Knowsley Online

A big thank you to the children of foster carers

A celebration event recognising the children of foster carers who play an important part in welcoming foster children into their homes was held in Knowsley.

The Sons and Daughters event paid tribute to those children who play a vital but often overlooked role - acting as foster siblings to the children who come to stay in their homes.

Knowsley currently has more than 100 fostering families, many of whom have children of their own living at home, and when a foster child is welcomed into the home the whole family has a part to play in making that child feel welcome, wanted and secure.

Cllr Gary See, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: “We often talk about the dedication of foster parents, who give so much time and care to children in need of a temporary or even long term home. But the children of foster carers also play an important role, for which they also deserve recognition.

“Sometimes it can be hugely beneficial for the foster child to have  relationship with a ‘foster sibling’ in the household - they can form great friendships and I know many of the children at the celebration event would tell you they feel like they’ve gained got lots of ‘brothers and sisters’ through fostering.

“We might imagine it being quite hard for children to 'share’ their home and their parents with other children, but it is really inspirational hearing from the children of foster carers in Knowsley, who often talk about how much they get out of living in a fostering home.”

Cllr See added: “We have quite a lot of carers now who grew up in homes where their parents fostered, and I think it’s a way for them to see first-hand how much fostering can change a young life and what a rewarding thing it is to do, which is fantastic.”

The event, held at the Venue in Huyton, was a chance for the children of foster carers, and their foster brothers and sisters, to reflect on the important role they play and to be awarded with certificates for their efforts. It was held as part of fostering’s national Sons and Daughters month in October.

If you are interested in finding out more about fostering, visit Knowsley Council's website www.knowsley.gov.uk and search for ‘fostering’, call 0151 443 3958 or like ‘Foster for Knowsley’ on Facebook.

Hypnotist show is full of laughs

Renowned hypnotist and comedian Andrew Newton returns to Knowsley next month with a stage show that’s guaranteed to entertain.

Andrew Newton’s hypnotist show is back by popular demand at Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park on Saturday 21 November at 8pm

This is a hypnotist show with a difference – it’s funny, thought provoking and guaranteed to captivate you from start to finish.

Andrew has hypnotised more than 60,000 people in a career that has seen him perform to audiences around the world, and build up a loyal fanbase along the way.

Tickets are £12. Book online at www.knowsley.gov.uk/tickets, or by calling 0151 443 2200. You can also call into Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park, on Longview Drive, Huyton, to book in person.

More information about Andrew can be found on his website at http://www.newtonhypnosis.com/

Wild this Half Term at Knowsley Safari

New Wild Trail experience now open to visitors

This half term, Knowsley Safari is inviting families to get back to nature and take a sneaky peek at the species living in the park’s woodland, with the launch of the new Wild Trail ‘hides’.

Put down the iPad, step away from the TV and swap screen time for wild time. Autumn is a great time to visit and the new colour scheme of bright orange, reds and gold provide a spectacular backdrop for an autumn walk through the woodland to spot the majestic European moose, Bruce and Froja, or take an eagle-eyed look and spot the birds that make the trees their home throughout the winter season from the two new timber hides.

Belinda Barclay, Knowsley Safari’s Animal Manager, comments: “During the autumn, migrant birds leave Britain for warmer climates, but it is also a time when we see some species arrive and we want families to take the time to look around the environment to spot the beautiful wildlife that make our woodland their home.

“The two new hides are sensitively designed to fit in with our natural woodland environment and are a perfect viewing area for families to observe our moose and learn all about woodland birds of Britain.”

This October half term, families can also explore the Wild Trail for half the usual price. For more information visit w​ww.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk

Prescot Cables 4 - Osssett Albion 0

SATURDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER 2015  - EVO-STIK DIVISION ONE NORTH

Prescot Cables returned to winning ways with a resounding victory over Ossett Albion at Hope Street.

Cables Manager Andy Paxton made two changes from the team which had lost at Farsley in the FA Trophy last week, Joe Evans and James Edgar replacing Kirkbride and Nicholson.

Cables kicked off playing towards the Knowsley End but it was Ossett who applied the early pressure.  A good move down the right ended with Connor Bower crossing for Rob Boardman whose header was cleared by the Cables defence.  Boardman then moved wide crossing into the penalty area for Matthews, but once again the Cables defence rose to the challenge clearing the danger.  Ossett’s next attack was down the left side, Hardaker crossing for Boardman who flicked the ball just wide of the far post.

Against the run of play, Cables caught Ossett off guard and took the lead on 3 minutes with a goal from Lloyd Dean.  From a goal kick taken by Burgess, the ball was played forward to Dean who lobbed the ball over the advancing Souter into the net.  Cables began to take control of the game and they came close to increasing their lead when Dean headed across to Bannister whose shot was blocked by an Ossett defender for a corner. 

The corner taken by Doran on the left sailed over the cross bar and out of play. Cables could not afford to be complacent and Ossett almost took advantage of some slack marking, Bower crossing for Boardman but O’Reilly cleared the danger for Cables.  On15 minutes, Dean who was proving a handful for the Ossett defence crossed for Joe Evans whose first shot was blocked and his second just wide of the post.  Matthews then found himself through on goal one to one with Marcus Burgess who pulled off a fine save.  Cables were awarded a free kick for a foul on  McCulloch.

Knowsley’s Christmas panto is perfect family fun

The timeless magic of Dorothy and her journey along the yellow brick road will be brought to life in pantomime at Knowsley this Christmas.

The Wizard of Oz will see stars including soap actor Chris Simmons (Eastenders and The Bill) and children’s TV favourite Lucinda Rhodes (CBBC) take to the stage at Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park for an enchanting show from Saturday 5th December to Tuesday 8th December.

Join Dorothy Gale as she befriends a brainless Scarecrow (Chris Simmons), a loveable Tin Man and the cowardly Lion on their quest to thwart the evil powers of the Wicked Witch of the West. With a little help from Glinda the Good Fairy (Lucinda Rhodes) and the almighty and powerful Wizard of Oz, good is sure to conquer evil in this delightful family fun Christmas pantomime.

Packed with great songs, brilliant dance routines and plenty of laughter for all ages, it’s going to be the best value family-friendly pantomime in town!

The production is Trio Entertainments’ latest pantomime in Knowsley, following on from the success of last year’s performance of Cinderella at Christmas and Peter Pan at Easter.

Audiences can expect a star-studded cast, which also includes Liverpool’s own musical theatre star Rebecca Cummins as Dorothy. Jay Wallace-Langan plays the Lion and Gary Amos stars as Tin Man.

Chris Simmons, who is best known for pounding the beat on ITV's The Bill for 10 years as DC Mickey Webb will be playing the part of the Scarecrow. Chris is also known for his roles in EastEnders and in CBBC's Tracy Beaker as Gerry.

He said: “I can't wait to be in pantomime this Christmas. I have previously played Buttons in Cinderella and Dick Whittington and can't wait to appear in The Wizard of Oz."

Young audiences will also be familiar with CBBC star Lucinda Rhodes, who is best known for her roles in children's television shows including The Floogals, Cavegirl, Dreamteam and My Parents are Aliens.

Performances are on Saturday 5 December at 7pm and Sunday 6 December at 1pm and 5pm, with schools performances on Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 December at 10am and 1.30pm.

Tickets are priced £10 for adults, £8 for children and concessions. If you’re planning to come in a large group you’ll get one free ticket for every 10 purchased. Book in person at Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park, on Longview Drive, Huyton; call 0151 443 2200 or book online at https://www.ticketquarter.co.uk/online/the-wizard-of-oz-2015 (booking fees may apply).

So book now and join us on a magical adventure to the Land of Oz!

Pictured:-The cast of this year’s Christmas pantomime at Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park, The Wizard of Oz. From left to right: Gary Amos (Tin Man), Rebecca Cummins (Dorothy), Chris Simmons (Scarecrow) and Jay Wallace-Langan (Lion)

Further boost for Prescot Townscape Heritage Initiative

Over £250,000 of funding has been approved for specialist heritage projects in Prescot town centre as part of the Prescot Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) and the Prescot Town Centre Regeneration programme.  

The THI Partnership Board has given the go ahead for five grant applications totalling £261,000 for restoration work to buildings on Eccleston Street and Leyland Street.

All five of the buildings will have traditional shop fronts and signage restored and three of the buildings will undergo a comprehensive programme of repair and restoration.

The work will be based on good quality historic photos (where these exist) and original features will be reinstated as accurately as possible.

The buildings to be restored are 19, 54 and 56 Eccleston Street, home to Andrew Louis estate agency, Help the Aged and Max Spielmann. The building at 7 and 9Leyland Street, home to Renaissance Skincare and Beauty, will have its original stained glass windows from 1908 restored.

Two more projects at 44 and 48 Eccleston Street totalling £168,000 have been given outline grant approval (before detailed survey, designed work, planning permission, tendering for the work).

One of these buildings dates from the late 18^th century and is one of the oldest buildings at the eastern end of Eccleston Street.  Both of these buildings will have a comprehensive scheme of repair and restoration based on historic photos.

Cllr Mike Murphy, Knowsley Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development said: “I am delighted that these grants have been given the go ahead. The work already completed in Prescot has made a difference and is helping to improve the look of the town centre. It is great to see the town’s historic past being brought back to life and the quality of workmanship is excellent.”

Work is expected to begin in October/November 2015 and is due for completion in spring 2016. All businesses will remain open during the works.

The Prescot THI is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Knowsley Council, Knowsley Housing Trust and other partners. The THI Partnership Board is a voluntary group comprising of local business, heritage and public sector partners.

To date, outline grant applications have been approved for 15 buildings in Prescot Town Centre and of these 8 have progressed to full grant approval.  Over £500,000 of building grants have been allocated out of the £1.8 million THI building grants budget.

Photos: Historic and present day images of 54 and 56 Eccleston Street. The long side elevation not shown in the historic photo will be restored too.

Pupils do their bit to help Syrian refugees

Kind hearted children and families at a primary school in Halewood have been busy collecting essentials to help refugees.

The children at Holy Family RC Primary School in Halewood told teachers they wanted to do something to help refugees after the topic was discussed at Circle Time.

The school were then invited by their Parish Priest, Father Vin McShane from Holy Family Church, to help collect essentials to make life a bit more bearable for families fleeing conflict zones.

With help and encouragement from the pupils, donations of food, bedding, clothes, nappies, toothpaste, toothbrushes, baby wipes, soap and shower gel have come pouring into school as well as toys, games and books for displaced refugee children. All the donations are being collected by the church and given to a local refugee appeal centre for distribution to those in need.

In fact the response from the local community has been so overwhelming that teachers and pupils have been really touched by the generosity of local people.

Head teacher Gillian Holland said: “We have discussed the issue of refugees with the children very carefully and sensitively. Of course it is an issue which is all over the news and the children are very aware that there are little boys and girls in the world who aren’t as lucky as they are. They naturally want to do what they can to help.

“Since we got involved with the church appeal people have been brilliant, and the amount of donations we’ve had into school has really surpassed what we expected. It has been a wonderful response to such a worthy cause.

“The children have been bringing in toys, games and books to donate because they are so keen to show the refugee children some kindness and do something real to help. It’s lovely because the children really understand what they are donating for. They’ve shown great empathy for the plight of the refugee families and it has enabled them to share their thoughts about the wars taking place in the world.”

The school collection has been coordinated by Learning Mentor Diane Reeves with the help of the school council. Special thanks also goes to Ronnie Smith, Eva Foster, Erin Marquis-Slator and Isaac Crossland for their hard work.

Cllr Gary See, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services, said: “Well done to everyone at Holy Family. The children and families have shown such kindness and generosity to help others in need and I’m sure their donations will be very much appreciated by those who receive them.”

 Pictured: Children from Holy Family Primary in Halewood with the donations they have collected for refugees.

Introducing our new non-executive director

Alison  Tumilty joins 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust as a non-executive director to support the effective running of the Trust.

Currently employed as Group Finance Director for North West social housing provider Your Housing Group, Alison brings a wealth of finance-related experience to the role as well as a passion for mental health services.

As a non-executive director, Alison will contribute to the effective running of the Trust and the Trust Board through supporting and objectively challenging the Chief Executive and executive directors whose role is to manage the day-to-day functioning of the Trust.

Alison, who lives in Warrington, was Finance Director and Deputy Chief Executive at Rathbone Training Ltd until 2013. Here she supported disadvantaged young people to improve their mental health with a view to gaining qualifications and securing a job.

Before that, Alison was Director of Finance and Shared Services at Manchester Airport Developments.

An experienced non-executive, Alison has previously chaired the Audit Committee at social business First Ark (Knowsley Housing Trust) and has been a non-executive director at Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership.

Alison said: “I’m really excited about this role as I feel strongly that mental health services are as important as physical health – if you fix the mind, you fix the body. I believe health and wellbeing is of critical importance to us all.

“I know it can sometimes be difficult to access the right mental health support, with people often accepting medication as an answer. At Rathbone Training, I saw first hand how getting the right treatment can make such a difference to how a person can function in and contribute to society.

“I’m looking forward to being part of 5 Boroughs Partnership, using my skills and knowledge to add value and make a real difference.”

Bernard Pilkington, Chair of 5 Boroughs Partnership, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Alison to the Trust Board. The role of our non-executive directors is important to ensure the Trust has robust systems in place to provide patients, service users, their families and carers with reliable, safe, high quality mental and community health services. I’m sure Alison will do a great job."

Cheshire and Merseyside councils welcome smokefree cars to protect children

Cheshire and Merseyside councils have welcomed a ban on smoking in vehicles carrying people aged under 18, which becomes law in England and Wales on 1 October.

Secondhand smoke from cigarettes contains over 4,500 toxic chemicals and 80% of it is invisible. The toxic mix is responsible for a range of serious health problems including bronchitis, asthma and glue ear, and is especially dangerous to children.

The change in law means that private vehicles must be smokefree if they are enclosed, there is more than one person present and one of them is under 18. The fixed penalty notice fine for offences is £50.

A Public Health England campaign, including TV and radio adverts, will help make the public aware of the change in law. It comes into force the same day as Stoptober, Public Health England’s 28-day mass-quitting challenge which also starts 1 October.

A recent survey by YouGov and ASH revealed that ending smoking in cars with children is supported by 85% of adults from households with under 18s.

Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Knowsley Council and Lead Director of Public Health for Tobacco for Cheshire and Merseyside said: “I fully support the new legislation. It is great that children and young people in Cheshire and Merseyside will now be protected from smoky vehicles. This new legislation means that children, who often don’t have a say in whether they travel in a vehicle, will now be protected from breathing in the 4,500 toxic chemicals we know are in secondhand smoke.

“Hundreds of children suffering the effects of secondhand smoke are admitted to Cheshire and Merseyside hospitals every year with complications such as bronchitis, asthma and reduced lung function. Smoking within the enclosed confines of a car is extremely dangerous, especially for children whose young lungs are still developing, even when the window is open or the air conditioning is on. We urge all adults to comply with the law. There is always help on hand to support people worried about long journeys, as they can contact their local stop smoking service.”

Andrea Crossfield, Chief Executive of Tobacco Free Futures which co-ordinated the campaign for smokefree cars in the North West said: “We have campaigned for smokefree cars for five years, and we hope the change in the law along with the extra information and support available will lead to healthier choices by people across Cheshire and Merseyside to keep their cars smokefree.

“Smoky cars, packed full of toxic tobacco chemicals, are especially deadly to children because they have smaller lungs, faster breathing and less developed immune systems. Secondhand smoke in cars is dangerous and can be up to 11 times the levels you would find in a smoky room. Our advice is to keep your family safe by keeping your car smokefree.”

Smokers are encouraged to use the ban as the perfect opportunity to kick the habit for good as Stoptober also starts on 1 October. Last year around 9,500 smokers across Cheshire and Merseyside signed up to quit during Stoptober. Free support includes texts, social media coaching from celebrities as well as local stop smoking services on-hand to provide face-to-face advice.

If you are thinking about quitting you are four times more likely to quit with the help of a NHS stop smoking service advisor who can offer you free support and advice. Contact your local stop smoking service at:

Knowsley Council	Smokefree Knowsley 0800 3 247 111 www.readytostopsmoking.co.uk
St Helens Council	Smokefree St Helens www.readytostopsmoking.co.uk  01744 586 247
Sefton Council	Sefton Support 0300 100 1000
Warrington Council	LiveWire, Warrington’s stop smoking service 0300 003 0818 http://www.livewirewarrington.co.uk/lifestyle/stop-smoking
Wirral Council	Wirral SSS - 0151 630 8383  www.wirralct.nhs.uk/services/lifestyle/livewell
Halton Council	Halton Stop Smoking Service www.haltonhealthimprovement.co.uk/project/quit-smoking/   0300 029 0029
Liverpool	http://www.roycastle.org/how-we-help/stop-smoking/stop-smoking-in-merseyside 0800 195 2131
Cheshire East Council	KICKSTART Stop Smoking & Harm Reduction Service 0800 085 8818/ 01625 663 729 http://www.kickstartcheshire.co.uk
Cheshire West and Chester	Quit 4 Good 08000 435 134 www.quit4good.org