Edge Hill's Fastrack to success celebrates milestone birthday

THIS month sees the:- 'coming of age' of Edge Hill's Fastrack programme, an intensive course designed to provide the skills to prepare participants for degree study at the University. Over the last 21 years approximately 3,000 adults who would not otherwise have had the opportunity to study at University have completed the free course and secured a place on a degree programme at Edge Hill.  The 7 week course is ideal for people who are looking to enter higher education but lack the relevant Level 3 entry requirements. The emphasis of the Fastrack courses is on study skills, so there are compulsory sessions on essay writing, report writing, revision and examination techniques, presentation skills, time management, action planning and course evaluation. Students also complete a subject specific part of Fastrack. They select the subject they hope to study at degree level and if they pass both parts of the course then they can progress to their degree course in the next academic year, with 100 per cent of those who completed the course saying they would recommend it to others looking for a route into higher education.

Job satisfaction and career progression were key factors on Edge Hill University's Senior Lecturer Mark Liptrott's own Fastrack journey. "After well over a decade working in a major bank I realised I was not being promoted and that those with degrees were entering the profession and accelerating past me on the progression ladder.  At this point I was in my 30s and settled in what was considered a secure job but going nowhere." said Mark.

Having been out of education for 15 years the decision proved daunting for Mark, but he has no regrets. Mark added:- "It was something of a leap of faith to sign up, but the course was ideal, and I was surrounded by like-minded people who wanted to change something in their life. It gave me the skills and confidence to start a degree in Information Systems."

Mark went on to gain 1st class honours and stayed on to complete a PhD, before becoming a Senior Lecturer and Director, within the Department of Computer Science, at Edge Hill University. The progamme is demanding with long hours, academic determination, financial sacrifice and social discipline all required. But the dividends for those willing to grasp the opportunity are well worth the investment as graduates typically enjoy career progression and enhanced life opportunities.

Ann Kennedy, Senior Access, Advice and Guidance Officer for Fastrack, completed the course herself 19 years ago. She said:- "It is the most rewarding programme you can ever work on, it's fast moving and intense and with around 200 students taking part each year there is a high turnover of work. Students often leave a job to go back and study so are giving up so much, and show so much determination during the intensive programme.  They are putting their lives in our hands for a few weeks and it is amazing to watch them develop as they grow wings and learn to fly."

Heather Ransom, a 2015 graduate of the scheme from Southport added:- "Fastrack was an amazing experience of self-discovery. I learned so many new skills, made new friends and started a journey that I loved; and still do. It was hard work, and I put everything into it, but I did it."

To find out more about the Fastrack scheme, or to apply for the programme in 2020, see the University's website for more information.

Council welcomes Liverpool Community Health inquiry

LIVERPOOL City Council has welcomed the announcement by the Government of an independent inquiry into Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust (LCH). It will look at significant incidents between 2010 and 2014, drawing upon fresh evidence identified by Mersey Care, following the Kirkup Report in 2018. The investigation will engage with families of former patients and affected staff to understand their concerns and develop recommendations.

Health Minister Stephen Hammond has today asked NHS England and NHS Improvement to establish the investigation, which will be Chaired by Dr Bill Kirkup and supported by an independent expert oversight panel.

Councillor Paul Brant, Cabinet member for adult social care and health, said:- "I am pleased that the Government is to carry out an independent inquiry into Liverpool Community Health. It is absolutely vital that we get to the bottom of past failings for the sake of all of those affected, their families and friends, plus use the learning to inform and develop current services. I would urge anyone who believes they have relevant information to come forward and give information to the inquiry. The whole affair underlines the importance of ensuring that NHS services are properly funded, and that whistleblower complaints are taken seriously. Patient safety must never be compromised."

Jessica Page has entered into the internationally renowned Miss Universe pageant

23 year old, Jessica Page, from Childwall, Liverpool, is in the running to represent Great Britain, at the internationally renowned Miss Universe pageant. Jess works full time as a Field Sales Executive on a graduate scheme for the FTSE 100 company, Just Eat, after graduating with a marketing degree from The University of Chester. She will be 1 of around 40 women taking part in the 2019 Miss Universe Great Britain competition, in South Wales, in July 2019.

Jess is a qualified open water scuba diver and is currently completing a personal training qualification with Millwood Training Academy in Speke. Jess said:- "In the lead up to the competition, I've been working my hardest to be the best version of myself. I'm training 5 times a week, so I thought why not take my love for fitness and become more educated in the industry."

Jess works in a food related industry and wants to be an encourage people to have a healthy relationship with food as well as fitness. "I'm a huge advocate for self-love and I think it's important in a world full pressures to look good, for women to have a healthy relationship with food and fitness. On my social media channels, I try to encourage physical activity where I can, but show that it's still ok to grab that doughnut at the weekend!"

In the run up Jess will be tasked with a series of challenges and fundraising for A-Sisterhood, whose organisation which supports the advancement of women worldwide. She is currently organising a Bollywood themed dinner party, a ladies who lunch afternoon tea, and also some physical challenges.

This year, monies from the fundraising will be donated to Llamau, a homeless charity in Wales which runs special projects to help homeless women; the National Centre for Female Genital Mutilation which aims to put an end to the practice by 2030; Stop Acid Attacks in India which helps survivors of acid violence; and The Black Mambas, which is South Africa's 1st all female anti poaching unit protecting the rhino. A donation will also be made by A-Sisterhood to a female cause chosen and supported by the 2019 titleholder.

The final that runs over 11 July to 13 July 2018, that will include a Bring A Bra Ball organised for A-Sisterhood with finalists and their guests donating bras which will be sent to women in Africa in association with Smalls for All; an empowerment day lead by one of the UK's foremost leadership coaches; and a catwalk show before a panel of judges from the beauty and fashion industry. The event is sponsored by Cara Jewellers, Just Boutique and Doyen.

Jess said:- "I am really excited to have been chosen as a finalist for Miss Universe Great Britain this year and will be doing all that I can in the next few months to prepare. Miss Universe is 1 of the biggest pageants in the world and I think it's going to be a huge adventure as well as a lot of fun."

The Miss Universe Great Britain operates a:- 'NOT IN VAIN' campaign as part of the competition which acknowledges the efforts and calibre of finalists. Under this banner, four awards will be presented to finalists. They are an award for the finalist who raises the most for charity through the experience presented by A-Sisterhood; an award for the most inspiring finalist who shows dedication to empowering young women presented by the Miss Universe Great Britain national director; a Miss Universe Great Britain business bursary offering high level business coaching by Elsby and Co Chartered Accountants in Northamptonshire to a finalist who is an accomplished or aspiring entrepreneur; and a HER Leadership Award, sponsored by Entrepren HER Productions, which will give a finalist the opportunity to develop and deliver her own workshop to a girls school in rural India.

As well as getting the opportunity to represent the UK for around 3 weeks at an exotic overseas location later this year, at Miss Universe, the winner of Miss Universe Great Britain, will also visit travel on humanitarian projects linked to A-Sisterhood.

National director of Miss Universe Great Britain, Paula Abbandonato, said:- "Pageantry in the UK is more popular than ever before and we have the most amazing linem up of young women from England, Scotland and Wales vying for the crown this year. It's going to be an excellent competition and I wish them all the very best of luck."

Around 90 countries take part in the Miss Universe event. The dates and location for 2019 have yet to be announced.  The current Miss Universe Great Britain, is 25 year old, Dee Ann Kentish Rogers, a barrister and former Commonwealth Games Athlete, from Birmingham. The current Miss Universe is Catriona Gray, from The Philippines.