Young carers in Wirral enjoy special book reading

YOUNG carers in Wirral have been treated to a special reading of the book:- 'The boy whose wishes came true' by Author Helen Rutter. Young carers who are supported by children's charity Barnardo's were invited to Bear Hunt Books in Bebbington by owner Michelle Peters. Author Helen Rutter had a caring role herself when she was younger and the story is about a young person who doesn't know he has a caring role. Helen did a virtual reading of the story to the young carers and those who could not attend were also able to join the event virtually. Mum Lindsey, who attended with her children Charlie and Ava, said:- "My older son tends not to talk about how he feels. He asked to read the book before his sister as he said:- 'I think this book will really help me.' Ava loved it too and we all said the author was amazing. The bookstore was fab!"

Paula Hume, Team Manager at Barnardo's Wirral Young Carers said:- "Our young carers had a fantastic time at Bear Hunt Books and we are extremely grateful to them for allowing us to go along and attend this reading by Helen. Being a young carer can be challenging and quite difficult for others to understand. It was nice to bring the group together as well as hearing from an author who has experienced this herself. All in all it was a great occasion and one we won't forget."

Barnardo's Wirral Young Carers' service supports more than 180 young carers and their families across the district. The service works with children aged between 5 to 18 years old who support a sick or disabled adult family member. Barnardo's provides emotional and practical support for young carers to reduce the negative impact of caring. This includes emotional health and well-being support as well as the opportunity to have a break from caring. The service also supports the whole family and vitally, gives children the opportunity to meet other young carers.  For further information about Barnardo's please visit:- Barnardos.Org.UK.

Prime Time Parents Project set to launch

PARENTS across Liverpool are invited to sign up to a new series of advice and development workshops. Liverpool City Council's parenting team launches its Prime Time Parents Project next month which sees a programme of 22 free, evening workshops that are set to empower parents and carers in their roles. The programme starts on:- Tuesday, 3 May 2022, with 2 sessions available each week until 19 July 2022. To ensure accessibility, all sessions will be held online via Zoom. Sessions will be led by external partners:- Liverpool Child Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), BullyBusters, the ADHD Foundation, Citizens Advice, Young Person's Advisory Service (YPAS), ADDvanced Solutions, RASA Merseyside, the Brain Charity and the Vauxhall Law Centre.

Workshops include:-

?  Practical strategies for supporting your autistic child/young person.

?  Seeing the world through your child's eyes.

?  Talking eating disorders.

?  Managing your money.

?  Drug and alcohol awareness.

Cllr Frazer Lake, Cabinet Member for Adult and Children's Social Care, said:- "We're really excited to be offering parents and carers this extensive programme of workshops and grateful that so many of our partners are supporting the Prime Time Parents Project. Caring for children and young people is rewarding, but it's also hard work. Sometimes, everyone needs advice, new ideas or just confirmation that they're doing a great job. Our parenting team has developed this programme is response to feedback from parents and carers so we're sure that anyone with caring responsibilities for children or young people will find a session that will offer them a fresh perspective on some really important challenges."

For a full list of workshops please see the online brochure. Workshops are free, but must be booked in advance through Eventbrite. For further information contact:- Parenting@Liverpool.Gov.UK.

Formby Rotary Club's plea for a new Santa Float

IT might be just after Easter, but Christmas is already on the minds of Formby Rotary Club. The Formby Carol Wagon has been a huge part of the Village celebrations at Christmas for as long as anyone can remember, and raises lots for charity each year. Sadly, this familiar part of our local Christmas Tradition might be lost for ever if a new Santa Float is not found and time is already running against them. For many years the Rotary Club in Formby has been using an old converted milk float, but this is becoming increasingly costly and difficult to repair and the outdated Santa Float is now:- "no longer road worthy".



A spokesperson for Rotary Club told us:- "We are desperately in need a suitable replacement vehicle. Generations of Formby residents have grown up with the Carol Wagon, marking the run up to Christmas. It has delighted so many children over the years, bringing extra touch of seasonal magic. Sadly, without help, this familiar sight on our roads throughout the festive session will be no more. The float has become as important to the Village as the Christmas Turkey or even the Christmas Pud, so Christmas without it just wouldn't be the same! But, without help now, though donations or sponsorship, this long tradition will have to end. We do not have long to get a replacement built, and to raise the cash needed. If you can help, contact the Formby Rotary Club's President, Peter Connor on:- 01704382349, or on:- 07905453652, today. Lets not loose this much loved tradition that brings so much happiness and helps us to raise so much money for good causes."