (more on that to be mentioned shortly) and sewing to income generate for local voluntary sector organisations performing alterations to clothing and creating wedding or birthday cakes in return for donations to local groups.

In February 2012, Jean received the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough of St Helens. This is the highest honour that the Council can bestow and one which is not awarded too often. As such, the receipt of this prestigious award spoke volumes about the extraordinary and selfless service that Jean has given to St Helens. She joined an elite group of individuals who have been recognised for improving the quality of life of local residents and changing St Helens for the better.

Jean was delighted to receive the Freedom of the Borough describing it as a “marvellous privilege” and a “great honour” though in typically modest and selfless fashion, Jean took the opportunity of receiving the award to thank colleagues she had worked alongside saying a “very big thank you to all my fellow Board Members, staff and volunteers in all the charities I am involved with. Without their support and hard work and determination, none of this would be so successful.”

In January 2015 (and for all the reasons I’ve already outlined), Jean was the worthy recipient of an MBE which was presented to her by none other than Prince William. Jean described herself as “stunned” by the news, but we weren’t. We all knew it was thoroughly deserved.

On behalf of the Trustees and staff team at Halton & St Helens VCA, I’d like to finish by saying that we are very proud of Jean. We have been incredibly lucky to have had someone so dedicated and committed to the local voluntary sector in the heart of our organisation and we are truly grateful for all her endeavours over the years.

 

We hope that by watching the film below, you will get a feeling for the scale of the impact that she had on the borough. Thank you, Jean!

Following publication of the Government's Civil Society Strategy, NAVCA recently shared some of the key policy take outs with particular relevance to local infrastructure organisations.  The Civil Society Strategy is now in the public domain giving time for reflection and critique of its content, and in the attached summary, NAVCA sets out a more detailed look at some of the key policy implications for our sector.

NAVCA feels that the Strategy is a step in the right direction, yet doesn’t go quite far enough. In the attached paper, they outline their key policy asks of government and look in detail at a selection of proposals from the Strategy, analysing how they might impact on local infrastructure and where government needs to do further work to address policy gaps. 

NAVCA are keen to hear everyone's thoughts on the Strategy and its implications  for local infrastructure.

“Would you walk on hot coals for your local Hospice?” That is the question that Halton Haven Hospice are asking the local community.

The Halton Haven firewalk will see brave members of the public walk on red-hot wood embers at a temperature of around 800 degrees Fahrenheit (around 425 degrees Celsius). With registration currently open, you can register now to take part on the day!

Taking place on the evening of Thursday 15th November at the Hospice in Murdishaw, Runcorn, the firewalk itself will be built by leading firewalk company Time 4 Change. Cliff Mann of Time 4 Change will also run the pre-firewalk workshop for all participants in which full training and preparation will be given. Cliff has been organising firewalks for over 20 years and has a 100% safety record.

All the proceeds raised from the event will support Halton Haven Hospice in caring for local people who are living with life-limiting and end of life conditions such as cancer, MS, motor neurone disease, heart failure and COPD. It costs around £6,800 a day to run the Hospice and they rely hugely on the support of their local communities to ensure they raise enough to keep going.

Registration for the firewalk is just £25 and the Hospice is asking every participant to do their best to raise at least £75 in sponsorship.

The firewalk is also being sponsored by Display Team, the Runcorn-based company which provides point of sale solutions, signage, graphics and display systems all across the globe.

Chris Andrews, Senior Fundraising Manager at Halton Haven Hospice, said “This firewalk is going to be incredible! It’s a pretty unique event and something which doesn’t come around often. A firewalk is an experience you never forget. I did one myself in 2005 and it’s still one of the best things I’ve ever done. I urge anyone considering it to get signed up now! Or contact us for a chat and we’ll answer any questions or concerns you have.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to Display Team for coming on board as event sponsors for the firewalk. They do so much for the Haven and we’re thrilled we can partner up with them on this event.”

For more information or to register, please visit www.haltonhaven.org.uk/firewalk, ring Halton Haven on 01928 712 728, or email fundraising@haltonhaven.co.uk.

Welcome to the first edition of the St Helens Pedal  Power Newsletter. From learning how to ride to becoming a ride leader or reading about one man's journey from the couch to crossing the width of the country by bike, this newsletter will hopefully inspire you to join in and begin an amazing journey.

Working in partnership with St Helens Council, Pedal Power began the process of developing a programme of work around the idea of promoting a healthier and sustainable community within the borough.

By creating a pool of trained and dedicated volunteers the aim is to offer the local community a range of cycling activities which would enable people to develop their confidence and get them outside on a bike to enjoy the beautiful and often unused trails around St Helens.

Willowbrook Hospice is inviting members of the local community to come along and find out more about its work, what it’s achieved over the past 12 months and the plans the charity has for the future.

Willowbrook CEO Neil Wright, who will be presenting the session, said the hospice receives incredible support from the community.

“It takes a community to make a hospice and we simply couldn’t provide the support to families living with life limiting illnesses without the generosity and support of local people,” he said.

“We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to hear about our work and how we are making a difference to people in their community. The meeting is our chance to do that and I’d like to encourage anyone who is interested to come along and find out more about our future plans.”

The meeting will take place on 4 October at Willowbrook-The Living Well, Borough Road, St Helens WA10 3RN, starting at 6.30pm with refreshments available from 6pm.

Active Halton are launching Haltons first Mental Health Festival in order to raise awareness of activities available in Halton that help to keep us feeling and coping well, as well as tackle mental health stigma locally. The Mental Health Festival is taking place 6th to the 14th October. More details and the full programe of events of the festival can be accessed via the below web link:

https://issuu.com/haltonhit/docs/mental_health_festival_2018_final

The  programme can be viewed in full screen by clicking on the incomplete square at the bottom right of the screen. You can also share specific pages via face book and twitter by clicking on the share button and finally you are able to down load as well

The programme is interactive so you can click directly on email addresses, web links and were applicable are able to book places via the click to book buttons.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Kate Bazley on the details below:

Mental Health and Wellbeing lead
Halton Health Improvement Team
Halton Borough Council
Runcorn Town Hall,
Heath Road,
Runcorn, WA7 5TD

Tel: 0300 029 0029 |Fax 0151 511 6364|

Email: HIT@halton.gov.uk | Follow us on Twitter @HaltonBC

 www.haltonhealthimprovement.co.uk

Halton Carers Centre are looking for items for raffle and bingo prizes.  They would be grateful for any contributions, large or small.  All funds raised will go back into the service to help support carers.

Please call in to Halton Carers Centre to drop in prizes or contact 01928 580182.

DIABETES UK - St Helens & District Group

The next meeting of the St Helens & District Group of Diabetes UK will be on Wednesday 3rd Oct 2018 at 7.30pm in St Helens United Reformed Church, King St, WA10 2JZ. The church is next to Windle Pilkington Hall. The speakers will be Jane Jackson, who is a Diabetes Specialist Nurse, and Nicola Jackson who is a Diabetes Dietitian. They are both from the Diabetes Specialist Unit in St Helens Hospital, and will be talking on the subject of:-

Looking after your diabetes when you`re ill.

Anyone with an interest in diabetes is welcome to attend, admission is free and refreshments are available after the meeting. They also have a large selection of diabetes leaflets available. They would particularly like to welcome anyone who has been recently diagnosed with diabetes and has not been to a meeting before. They are a very friendly group and you may be assured of a warm welcome.

For further details contact C Bowmaker on 0151 480 0821.

Thank you to everyone who attended our Annual Conference and AGM on Monday 24th September at The Totally Wicked Statium in St Helens, all the donated food for the local foodbanks has been distributed. 

Halton Foodbank were very pleased to receive the items from our members and let us know that they are desperate for mens toiletries, if you can help, please drop them off at our Widnes ofiice on Lugsdale Road and we would be very happy to pass them on.

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the 5.5 million people living in Britain’s former mining communities. Many of these communities still require support due to the huge impact the closure of the mines had upon them.

The Coalfields Community Investment Programme (England) is a £500,000 fund created to support activities that tackle some of the key challenges that still remain in coalfield communities. The fund is open to projects that deliver in the top 30% most deprived coalfield communities and that will make a positive difference in addressing the following themes:

Skills: Growing the skills of people in order to increase their opportunities

Employment: Developing pathways to increase the number of people in work

Health: Supporting activities that improve the health and wellbeing of all age groups

The offer is now reopened and all the information on registering an enquiry relating to a project is on the following page:

https://www.coalfields-regen.org.uk/funding

Please read all the information and the guidance notes carefully before deciding whether to complete the Eligibility Survey.

Royal Recognition for local Support Group

Halton based Cheshire Asbestos Victims Support Group has received The Queens Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of outstanding work in their community and beyond.

The award is the highest given to local volunteer groups in the United Kingdom – it is the MBE for voluntary groups – and with a small team of six they, CAVSG, are the smallest group in the country to receive it.

CAVSG was formed in 1992 by volunteers who had been actively involved in campaign issues relating to asbestos since the early 1980’s.  The group gained charity status in 1994.

The group provides support work for victims of an asbestos related disease and their families to ensure that all those that were affected by asbestos diseases in Cheshire, have access to help, information, advice and support.  They still actively campaign on many issues involving asbestos victims and their families, and were part of the campaign that led to the UK eventually banning the import and use of asbestos in 1999.

Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, Mr David Briggs MBE. Presented the group with the Certificate signed by Her Majesty the Queen, and a crystal keepsake, at Runcorn Town Hall in the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress of Halton, John and Marjorie Bradshaw, and guests.

Community Foundation for Merseyside have the following funding opportunities opening this autumn. 

Tilney Bestinvest-Grants up to £5,000.

Funding available for groups working with disadvantaged young people, particulary those who are NEET. Fund is due to open in the Autumn.

http://www.cfmerseyside.org.uk/funds/the-tilney-fund 

Knights House Fund (Halton Foundation)-£1,000 for groups and £250 for indivduals.

Aims to support people in the borough of Widnes who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress. Due to open for applications Autumn.

http://www.cfmerseyside.org.uk/funds/knights-house-fund

Peel Ports 500 Fund-£50-£500 per grant.

Funding for groups working in Halton, Liverpool, Wirral and Sefton, prefers to fund projects that are sustainable and particularly likes to fund capital items. Will be launched in Autumn.

http://www.cfmerseyside.org.uk/funds/peel-ports-500-fund

Alfred Shaw Trust Fund-£1,500 for groups and £250 for indivduals.

Aims to support vulnerable children and young people and initatives that help to reduce social isolation amongst the elderly. It also supports indivduals.

Area of benefit is Runcorn (WA7) Will open in the Autumnn.

http://www.cfmerseyside.org.uk/funds/alfred-shaw-trust-fund

ACC Liverpool Group Foundation-£1,000 per grant.

Funding available for children, young people and families to reduce social isolation, improve education and learning, communities, housing and homelessness. 

Due to open for application Autumn.

http://www.cfmerseyside.org.uk/funds/the-acc-liverpool-group-foundation

WO Street-Grants between £250-£2,500

Projects that advance education and tackle poverty helping children and young people, as well as supporting projects for older, blind and disabled people.

Opening Autumn.

http://www.cfmerseyside.org.uk/funds/wo-street-transformation-fund 

Tampon Tax-Grants between £5,000-£10,000

Support women to overcome barriers that prevent them from fufilling their potential making a tangible and long-term difference to health, well-being confidence and social/economic activity, as well as addressing equality gaps.

http://www.cfmerseyside.org.uk/funds/tampon-tax-community-fund

To apply or find out more information please visit; 

http://www.cfmerseyside.org.uk/apply or call 0330 440 4900.

Volunteer Centre Halton are holding a Volunteer Recruitment Fair on Tuesday 9 October from 11-2pm at Riverside College, Kingsway Campus, Kingsway, Widnes WA8 7QQ. The event is open to both students and the general public.

If you would like to book a table at the event please, contact Linda on: 01928 593112 or email: lgoodier@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk. Places are limited, so book your table asap.

The Next Volunteer Managers/Co-ordinators Forum will be on Tuesday 2 October 2018 - 11.30am-2pm, at St Marie's, Lugsdale Road, Widnes WA8 6DB

The Forum meets six monthly to share information, discuss issues, monitoring and anything else to do with volunteering.

The meetings are informal and enjoyable. We hope you will feel able to participate.

Should you feel it would be helpful or appropriate for your role as a Volunteer Manager/Co-ordinator, please come along on the above date.

Lunch is not provided, so please bring along your own. Tea and coffee will be provided.

If you would like to attend please confirm your attendance to Linda Goodier either by phone: 01928 593112 or email: lgoodier@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk If you would like any items adding to the agenda please let Linda know on: lgoodier@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk

Park Farm ACYP Centre – Have 2 vacancies for a Centre Co-ordinator and a Caretaker/Maintenance Assistant 

Centre Co-ordinator

The Directors of the ACYP Centre are looking to appoint a dynamic, forward-thinking, experienced, flexible, innovative and self-motivated Centre Co-ordinator with excellent financial, administrative and marketing skills.

Applicants should have experience of managing a Community Building and possess a caring and sympathetic manner in dealing with children, young people and adult users of the Centre.

Applicants must be able to develop and sustain links with partner Community Groups and other agencies to effectively promote the Centre. Applicants must be able to work evenings and weekends as part of their normal hours.

This is 37 hour per week post, fixed term for 5 years, funded by the Big Lottery Fund. The salary will commence at £25,974 per annum.

Consideration will be given to a Job Share situation (18.5hrs) for appropriate applicants.

Carertaker/Maintenance Assistant

The Directors of the ACYP Centre are looking to appoint a Caretaker/ Maintenance Assistant who will be an enthusiastic person with the confidence and ability to work on own initiative. He/she will play a key role in the operation and smooth running of the community facilities.

Reporting to the Line Manager and working closely with the Centre Coordinator, other staff member and volunteers, he/she will ensure that the community facilities are maintained and operated to the highest standards.

Evening work and occasional weekend work are required within this post.

This is a 25 hours per week post, fixed term for 5 years and funded through the Big Lottery Fund. The salary will commence at £250.00 per week.

Further information can be obtained by contacting the Centre on 01744 754367, and applications for the post should be made by letter together with a C.V. and be submitted by Friday, 5 October to :-

The Secretary, Park Farm ACYP Centre, 54 Kentmere Avenue Carr Mill, St Helens, WA11 7PG

DIABETES UK

St Helens & District Group

The next meeting of the St Helens & District Group of Diabetes UK will be on Wednesday 3rd Oct 2018 at 7.30pm in St Helens United Reformed Church, King St, WA10 2JZ. The church is next to Windle Pilkington Hall. Speakers will be Jane Jackson, who is a Diabetes Specialist Nurse, and Nicola Jackson who is a Diabetes Dietitian. They are both from the Diabetes Specialist Unit in St Helens Hospital, and will be talking on the subject of:-

Looking after your diabetes when you`re ill.

Anyone with an interest in diabetes is welcome to attend, admission is free and refreshments are available after the meeting. They also have a large selection of diabetes leaflets available. They would particularly like to welcome anyone who has been recently diagnosed with diabetes and has not been to a meeting before. They are a very friendly group and you may be assured of a warm welcome.

For further details contact C Bowmaker on 0151 480 0821.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to become an integral part of an innovative way of funding and delivering Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise Sector services in St Helens.

We are looking for individuals who can commit to driving forward the work of an established consortium which has already enjoyed many successes, including the acquisition of the contract to deliver the Information and Advice Service in St Helens.

For an informal chat and more information please contact Catherine Cahalin on 01744 457112 or email ccahalin@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk for an application pack  

Rainhill soprano Lynn Jones will be taking to the stage as she headlines the concert ‘Precious Moments’ in aid of Willowbrook Hospice at St Thomas Church, Eccleston on Friday 28 September at 7.30pm.

Lynn will be performing a packed programme of songs from the shows and classical favourites and will be supported by the Aughton Male Voice Choir and singer and guitarist Alex Roberts, as well as rising star Louie Gray who recently starred in Her Benny at the Royal Court, Liverpool.

Cancer survivor Lyn says: “Over the past 8 years I’ve gone through several treatments for cancer, the most recent being in April this year when I had an operation at Aintree Hospital for a growth in my neck which was related to my original diagnosis in 2009 of ovarian cancer.   I’m currently attending the day therapy sessions at Willowbrook which are a complete inspiration to me! People who haven’t been to the hospice often think it’s going to be depressing but it’s anything but! The staff and all the volunteers are amazing and I’ve met some fantastic people there as well as enjoying the craft classes, massages and relaxation sessions.”

Lynn continues: “It’s the 8th year that I’ve organised a concert for Willowbrook and every year we’ve had a packed house. I love singing and it’s great that I can use my talents to help raise much needed funds for the hospice.”

Nicky Saunders, Head of Fundraising at the hospice said: “Lynn is a fantastic supporter of Willowbrook and over the years has helped to raise thousands of pounds to support our work. It’s thanks to people like Lynn that we can continue to care and support our patients and their families.”

Tickets for the concert are cost £6 and are available from Lynn on 07754 773089, Willowbrook-The Living Well on 01744 453798 or from St Thomas Church.

Cheshire Community Foundation have have opened a grant programme for the new High Sheriff.  The programme wishes to support local creative arts and cultural charities, voluntary organisations and community groups delivering activities in Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East, Halton and Warrington.

They have £20,000 to distribute and applicants can apply for up to £2,000 with the fund being primarily focused on micro and small charities (Micro charities being charities with under £10,000 annual income and a small charity having under £100,000 annual income) with the applicant organisation needing to have been running activities for a minimum of 12 months to apply. Applicants must be able to report back on the spend and use of any grant awarded using an online monitoring form by 31st March 2019  so time is limited.

The full programme criteria is attached below but applicants can also view this on their website here: http://cheshirecommunityfoundation.org.uk/apply-for-funding/

Willowbrook Hospice is holding a car boot sale on Saturday 22 September (9am-12pm) at The Living Well on Borough Road, St Helens WA10 3RN.

With a maximum of 50 pitches offering a wide range of pre-loved goods from clothes and books to soft furnishings and bric-a-brac – there’ll be something for everyone! The Living Well’s Sunflower café and charity shop will also be open.

So if you’re clearing out your attic or garage and fancy making a bit of spare cash, why not book a pitch at just £10?

For more information, or to book a pitch, please ring 01744 453798 or email events@willowbrookhospice.org.uk

Halton Heritage Partnership - Heritage Open Days Launch!

Wednesday 5th September, 12pm -2pm

The Town Square, Runcorn Shopping City, WA7 2EU

www.haltonheritage.co.uk

Halton’s Heritage Open Days is an annual, national event that sees groups, organisations and buildings open up their heritage treasures to the public. All events and activities which run from 5th September to the 16th September as part of the Heritage Open Days programme are FREE to attend, so what’s not to love? Click on the attachment below to view the brochure and it will tell you what heritage events are happening in Halton as part of this national celebration. From guided tours to pop-up museums, there are lots of heritage activities for people of all ages and interests to explore across the borough. Take a look and see what you can discover…

Sahir House is the HIV support, prevention, information & training service in Merseyside. They need your help with World AIDS Day campaigns and fundraising, buddy support, reception and front of house as well as general support for the charity. As a volunteer you can learn and try new things, make new friends and make a positive change for those living with HIV. You are welcome to go along to their New Volunteer Open Evening to find out more about Sahir House and all the opportunities to volunteer, on Thursday 27th September, 6pm start at Sahir House, 2nd floor, 151 Dale Street, Liverpool, L2 2AH

Tea and coffee available. If you can’t make the open evening you are still welcome to book in for an interview.

Link to map, it’s near the Birkenhead Tunnel entrance, nearest pub Ship & Mitre and they are in the Liverpool CVS building on the corner of Dale Street.

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/''/sahir+house+address/@53.4099744,-2.9859449,17z/data=!4m8!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b213a89b62455:0xb26453abb9542478!2m2!1d-2.9837546!2d53.4099949

Informal interviews: Week of 1st October, call 0151 237 3989 for an appointment and ask for Cath Turner (appointments approx. 20 mins and day or early evening appointments available)

Induction training course: Friday 12th October (eve) and day time of Saturday 13th October and Sunday 14th October (100% attendance required)

Induction training will be held in the city centre location. Volunteer training, induction, support and travel expenses provided.

Sahir House continually aims to address its skills shortage and under representation and welcomes interest from all sections of the community.

For a Volunteer Info Pack & enquiries visit www.sahir.org.uk/volunteer or call 0151 237 3989 and ask for Cath Turner, Training and Development Manager.

Please confirm your attendance, feel free to take a friend and they look forward to hearing from you soon!

Local History Evenings on a Wednesday at MOMO's Coffee Shop at 8 Cotham Street, St Helens (Opposite Wilco), dates below.

6pm to 7.30pm.  All ages welcome (Kids particularly). Admission free

Presented by local historian Chris Coffey.

• 5th September - Another local X files evening with tales of local ghosts and creepy mysteries.
• 12th September - 1868.  the year the four townships became a Borough.
• 19th September - The lost railways of St Helens.  Shaw Street to Rainford.  Shaw Street to Warrington.  Shaw Street to Widnes and Ditton.  Central to Haydock and Lowton.  The freight line beneath Croppers Hill, etc
• 26th September - "Silent Clowns".  This is a rare opportunity to see silent films by Laurel and Hardy, Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, Stan Laurel solo, and other silent clowns.

Keep in touch with St Helens Local History by taking out a FREE subscription to the St Helens Heritage Network's monthly email newsletter, with its guide to local societies and events and features.  Contact Chrispcoffey@gmail.com 

Hours: 35 Hours per week

Pay: Scale SO1 29-31 (£26,470 – £28,221)

Fixed term: 6 months (Possible extension)

Established in 1999 Raise is an advice service that supports clients within their own home with welfare benefits, debt and financial capability advice at a specialist level.

This is an opportunity to be involved in the running of the RAISE Welfare Rights service to clients in the Greater Liverpool Region. In order to achieve this they need a highly motivated individual who is passionate about motivating and managing a team of advisors. You will be experienced managing and supporting staff as well as having knowledge of Social Security Law. You will have excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to relate and work with a large variety of different people.

Closing date: 14 September 2018 12 noon

Interviews will be held on: 20 September 2018

For more information and to apply, please click the link below:

https://www.benefitsadviceteam.co.uk/jobs/

Refugee Action provide support to Syrian and other vulnerable refugees who have been resettled by UNHCR in three Local Authorities within the Liverpool City Region (Liverpool, St Helens and Wirral), they are looking for volunteers to assist and support their work.

The arrivals aspect of the role is to provide assistance to an individual or household group of newly arrived resettled refugees for their first week in the UK.

The Advocate element of the role is to support refugees to carry out specific tasks as part of their on-going 12-month resettlement journey.

These tasks will be directed by the Resettlement Team. The role involves providing local orientation to refugees within Liverpool City Region and supporting them to use local services.  If you feel that you can help with this valuable support role contact Volunteer Centre St Helens on 01744 751759 or email volunteersthelens@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk for more information.

On Sunday 16th September 2018, between 1.00 and 4.00, The Fantastic Taylor Park Kite Festival is presented to you by The Friends of Taylor Park.

So come along to the Big Hill in Taylor Park on Sunday 16th September between 1.00 and 4.00, where the Northern Kite Group will be giving wonderful displays of stunning kites and kite flying.

Best of all though, you can make your own kite in the Kite Workshop and what’s more, they will fly majestically over one of St Helens’ most beautiful parks.

Don’t miss this chance to enjoy one of the best family events in St Helens, and it’s all free!

The park is located just off Prescot Road, the main route between St Helens Town Centre and Prescot. It is well served by buses and free, but limited, car parking is available at the Grosvenor Road and Holme Road entrances.

There is some on street parking, but The Friends urge visitors who park on the streets to be considerate of the needs of others and to avoid inconveniencing local residents and other street users.
 

Post code for sat. Nav. WA10 3HX

Our colleagues from Halton Borough Council’s External Funding Team have prepared some Funding Bulletins containing valuable information for voluntary organisations looking for grants to get projects off the ground. 

The Monthly funding bulletins offering information on funding opportunities in the following areas: 

Arts, Community & Voluntary, Environment & Heritage, European, Faith, Health, Schools, Sports and Youth.

To access the information, please click on the link below: 

https://www4.halton.gov.uk/Pages/business/FinanceandGrants/finance.aspx

Job reference: SPH11

Department: People's Services

Grade: SCP 22-25

Pay: From: £21,074 To: £23,111 per annum

Hours: 37 per week

Closing date:16/09/2018

St Helens Council’s TAZ Outreach Team is a high performing, well established team who deliver innovative and creative programmes to young people to enable them to make positive and informed decisions about their sexual health and relationships choices. The TAZ Outreach Worker will form a large part of a small team and provide interventions to help continue to reduce teenage conceptions, sexually transmitted infections and improve young people’s awareness of these.

You will have good knowledge of young people’s development, how their sexual health is an important factor in their overall wellbeing and lifestyle. In addition to this you must be able to discuss extremely sensitive issues without embarrassment or judgement and creatively communicate with young people in order to meet their sexual health and relationships needs. You will have knowledge of the law relating to consent and sexual activity. 

You will need to be able to work with young people in a variety of ways including on a 1 to 1 basis, in group settings, clinic settings. In addition to this you will need to deliver training to professionals, assemblies to large groups of students, attend events, deliver teaching sessions in local schools and colleges and capitalise on opportunities to raise young people’s awareness of how to access local services.  You will need to be able to work and communicate with different people from a wide range of services including schools, clinical staff, housing providers etc.  You will need to be able to travel around the St Helens areas and meet young people in a range of settings.

You must have a minimum 2 years post-qualification experience with young people and hold a Level 3 qualification relevant to working with children and young people in health and social care, youth and community work. The desire to help young people along with enthusiasm, creativity and a genuine commitment to improve people’s lives are important qualities for this role.

You may be required to work evenings and weekends. 

For an information discussion please contact Helen Jones - Young People's Team Manager on 01744 675605.

This Authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

This post is subject to Enhanced DBS Disclosure.

For more information and how to apply please click the link below:

https://secure.sthelens.net/website/cccvacancies.nsf/vacancies%20on%20website/4A14D8FA25A86A49802582F90058398B?OpenDocument

Do you want to shape the future of the NHS?

Please come to a conversation about the NHS Long-Term Plan, hear about what is planned, and have your voice heard!

12th September 1.30pm - 4.00pm Chamber Space, Elliot House, 151 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3WD

The NHS has just celebrated its 70th birthday. A lot has changed since it was created in 1948, and the NHS is having to cope with changes in society that were never expected, let alone planned for, when it was set up 70 years ago.

But the NHS is also a dynamic and innovative institution, that has continuously evolved over the last 70 years. Those who use it and work in it know that evolution needs to continue if the changing needs of patients are to be met.

Because we now know that the NHS will receive guaranteed budget increases for the next five years, it can think about how it will work towards improvements in services, which will mean delivering more for patients with that money than it would have otherwise been able to.

To achieve this, the NHS is now working on a plan for the next ten years, and it is vital that all those who work in or alongside the NHS can contribute ideas, experiences and insights.

This event, run by VSNW together with NCVO and NHS England will gather views of people from local charities. A senior-level colleague from NHS England will be present.

This event is looking at the England-wide 10-year plan for the NHS, local issues will not be discussed.

Click here to find out more and to book your place

Halton Carers have been announced as the first winers of the One Halton Just Do It Award for the work they have done at the Integrated Community Care Workshop – engaging people.

The award is awarded to Halton people and organisations who “Just Do It” and make a difference.

Everyone at Halton & St Helens VCA would like to offer their congratulations to Halton Carers on being the first to receive this award.

For more information about Halton Carers and the work they do, please click the link below to go to their website:

http://haltoncarers.co.uk/

Fancy a natter, a coffee, community networking and raising money for a great cause? Well Halton Borough Council and a generous café, based in one of its community centres can help!

Macy’s Café at Grangeway Community Centre, in Runcorn will be providing tea and coffee for small donation to Macmillan on Wednesday 26 September from 10am to 1pm (so don’t be ‘latte’), and there will be a selection of cakes donated by invited organisations, again available for a small donation.

Community Development and Project Officer Rachel Prime said: “We hope for this to be a network morning for the community groups of Runcorn but also an opportunity for the general public to attend and find out what groups and activities are available in their local area. “We have invited a selection of community groups and professional organisation to advertise and showcase what they do.”

Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Marie Wright, said: ” I would encourage anyone who is free to come along. You may be surprised at what is available on your doorstep.” “A coffee Morning is the perfect chance to catch up over a cuppa and a slice of something delicious for a great cause. One in two of us will face cancer, and the money you raise will help us make sure no one has to face it alone.”

https://hbcnewsroom.co.uk/dont-be-latte-for-our-charity-coffee-morning/

Facebook Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2689869001039408/ 

In Kind Direct (IKD) was founded in 1997 by HRH The Prince of Wales. IKD distributes new, usable consumer goods, donated by some of the UK’s best known manufacturers and retailers, to charities, not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises working in the UK and abroad.
They are a lifeline to thousands of charities helping vulnerable people across the UK, allowing them to spend more of their money on support, not supplies. Every year they help charities improve the lives of 2 million people. The charities that have been helped have stated that the goods improve the confidence and self-esteem of beneficiaries, help address poor physical and mental wellbeing and provide essential support to people struggling to afford basic supplies. Since being established they have distributed over £195 million worth of products to over 9,400 charities .

Which products are on offer?

Companies have a lot of products they no longer need which they donate to In Kind, from over-stocked toiletries to last season's fashions to branded cleaning products from an expired campaign to unbranded toys. They also offer sportswear, cooking equipment and personal hygiene products and have teamed up with a number of companies to offer large savings on photocopiers and office stationery.

How it works

• Join – register for free and join the network to access goods.
• Order – browse a huge range of high quality donated goods and place your order on the online system.
• Use and share - use the goods to run your services or give to people you support.

What does it cost?

With limited funding, most not-for-profit organisations are looking for new ways to save money. IKD is free to join, and you only pay a small charge for the goods. This is typically 20% of the retail value of the goods and contributes to In Kinds running costs and also includes delivery costs. Last year the average saving made by charities using IKD was £7,485.

Who can join?

Almost any charity, not-for-profit and social enterprise can register for free to receive goods from IKD. Small, medium or large - they accept organisations of all sizes. They are now taking registrations from non-fee-paying schools. Certain public sector organisations may also be eligible to join.
Donor companies provide their goods to be used only to run your organisation or to give to the people you support for free. The products cannot be sold or used as prizes. They are also not for personal use for staff, volunteers or family nor can they be passed to other organisations.

Want to find out more?

Please go to the website to find out more about how IKD may be able to help you - www.inkinddirect.org or contact their regional volunteer, Jane Smith, who can arrange to come to your charity to discuss IKD in more detail (email: jane@inkinddirect.org or tel 0300 302 3601).

They will also be attending our ‘Social Innovation – Doing Things Differently’ event and AGM at the Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens on 24th September 2018 – come and find them in the marketplace and see what IKD can do for you.

If you've not yet signed up to attend our "Social Innovation - Doing Things Differently event, you can do so by clicking the link below:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/training

This year’s AGM and Annual Conference will be held together, in St Helens. This is a key event for us as it will be the Annual meeting where our chair Jean Mulford will stand down from her role after more than 25 years. 

The focus of the conference is Innovation and how we can work together locally to do things differently.

Join us for “Social innovation – Doing things differently in Halton & St Helens” on 24 September at the Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens. The conference will start at 9.30am and conclude at 3pm and include our Annual General Meeting. We will hear from Jackie Le Fevre, Values Expert on the importance of values for innovation and thinking differently and Mark Swift, Wellbeing Enterprises CIC Ltd on social innovations and their potential to empower communities and transform public services.

Afternoon workshops will focus on “Social Pioneering – navigating something new.” The aim will be to prompt different thinking within the local sector, to promote the sharing of innovative services and approaches that help groups respond to the changing environment, survive, thrive and respond to local needs. The conference will potentially enable us to introduce a conversation with local groups about this, share information from local groups and across the country where other organisations have been able to innovate, either in the way they raise money and fund their activities, in the way they deliver services or in the way they work with others.

Finally, we have invited a range of local funders and support organisations for a marketplace and you will get a number of opportunities to get information and talk to them about your work and projects.

More information will be shared with delegates as you register. This is a great opportunity for you to get together with other colleagues from local organisations, talk to funders and hear from colleagues and experts in our workshops about how you think about your work differently.

When

24th September, 2018 9:30 AM   to 3:00 PM

Location

St Helens R.F.C.
The Totally Wicked Stadium
McManus Drive
St Helens, WA9 3AL

To book your place, please click the link below:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/civicrm/event/register?id=275&reset=1

Healthwatch St Helens helps to strengthen the collective voice of local residents across health & social care. It is rooted in communities and responsive to their needs. It also mean working collaboratively, operating as part of community networks, drawing on information, trust and local knowledge that already exists.

Healthwatch St Helens is looking for a dynamic person of the highest calibre to join the Board of Directors, who shares our passion for further developing Healthwatch St Helens as a trusted, challenging and publically accountable body for local people.

You will need to have ambition, drive and energy and will need to demonstrate that you have the skills, knowledge and experience to run a company, working with VCA and the Healthwatch St Helens support team to deliver a vibrant local Healthwatch, underpinned by robust corporate governance arrangements.

For more information and to express your interest please telephone us on: 0300 111 0007

Salary:  £21,933 - £25,741 Per Annum

Hours:  37.5 Hours Per Week

An exciting opportunity has arisen within Halton Integrated Recovery Service. This is a permanent position based in the Runcorn Office

The post holder will holistically be supporting adult service users to enter and move through integrated recovery oriented substance misuse services and increase opportunities for service users to achieve sustainable treatment outcomes within Halton. 

The Recovery Coordinator  will carry a case load of service users who require alcohol treatment and provide screening, comprehensive assessments, needle exchange, risk assessment and risk management,  recovery planning & review, support access to medically assisted recovery (through titration and prescribing regimes), provide outreach / in-reach services, deliver 1-1 key working sessions as well as semi structured groups to support service users through engagement, detoxification, stabilisation and rehabilitation.

CGL are committed to ensuring the safeguarding and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults, and all applicants will be required to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to best safeguarding practice.

All applications for this post will be subject to an enhanced DBS clearance.

Closing Date:  Tuesday, 28 August 2018 - 11:45am

Interviews due to take place week commnencing 04/09/2018.

For more information and how to apply please click the link below:

https://www.changegrowlive.org/vacancy/recovery-coordinator-halton-intergrated-recovery-service-cgl2405

St Helens Mind are set to hold their second Family Fun Day on Thursday 30th August between noon and 4 to raise vital funds for local people affected by mental ill health. 

Saints mascot ‘Boots’ will kick start the proceedings and will be available for photos with fans in the Phyllis Pope Studio at The Mansion House site and nearby gardens in Victoria Park. 

Local children’s entertainer Paul Storey will again be performing his magic and puppets show and there’s a special tombola especially for the kids as well as a grab a bag game. They can even delve into a lucky dip or throw a wet sponge at a member of Mind’s staff in the stocks or if they prefer more sedate activities there’ll be an arts and crafts stall to unleash their creative side. 

There’s a raffle for the adults with a range of special prizes as well as a tombola, grab a bottle game and a bric-a-brac and plants sale. Drinks and snacks will be available to buy at the nearby Victoria Bistro.

St Helens Mind volunteers will be maning an information stall with more details about the charity and the work they do locally, including the social groups they run and the befriending service they offer. 

Manager Gill Ellison says: “I hope this year’s event will be as successful as the first one. The volunteers who have made this happen have worked incredibly hard planning activities and games to ensure visitors have a great time, as well as continuing their usual volunteer roles as Befrienders and at our Social Groups.”

Barnardo's Mental Health Services West Region are looking to recruit a part time, 18 hours per week, Volunteer Co-ordinator for the St Helens BOSS Service.

The role is primarily to recruit and support volunteers for the BOSS Online Web-based Service but will also develop creative ways for volunteers to support children and young people with emotional difficulties living in St Helens. 

Location: St Helens BOSS and Merseyside Mental Health Services

Contract type: Permanent

Hours:18

Salary: £19,768.10 - £21,349.55

Closing Date: 28 August 2018

For more details and to apply, please click the link below to go to the Barnardos website:

https://jobs.barnardos.org.uk/jobs/vacancy/volunteer-co-ordinator-1510/1508/description/

Healthwatch Halton are holding an afternoon tea party at St Maries, Lugsdale Road, Widnes, WA8 6DB for Macmillan Cancer Support.  Every penny raised helps to make a difference to people affected by Cancer.

It is taking place on Thursday 20th September from 3pm to 5pm.  Put the date in your diary. Everyone is welcome.

St Helens Adult and Community Learning are organising an information event at the Town Hall on Thursday 13th September, 10-1pm.  Come along and find out about volunteering, updating skills and much more.  For more information call Adult and Community Learning on 01744 677315

The last whole systems obesity network meeting was held in the stadium April 2018, whereby the attached action plan was developed. Due to staff changes there has been disruption to the development of this programme of work.  There is now a new  core working group whereby Julia Rosser, FFPH,  Consultant in Public Health has taken over the lead for this work from Elspeth, who no longer works for Halton Borough Council and  Ian Baddiley has replaced David King as the health improvement lead. Lisa Taylor, Pam Worrall and Diane Lloyd remain members of the group.

They are keen to progress with the action plan that has been developed and move this work forward. Please find attached below the action plan for your information, please send any amendments to the actions to Diane.lloyd@halton.gov.uk. You will see that the action plan has been broken down into the following sections:

• Socioeconomic
• Built environment
• Transport
• Food Knowledge
• Physical activity

They need to identify forums that can take the actions forward for these areas, this might be through established groups, e.g. active Halton for physical activity, or we established specific task and finish groups.  Please send suggestions of groups that could progress the workplans, or nominations of officers to led actions.

They will be organising a whole systems network meeting in late September, whereby they will assess progress against the action plans.

As part of the evaluation, Leeds Beckett Univesity are looking to gain your views on how integrated into the whole systems approach that you feel. In the survey below, there are a number of questions on leadership, collaboration, and governance. There are also some open ended questions which allow you to give more general anonymous feedback about your participation.  Please can all members of the working group complete the survey.

Survey link: https://leedsbeckettsport.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1HP4zfDahwZgY0R

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please feel free to give James an email (j.d.nobles@leedsbeckett.ac.uk).  

Any comments or queries regarding the action plan/approach in Halton please do not hesitate to contact Julia Rosser on the contact details below.

Julia Rosser FFPH, UKPHR Reg. No. FR0660
Consultant in Public Health
Halton Borough Council, Runcorn Town Hall,
Heath Road, Runcorn, WA7 5TD

email: Julia.Rosser@halton.gov.uk

Tel: 0151 511 6772
 

Join the Age UK Mid Mersey Team who have a job vacancy for an Information and Advice Worker in Halton.  This is a part-time post (30 hours per week), salary £14,226 per annum based in the Runcorn office and is an exciting opportunity for a professional and highly motivated individual to join the Information and Advice Team in Halton to deliver front-line information and advice to clients.

Experience/skills/attributes:

• At least 2 years’ recent experience of Information and Advice work including welfare & benefits advice.
• Understanding of the issues affecting the lives of older people and their carers.
• Excellent inter-personal skills with the ability to relate to people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.
• Excellent communication, listening and verbal skills.
• Well-developed information-gathering and information management skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workload.

Closing date 7th September 2018

How to apply 

Forward your CV. to hr@aukmm.org.uk or click on the link below to submit your CV

https://www.indeedjobs.com/age-uk-mid-mersey/jobs/5461ccefc6d3942d08e9

The Community Business Fund from independent trust, Power to Change, will open on Tuesday 11 September, offering grants between £50,000 and £300,000 to community businesses in England trading for the benefit of and accountable to their local communities. Organisations are encouraged to read the guidance for the fund before making an application.

A free webinar is being held on 13 September to give hopeful applicants an overview of the fund and its eligibility criteria. Register for the webinar here.

David Keane the Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire is asking victims of hate crime in Cheshire to speak out about what support they’ve received from the police. You can share your views by filling-out the short survey below. http://socsi.in/KfX06