Appeal to find the next of kin of Robert Marsh

THE Coroner's Investigation Officer, Paula White, has issued an appeal for help in tracing the next of kin Robert Marsh, 45, who has sadly died. Mr Marsh, we are told, passed away at his home, on New Ferry Road, Wirral, on Friday, 2 August 2019. He was originally from the Basingstoke area. The  Police have confirmed that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Mr Marsh's next of kin or can help is asked to contact the Coroner on:- 0151 233 0126 or email them via:- Paula.White@Liverpool.Gov.UK.

Thousands of disabled people benefitting from workplace funding

THOUSANDS of disabled people in the North West are being supported by the Access to Work scheme, as new figures reveal 4,630 people received the life changing grant in 2018. Government spending on the scheme is also up to record levels, with ₤129.1 million spent in 2018, a real terms increase of ₤15 million since 2010. Access to Work is a Government run scheme that breaks down workplace barriers for disabled people and those with health conditions by paying for adjustments such as specialist equipment, support workers, travel to work and sign language interpreters. People can receive almost ₤60,000 a year through the scheme, which is more than double the average annual salary and an increase of 40% in just 2 years.

Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson said:- "Having a disability or health condition must not be a barrier to enjoying a fulfilling career, and the support available means there's no excuse for employers who refuse to be inclusive. Access to Work removes the obstacles facing disabled people in workplaces across the North West, helping to level the playing field and ensure businesses don't see employing disabled people as a burden. With thousands of disabled people in the North West supported through Access to Work, local employers are benefitting from the skills disabled people bring to the workplace."

Access to Work is part of a wider Government drive to create more job opportunities for disabled people, with nearly 950,000 more disabled people in work compared to 5 years ago. Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd has committed to reviewing the Government's goal to see 1 million more disabled people in work between 2017 and 2027 with a view to making the target more ambitious.

Ross is a wheelchair user who works for Lloyds Banking Group. He has a support worker to help with workplace tasks, paid for by Access to Work. Ross said:- "Access to Work has made a massive difference to my life. Without it, I wouldn't have a job. I probably wouldn't be earning a living, I wouldn't own my own home, I wouldn't be able to go on holidays and I wouldn't be able to follow the hobbies that interest me because I wouldn't be able to be employed. It makes a massive, massive difference to me."

Louis, who is visually impaired, also works for Lloyds Banking Group. Access to Work has paid for Taxi fares so that Louis and his guide dog Dexter can get to and from work safely. Louis said:- "Access to Work is that key enabler which allows businesses to be as inclusive as they want to be."

Access to work support gives Liverpool woman a permanent job

1 person to benefit from Access to Work support is 21 year old, Melissa Durney, from Walton, who managed to gain much needed workplace experience through the scheme. Melissa, who is Autistic, was able to take up the opportunity of a supported internship with the Marriott Hotel while she completed a customer service course at Greenbank College, in Southport, giving her the chance to benefit from practical experience while studying.

Anne Kinsella, Education and Special Educational Needs manager at Greenbank College, said:- "Access to Work funding has enabled us to organise internships for students, across a wide range of sectors, and that allows them to get valuable experience of an actual workplace environment. Job coaches are able to go into these workplaces, analyse the jobs, and break them down into manageable chunks to help the interns complete individual tasks."

Melissa says the experience has helped build her confidence. She said:- "I was very nervous when I first started, but having a job coach has helped my confidence grow. She's there for me all the time and lets me try things out independently."

The Marriott Hotel was so impressed with Melissa during her internship that they have given her permanent job. Becky Cooper, HR manager at Marriott Hotels, said:- "Access to Work can provide practical and financial support for disabled people to start or stay in work. It has allowed Melissa to demonstrate her skills for the job, and we are very happy to have her working with us at our Liverpool Hotel."

Sarah Gallacher, Disability Employment Adviser Lead, based in Crosby Jobcentre, said:- "We are very keen to make sure the people who could potentially get help through Access to Work are aware of what is available and how they can apply for additional support.  Access to Work is a great opportunity for those who need extra support to enter the workplace, or to stay in a job due to health or wellbeing issues. We look forward to welcoming and supporting anyone that feels like they would benefit from this support."

A 2 minute video about Melissa's story can be found on:- Vimeo.Com.

Racist chants on board train from Blackpool to Liverpool

BRITISH Transport  Police Officers are releasing CCTV images after a report of racist chants being shouted on a train from Blackpool to Liverpool. The incident happened after 10pm, on Wednesday, 24 July 2019. A man is reported to have begun chanting racist slurs and using offensive language after boarding the train at Wigan North Western Station. Officers believe the person in the image may have information that could help their investigation. Anyone who knows him is asked to contact BTP by texting:- 61016 or by calling:- 0800 40 50 40 and quoting reference number:- '154 of 25/07/19.'