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Southport spinal injury
centre holds its 1st fishing competition to raise vital care funds
THE North West Regional Spinal Injury
Centre has hosted its first ever fishing contest to raise much needed funds to
support the rehabilitation of its patients, and get them involved in the sport.
The competition, which was sponsored by Southport-based medical negligence and
personal injury law firm, Fletchers Solicitors, was held at Blundells Fishery
and saw 32 fishermen from across the North West compete against each other in a
battle to catch the largest fish.
The winner of the match, Darren Mottershead, from Tameside, was presented with a
trophy and a cash prize, but he donated a large proportion of the cash prize
back to the centre. The 6 runners up were also awarded prizes including
professional tuition and fishing tackle equipment, donated by Match Angling
Products (MAP).
Overall, the event raised £570 for the NHS Trust and this will be used to
purchase fishing equipment for its patients.
Chris Shaw, senior civil clerk at St John's Buildings Chambers and organiser of
the event, said:- "When I heard the unit wanted to give their patients the
opportunity to go fishing, but needed the funds to purchase the equipment, I was
determined to do something to help. The money raised from the contest will allow
the patients from the unit to try fishing for the first time, or possibly
rekindle their love for the sport, as part of their rehabilitation. From the
serious injury work I see through my job, I know how important it is for people
with life changing injuries to still be able to enjoy sports and hobbies. I hope
these patients can now get as much pleasure from fishing as I do, despite the
challenges they face. I'd also like to thank everyone who supported the event,
particularly Fletchers Solicitors for its sponsorship, Darren Birch from the
Angling Trust and Andy May of MAP for donating prizes for the winners."
Adrian Denson, head of serious injury at Fletchers Solicitors, said:-
"Supporting the Spinal Injury Centre is a cause that is very close to the hearts
of everyone at Fletchers Solicitors. We helped to organise the first ever
Southport Spinal Injury ball, and since then we are always looking for ways to
continue our support and help raise even more money for the centre. When Chris
mentioned the idea of this contest, we were more than delighted to get involved
and sponsor the event. It was a fantastic day, thoroughly enjoyed by everyone
who took part, and we are thrilled to have been involved."
For more information, please visit:-
FletchersSolicitors.Co.UK. |
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New service launched to
support young victims of crime in Lancashire
A brand new service aimed at helping
young victims of crime living in Lancashire has been launched by Police and
Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw. The service; 'Nest Lancashire' provides
confidential support and advice for young people who have experienced crime
either as a victim or as a witness.
The Commissioner launched his new service on a special visit to Blackpool 6th
Form College, on Wednesday, 29 June 2016. Youngsters aged 10 to 18 will benefit from
1 to 1 support, group sessions with other young people, access to sports and
social activities and help to rebuild their confidence and to feel safe again
following an incident.
The service also offers support in reporting a crime and going through the
Criminal Justice System should a case go to Court. It doesn't matter if the
crime took place a long time ago or if it hasn't been reported to the police.
Nest Lancashire forms part of Lancashire Victim Services which was established
by the Commissioner to offer support to all victims of crime across the county
after PCCs were made responsible for commissioning victim services locally in
April 2015. The service will be delivered through a consortium of local
providers with experience in working with young people which is led by
Groundwork.
As part of his visit to Blackpool 6th Form College the Commissioner met with
local students as part of the launch. Clive Grunshaw said:- "I have
launched Nest Lancashire to ensure that Lancashire's young people can access the
support they deserve following a crime. Being a victim of crime can be a very
difficult thing to get over and Nest offers extra comfort and support,
particularly to those who may not have family support or struggle to share their
ordeal with loved ones.
Nest Lancashire will ensure that our young people can access support when they
need it in a way that suits them best.
It's been fantastic to visit Blackpool 6th Form College to tell the students
about the service and to be able to answer their questions."
Mike Crowther, Programme Director for Groundwork added:- "We are delighted
to be working in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner's office.
Groundwork is all about changing places and changing lives. We are really
looking forward to using our experience of working with young people and our
understanding of the key issues that affect them, to ensure that young victims
of crime receive the vital support they need, where and when they need it."
Blackpool 6th form student Joseph Piper, 17, who is studying BTEC Level 3 Public
Services commented:- "I think the Nest Lancashire service is a really good
idea. The support and counselling is very important for young people who are
victims of crime. I also like the offer of things like free sports activities
which would be a good way for young people to cope with the stress of being a
victim of crime."
Fellow Public Services student, Jerdine Farrell, 17, said:- "I think it's
important that every young person who is a victim of crime gets individual help
that is personalised to their needs." She welcomed the Nest Lancashire
service, saying that it would help provide a 'safety net' for young people.
Young people can text:- 60777 or call the local number:- 0300 111 0323 to get help.
A new website offering help, support and advice will be up and running soon. |
