RNIB launches Sensory Scavenger Hunt activity pack for children across the North West

THE Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has launched an exciting new Sensory Scavenger Hunt activity pack to keep children in the North West of England entertained over the ½ term break. The pack, which can be downloaded from RNIB's website and is for children of all ages, helps young explorers understand their senses beyond sight through fun challenges. These include telling the difference between smells, appreciating the different textures of their toys, and taking on the taste test. There is also an opportunity for parents to join in and teach their children about resilience and understanding by explaining how blind and partially sighted people overcome challenges by using their other senses. The Sensory Scavenger Hunt activity pack is free to download, but there is an option to donate ₤3 to RNIB via texting:- 'HUNT' to:- 70007 or visit:- RNIB.Org.UK. The sensory activities in the scavenger hunt activity pack are split into 2 sections which can be played at home or outside: The Great Indoors and Embrace Nature. Each section contains 4 sensory rounds that explore a different sense within that environment and each round contains a checklist of 10 challenges to get started. The activity pack can be viewed on any mobile device or tablet. It can also be printed to create instant, engaging activities for hours of fun as children explore their surroundings.  Becca McRow Brewer, RNIB Senior Manager Community Giving said:- "We are so excited to have put together this Sensory Scavenger Hunt activity pack for children in the North West of England and hope that lots of them will get involved. This activity is suitable for all ages and we have made it accessible so children with sight loss can join in too. The activity pack is free to download, but donations will help RNIB's work to support the over two million people living with sight loss across the UK during this particularly challenging time."

A-Level students receive Gold Crest Awards as part of Nuffield Research Programme

3 Hugh Baird College A-Level students have successfully completed the Nuffield Research Placement and will each receive a Gold Crest Award.  Mia Hankinson, Theresa Okunbor and David Campbell each attended the placement during the Summer Holidays, which was held remotely this year due to Covid19 restrictions.

The Nuffield Future Researcher programme provides a meaningful and rewarding research experience where students develop essential science, technology, engineering and math's (STEM) skills by working with a professional researcher on a live research question and embark on new and innovative ways of working within a virtual learning environment.

Theresa who studies biology, chemistry and math's A-Levels at the South Sefton Campus is planning to study medicine at University. She joined the Nuffield Research Placement Programme, to help her get research experience to add to her CV and personal statement to support her University application. She was tasked with the very topical research topic of 'Strategies employed to manage cytokines storms in Covid19 patients,' due to the pandemic she was unable to conduct the actual research herself, so instead focused her research on the work of other clinicians and investigators.

Theresa said of her experience during the programme:- "I explored how clinicians and investigators had tested critically ill Covid19 patients, what results they obtained and what conclusions they gathered from each treatment. Additionally, my report also discussed the pros and cons of each treatment and I suggested a treatment that could be used to improve the patient's health and hence increase survival rates. It was a bit scary at 1st, because I have never written an academic scientific report before and I have never done an academic poster in my life, but with dedication and hard work I was able to achieve this and much more. I have also gained lots of skills that will equip me for University, such as writing a good report; developing my communication, time management and organisation skills; taking constructive criticism; resilience; and I've improved my research skills. The experience has increased my confidence for University to a whole another level. Additionally, through this programme, I was able to achieve the Gold Crest Awards and finally, my 1st ever manuscript or scientific article is on the way to getting published"

Mia Hankinson who also studies biology, chemistry and math's, researched a very topical subject too. She was given the chance to explore:- 'How stem cells control our immune system, and their potential uses in combating Covid19.' Mia commented on her placement experience.  "I study my A-levels at the South Sefton Campus and the Nuffield Future Researchers Programme has opened my eyes to the world of scientific research. My report was based around a very current situation, and I found it so fascinating learning about a virus that has controlled all of our lives and understanding the immunology behind it. I have learnt a wide range of transferable skills (such as communication and time management) which I will be able to use in higher education and future careers. In the future I would like to become a Doctor; so there may be occasions I need to carry out my own scientific research, the programme has set me up to be able to do this and given me the confidence to fulfil my aspirations."

David Campbell, who studies A-levels in biology, chemistry and physics at the South Sefton Campus said of his placement experience:- "My Nuffield project was about whether a dogs breed affected the age it was seen at the vet. It was really interesting finding out how different dog breeds (big and small) were seen at the vet at different ages. My project mentor was a University professor and it meant I was working with real data from vets all across the Merseyside Region. The Nuffield research project was a great way to enhance my University application and made me gain many valuable professional skills. "

Joe Poole, Director of Curriculum at the South Sefton A-Level Campus said:- "Receiving a Gold Crest Award is an amazing achievement and I'm incredibly proud of Mia, Theresa and David. The skills they have gained by completing the Nuffield Future Researcher Programme will certainly ready them for their next steps, and I know they have benefitted greatly from the experience. I must also thank staff within the Faculty of Maths, Science and Health who have encouraged and supported Mia, Theresa and David throughout this programme."

Applications are now open for September 2021 for Hugh Baird South Sefton A-Level campus. For more information please visit the Collage's website  or phone then on:- 0151 3535 4444.

New refuse and recycling collections for Sefton

CHANGES to Sefton's refuse and recycling service mean residents at thousands of homes across the borough will receive new brown and grey wheeled bins. The bins replace sacks previously delivered to residents and will be collected on alternate weeks, with brown recycling bins collected 1 week and grey residual bins collected the next.  Around 4,000 households in:- Linacre, Derby, Litherland, Ford, Church, Blundellsands, Netherton and Orrell and Victoria are receiving bins as part of the new scheme. The aim of the initiative is to create cleaner neighbourhoods across Sefton, reduce the risk of vermin and fly tipping and introduce a safer, more hygienic system of storing household waste prior to collection. Collections of wheeled bins begin the week commencing Monday, 26 October 2020, and a calendar of collection dates will be delivered to those homes receiving the new bins, along with instructions on how to use the new service.  Households with a garden will also receive a green garden waste bin. Details of collection dates for garden waste will be on a sticker attached to the green bin lids.  Head of Highways and Public Protection for Sefton Council, Peter Moore, said:- "We are pleased to be rolling out this successful collection system, already enjoyed by most Sefton residents, to these properties. This will result in immediate benefits to the local environment and has been welcomed by the majority of households for whom this new system represents a significant improvement on current collections. Introducing the new bins will mean people will no longer need to leave refuse bags out for collection, which will also help reduce the problem of fly tipping in those areas. We will still provide assistance with wheeled bin collections to anyone who received help with refuse sack collections, and anyone who cannot put bins on the kerb edge for collection due to infirmity or disability can also apply for extra support. And, we will be ready to step in to help any of the households benefiting from this new service if they experience any issues as we roll out these improvements. There is lots of helpful information on the Sefton Council website, which explains the process and provides a calendar of collection dates."