Students seek to tackle loneliness and isolation in Merseyside

STUDENTS from Hugh Baird College are hoping to tackle loneliness and isolation by launching a pen pal exchange service with residents across the Liverpool City Region. The initiative, which was devised by Health and Social Care students, who are studying for a career in the health or social services sector, are looking for those who want to take part, or those who wish to nominate a friend or relative who they feel would benefit from the service.  Whilst it's likely they will have requests from those living in a care/residential home setting, their 'Pen Pals' service is open to anyone of any age. Research has shown that there are 1.2 million chronically lonely and isolated older people in the UK and a study by the British Red Cross revealed over 9 million people in the UK across all adult ages; more than the population of London; are either always or often lonely.

Tina Blease, Hugh Baird College Health and Social Care Tutor, said:- "Loneliness can quickly lead to feelings of isolation and even depression, particularly among older people and it's an issue that does not get the attention that it deserves. Our caring students want to play their part in helping to alleviate this with their new letter exchange service and are welcoming those, of any age, who feel lonely or isolated, to register their interest."

Vicky Edwards, Assistant Principal, Technical Skills, at Hugh Baird College, said:- "The community is at the heart of everything we do here at Hugh Baird College and the student-led 'Pen Pals' initiative pays testament to that. I'm extremely proud of our students and the contribution they will make to the lives of those who are lonely or isolated."

Cath Sullivan, Hugh Baird College, Vice Principal of People, Organisational Culture and Development added:- "The scheme has been scrutinised by colleagues with responsibility for safeguarding and it is important for us to reassure those who may be concerned about privacy issues, that the students will not know their pen pals' full name or postal address and all correspondence will be via the College address and will be vetted, sent and received by staff at the College."

Those looking to nominate a recipient for the Pen Pals service can visit:- Bit.Ly/HBCPenpals.

North West rents at all time high according to latest data

THIS August brings with it the label of all time high rental prices, according to the latest data from HomeLet. Commenting on the data, Chief Executive of Homelet, Martin Totty, said:- "In times of uncertainty people tend to defer major purchases; opting to wait for the turbulent times to pass; and there is nothing more 'major' than buying property. In the case of Brexit; deal or no deal; it is still unclear how long the uncertainty will continue, which could spell positive news for private landlords as more people choose to rent rather than risk entering the property market at the wrong point in the cycle. Recently released annual results from a number of major quoted property agents point to a resilient private rented sector in contrast to a subdued sales market. With a still unclear outcome of the current political impasse and the increasing prospect of a further extended delay in the UK exiting the European Union, the contrasting fortunes of the 2 main segments of the housing market seem likely to continue for some time. As well as the long-term trend underpinning the private rented sector, recent months have produced growth towards the upper end of the inflation range observed over the past few years. This is perhaps no surprise, at least not to most informed participants in the sector. Indeed, many had predicted this as the inevitable consequence of banning letting agents and landlords from charging up front fees to tenants. Faced with higher expenses, higher taxation and greater regulation, savvy property owners were always likely to seek to recover these increased charges. Thanks to strong demand for rental stock, continued wage growth and a near all time high level of employment, landlords hold some pricing power and seemingly are now beginning to exercise it. Property professionals pointed out at the time, the fees ban could result in tenants actually paying more, albeit in a different way and over a period of time. Perhaps after all that was an acceptable outcome for all sides. Intended or unintended, it does start to appear to be the consequence."

The headlines from August 2019's HomeLet Rental Index are:-

► The average rent in the North West is now ₤741, this is up by 3.3% (₤24) on the same time in 2018; this is an all time high for the Region.

► The average rent in the UK is now at an all time high figure of ₤970, this is up by 2.4% (₤23) on the same time in 2018.

► When London is excluded, the average rent in the UK is now ₤802, this is up by 2% (₤16) on in 2018.

► Average rents in London are now ₤1,689, up by 3.5% (₤57) on in 2018.

All 12 of the Regions monitored showed an increase in rental values between August 2018 and August 2019, with the North West being the highest outside Greater  London, as you can see below:-

HomeLet is the UK's largest tenant referencing firm, and the HomeLet Rental Index provides the most comprehensive and up to date data on rental values in the UK. The trends reported within the HomeLet Rental Index are brand new tenancies, which were arranged in the most recent period, providing an in depth insight into the lettings market.

German masters' students at Southport Pleasureland to explore visitor economy

INTERNATIONAL tourism and leisure expert, Norman Wallis, welcomed a University of Leipzig delegation of 17 masters degree students and their professor at 1 of the NW Region's biggest family visitor attractions, on Thursday, 12 September 2019. Mr Wallis shared insights about the consumer appetite for amusements and entertainment trends as well as host a detailed Q and A with the students who are in the UK to find out more about the visitor economy and Southport Pleasureland's role in it.  Leipzig University, in the Free State of Saxony, Germany, is 1 of the world's oldest universities and the 2nd oldest in Germany. The students, who are studying Economics and Social Geography, are visiting Liverpool to understand tourism and its impact on the economy in the area. The University approached Mr Wallis to gain his expert insights into the Region, its tourism economy and Southport Pleasureland's contribution and relevance for the Town from its 1st appearance 100 years ago, through to today. Mr Wallis, whose family has a seven-generation history with attractions, will talk about the park's story in the context of the students' syllabus, including how its development was driven and how it has changed and evolved to suit 21st Century visitors. The presentation will be followed by a tour of the park. Other tourism and leisure stakeholders for the Region have been invited to attend.