Wednesday, 20 October 2010

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.

Friday, 8 October 2010

Listen Again to The Voluntary Sector with HVA

Would you like a second chance to hear the latest episode of "The Voluntary Sector with HVA" on Halton Community Radio?

This episode (initially broadcast on Thursday 7th October) featured interviews with Karen Jones (British Red Cross) and Gillian Stokes (Black Box Creative Communities CIC). The show also included my report back from the Zip Slide of Doom which I undertook to raise funds for the British Red Cross.

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/2a8vf2d.

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

Wednesday, 6 October 2010

Funding Market Place

Afternoon Tea and Live Jazz

Gentle Tai Chi and QiGong Classes from Widnes & Runcorn Cancer Support Group

Macmillan For Ever by Tommy Glynn

Macmillan's a name that's respected?
Across all the sections of Health;
Cos Cancer is not to be laughed at
Its got no respect for your wealth?

Macmillan, the name that's respected?
They're there when we need a nurse?
The staff at Macmillan see things at thier worst
Cos Cancer's a plague, to the people a curse.

Macmillan's are there now for the needy
The hospice is costly to run
So come to the functions like this one today
And enjoy a cake and a bun.

Macmillan the name that's respected.
When you feel that your life is a wreck?
So when you're feeling well, in jolly good health'
Make Macmillan the name on that "Cheque".

Tommy Glynn

The launch of Halton’s Integrated Children’s Workforce Strategy

Children, young people and families are not interested in the internal workings of an organisation – they just want someone to help them make their lives better.

We in turn recognise that the workforce is our most important asset.

To see how we have tied both of these sentiments together (along with much more!) we are pleased to announce the formal launch of the Integrated Children’s Workforce Strategy on Thursday November 18th 2010 at the Stobart Halton Stadium.

It is envisaged that this 3 year strategy will make a difference, but will need your support, energy, enthusiasm and commitment in order to do so.

The programme of the day is as follows:

11 am -12noon – 1st launch

1 pm -2pm – 2nd launch (subject to demand)

At the event you will receive a copy of the strategy.

On offer there will also be exciting shadowing opportunities across the whole children’s workforce for you to sign up to.

To confirm your attendance at the launch event and/or for more information please contact either John Gallagher (john.gallagher@halton.gov.uk) or Kelly Keane (kelly.keane@halton.gov.uk) from HBC’s Policy and Strategy Division.

Enjoy Autumn Oudoors in Halton

Would you like to take a nice, short walk and enjoy the great outdoors in Halton?

The Friends of Runcorn Hill group have been working with Halton Borough Council to provide a new, wheelchair-friendly walk on Runcorn Hill. The path is asphalted the whole way and there is only one uphill stretch on the return leg.

The circular path starts and returns behind the Ranger’s Centre on Heath Park (by the bandstand and bowling greens).

When it’s quiet there is street parking by the main entrance on Highlands Road.

The walk is very sheltered and takes you down into the tree covered pathways through the hill. People are always surprised by the beauty and peaceful quietness of this secluded area.

Why not make a visit while we are having some nice spells of weather and all the glorious autumn colours are there to be enjoyed.

You do not need to make any arrangements or reservations – the access is always available – just turn up and enjoy.
It takes about 20 minutes to do the round trip but there is plenty of opportunity to just linger quietly - enjoy the peacefulness and take in the artwork pieces and flora and fauna.

From Ralph Owen – Member of Friends of Runcorn Hill

Labour Party Leader Hopefuls Grilled By reACT Student on HCR

Mike Laughton from Halton Community Radio 92.3 spoke to two Labour Party leadership hopefuls in the space of an afternoon on Monday 13th September.

Andy Burnham and David Miliband took time out of their campaigns to chat to Mike about how they aim to rebuild the party should they win the top job of leader.

Mike is a graduate of the REACT course, run at the studios of Halton Community Radio in the Castlefields area of Runcorn and funded by BBC Children in Need.

Shadow Health Secretary Burnham said: 'I was delighted to be interviewed by Mike Laughton from Halton Community Radio's REACT course. He impressed me with his professionalism and hard hitting questions. Move over Jeremy Paxman! I shall follow Mike's career with interest and look forward to hearing of his progress.'

Shadow Foreign Secretary David Miliband commented: ‘Mike was an impressive interviewer - Jeremy Paxman should watch his back! Halton Community Radio provides an engaging platform for young people to learn about media as well as local issues and I wish the station all success in the future.’

Andy Burnham was also full of praise for the REACT course, saying: 'I was very impressed to meet the team that deliver the REACT course. They are doing a really valuable job in boosting young people's confidence and self-esteem as well as giving them opportunities to
develop good communication and self-organisation skills which employers value highly.’

Each year HAM provides media training for a minimum of 75 young people aged 12 to 18 from Runcorn and Widnes through the REACT course. 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 92.3.

To find out about the course call Halton Access to Media on (01928) 835 290 or email petemuldoon@haltonaccesstomedia.co.uk.