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Lancashire News

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

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

Lancashire News, Lancs Sport

Figuring out what time of the day you play golf best at can be difficult. One day you may play at 7.30 in the morning and shoot under your handicap, but then a week later play the worst you have in a long time.
But, is it all just in our heads? Is there really a “best” time to play golf? Well, I suppose it depends if we’re talking about competition or social golf.
If you really love golf, whenever someone asks you to play a social golf you tend to accept the invitation. Most of the time this is after work. The only time I would advise not to play social golf is right behind a competition, as you will be stuck on the course for a long time…a very long time.

If you are new to the sport then avoiding mornings could be beneficial. This tends to be when most golfers play and having a group of established golfers playing behind you may put you off, and you may not enjoy it.
If possible aim for mid-afternoon, as this is when courses tend to be quieter. This way you can play at your own pace and maybe even drop a couple of balls down if there is a shot you are struggling with. Overall, this should make your round a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.
However in a competition, there may be a “good” time to tee off, although there are many variables that may make this change on a day-by-day basis. For example, if you look back the 2016 Open Championship, it was very apparent that there was a desirable side of the draw.

The players that played late on Thursday and early Friday arguably got the better of the conditions. In fact, the top 14 after 36 holes all played later on the Thursday then early on the Friday. The first half of the draw were a combined 175 over par, with the latter half over double that at 362 over par. In competitions I have always favoured playing around 10-11am, although you could say my performances over the past few years would suggest I should think about changing that. After looking into my scores compared with the time I teed off, it is apparent that between 3 and 4pm is actually a better time for me to play. And 4pm is a time that Dr Charles Czeisler, the director of the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, believes “golfers might perform best.”

But why?
Well, 4pm is the time your body is coming out of a period when the desire to sleep was strong. During the late afternoon, we are catching a second wind, which is actually a real phenomenon. Czeisler said: “Every study of shift work reveals that people on the 3pm-11pm shift are most productive.”
But what about that person who tees off at 7.30am every Saturday and always seems to be in the prizes I hear you ask? Well, every golfer is different and many cannot bear to be stood waiting over every shot, hence why an early tee time is more desirable. To add, many club golfers mainly play due to their enjoyment of the sport, not necessarily to compete.
This tee time is also the only time some golfers can get to be able to play in competitions. Local Saturday/Sunday tournaments tend to fill up reasonably quickly so taking any available time slot is the only option for some.

However, it turns out that this is possibly the worst time of day that you could choose to play golf, and more so expect a good score.
This is because your body is less flexible, your mind is half asleep and your body-mind connection isn’t quite what it should be when you’re tired. Dr Czeisler said: “It would be the absolute nadir of performance preparedness,” to play really early in the morning. “You will be less flexible, your coordination will be off a little, your judgement will not be as good and your short term memory would be affected.”

So there you have it. If you want to be at your very best and potentially end up in the prizes, you should play at 4pm.

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

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

Lancashire News

Novelist Tracy Chevalier, author of worldwide bestseller Girl with a Pearl Earring visited Pendle and the Ribble Valley last week to climb Pendle Hill and explore the area’s Quaker connections.

The historical novelist, who was born in Washington DC, followed in the footsteps of George Fox who climbed the hill in 1652 and had a compelling vision which led him to found the Quaker movement.

Her visit will form the basis of a new Quaker walk highlighting the area’s unique history and landscape.

Tracy Chevalier came to Wycoller in 2016 when she was the Creative Partner for the Charlotte Brontë 200th and saw Pendle Hill in the distance.

She pledged to return to climb it and said: “You don’t understand the power of the place until you come and witness it yourself.”

Pendle Council has teamed up with Ribble Valley Borough Council, Mid Pennine Arts and the Pendle Hill Partnership to create a new short film of Tracy Chevalier’s visit to climb Pendle Hill. And the team is also developing a new Quaker walk to help others enjoy an area which is a place of world wide pilgrimage.

Tracy, who has attended Quaker meetings for over 40 years, climbed the iconic hill with her friend Amy Peck, an archivist from Brooklyn, New York.

Amy is visiting the our area for the first time.

Tracy said:  “Amy told me she wanted to see something dramatic. “And what could be better than Pendle Hill!  It’s a stunning back drop to so much important history.”

Wendy Hampton, the Clerk of Clitheroe Quakers who also works for the Quakers nationally, joined the group to advise on George Fox’s religious journey of 1652.

The walk included a spring which is now called Fox’s Well where the visionary took refreshment and which he describes in a journal where he captured his experiences. Sarah Lee, from Pendle Council’s Communications Team said: “We’ve wanted to share our area’s Quaker connections for a long time and this true story still has deep resonance today.

“It’s a wonderful walk for anyone wanting to explore an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and an absorbing history of dissent going back over hundreds of years,” she added. Nick Hunt, Director of Mid Pennine Arts which is leading a new Pendle Radicals project for the new National Lottery Heritage Funded  Pendle Hill Partnership said:

“George Fox is one of the first and the most famous in a long line of non-conformists associated with the Pendle Hill area.

“We’ll be developing a Radicals Trail this year to connect people and places under this theme and the new Quaker walk will link perfectly to that.

“Tracy Chevalier’s visit leads the way in putting Pendle Hill’s history of radical thinkers on the map  as we bring our powerful heritage to light,” he added. Tom Pridmore, Tourism Officer for the Ribble Valley said:

“We’re keen to share our beautiful area in a way which will have a low impact on our countryside and rural communities. 

“It will benefit our rural economy and neighbouring towns and give people locally, nationally and internationally a really memorable experience,” he stated. “The Ribble Valley and Pendle have a growing reputation as a beautiful and unspoilt area to walk in, with many award winning country pubs, some of them Michelin starred.

“When George Fox climbed Pendle Hill in 1652 the first thing he did was to walk down to the picturesque village of Downham and convert the local inn keeper,” he explained.

Tom added: “The new Quaker walk ends in the pub,  at the acclaimed Assheton Arms where people can look back and drink up the stunning views of Pendle Hill!”

In his journal, in 1652 George Fox wrote about his vision:

“As we traveled we came near a very great hill, called Pendle Hill, and I was moved of the Lord to go up to the top of it; which I did with difficulty, it was so very steep and high. 

“When I was come to the top, I saw the sea bordering upon Lancashire. From the top of this hill the Lord let me see in what places he had a great people to be gathered. “As I went down, I found a spring of water in the side of the hill, with which I refreshed myself, having eaten or drunk but little for several days before…

At night we came to an inn, and declared truth to the man of the house.” 

The film In Brontë Footsteps was commissioned by Pendle Council to mark her earlier visit and was created by Clitheroe film maker Graham Kay.  It can be seen on Vimeo  https://vimeo.com/182411306

Tracy Chevalier’s novels include The Last Runaway about the Underground Railroad which is set in the 1850s.  It depicts Quakers who, following their strong belief in equality, helped escaped slaves to find their freedom in a dangerous journey using ‘safe’ houses from the US to Canada.

Pendle Radicals, led by Mid Pennine Arts, is an exploration of Pendle Hill’s heritage of radical thinkers, non-conformists and change-makers.  Unfolding over four years, the project is built around a team of volunteer researchers and will evolve from research investigations through creative interpretation to celebration events.

 The Pendle Radicals is a project of the Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership, an ambitious four year programme of activity based around the heritage and landscape of Pendle Hill, led by the Forest of Bowland AONB and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. https://pendlehillproject.com/

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

In May 1989, Mary Lee founded a small company dedicated to providing a personal and person-centred care service in Alcester, enabling its customers to remain in the comfort of their own home while still receiving the support that they needed.

Since then, Helping Hands has opened 97 branches across the UK alongside a dedicated Support Centre in the small Warwickshire town it was founded. With an exceptional level of carer training and a team of dedicated clinical nurses and dementia specialists, Helping Hands is the only homecare provider that has been endorsed as a Centre of Excellence by Skills for Care, as well as being fully licensed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Whether you need a 30-minute drop-in to help you prepare your meal, or more complex and intensive support that involves overnight or live-in care, the Helping Hands team will provide you with a dedicated support plan that is tailored to you and your individual needs.

Regardless of your requirements, the carers at Helping Hands are fully trained and experienced in supporting a range of conditions including cerebral palsy, ADHD and neurological conditions such as MS and motor neurone disease. Helping Hands is also one of the UK’s leading dementia care specialists, offering extensive knowledge in dementia care and fully-trained carers to support you and your loved ones while enabling you to remain comfortable in the familiarities of your own home.
Since it was founded 30 years ago, Helping Hands remains a family-run business that is now managed by Mary’s sons, Tim and Ben. When asked about the progress of Helping Hands in the industry, Mary said: “I started Helping Hands as I believed there was a gap in care for the community that social services could not provide. I had no idea we would grow to such a large caring family.”

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

What is Ultra Femme 360?
Ultra Femme 360 is one of the latest innovations that is proving to be a huge hit with women and the aesthetics industry as a whole. The treatment provides a safe alternative to labiaplasty and vaginoplasty that doesn’t involve any of the common risks associated with surgery and anaesthesia. Using radiofrequency technology, Ultra Femme 360 simulates the growth of new collagen in and around the vagina, restoring and tightening the area. The painless Ultra Femme 360 treatment is changing the lives of women. Katie Alex, dubbed the ‘Cheshire Fairy Godmother’, is one of the small number of Ultra Femme 360 practitioners in the UK, and the exciting technology has received a lot of attention from the press and media, including an appearance on the popular ITV programme This Morning.

Who is Suitable for Ultra Femme 360?
Ultra Femme 360 is suitable for a wide variety of women. The procedure is perfect for those who feel they may have lost tone due to aging or as a result of childbirth, and can also be useful for women who have lost sensitivity in the vaginal area. Additionally, the innovative treatment may also be used by women who may have lost strength in the vaginal muscles or experienced weakened, stretched or torn muscles and tissues in and around the vagina, conditions which often lead to the development of stress incontinence, something Ultra Femme 360 effectively treats.
Ultra Femme 360 has been changing the lives of women, especially for those who may be unable to improve tone or sensitivity with pelvic floor exercises alone. The Ultra Femme 360 is a safe, painless treatment that will restore vaginal tightness and treat incontinence, while improving women’s sexual wellbeing and confidence.

Ultra Femme 360 Can Treat Several Conditions
Several conditions can be effectively treated with the Ultra Femme 360 procedure. The benefits experienced after treatment include:
• Improved self confidence.
• Reduction in stress incontinence.
• Increase in blood flow to the clitoris.
• Improved sexual gratification for women and their partners.
• Satisfying visual appearance of the labia.

These improvements are all achieved as Ultra Femme 360 effectively tightens the following areas:
• Vaginal walls.
• Perineum.
• Introitus (vaginal opening).
• Labia minora (inner labia) which shrink as a result of the treatment.
• Labia majora (outer labia) is plumped.

What Does Ultra Femme 360 Involve?
With Ultra Femme 360, the vagina is rejuvenated without the need for surgery or painful procedures. Ultra Femme 360 remodels the vagina internally and externally without any down time or recovery time. The vagina canal procedure involves the insertion of a disposable tip that transmits radio frequencies to the area, which enhances collagen production and improves blood flow. Before treatment, a gel is applied to provide lubrication, and during treatment, a gentle warmth is often experienced by women. The radio frequencies are also moved across external treatment areas.

The procedure usually lasts for approximately 30 minutes. It is possible to arrange different appointments for the internal and external treatments, but most women choose to have both at the same time. A course of 3 treatments is recommended but most women will begin to see improvements after the first appointment. Daily activities can be returned to immediately after the procedure. However, you are advised not to have sexual intercourse for 1 week after the Ultra Femme 360 treatment.

Why Choose Katie Alex?
Katie Alex is a fully-qualified Aesthetic Nurse, and has over 10 years of experience in medicine. Her extensive training and experience means she possesses an in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and is a specialist in Ultra Femme 360 treatments, so you can be assured that your treatments are as safe, comfortable and effective as possible. Katie understands how to tailor your aesthetic treatments perfectly to you, and the personal service offered at her private Altrincham clinic is second to none. Katie is an advocate for women’s health and the happiness and comfort of all her patients. A market leader in intimate tightening treatments, her passion is creating lasting results that truly make a difference to her patients lives.

So if you live in Hale, Cheshire or the surrounding area and want to find out more about vaginal tightening treatment in Hale, Cheshire or the surrounding area, or to book your free consultation with Katie Alex, call the clinic on 0161 989 1211.

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

GARDENING enthusiasts keen to see some of the country’s top floral exhibitors and trade stands are being urged to get their tickets for this year’s Chorley Flower Show in advance at chorleyflowershow.com​
People can save up to 20 per cent on the ticket prices by buying in advance for the Chorley Council-run show, which this year is being sponsored by Book in Style – an independent travel agent based in the North West, with shops across the region.

The spectacular Chorley Flower Show, which scooped a prestigious Lancashire Tourism Award for ‘Tourism Event of the Year, will return to Astley Park for the fifth year on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July.
Rebecca Huddleston, Chorley Council’s Director of Policy and Governance, said: “Chorley Flower Show continues to grow in popularity year on year and we would encourage people to get their tickets as soon as possible to make sure they don’t miss out on the advance rate, which offers up to 20 per cent off.

“After four successful years behind us, which included winning event of the year at the Lancashire Tourism Awards, the show is now firmly on the horticultural map with people travelling from far and wide to see the top-quality exhibitors in the unique setting of Astley Park.
“The support for the show has been phenomenal both locally and regionally and this year we’re delighted to welcome Book In Style as our main sponsor.”

Highlights of this year’s two-day show include:
• Displays from the country’s top exhibitors with many gold-medal winners from the top RHS shows,
• Gardening celebrities and experts sharing their knowledge and experience in the gardening theatre
• Trade stands offering the best in gardening products and furniture
• A spectacular 110m amateur marquee creating a blaze of colour
• The show hosts regional competitions for the North West Sweet Pea Society and the Rose Society UK
• A chance to see the historic Astley Hall decked out in floral displays
• Plenty of family entertainment, including live music from local artists and a chance to walk on our floating bridge
• Delicious food vendors selling local produce, afternoon teas, picnic food and more.

“If you enjoy gardening or like plants and flowers then it is definitely worth attending if you’ve not been before,” said Ms Huddleston. “We have lots of the elements of the big RHS shows but the tickets are more affordable, and we offer free parking too, which we know is really important to visitors.
“There is a real friendly atmosphere and we pride ourselves on giving people a fantastic day out.”

Andrew McKenna, General Manager at Book In Style, added: “Book in Style is really excited to be supporting the 2019 Chorley Flower Show. As a local, independent travel business we always look to support local events and we’re delighted that our team will be there on both days with our flower-themed stand to meet visitors and talk about holidays, travel and gardening.”

More information and tickets are available at chorleyflowershow.com with advance tickets from £10 for adults and £1.50 for children plus booking fee.

Lancashire News

AN INITIATIVE, which has seen over a thousand Chorley residents get online and hundreds of local children develop digital skills, has been shortlisted for a prestigious award in the seventh annual Digital Leaders 100 list. Chorley Council has been nominated for a digital skills or inclusion initiative award for it’s Get Online campaign, which has seen 1139 Chorley residents attend sessions in the last 12 months. Residents have received support to show them the benefits of being online and have learned and developed digital skills to support them in everyday life at home or at work. The aim is that everyone in the borough should be able to get online, do more online and benefit from being online. Voting for the awards, which highlights the latest champions of digital transformation across the UK, is now open online at digileaders100.com and local people are encouraged to vote.

Rebecca Huddleston, Chorley Council’s Director of Policy and Governance, said: “Together with partners and local businesses, we are doing a lot of work to improve digital access, skills and training for Chorley residents, so it is fantastic that this work has been recognised.

“Our Get Online initiative has already produced many success stories with unemployed residents getting into work after completing digital inclusion courses that have allowed them to add skills to their CV. “Elderly and vulnerable resident’s health and wellbeing has improved as they have developed new skills to be able to access health services and public services online. Work with partners AgeUK has been very successful and has seen a click and chat group set up where residents meet regular to discuss all things digital and share tips about being online.


“Furthermore, our recent Chorley Hack event saw hundreds of young people developing digital skills that will help them in the future and encouraged them to work with local digital businesses. “Digital is fundamental to the future and Chorley Council is committed to improving the local digital infrastructure and transforming local services.”
Free training courses take place every month across the Chorley borough, covering everything from getting started with your tablet, save money online as well as courses to receive qualifications for residents looking to add new skills to their CV.

The popular Code Club sessions for young people also take place at community centres, schools and Inspire Chorley Youth Zone.
Chorley Council is working with a number of partners to get more residents online and deliver digital courses, including Lancashire Adult Learning, Preston College, Jobskilla, Lancashire Police, AgeUK, Lancashire Libraries, DXC Technology, ROQ, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Lancashire Digital Skills Partnership and Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub.

To find out more about getting online in Chorley, visit chorley.gov.uk/digitalaccess​

Lancashire News

Blackburn superstar and superbike icon, Carl Fogarty, is being honoured with a road named after him in his home town. The champion world superbike racer has said he is ‘thrilled’ at the tribute, and plans to open the road with his famous CCM Foggy Edition Spitfire in June. Carl Fogarty Way will run between Gorse Street and the Red Lion Roundabout, past Burnley Road near the Tesco store.

The 600m stretch of road will link up the Bottomgate and Copy Nook route into Blackburn town centre with the Red Lion Roundabout at Whitebirk/Junction 6 of the M65, bypassing Burnley Road to ease traffic.
The ceremony will take place this summer, with exciting details to be revealed nearer the time.

Carl said: I’m really thrilled and quite honoured to have a road named after me in my home town. I had a sneak peek at the road and I was pleased that it’s a pretty major link road. It’s also appropriate that it comes off the Red Lion roundabout, as the lion is the King of the Jungle!”

Carl won a total of seven world championships and was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 1998 New Year Honours. In 2014 he also won the hearts and minds of the British television viewing public when he became the King of the Jungle on ITV’s ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ show.

Lancashire News

Inclusion was the subject of the day when governors from schools across Blackburn with Darwen joined together for their annual conference.
Held at Blackburn Central High School, around 90 governors from across the borough joined Local Authority officers and speakers to discuss inclusion in all its forms. Speakers included Director of Children’s Services at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Jayne Ivory, Assistant Director of the Council for Disabled Children, Philippa Stobbs, and Head Teacher of Blackburn Central High School, Diane Atkinson.

Ms Stobbs has spent the last 30 years playing an integral role in crafting, challenging and championing education policy through her various roles both in the public and voluntary sector. She outlined the importance of governors setting the ethos of the school and the importance of a whole school approach to inclusion. She was followed by Diane Atkinson who gave a passionate account of her school, her principles and the values that drive her personally as a head teacher to support all children to be their very best. Throughout the morning governors were asked to think about how inclusive their school is and how they would know?

Speaking after the event, Director for Children’s Services, Jayne Ivory said: “We know that our schools always strive for the best possible outcomes for all learners and that inclusive practice is so important. “It was helpful to hear the national perspective and also how inclusion plays out at a local level.”