Southport MP Damien Moore sees how Salvation Army is helping struggling families at Christmas and throughout the year

CONSERVATIVE MP, Damien Moore visited Southport Salvation Army, on Friday, 10 December 2018, to see for himself how the church and charity is helping the most vulnerable people in the community through the festive season and beyond.

Mr. Moore contacted the Salvation Army corps (church) on Shakespeare Street to request a meeting and church leaders Michael and Alison Hutchings were only too happy for him to come and get an overview of the important work being done to serve people in need in and around the Southport area.

During his visit, the Southport MP chatted to volunteers about the church's furniture project and heard how this and other schemes, such as its fuel voucher system, are providing a vital lifeline to families and individuals struggling to make ends meet.

Since the end of November 2018, Southport Salvation Army has also been running its annual Christmas Present Appeal which has resulted in hundreds of new gifts being donated by the public to be distributed as presents to some of the poorest households in the area.

Captain Michael Hutchings, Commanding Officer of Southport Salvation Army said:- "It was really nice to meet Damien Moore and have the opportunity to show him all of the things we're doing to support the local community. Alison and I were both pleased to see how interested he was to hear about the challenges that so many of the people we help are facing every day. Last Friday was also the cut off date for our Christmas Present Appeal so lots of our fantastic volunteers were in busily wrapping all the gifts when he arrived. He seemed quite impressed by all that activity too!"

Damien Moore, MP said:- "As we approach the Christmas period, I met with Michael and Alison to discuss the vital work the Salvation Army continue to do in our community for those who are most vulnerable. I was grateful to them for their time, and I will continue to liaise with them, both to further address the challenges they see daily as they work with families in Southport who are struggling with a variety of problems."

Southport Salvation Army is situated at:- 65 Shakespeare Street, PR8 5AJ. In addition to the furniture project, the church also runs a varied weekly programme of activities including men's fellowship, parent and toddler sessions, line dancing, crafting and scrabble. The church is also home to a coffee lounge and charity shop, both of which are open 6 days a week.

The Salvation Army is a church and charity dedicated to caring for people who are vulnerable or in need. Salvation Army Churches are at the heart of the local communities they serve and provide compassionate support, practical help and a warm welcome to anyone visiting them.

Cadet's are joining Santa on a march!

HUGH Baird College Combined Cadet Force (CCF) are set to take part in a:- 'Santa March' on Wednesday, 12 December 2018, in order to raise money for the Alder Hey Children's charity. The march will take place along the Cheshire lines footpath, starting at Walton Hall Park and finishing at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

Alder Hey Children's Hospital cares for over 275,000 children, young people and their families every year. As 1 of Europe's biggest and busiest children's Hospitals, they treat everything from common illnesses to highly complex and specialist conditions. Alder Hey Children's Charity is an independent registered charity (charity number 1160661) which provides vital funds to make Alder Hey Children's Hospital a truly world class, patient friendly Hospital; making a crucial difference to the 275,000 patients and families who visit Alder Hey every year.

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) offers students a broad range of challenging, exciting, adventurous and educational activities, which may include the:- Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army or Royal Air Force. Each student at Hugh Baird College has the opportunity to join the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) as part of their chosen enrichment activity every Wednesday afternoon, with the aim to develop personal responsibility, leadership and self discipline.

Lt. Ian Tumilty. Contingent Commander at Hugh Baird College, said:- "I wanted the Combined Cadet Force at Hugh Baird College to make a difference for a charity close to a lot of our students' hearts. I am hoping to make the 'Santa March' an annual event and to continue to raise money for Alder Hey Children's Hospital by organising similar events throughout the year."

Alex Smith, Public Services Student said:- "Alder Hey Children's Hospital has played a huge part in my life, especially when my younger Brother suffered a severe abdominal injury. The Hospital continuously supported our family and made sure we were not alone. This walk means a lot, not only to me, but all the Hugh Baird College students and it's a chance to give back. I am also a Piper for the Liverpool Clan Wallace Pipe Band and I will be playing throughout the walk."

For more information on Hugh Baird College's Public Services courses, can now be found online.

Women mean business in new networking group

A new networking group is inviting local businesswomen to its 1st meeting at:- The Prince Of Wales, Lord Street Southport, PR8 1JS. The Southport Unique Ladies' group is aimed at helping local business women meet each other and Network. This network is the brainchild of businesswoman Suzy Orr, who, in 2015, decided that she wanted to create a new type of networking group, which did not ask for large membership fees, but instead offered an informal and effective way for women to get together. The formula worked and, after the initial group, more Unique Ladies' groups followed in:- Bolton, Manchester, Liverpool and Preston. The business became a Franchise and more groups have now been added in:- Hyndburn, Chorley, Stockport, and Wigan.

Southport Group Leader, Pauline Johnson stated:- "We want to give business women the chance to make new and useful contacts in a pleasant atmosphere with no crippling membership fees. I am delighted that we are able to have a Unique Ladies' group in Southport and we have many interesting and inspirational speakers planned...  There is plenty of business passed at the Unique Ladies' groups in enjoyable and informative meetings that only cost ₤20 a session. I would love to hear from more local businesswomen who would like to come along to join us on the 17 January 2019, 9am to 11:30am."

For more information calling Pauline Johnson on:- 07984779628 or via sending her an email.  Would like to know more you can also log on to:- UniqueLadies.Co.UK.