Southport University launches free 'life changing' taster course in health, social care and nursing

A UCLan course tutor, from Southport, who swapped the shop floor for the Hospital Ward explains why it's a good time to make an early New Year's resolution. The former retail Manager who enrolled on a free, life changing taster course in Nursing is now urging others to do the same.

David Foster, a Lecturer in Children's Nursing at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), is to teach on a new, Return to Study Entry Programme, aimed at those over the age of 21 who can demonstrate the qualities and skills required to work in a health related career, but don't necessarily have formal entry qualifications. And if students enrolling on the course need a role model then the former fashion retailer turned UCLan Lecturer is a fine example, having left School at 16 with just a handful of GCSEs to work at Burton Menswear.

A fashion retail career of 9 years culminated when David, by then the manager of the Burton Southport outlet, won the UK 'store of the year' title and as a reward travelled to Germany, for the 2006 World Cup. David Foster told us:- "I was 25 at the time with a house, a car and bills to pay, but the World Cup prize gave me a chance consider my future and the possibility of new challenges," I wanted a career where I could continue to work with people, especially children, so when I saw a flexible taster course advertised leading to a possible career in nursing I jumped at the opportunity."

Having qualified as a children's nurse in 2011, David worked in Newcastle for 2 years and then at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, in Liverpool, for a further 5. He has been a Lecturer on UCLan's Nursing programmes for the last 3 years.

"It's a fantastic career that's changed my life and I've never looked back. Just like me I'm sure there are lots of motivated people out there who don't necessarily have traditional qualifications but do have the drive and relevant personal skills to study for a degree and work within the health sector. Our new Return to Study Entry Programme is the ideal 1st stepping stone as it's a free, blended online / face to face course, studied part time, on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays, over an 8 week period. Successful students could be enrolling onto 1 of our Nursing programmes by March 2021." said the Southport based academic.

Content within the pioneering course includes an introduction to health and social care as well as study skills to support success at University. Students will be assisted throughout the programme by Course Tutors and current UCLan students.

The course also aims to support the local economy by up-skilling or re-skilling the local workforce post Covid19.

The 8 week, part time programme, starts in January 2021 and can provide entry onto UCLan's Foundation Entry (Year 0) Health and Social Care Foundation Degree, or into Year 1 of UCLan's BSc (Hons) Nursing with Registered Nurse (Adult or Mental Health). For further details applicants should email:- Enquiries@UCLan.AC.UK.

JUST in time for Christmas, Matalan has created a soft toy of the NSPCC's Talk PANTS campaign mascot, Pantosaurus. The friendly pants wearing dinosaur has helped over a million parents talk to their child about keeping safe from:- sexual abuse, and explaining, in age appropriate language and a catchy song, as well as how their privates are private!

This Christmas, Matalan is supporting the campaign by releasing an exclusive cuddly version of Pantosaurus, to help parents start that important conversation with their child. 50% of the profits from the sale of the cuddly dinosaur will also go directly to the NSPCC.

Matalan is 1 of the NSPCC's longest running partners and has raised more than ₤10.7m for the charity to date, from in store fundraising activities, charity balls, and employee fundraising including marathons, skydives and more.

Since 2015, Matalan have sold NSPCC merchandise in their stores and the charity's latest products; including:- shopping bags, badges and keyrings, colouring books, crayon sets and lunch bags with 100% of proceeds from these areas going directly to the children's charity.

Jeff Howarth, director of marketing for Matalan, said:- "We love the new NSPCC Pantosaurus toy, and we're sure our customers will too. We're proud to have such a long running and successful partnership with the NSPCC. We're sure Pantosaurus will be a firm favourite this Christmas. Helping raise money to support children and young people across the UK is more important than ever."

Tess O'Callaghan, NSPCC Fundraising Manager, said:- "The plush Pantosaurus looks great, and proceeds from it and the sale of our bags, books and crayon sets will go towards helping young people who need it most, so we're hugely grateful to everyone who picks up a treat while Christmas shopping this year."

Founded in 1985, Matalan's mission has always been to give families outstanding quality at outstanding prices. 12 million UK families each year trust Matalan with their family budgets; to provide the range, style, quality and value that enable them to run a happy family home.

As of September 2020, Matalan has an impressive 228 UK stores and 36 International franchise stores within Europe and the Middle East, supported with a rapidly growing online channel. With increased lockdowns happening and the Christmas holidays approaching, the NSPCC expects demand on their services to increase, and want to make sure no child is left to cope alone.

The Pantosaurus soft toy costs ₤7 and is available to buy online and click and collect, and will also be making a debut appearance in Matalan's Christmas TV advert, so stay tuned! Throughout the Pandemic, the NSPCC has ensured it is still here on the front line for children, supporting those who need Childline and our other services most.

To find out more, including how you can help the NSPCC and Childline, go to:- NSPCC.Org.UK.