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Community partner on board
for culture
SUPPORT for Liverpool's major events is
well on track thanks to the latest sponsor. Merseyrail have become the Official
Community Partner for this year's programme of major events highlighting their
commitment to the Liverpool City Region (Merseyside).
The events include the visit of the three Cunard Queens in May, June's
International Mersey River Festival, the Transatlantic 175 weekend in July and
the Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF) which takes place across the
August Bank Holiday weekend.
The partnership is part of Merseyrail's commitment to supporting local
communities around their network. Developing these relationships within the
communities, and supporting regeneration in the Liverpool City Region is at the
heart of Merseyrail's social responsibility values.
Merseyrail, managed by Merseytravel, will play a key role in getting people to
and from major events in the City this year and will encourage people to plan
their journey, consult the Merseyrail website and app for travel information and
to allow plenty of time for their trip.
Alan Chaplin, Merseyrail's interim managing director, commented:- "It's
fantastic that the City is hosting such a spectacular selection of events, and
we are thrilled to be part of these occasions. Attracting people to the Liverpool
City Region will boost jobs and productivity; all great news for communities and the local economy."
Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member for culture, tourism and events, Councillor
Wendy Simon, said:- "It's wonderful news that this major rail operator has
become an official partner for what is set to be a busy few months for
Liverpool.
This partnership demonstrates the important contribution one of our key
transport providers is making towards the cultural vibrancy of the City,
ensuring our communities continue to prosper through major events and education
programmes which promote community engagement and social inclusion.
The advertising alone is worth tens of thousands of pounds to the City and helps
us spread the word about all the amazing activities that we have to look forward
to.
There is already a buzz around One Magnificent City, with people eager to be
part of the historic Mersey meeting of the 3 Cunard Queens in May and our world
record attempt in July. So it's great that we can build on an already strong
working relationship with Merseyrail and work together to promote both the
events and push that travel message so people can their plan their journeys and
make sure they don't miss out on what is set to be an unforgettable Summer." Student accommodation review
set to take place
A task group is to be set up to review
the amount of student accommodation in Liverpool. It follows moves by developers
in recent years to create large scale student flats in the City centre which are
generally good quality, with a range of facilities and close to universities.
The number of students in the City Region (Merseyside) is growing, with some establishments
reporting annual growth in new admissions of up to 18%. Currently the number
studying in the City Region is around 50,000; equivalent to the population of
Torquay or Inverness; with the bulk attending Liverpool's 3 largest
universities.
The review will examine what impact the conversion of City Centre sites is
having on other competing land uses such as businesses and retail, as well as
the infrastructure of the area.
The group will include representatives of the universities, student bodies and
developers and will aim to reach conclusions on:-
► The suitability and viability of the current student accommodation offer in
the City Centre.
► The need for growth to meet future demand.
► The impact on the City Centre and other affected areas of continuing to grow
the accommodation.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said:- "I have asked for this review
because, although we very much welcome and value the contribution that students
make to the City, we need to be mindful of the recent rapid growth in student
accommodation, and the knock on effects it could have should there be any marked
fluctuations in demand. It is crucial we have a diverse mix of uses of buildings
in the City centre for residents, businesses, students and visitors alike."
Councillor Ann O'Byrne, Cabinet member for housing, added:- "Liverpool is
hugely popular with students because we have fantastic universities and the City is known as a friendly and welcoming place with a vibrant culture and night
life. We very much welcome them, and many of them choose to stay on after their
studies and make the City their permanent home. This review will help guide us
in making sure we have the right amount of accommodation in the right places."
A report recommending the setting up of the task group will be considered by the
Cabinet on Thursday, 2 April 2015. If approved, the review group will agree a final
report and recommendations in May 2015 which will then be considered by the
Cabinet.
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Trust staff help develop
national Care Certificate
HOSPITAL staff in Southport and
Ormskirk have helped develop the national Care Certificate to support the
training of healthcare assistants and support workers. The Care
Certificate meets concerns raised in the Cavendish Review that followed the
inquiry into the quality of care at the former Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation
Trust.
The review found formal support and education for healthcare assistants and
social care support workers was inconsistent. A common national qualification
was needed to assure the public that all those who provide care achieved a
minimum standard of training.
Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust was one of 13 health and social care
organisations that was asked to pilot and report on the effectiveness of a care
certificate to NHS England.
Nicky Williams, Assistant Matron Nurse Education and Training, said:-
"Healthcare assistants found working towards the Care Certificate hugely useful,
not least because it underpins our values as a supportive and caring
organisation.
The certificate developed their confidence and improved job satisfaction. They
also felt better supported, learning more about what good practice looks like
and gaining the confidence to challenge poor practice if they saw it."
From April 1 2015, every healthcare support worker new to the NHS will need to
pass the Care Certificate. The Trust is also considering incorporating the
certificate into training for other health care support workers.
Nicky said:- "The care porters give can be overlooked in a clinical
environment like a hospital but they play an important role in comforting and
putting patients at their ease.
We wanted them and our patients to benefit from the Care Certificate, and a
small group of porters and domestic staff took part in the pilot. Those who did
said it made them feel more valued as part of a team and helped everyone
understand people's different roles. I am proud of the NHS and Southport and Ormskirk trust, and the staff I
have worked with while piloting the Care Certificate who are a credit to
themselves, the organisation and the teams they work in. Their enthusiasm,
commitment and desire to make a difference is something to be celebrated."
Jonathan Parry, Chief Executive, said:- "Caring is everyone's business in
our Trust. Whether you are a porter, a nurse or a member of the domestic team,
thanks to the Care Certificate they will be empowered to play their part fully
in making sure patients are safe and properly cared for."
Conference to discuss 'kinship'
care
A conference is being held in Liverpool
on Friday, 27 March 2015, to promote awareness of kinship care.
Kinship care is where a child who would otherwise end up in foster care is
placed with a family member or a close friend of the family.
It has huge advantages as it ensures continuity of care for the young person
because they remain with someone they know, but the council is keen to know what
more it can do to support carers.
Liverpool City Council currently spends £5 million supporting children in
kinship placements who are living with their family members subject to Special
Guardianship Orders and Child Arrangement Orders.
Speakers at the event, which is taking place at Everton Football Club, include
Pauline Thornley; the founder of PADA (Parents Against Drugs and Alcohol), Sam
Smethers, Chief Executive of Grandparents Plus, West Derby MP Stephen Twigg and
representatives from the City Council, including Chief Executive Ged Fitzgerald.
The delegates will include carers, young people, social workers, housing
providers and Merseyside Police.
Councillor Jane Corbett, Cabinet member for children's services, said:-
"We have around 90 kinship carers in Liverpool and we know from experience that
it is hugely beneficial for the children as it means there is a level of
continuity of care for the young person.
We really value kinship carers, often they are members of the child's extended
family. We will be listening very hard to what they tell us, and coming up with
ideas in order to strengthen their relationship with Children's Services.
I will also be taking the opportunity to thank them for doing such a fabulous
job for Liverpool children." |
