Wire FM Awards success for WDP

The team at Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP) are proud to announce that two of their team received awards at the recent Wire FM Awards.

Brun Corbishley was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for the work she has done over the past 30 years working in the voluntary and community sectors and Rachael Johnston was awarded the Heart of Gold Award for the work she does raising awareness around disability and eating disorders.

The annual awards, held at the Stobart Stadium, recognise and celebrate individuals and organisations that have gone the extra mile.

Jayne Horton – WDP’s Chief Officer said “Brun and Rachael were nominated for these awards as they dedicate their lives to supporting disabled people, their families and carers and continue to raise awareness around all disability matters. It was a very inspiring evening with many well deserved award winners.”

Hospital radio boost fundraising thanks to Asda Runcorn

Hospital radio in Halton has received a boost to their fundraising, thanks to a donation from Asda Runcorn. The store’s Community Colleague, Dee Samuel, handed £260 to Radio Halton volunteer Margaret Longworth. Dee explained that she raised the money by selling chairs that Gemma Goodall, Manager of Home and Leisure, had kindly provided. 

Margaret, a trustee of Radio Halton, said, “We are so grateful to Asda, and particularly Dee and Gemma, for this donation towards the purchase of a mixer and computer for the office.  Because more new volunteers are training in the studio, there is less time available to add songs to the studio playout system and a small setup in the office will make this possible. The equipment will cost £4,000, and so far we’ve raised £1,260, so we still need to find £2,740!”

Radio Halton provides music and information to patients, staff and visitors within Halton General Hospital in Runcorn. It is funded entirely by donations and staffed by volunteers. 

If you can help by making a donation, please ring 01928 753417 or email info@radiohalton.org.

NHS Halton & St Helens and the Wellbeing Project CIC win Prestigious Northwest Health & Social Care Award 2010!

A scheme which equips the general public and people working in the customer service professions with the skills to support their neighbours and colleagues experiencing low level mental health issues has secured a prestigious Health & Social Care Award.


The Wellbeing Project CIC, NHS Halton and St Helens and its partners in Halton and St Helens Councils were presented with the award last week for its innovative ‘Ignite Your Life!’ Community Resilience Programme.

The programme invites the general public to take part in a series of events that teach people the simple tools and techniques to stay resilient during difficult times.

It educates people about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems like depression and anxiety and how and when to seek help.

The scheme also teaches people about the simple things anybody can do to improve their mental wellbeing, with a focus on the ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ informed by the Foresight’s Report on Mental Capital and Wellbeing.

The team fought off competition from 1300 applicants to win the prestigious award.

The Health and Social Care Awards has an established nine year history and provides an unparalleled opportunity to highlight and celebrate innovation and excellence in the provision of frontline health and social care.

The online awards ceremony took place on Thursday 14th October when the 3 shortlisted applicants in the Mental Health & Wellbeing category were showcased and the ‘Ignite Your Life!’ Community Resilience Programme was announced as the winner.

Co-Directors Dr Laura Pogue and Paula Gamester said: ‘Winning this award is a major breakthrough and will help to raise the organisations profile regionally and nationally.’

‘It has also been a tremendous boost to our staff, our volunteers, clients and partner agencies who believe passionately in our approaches to driving meaningful improvements in mental health and wellbeing.’

Mark Swift, Programme Manager for the Wellbeing Project said ‘The Ignite Your Life' Community Resilience Programme teaches every day people the practical skills to stay strong during difficult times.’

‘The programme places emphasis on the innate skills and talents of individuals, and the assets within our communities and the ways in which we can mobilise these to improve the quality of people's lives.’

Dave Sweeney, Operational Director for Partnership Commissioning for NHS Halton and St Helens said:

“We’re delighted that this programme has won a Health & Social Care Award. It’s a great example of effective partnership working”.

“NHS Halton and St Helens is continuing to work with partner agencies to find innovative ways to improve the mental health and wellbeing of our communities, and ultimately create a big society”

For more information about the scheme please contact Mark Swift, Programme Manager, Wellbeing Project
T: 01744 26444
E: m.swift@wellbeingproject.co.uk

Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) Practitioner Training Day

Listen Again to The Voluntary Sector with HVA - September Catch Up

Would you like a second chance to hear some recent episodes of "The Voluntary Sector with HVA" on Halton Community Radio?

I’ve been a bit behind editing and uploading recent podcasts, but you can now listen to the following shows through your computer.

On Thursday 16th September, I interviewed George Low (Runcorn Carnival Support Group), Karen Jones (British Red Cross), Tommy Glynn (Unitask Ltd) and Dan Monroe (Runcorn Wrestling Academy). I also reported back from a celebration event held by The Will to Work Workshop (where I chatted with Bryan Lloyd, Angus Weir & Geoff Prince). Ceri Edwards (HVA) joined me for another Voluntary Opportunity of the Week. To listen to the show (or to download a copy to your PC), please visit http://tinyurl.com/32bdjvm.

On Thursday 23rd September, I chatted to Isabel Hoxworth (New Shoots, Halton), Tom Coates (vinvolved) and Rebecca Taylor (Halton Borough Council’s Transport Team). Lee Goodier joined me for another Voluntary Opportunity of the Week. To listen to the show (or to download a copy to your PC), please visit http://tinyurl.com/3a667pc.

On Thursday 30th October, I reported back from Halton's Third Sector Trade Show, which included conversations with Halton LINk, Heart of Mersey, Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre, Sanctuary Carr-Gomm, Halton Citizens Advice Bureau, Widnes & Runcorn Cancer Support Group, Addaction Adult Services at Ashley House, The Stroke Association, Age Concern Mid Mersey, MIND Halton, Halton & District Women's Aid, Volunteer Centre Halton, David Lewis Centre, Connect, Loose Music Collective, Halton YMCA, Kings Cross Project, HVA’s Third Sector Lead Engagement Officer for Health, Derek Twigg MP and Graham Evans MP. I also presented a special feature (with Louise Nulty from St Mary’s Special Events Forum) about 2nd Widnes Guides & Brownies. Ceri Edwards (HVA) joined me for another Voluntary Opportunity of the Week. To listen to the show (or to download a copy to your PC), please visit http://tinyurl.com/35vkl7e.

I’ll update the podcasts from October as soon as possible!

If you'd like to promote your voluntary organisation on a future episode of the show, please contact me on mroberts@haltonva.org.uk or (01928) 593 118.

Many Thanks.

Matthew Roberts

Runcorn Carnival Support Group - Horror Murder Mystery Night

Funding Market Place - Grants for Local Groups

Are you looking for funding for your group or project? If so come along to see what help is available. Halton Borough Council is holding a Funding Information event on Thursday 11th November 2010, from 10am to 12.30pm at Ditton Community Centre, Dundalk Road, Widnes. (The Community Centre Cafe will be open during the event)

STALL HOLDERS AT THE EVENT WILL INCLUDE:

Halton Borough Council’s:-
Community Development Team
External Funding Team (Advising on National Lottery & other funds)
Sports Development Team
Arts Development Team
Area Forum Co-ordinator

Other Funding Organisations:-
WREN
Lloyds TSB Foundation
Housing Associations
John Moores Foundation
Jane Williams - Community Accountant

For further information contact:
Vicky Ledger on (0151) 471 7523 or vicky.ledger@halton.gov.uk.

vinvolved Volunteering Fair at Riverside College in Widnes hailed a success

An event which showcased the work of volunteer groups has been hailed a success.


The team from Halton Vinvolved organised the volunteer fair at Riverside College’s Kingsway campus with the aim of helping non-profit groups to advertise their services, and also pick up interest from potential new recruits.

The 23 organisations showcasing their services included the British Red Cross, Holidays with Help, Long Lane Garden Centre, Salford Foundation and Projects Abroad.

Each stall had an average of 47 visitors on the day, and - on average - each organisation expects to recruit an extra 10 new volunteers thanks to the event, which also featured entertainment from student dancers and performers.

Ceri Edwards of Vinvolved Halton - which aims to encourage the borough’s young people to volunteer their time for good causes - said: “We had a brilliant day and were really pleased to see so many people, both from college and from the general public.

“There was a great buzz and the student dancers and performers were excellent and really added atmosphere to the whole thing.”

Jimmy McGovern speaks to young people on HCR

BAFTA award winning scriptwriter Jimmy McGovern visited the students on Halton Community Radio’s REACT course last week and filled them in on his illustrious career.

Jimmy began his writing career working on Channel 4’s groundbreaking soap opera Brookside in the 1980s before moving on to penning hard hitting dramas like Cracker, The Lakes, Hillsborough and The Street.

The students asked Jimmy about his life and career, and why he took up writing in the first place. The interview was broadcast live on HCR 92.3. The young people produced and presented the programme themselves, driving the desk and coming up with questions.

"I was really impressed by the commitment and professionalism of the young people at HCR." said Jimmy.

The scriptwriter took time to sign autographs after the programme. ‘Jimmy was blown away that the young people have complete control of their own radio shows here at HCR,’ commented Halton Access to Media’s Chair Rob Green.

Each year HAM provides media training for a minimum of 75 young people aged 12 to 18 from deprived areas of Runcorn and Widnes through the REACT course, funded by BBC Children in Need. On the course young people learn the basics of radio production and presentation, the culmination of which results in students putting together their own radio programme which is broadcast on HCR.

To find out more about the course email cathbore@googlemail.com or telephone (01928) 835 290.

Working for the 2011 Census: A Chance to Make a Difference

In the 10 years since the last census, people will have come and gone, families will have grown, expectations and lifestyles will have shifted and so the face of local communities will have changed. The census is vital in measuring these changes and helping decision-makers improve and develop public services to provide for these communities.

Census day is on the 27th of March 2011 and to ensure its smooth running on the ground, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has appointed Capita to fill some 35,000 temporary jobs across England and Wales. Recruitment for these roles is now well underway with nine months to go.

James Roe, Director of Census Recruitment commented: “Census jobs offer people a unique chance to get involved in a national project that has the potential to deliver real benefits to them and their local community.

“We’re looking to find individuals who can spare some time to help gather the information we need in their area and earn some extra money while helping to change things for the better.”

There are a number of different roles available: census collectors and special enumerators will go out into the community and encourage people to fill in the questionnaires, with census coordinators managing this process. In addition census coverage survey (CCS) staff will carry out door step interviews with the public.

James added: “Roles will be full or part-time, for a few weeks or several months, and will require a range of skills, so there really is something for everyone.”



For more information about census roles visit www.censusjobs.co.uk.