Popular literary event set to return to Preston

A popular event celebrating the best of children's and young adult's literature is returning to Preston after a 3 year break. The Northern Young Adult Literary Festival (NYALitFest), organised and hosted by the University of Central Lancashire's (UCLan) award winning UCLan Publishing House, is returning for the 4th time. After running as a virtual event in 2021, the free 2 day event will return to UCLan's Preston Campus on Saturday, 21 May and Sunday, 22 May 2022.

The only 1 if its kind in Northern England, the Festival will bring:- Authors, Publishers, and other industry experts together with young readers and writers for a variety of workshops, advice panels, Q&As, and book signings.

Some of the big named authors in attendance include:- Amy McCaw, Simon James Green and Annesa Marufu, on the 21 May 2022, and Vashti Hardy, Elle McNicoll and Frank Cottrell Boyce, on the 22 May 2022.

In addition to the event, which is funded by the Arts Council, a dedicated day to children's books called:- 'KIDSLitFest,' aimed at younger children, will also take place on Campus on the 22 May 2022.

NYALitFest organiser Hazel Holmes, from UCLan Publishing, said:- "We're thrilled to be returning to a physical event and can't wait to welcome the publishers, authors and agents who travel from all over the country to support the Festival. It is the only 1 of its kind in the North to give young readers and writers, teachers and librarians access to so many respected authors, writing workshops and mentoring sessions. We've got a brilliant line up of speakers this year."

For a comprehensive list of all events, guest speakers and to book a ticket visit:- NYALitFest.Wordpress.com.

Letter to the editor:- "Community connections more vital than ever"

"DEAR Editor… Many of us are painfully aware of how isolated we've become over the past 2 years. The Pandemic affected 2 groups in particular; care home residents and School children. A wonderful new initiative now hopes to bring older and younger members of our communities together. The nationwide Become a Care Home Friend scheme invites Schools across the country to join a 10 week programme of activities that will build meaningful, much needed links with care homes and foster understanding between the generations. Children and older people get so much out of a relationship with each other, but their contact can be very limited. This project will boost children's self esteem by allowing them to make a positive difference to others. And it will help care home residents feel more connected to their local community. We've seen so much joy, fun and energy in similar initiatives, so we warmly encourage Schools to take part. 1 youngster who's made new friends through our work said:- 'I feel overjoyed because we made wordsearches for the older people and that makes me feel nice.' I think that says it all." Your sincerely, Tom Owen, Director of My Home Life England.

North West homeowners' 'have a go' mentality could be putting home in danger

WHILST Brits may be known for their:- 'have a go' mentality, when it comes to safety in the home a can do attitude may be putting UK homes and families in danger.

According to new research by NICEIC, the UK's leading electrical certification body, 34% of North West homeowners are more likely to attempt their own DIY in the home since the Coronavirus lockdowns, in spite of 63% of respondents ranking their DIY skills as:- 'average' at best.

Lockdowns aside, 78% of households in the Region will attempt to do their own DIY in the home as opposed to using a professional; yet 67% admit to having to call in a tradesperson to sort out a botched electrical job. Where a professional has been called in to rectify a DIY project which has gone wrong, 20% have ended up with a bill in excess of ₤1,000, but this has even exceeded ₤25,000 in some cases. Some 22% wish they'd got a professional in to start with.

Ironically, a desire to save money is the main reason for those in the North West carrying out DIY themselves (72%) but 31% still prefers to avoid having people in their home due to Covid19.

The research, which surveyed 2,000 UK homeowners, also found that 53% of homeowners across the UK would be happy to 'have a go' at DIY in the home without any prior experience or formal qualifications; and it's not just painting and decorating. 24% would dabble in general electricals, 51% in landscaping and 25% in plumbing.

Paul Collins, Head of Technical Services at NICEIC, said:- "With so many Brits forced to stay home during the national lockdowns of 2020 and 2021, its unsurprising to see that so many UK homeowners are willing to get stuck in and 'have a go' when it comes to DIY. It is worrying, however, that so many are willing to do this in spite of having a clear lack of experience, qualifications or even ability; especially when it comes to home electrics. A botched electrical job can easily lead to hefty costs and further underlying issues that may not become noticeable until it's too late, putting UK homes and families in danger. With 67% of North West homeowners admitting to calling out a professional when things go wrong, the message is clear; when it comes to electrics in the home, leave it to the professionals and use a certified electrical contractor such as those with the NICEIC; it could mean the difference between life and death."

And it would seem a reluctance to ask for help or a belief that:- 'I can do it myself' (59%) has led to 32% of the Region's homeowners waiting until the absolute worst case scenario before calling a professional tradesperson to fix a botched DIY job in the home. In fact, 21% of those surveyed admit to:- 'Googling it' and giving it a go when it comes to a DIY job they haven't done before."

Martyn Allen, Technical Director for Electrical Safety 1st, comments:- "There is only so much that online videos can tell you. Even watching the better ones will not give you the knowledge or experience to carry out more complicated tasks. Ask yourself: 'If I have to Google this, should I really be doing it?' If in any doubt, get a professional in; it could not only save you a lot of time and money in the long run, but could also avoid a serious electrical accident impacting you and your loved ones."

To find your nearest NICEIC Certified Contractor, please visit NICEIC's website.