Letters to the Editor:- "Calling on North West firms to recognise value of veterans in 2019"

"AS the New Year gets under way, ex-Forces men and women who are out of work in the North West will be looking ahead to what 2019 might have in store for them. This can be a challenging time of year for veterans. Those with mental or physical health conditions who do not have a job or a close support network can feel particularly isolated. At The Poppy Factory, we know that ex-Service men and women who are wounded, injured or sick will still flourish in the right working environment. In return, the skills they have honed in the military bring enormous benefits to their employers. The contribution made by meaningful work to positive mental health cannot be overstated. The Poppy Factory's employability team works closely with individuals in their communities, helping to boost their confidence and skills and look for the right job opportunities. We help with everything from CV writing and interview preparation to training and in-work support, making sure our veterans feel comfortable in whatever new roles they take up. This year I hope many more businesses and organisations across the North West will consider the value that veterans can add to their workforce. Our team stands ready to help more wounded, injured and sick veterans find a way to fulfil their potential in the civilian world." Deirdre Mills, Chief Executive, The Poppy Factory.

Exciting January Happenings at the Royal Albert Dock

IN 2019 the Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool, is going to see some exciting things happening in January. This is a list of some of the more interesting things you might like to experience:-

► Revolucion de Cuba - "Salsa Social."

If partaking in a new hobby comes under your New Year's resolution, Revolucion de Cuba, on 8 January 2019, at 7.30 and 8.30pm are holding a free event. This event is an evening of hip-shaking salsa dancing. The Salsa Social will be offering 2 classes for both beginners and intermediates, guests can learn some new moves before practicing them on the dance floor; the perfect way to have fun and burn off some of those extra Christmas calories.

► Tate Liverpool - "Uniqlo Tate Lates."

This free event runs from 6pm to 10pm, on the last Friday of the month, 25 January 2019. It will see the Tate Liverpool inviting guests to join them after hours for an eclectic mix of art, music, film and workshops. Find emerging and established DJs selected by NTS Radio, alongside world class exhibitions, discover pop-up talks, playful artistic activations, and hands on workshops, along with delicious food and drink offers. This month's inspiration comes from:- The C C Land Exhibition - Pierre Bonnard, The Colour of Memory.

► Revolution - "50% off food throughout January."

1 of January's best perks is the great food and drink offers to be enjoyed around Liverpool, with Revolution offering 50% off all food every day, throughout the month. Those on a health kick can enjoy a variety of fresh, flavoursome dishes that can be washed down with a vitamin rich drink. Why not feast on the warm duck salad, washed down with a:- 'Kalein Me Softly.' This is a lean, green and clean blend of apple juice, fresh kale, pineapple, mango puree and apricot syrup.

► Panam is offering a "Limited Edition ₤5 Winter Menu" from 7 January 2019.

Eating out doesn't have to break the bank, and those looking to save some pennies this month whilst still enjoying themselves can head to Panam to enjoy their mouth watering menu of:- starters, mains, desserts and drinks, all for just ₤5 each. Diners can feast on everything from:- hearty Seafood Chowder with crusty bread for dipping, to warming Cajun Winter Stew and indulgent Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Lancashire Care working in Psynergy with local emergency services

THE Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust have joined forces with North West Ambulance NHS Trust (NWAS) and Lancashire Constabulary to respond and support people in mental health crisis.

'Psynergy' is a four month pilot taking place in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre and will include a member of the Trust's Mental Health Crisis Home Treatment Team, a Paramedic and a Police Officer forming as a crew on a NWAS vehicle. The team will commence their duties at Blackpool DHQ and will work together to jointly respond and provide specialist care for people presenting in crisis.

The pilot is aimed at lessening the need for those in crisis to attend A&E and will involve the necessary services and personnel attending incidents together in order to be able to most suitably triage and offer the right care and advice which in turn may reduce demand on resources and services. The team will work seven days a week from 4pm until midnight, which was identified as a key time for mental health callouts through NWAS and the Police.

Lisa Moorhouse, Head of Operations at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust said:- "We are really pleased to be working in partnership with Lancashire Constabulary and North West Ambulance Service to jointly respond and support people who are in mental health crisis through this pilot in Blackpool. This approach will enable us to ensure that people receive the right care at the right time for their needs. We hope that this pilot will change the way that we deliver care to people in Blackpool and we look forward to continuing to work together in the future."

Blackpool Inspector Pete Hannon said:- "This is all about doing the right thing and being there to support people when they need us. It ensures that the right people with the right skills are in the right place at the right time. A lot of our time is spent responding to mental health callouts. We anticipate that it will divert patients away from A&E - as well as ultimately providing greater support to those who need it."

Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw spent a shift with the team and said:- "It was really useful to see 1st hand the support that this provides to those who need it most, helping those in crisis and often avoiding the need to go to A&E. The police are often becoming the emergency service of first resort when people's lives fall apart, and this response vehicle helps free up police teams quicker and makes them available to attend other incidents. This is partnership working in action, the trial is extremely encouraging and shows that by thinking differently and working together, we can deliver the support that people need and deserve whilst also reducing some of the demand that officers face at a time of ever increasing pressures on the service."