. Lancs Health & Care Archives - Page 3 of 5 - Wilcop Media

Throughout May, Helping Hands Home Care celebrated the company’s 30th birthday. The family-run company has been providing quality care for three decades and celebrated with the help of two of the company’s longest standing customers.

To commemorate this milestone, Chairman Tim Lee visited Julie and Jean, two customers who have collectively received care from Helping Hands for nearly 40 years.

Customer Julie with her carer Mandy, receiving a thank you card from Helping Hands

Jean, a Helping Hands customer for 23 years, and Julie who has received both live-in and visiting care over the past 16 years was visited by Tim, Area Manager Joanne Broderick and their respective visiting carers. Mandy Baylis has been supporting Julie for the full 16 years that she has been with Helping Hands and said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure looking after Julie all these years. She’s a wonderful lady and we have a great relationship. “Our visits are more like a catch up between old friends than care.

I see first-hand the benefit she feels by having someone there to support her; it means the world to her that she can be independent at home.” Tim Lee said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to be celebrating our 30th year and I am so proud that we are now considered one of the nation’s leading providers in home care.” Later this year, the company will open its one hundredth branch, enabling even more people to remain in the comforts of their own home – regardless of age, disability or geographical area. Tim concluded: “It’s a fantastic achievement and we couldn’t think of a more fitting way to mark this special year by spending time with two of our most loyal customers.”

Chairman Tim, visiting carer Mandy and longstanding customer Julie together in Julie’s home

Helping Hands, now going in to its thirty first year is able to provide both live-in and visiting support across Lancashire, and the management team in the area will be very happy to support you.

For more information on the support that Helping Hands can offer please visit our website: www.helpinghands.co.uk or find your local page on Facebook.

Save the date, Sunday 14th July, it’s the 28th annual Disability Awareness Day at Walton Hall Gardens, and it’s set to be a cracker. More than 25,000 visitors are expected to attend this year’s DAD, the world’s largest not-for-profit, voluntary-led, pan-disability exhibition, which will once again be hosted at Walton Hall Gardens. Organisers Warrington Disability Partnership is proud to announce their new joint principal sponsors, Expanse Learning Group and Harry Fairclough Construction.

A huge tented village will house over 220 exhibitors – including equipment suppliers; transport; holidays; leisure and employment providers; and support groups and services – is set to attract visitors to travel from all over the UK and beyond. Inclusive Arts is just one of the highlights, plus a free fully accessible Sports Zone with have-a-go events, and a main arena and children’s rides and entertainment.

Checkout the website for details on the free accessible Park and Ride service, plus a free bus service from Warrington Bus Interchange, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, scooter / wheelchair loans. The big day on Sunday 14th July from 10am to 5pm – will be a fitting finale to a week comprising a variety of complementary daytime and evening events to savour, including:

Tuesday 9th July 6.15pm – 9.30pm Frogtastic in the Park – Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: Featuring fantastic Tribute Artists ‘Robbie Williams / UB40 / The 80’s & Swing’ plus special guests including DJ’s from the famous Frogtastic Club Night. Come and enjoy a great evening of Live Music, Dance Floor and Licenced Bar, bring your own food. Advanced Tickets £6.00 call 07875 142233 or online at www.ldok.net/shop, £8 on the door.  

Wednesday 10th July 7pm – 10pm – “Ella’s Summer Time Special” – Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: The Ella Performance Group, one of the UK’s leading inclusive drama groups will be performing thrilling and entertaining songs from their recent productions. Adult tickets £8.00 and children’s tickets £5.00 from The Ella Team on 01928 713877 or Kate 01925 240064.

Thursday 11th July 6pm- 9.30pm – Children’s Party in the Park – Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: Warrington Wolves Foundation & Warrington Disability Partnership present a fun filled evening for disabled children/young people, their families and friends. Sports, Arts, Dance, chill out and fun areas. Free admission: Contact Craig 01925 248894.

Friday 12th July. 7.30pm – 11.30pm DAD Mega Quiz Night, Charity Auction with Hot Food, Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: Teams of up to 8 people, hundreds of £’s worth of prizes, fun quiz, great food, licensed bar and a charity auction. Tickets £8.00 (includes hot food). Contact Kate on 01925 240064.

For more details on exhibiting or attending #DAD2019 and our ‘DAD Week’ events, please contact Warrington Disability Partnership on 01925 240064 or visit www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk

Staff working for Personal Care Services Limited are going the extra mile to make a difference for their clients.

For a team from Personal Care Services Limited will walk 27.2 miles along the canal from Liverpool to Parbold in a strenuous fund-raiser.

A team of 30 walkers is made up of staff from the Skelmersdale-based firm, which provides domiciliary and palliative care across Wigan and other parts of the North West, along with family, friends and staff from Wigan Council.

Every year the firm supports a charity that helps their clients in some way and this time employees will raise for money Breast Cancer Care.

The team at PCS Personal Care Services Ltd are not shy of getting dressed up, getting mucked in and raising awareness and funds for amazing causes … Despite how silly they may look!

This Event will not be of any exception, as even the male employees, husbands, family members and friends will all walk just over a marathon length of 27.2 miles dressed as Pink Fairies.

The planned route will take in the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, the starting point will be the end of the canal in Liverpool and will walk alongside the canal through to The Wayfarer Parbold where the pink fairies will enjoy some well deserved cold beverages and food.

Personal Care Services have set a target of £100 per mile, hence the rather specific goal amount and are hoping everyone will get behind them and sponsor the walk!

If you would like to join the walk, you can Reserve your Spot on their Facebook Event. This Event is open to the public and anyone that would like to join will be kindly requested to make a small donation to help raise funds for this amazing charity.

If you can’t join but would like to show some support, you can sponsor the walkers by donating via our their JustGiving Page.

Donate Here – https://www.justgiving.com/fundrais…/pcspersonalcareservices

one inspirational Blackburn couple have shared their experiences to help encourage more people to consider giving a child a loving and stable home. At the age of 70, retired caretaker Frank Tomlinson and his wife Bernie, could well be forgiven for wanting to put their feet-up and enjoy a slower-paced retired lifestyle. But the Tomlinsons say they wouldn’t have it any other way and fostering is one of the “best things they’ve ever done”. Marking the start of Fostering Fortnight, Bernie and Frank are sharing their story to help others consider making a difference to vulnerable children and young people who cannot live with their families.

And whilst becoming ‘empty nest’ foster carers certainly isn’t without its stresses, Bernie says it has quite simply transformed their lives. The inspiring couple are currently caring for a seven-month-old baby, her four-year-old sister and a 15-year-old boy.

I honestly think it’s the best thing we’ve ever done,’ says Bernie, who has four children of her own and 10 grandchildren. ‘It makes us feel young and has definitely brought us closer together as a couple. Seeing the change in the children is just so rewarding when you get them into a routine you see them thrive.

Bernie said: We had one little lad who wouldn’t come out from behind the settee at first, very quickly he changed and became a lovely, confident little boy because of the support and encouragement we gave him, for some children they’ve just never had that.

For Bernie it was a natural thing to do, having spent her earlier career working as a childminder, she was asked to look after a child in foster care whilst the child’s grandmother continued to work. I’ve always fancied it and it didn’t take long to convince Frank either, Bernie recalled.

The couple have been fostering for 15 years and have looked after almost 40 babies, toddlers and teenagers. There’s never a dull moment in this house,” said Frank, who spent 20 years working at Blackburn College. “It definitely keeps you busy, active and your brain working that’s for sure. It was good for our son too, he showed real maturity and empathy and the children related to him as he was closer to their age.

There are many different types of fostering, from providing part time respite care to full-time fostering arrangements.

Director of Children’s Services Jayne Ivory said:
What’s important is not age, but the ability to provide love, stability and security, as well as having a strong motivation to foster. There’s a need for all types of foster carers, particularly for teenagers, sibling groups and disabled children but recently we’ve seen an increase the number of babies needing carers. We need to recruit an extra 30 foster carers over the next twelve months.

Jayne added:
Foster carers have the capacity to help children who have had a bad start in life overcome their early life traumas, and as such they help improve children’s outcomes in the most significant way. There are many different types of fostering from long-term fostering, often until a child is 21. Others may prefer the idea of shorter-term care, including short-breaks care, emergency care (where you might get a call in the middle of the night because of a home alone situation) or short-term care (where a single parent might need to go into hospital or someone might be waiting to be adopted). You can also specialise, for example in, neonatal care, children with disabilities or mother and baby placements.

Approved foster carers receive a generous allowance, full training package and ongoing support is provided with a strong foster carer network to share experiences with.

A new business offering healthy meals, snacks and shakes to-go for those keen to shed some pounds ahead of the summer months. Health Hut North West, based on Market St in Wigan town centre, is preparing for its official opening on Saturday 4th May following support from Wigan Council’s invest in Wigan team. The healthy eatery is predominantly a take-out service but does have limited seating available.

Darren Maxfield and Ben Moore from Orrell and Pemberton respectively, have always had aspirations of running their own business and last year, they made their dream a reality.

After the duo contacted the council, they successfully applied for £2,000 from the authority’s Business Booster pot and were put in touch with the Business Growth Hub who also offered start-up business support. Speaking of this partnership working, Darren said: “Contacting the Invest in Wigan Team was one of the best decisions we made. The support we have had from them has been instrumental in getting us to the position where we are today. We cannot thank Wigan Council enough for believing in our idea and supporting us every step of the way.”

The launch will have live music, free food samples and guest appearances from the world of Super League. Darren added: “We are really looking forward to the opening and are very proud to open our business in our home town.

“We have always had an interest in health and nutrition. Our aim is to provide high quality food that is healthy and good value. We are committed to establishing ourselves as a business with a good reputation making the healthy option the easy option.” Health Hut NW is now one of almost 400 companies now signed up to Wigan Council’s Deal for Business, which is a relationship between the council and local businesses to work together to build a stronger borough.

In return for local business people working with the community and supporting council initiatives, the council can provide financial support, training guidance and help with the legalities of running a company.
Tricia Evans, economic development service manager at Wigan Council said: “It’s our job to inspire people to step out of their comfort zone and help them create a business that is relevant, sustainable and most importantly, successful.

“Developing skills in local people, inspiring young people from the borough to think about a range of careers and encouraging people to work and invest in Wigan Borough are key priorities for us. “We look forward to continuing to support Health Hut on their journey and strive to help even more people make their ambition a reality.”

Domestic abuse can be happening right under our noses with victims suffering in silence or simply not knowing that they are victims.
In a world where photos are constantly posted on social media, GMP are encouraging friends, family and colleagues to look beyond the lens, the filters and the emojis to find out if the person they love and care for needs help.

Domestic abuse includes coercive and controlling behaviour, financial and emotional abuse as well as violence and can affect anybody, regardless of gender, age, race, sexuality or social background. It is not acceptable in any circumstance. Detective Superintendent Gwyn Dodd from Greater Manchester Police said: ‘We want to encourage victims, friends and family to report domestic abuse and put an end to it. We are here to help and want victims or those with concerns to know they can turn to us. Domestic abuse has potentially devastating consequences and it’s important people are aware of how to spot the signs. Trust your instincts, if something doesn’t feel right it might not be. If you can tell that they are being controlled, are in a violent relationship or are being stopped from meeting friends and family report it. We know that one in three women will be a victim of abuse in their lifetime, as will one in six men. This is a sad statistic which highlights the scale of the problem across Greater Manchester. Always dial 999 where there is a threat to someone’s life or a crime in progress. By encouraging reporting we can reduce the number of incidents of domestic abuse and save lives.’ It’s never easy to come to terms with knowing that someone is suffering. While every domestic abuse case is different, there may be telltale signs that indicate abuse is taking place.

These include:
Injuries: Bruising, cuts or injuries or walking stiffly or appears sore. These injuries may come with explanations that don’t fit with the description.
Excuses: The victim may excuse their injuries by claiming they are clumsy or gives the same explanation each time. Stress: Displays physical symptoms related to stress, other anxiety disorders or depression, such as panic attacks, feelings of isolation and an inability to cope. They may even talk about suicide attempts or self-harming.

Absent from work: Often off work, takes time off without notice or is frequently late. Personality changes: You may notice personality changes when the victim is around their partner, appears to ‘walk on eggshells’, may be jumpy or nervous. Low self-esteem: Low self-esteem or lack of confidence regarding their relationship or life in general and may seem sad, cry or be depressed. Lack of opportunity to communicate independently: Perhaps their partner talks over them, or for them. Their partner may appear controlling or regularly belittle the victim.

Self blame: May take the blame for anything that happens, whether it’s at work, with the kids or with friends. They may blame themselves for the abuse. Lack of money: Never seems to have any money because their partner is withholding money to control them. Stops socialising: Makes excuses for not going out with friends, or suddenly pulls out of social meets at the last minute. Partner displays irrational behavior: Their partner is jealous, irrational or possessive. Their partner may accuse them of having affairs, flirting or may read their emails, check their phone or constantly phone to check up on them.

Unwanted pregnancy/termination: Pregnancy often triggers the start of domestic abuse. A individual may be unhappy at being pregnant, not wish to continue with the pregnancy, or be forced into having a termination.
Substance abuse: May use alcohol or drugs to cope or even prescribed drugs such as tranquillisers or anti-depressants.

Damage to property: There may be damage to the home or even harm to pets. Unwilling to give out personal details – may not give friends and colleagues their address or telephone number and may insist that they contact you, so that you don’t turn up on their doorstep.

Honour Based Abuse (HBA) includes Forced Marriage, Honour Based Violence and Female Genital Mutilation are harmful practices which we know affects not just the most vulnerable people of society but also those who we would ordinarily believe to be empowered enough to come forward and seek help but unfortunately don’t.

The concept of dishonour exists in all walks of minority communities including Asian, African, Middle Eastern and European societies. The victim can be male or female made further vulnerable because they are a child. Other vulnerabilities can be mental health, learning difficulties or physical disabilities that the globe of perpetrators can exploit. A victim may be a UK citizen, a foreign national or a probationary spouse unable to speak English.

Report it: Call us on 101, or, if it’s an emergency, if you think someone’s life is in danger, call 999. You can also call the Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0161 636 75 25.

The people and organisations in the running for Community Volunteer Awards have been announced. The shortlist includes kind-hearted neighbours who look out for others, individuals who help bring people from diverse communities together, and those who go out of their way to help keep our neighbourhoods clean and smart.

The Community Volunteer Awards are a collaboration between Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Community CVS. They bring together the CVS’s Volunteer Awards, and the Council’s Good Neighbour Awards for the first time in 2019. Residents of Blackburn with Darwen were asked to nominate the people who they think make a positive difference to life in their local communities, as well as businesses and organisations that contribute through volunteering too.

Around 300 nominations were received for the Community Volunteer Awards. A diverse judging panel made up of people from right across the borough met to sift through them all in late April. Blackburn MP Kate Hollern joined Council Leader Councillor Mohammed Khan, Executive Councillor Phil Riley and Chief Executive Denise Park. Euro Garages, main sponsor of the Community Volunteer Awards, was represented on the judging panel by Head of Learning & Human Resources Jo Shepherd. Garth Hodgkinson, Chief Executive of Community CVS, took part in shortlisting too, alongside representatives of Blackburn College, Blackburn Rovers FC and Age UK.

In total, over 60 individuals and groups have been shortlisted across 13 categories including the Grass Roots Community Action Award, Health and Wellbeing Award, and Volunteer of the Year. To see who’s shortlisted in all 13 categories visit http://www.communitycvs.org.uk/volunteer/volunteer-awards/. Denise Park, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, was on the shortlisting panel. She said:

“Going through the nominations for the Community Volunteer Awards was such an uplifting experience! It highlighted just how many good souls we have across the Blackburn with Darwen community, and the good work that happens to make our borough one that offers support to those that need it. Volunteering is an incredibly rewarding activity, and it’s right that we recognise those people of all ages who give their time, energy and expertise freely to make our borough a better place.”

The winners of the 2019 Community Volunteer Awards will be revealed at a special awards evening in King George’s Hall on Monday 10 June. All the shortlisted volunteers and organisations have been invited to attend.
Garth Hodgkinson, Chief Executive of Community CVS, added:

“Our Community Volunteer Awards event is always a highlight in our annual calendar, as we bring together volunteers from right across the borough. It’s a true celebration of all that they achieve through their volunteering, from the good neighbours who perhaps don’t see the help they give to others as volunteering, to the Blackburn with Darwen businesses that encourage their staff to give their time to a good cause.”

Save the date, Sunday 14th July, it’s the 28th annual Disability Awareness Day at Walton Hall Gardens, and it’s set to be a cracker. More than 25,000 visitors are expected to attend this year’s DAD, the world’s largest not-for-profit, voluntary-led, pan-disability exhibition, which will once again be hosted at Walton Hall Gardens. Organisers Warrington Disability Partnership is proud to announce their new joint principal sponsors, Expanse Learning Group and Harry Fairclough Construction.

A huge tented village will house over 220 exhibitors – including equipment suppliers; transport; holidays; leisure and employment providers; and support groups and services – is set to attract visitors to travel from all over the UK and beyond. Inclusive Arts is just one of the highlights, plus a free fully accessible Sports Zone with have-a-go events, and a main arena and children’s rides and entertainment.

Checkout the website for details on the free accessible Park and Ride service, plus a free bus service from Warrington Bus Interchange, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, scooter / wheelchair loans.

The big day on Sunday 14th July from 10am to 5pm – will be a fitting finale to a week comprising a variety of complementary daytime and evening events to savour, includingTuesday 9th July

6.15pm – 9.30pm Frogtastic in the Park – Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: Featuring fantastic Tribute Artists ‘Robbie Williams / UB40 / The 80’s & Swing’ plus special guests including DJ’s from the famous Frogtastic Club Night. Come and enjoy a great evening of Live Music, Dance Floor and Licenced Bar, bring your own food. Advanced Tickets £6.00 call 07875 142233 or online at www.ldok.net/shop, £8 on the door.  

Wednesday 10th July

7pm – 10pm“Ella’s Summer Time Special” – Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: The Ella Performance Group, one of the UK’s leading inclusive drama groups will be performing thrilling and entertaining songs from their recent productions. Adult tickets £8.00 and children’s tickets £5.00 from The Ella Team on 01928 713877 or Kate 01925 240064.

Thursday 11th July

6pm- 9.30pmChildren’s Party in the Park – Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: Warrington Wolves Foundation & Warrington Disability Partnership present a fun filled evening for disabled children/young people, their families and friends. Sports, Arts, Dance, chill out and fun areas. Free admission: Contact Craig 01925 248894.

Friday 12th July

7.30pm – 11.30pm DAD Mega Quiz Night, Charity Auction with Hot Food

Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: Teams of up to 8 people, hundreds of £’s worth of prizes, fun quiz, great food, licensed bar and a charity auction. Tickets £8.00 (includes hot food). Contact Kate on 01925 240064.

For more details on exhibiting or attending #DAD2019 and our ‘DAD Week’ events, please contact Warrington Disability Partnership on 01925 240064 or visit www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk

As today marks the start of Foster Care Fortnight, one inspirational Blackburn couple have shared their experiences to help encourage more people to consider giving a child a loving and stable home.

At the age of 70, retired caretaker Frank Tomlinson and his wife Bernie, could well be forgiven for wanting to put their feet-up and enjoy a slower-paced retired lifestyle.

But the Tomlinsons say they wouldn’t have it any other way and fostering is one of the “best things they’ve ever done”.

Marking the start of Fostering Fortnight, Bernie and Frank are sharing their story to help others consider making a difference to vulnerable children and young people who cannot live with their families.

And whilst becoming ‘empty nest’ foster carers certainly isn’t without its stresses, Bernie says it has quite simply transformed their lives. The inspiring couple are currently caring for a seven-month-old baby, her four-year-old sister and a 15-year-old boy.

I honestly think it’s the best thing we’ve ever done,’ says Bernie, who has four children of her own and 10 grandchildren. ‘It makes us feel young and has definitely brought us closer together as a couple.

Seeing the change in the children is just so rewarding when you get them into a routine you see them thrive.

Bernie recalled: We had one little lad who wouldn’t come out from behind the settee at first, very quickly he changed and became a lovely, confident little boy because of the support and encouragement we gave him, for some children they’ve just never had that.

For Bernie it was a natural thing to do, having spent her earlier career working as a childminder, she was asked to look after a child in foster care whilst the child’s grandmother continued to work.

I’ve always fancied it and it didn’t take long to convince Frank either,

Bernie recalled. The couple have been fostering for 15 years and have looked after almost 40 babies, toddlers and teenagers.

There’s never a dull moment in this house,” said Frank, who spent 20 years working at Blackburn College. “It definitely keeps you busy, active and your brain working that’s for sure. It was good for our son too, he showed real maturity and empathy and  the children related to him as he was closer to their age.

There are many different types of fostering, from providing part time respite care to full-time fostering arrangements.

Director of Children’s Services Jayne Ivory said: What’s important is not age, but the ability to provide love, stability and security, as well as having a strong motivation to foster.

There’s a need for all types of foster carers, particularly for teenagers, sibling groups and disabled children but recently we’ve seen an increase the number of babies needing carers.

We need to recruit an extra 30 foster carers over the next twelve months.

Jayne added: Foster carers have the capacity to help children who have had a bad start in life overcome their early life traumas, and as such they help improve children’s outcomes in the most significant way.

There are many different types of fostering from long-term fostering, often until a child is 21. Others may prefer the idea of shorter-term care, including short-breaks care, emergency care (where you might get a call in the middle of the night because of a home alone situation) or short-term care (where a single parent might need to go into hospital or someone might be waiting to be adopted).

You can also specialise, for example in, neonatal care, children with disabilities or mother and baby placements.

Approved foster carers receive a generous allowance, full training package and ongoing support is provided with a strong foster carer network to share experiences with.

Find out more at youcanfoster.co.uk

Mental Health Awareness Week starts every year on the second Monday in May and this year the focus is on body image and its relationship to mental health.

Over a third of UK adults suffer from mental health problems and have felt anxious or depressed because of concerns about their body image. Eating disorders are often a direct response to how we are feeling about ourselves.

Dr Rakesh Sharma clinical lead at NHS East Lancashire and NHS Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) said:

“Most people have concerns about body image and how they look, this is relatively common and is not a mental health problem in and of itself; however, it can be a risk factor for mental health problems. Teenagers and young people are now experiencing more pressure to look good and have issues with their body image than 30 years ago.

“The main reason for this is social media/advertising and how celebrities are portrayed.”

Steps we can take for ourselves and others:

  • If your body image is a significant cause of stress, or if you’re being bullied about how your body looks, consider talking to a friend, a trusted adult or a health professional.  
  • Spring-clean your apps on your smartphone.  
  • Notice the people and accounts you’re following on social media and be mindful of how you feel about your own body and appearance when you look at them.  
  • If you see an advert in a magazine, on television or online that you think presents an unhealthy body image as aspirational, you can complain to the Advertising Standards Authority.  
  • At home, parents and carers can lead by example, by modelling positive behaviour around body image, eating healthily and staying active.  
  • In our daily lives, we can all be more aware of the ways in which we speak about our own and other people’s bodies in casual conversations with friends and family.  
  • Find the best way that works for you to stay active

Dr Sharma added:

“It is very important for parents and loved ones to look out for the signs and talk to their child about things which are of a concern to them and speak to a professional for help and advice sooner rather than later.”

“If your child is having problems at school, a teacher, school nurse, school counsellor or educational psychologist may be able to help.

“Otherwise, go to your GP or speak to a health visitor. These professionals are able to refer a child to further help.”

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are a group of professionals from different organisations who work together to help children and young people with emotional or behavioural wellbeing difficulties. CAMHS can help a child or young person on a range of concerns such as anxiety, hearing voices, trouble sleeping and feeling sad and much more.

East Lancashire Child and Adolescent Service (ELCAS) is another specialist mental health service for children and young people up to the age of 16 years. ELCAS provides a number of different services such as Specialist outpatient service, Intensive support team and much more.

For more information please visit:

https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/your-guide-to-support/guide-to-camhs/

https://www.elht.nhs.uk/services/east-lancashire-child-and-adolescent-services