Festive fun at Southport care home

RESIDENTS at MHA Connell Court care home in Southport have been getting into the festive spirit by enjoying some 'Christmassy' activities over the past few weeks. Staff at Connell Court have organised a range of festive goings on for their residents this December, including a pantomime performance of Puss in Boots, biscuit baking and a chance for residents to show off their creative flair while crafting sock snowmen. As well as these activities, staff have arranged for some festive favourites to take place including a visit to the local Church's Carol Service, Christingl making and a game of Christmas beetle drive, which they hope will remind residents of Christmases celebrated in years gone by. However, the highlight of Connell Court's programme of festivities is their Christmas party, which will took place on 18 December 2019. This event gave residents the opportunity to don their Christmas jumpers, listen to festive tunes from local singer:- 'Ryan Gant' and enter the Christmas confectionary raffle. All prizes have been donated by the residents' families and members of the local community.

Anna Harvey, Manager at MHA Connell Court said:- "Our team is passionate about creating a homely atmosphere for residents all year round, but this is especially important during the festive season. Our activities are designed to help residents get into the Christmas spirit by reminding them of familiar traditions and helping them to make new ones. Our festivities don't end on Christmas Day, however! MHA Connell Court will be bringing the New Year in with a bang, as we hold celebrations and help our residents think about their resolutions for 2020."

Summary of changes over the Christmas period on Merseyrail

RAIL services on Merseyrail ill still be running throughout the festive period apart from on Christmas Day  Train services finish early on Christmas Eve. There are no trains running on Christmas Day. Trains will run to selected Stations on Boxing Day. Train services will also finish early on New Year's Eve. On New Year's Day, a standard Sunday service will be in place, meaning we will run a 30 minute timetable. For more information please visit:- Merseyrail.Org.

Travel support for jobseekers

JOBSEEKERS should never be stuck for transport over the festive period thanks to the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card.  From visiting family, carrying out shopping to attending job interviews, public transport is a lifeline for getting around. But fares can be a significant outgoing, especially when money is scarce, and in order to ease the impact of travel costs some benefit recipients including those on Universal Credit are able to get a discount on selected rail tickets and bus journeys in England, Wales and Scotland. The Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card is provided free of charge to those who are unemployed and have been claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit for 3 to 9 months, if they are 18 to 24 years old. For over 25's, this raises to 3 to 12 months. The card, worth up to 50% off travel, is valid for up to 3 months at any 1 time. The Flexible Support Fund can also help with travel costs and is managed by local Job Centres; it can help people to pay for travel to interviews, new clothes for work and training courses. The fund is discretionary and doesn't have to be paid back.

Minister for Welfare Delivery Will Quince said:- "We want to ensure there are absolutely no barriers for those seeking employment. Public transport can be vital for people who are looking for work, and the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card cuts the costs. More than ½ a million journeys were made using the card last year; just another way we are helping people to save money and find work. And obviously there's the savings for people visiting families over the holidays as an additional bonus."

To find out if you qualify contact your work coach. Cardholders also qualify for discounts on London Underground, DLR, London Buses and on Tramlink. Your jobcentre can provide details of additional operators, including:- local bus services operating in your area. Cards are issued by Jobcentre Plus on behalf of transport operators. You cannot obtain Travel Discount Cards from any Station or travel agency. Your work coach will guide you through the process.