A right royal recollection for Formby's older generation

45 people attended the Abbeyfield Neighbourhood Jubilee Lunch Club, held on Sunday, 5 June 2022, at Formby Luncheon Club. The event was a special Queen's Platinum Jubilee event put on by the Formby Neighbourhood Project, events of which are run monthly by The Abbeyfield Society, a worldwide organisation that provides care, accommodation and support for older people.

The Formby Neighbourhood Project events give older people from the local area the chance to meet, recall old memories and share experiences through a:- 'Tea and Memories' session, which uses archive footage to encourage reminiscence and conversation. Such activities are proven to promote social interaction and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation amongst older people, in line with Abbeyfield's mission.

With the special event on Sunday Jubilee themed, the footage shown was of the Queen's coronation, of which many of the guests had their own memories.

Over a light lunch, the topics under discussion included memories of meeting the Queen and royal visit to the local area. 1 gentleman brought along a book he was given as a child for the Queen's coronation and shared his story.

A toast to Her Majesty was led by Jo Painter, Abbeyfield Community Engagement Coordinator; who organised the event; and was followed by a rousing rendition of the national anthem.

After lunch, guests enjoyed a singalong of favourite royalty related songs, led by Leeanne Parr, who is the Activities Coordinator at Halcyon House, the local Abbeyfield care home.

A relative of 1 of the guests, who accompanied them to the event, said:- "I'd like to say a big thank you for a wonderful afternoon. Jo and her team of volunteers certainly put on a super party in perfect harmony when celebrating such an unforgettable and spectacular Platinum Jubilee, for a very special monarch."

In attendance was the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mark Blundell, and The Worshipful Mayor of Sefton, Councillor Clare Louise Gallagher.

The Mayor addressed the guests and said afterwards:- "It was wonderful to see our older generation enjoying themselves so much. The music really engaged them and it is clear they were in the mood for celebrating at what is a joyous occasion for so many. I'd like to thank Abbeyfield for putting on this terrific event and I will be following closely the ways in which they will no doubt continue to look out and provide a meaningful and much needed service for older people in Formby."

The Mayor then participated in a royal quiz and joined guests at their tables, inviting them to share with her their memories of the Queen's 70 year reign.

Councillor Catie Page, from Sefton Council, also attended and spent the whole day helping in the kitchens and serving lunch. Her colleague, Councillor Paul Cummins, the Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, joined her.

Joanne said:- "Our Tea and Memories sessions are proving ever more popular with older people in the local community, who are clearly excited to share their experiences and make new connections. The archive footage, provided by Living Memories CIC, is a great stimulus, but we allow the conversation to flow in any direction that our guests choose, and we are always keen to hear their stories. The musical entertainment is also great fun, and Leeanne always puts on a fantastic show that our attendees can really engage with. I am grateful to the Lord-Lieutenant, the Mayor and the other Councillors for their attendance, to the local Guides group for their assistance, and to the Luncheon Club once again for hosting. My thanks also go to Abbeyfield for their support, and my fantastic team of volunteers, without whom events like these would not be possible. Finally, I am indebted to Sefton CVS and the Halcyon Trust, who have provided some very generous funding for the event."

The Formby Neighbourhood Project events typically run on the last Friday of every month at:- Formby Luncheon Club, 68 Rosemary Lane, Formby, Liverpool, L37 3HA, from:- 2pm to 4pm. For more information, to book your place (booking is essential) or for sponsorship enquiries, please contact Jo Painter at:- J.Painter@Abbeyfield.Com or on:- 07831990653.

Child cruelty offences in the North West nearly double in 2 years

NSPCC can reveal child cruelty and neglect offences in the North West has almost doubled over the last 2 years. In a Freedom of Information request to Greater Manchester Police, Merseyside Police, Cheshire Constabulary and Lancashire Constabulary, the leading child protection charity found there were 2,517 offences recorded in 2021/22; an average of 7 a day; which is a 97% increase over the last 2 years.

NSPCC experts warned at the start of the Pandemic that an increase in stressors to parents and caregivers, coupled with an increase in children's vulnerability, and a disruption in normal protective services would lead to an increased risk of abuse.

The charity is highlighting the worrying scale of the problem on its flagship 'Childhood Day,' and 2 weeks on from the publication of the Independent Review into Children's Social Care and the National Review into the deaths of Arthur Labinjo Hughes and Star Hobson.

Both reviews, alongside this new data, reinforce the need for a reset of the child protection system. The NSPCC wants to see children's social care in England focused on early intervention, with children at its heart. And above all political leadership from the very top of Government.

As thousands of people come together today to back the NSPCC's Childhood Day, the charity is emphasising that everyone has a responsibility to keep children safe from abuse and neglect.

It is calling on communities to play their part in a collective effort and is encouraging people to contact the NSPCC with any concerns they have about a child, even if they are unsure and want to get advice, learn the NSPCC Helpline number and support Childhood Day by making a donation to the charity.

Paula Hudgell, adoptive mother to Tony whose biological parents were imprisoned for 10 years after breaking his legs and failing to get help for days, said:- "We have witnessed first-hand the devastating effect of child cruelty and neglect and hope no child ever experiences what Tony went through, however, that won't be made possible without Government leading the way and reforming the children's social care system. We play our part in many ways and have been working with the NSPCC for several years. This year we are going into a local School on Childhood Day to raise awareness of child abuse and join in the School's Big Breaktime fundraising event for the charity. It is important to celebrate the joys of childhood, but a stark reminder that not every child is lucky enough to experience a happy youth."

Childhood Day is the NSPCC's flagship day of fundraising and action that takes place on the 2nd Friday in June every year. This year Schools across the UK are taking part in the NSPCC's Big Breaktime. This is an extra hour of play where they can remember the special things about childhood whilst raising vital funds for the NSPCC.

NSPCC CEO Sir Peter Wanless said:- "The statistics we have released today demonstrate the worrying scale of abuse and neglect. This must be a priority for the Government. The evidence from a series of reviews have shown where and how to better resource and support a child protection system that works better for all those who need it. Now is the time for action. But our message isn't just for politicians. It's vital to remember that child abuse can be prevented. As thousands of people get behind Childhood Day today, they demonstrate their support for positive change and their willingness to play a part in keeping children safe."

This year Lidl GB, who have supported the charity for 5 years and Sky Cares, Sky's commitment to supporting the communities where their customers and employees live and work, are sponsoring the NSPCC's Childhood Day as retail and media partners respectively. Both partners have helped to raise awareness of Childhood Day, as well as holding their own activities with their colleagues across the UK to help raise vital funds.

Following the launch of Childhood Day in April, the NSPCC has been encouraging people to volunteer at cash collections scattered across the UK. Take part in the Big Breaktime, fundraise by hosting an event in their community or donate to the charity. People can still get behind Childhood Day today and support the NSPCC by donating at:- NSPCC.Org.UK/Donate.

The NSPCC is urging anyone with concerns about a child, even if they're unsure, to contact the NSPCC helpline to speak to 1 of the charity's professionals. People can call:- 08088005000, email:- Help@NSPCC.Org.UK or fill in the online form.

Young adults blame the cost of moving out as the main reason for still living at home

THE number of adults living at home with parents has increased by 20% in the past 10 years, new data shows. research reveals the cost of moving out is keeping people at home. And further research shows that 43% of adults currently living at home claim their current living situation is because they can't afford to move out. That's according to a new survey by Confused.com of 600 UK adults who are currently living at home with their parents. This research comes as new data reveals the number of adults aged 20 to 34 living at home jumped from almost 3 million to 3.6 million between 2011 and 2021. This is the equivalent of 24% of adults in this age group living with parents in 2011, increasing to 28% last year, according to new ONS data.

With the cost of living rapidly rising, it's likely 2022 could see figures jump even higher, especially if the past 2 years are anything to go by. In fact, both 2020 and 2021 saw figures reach the highest recorded since 1996. In both years, 28% of adults aged between 20 and 34 were living at home, perhaps due to the financial difficulties imposed by the Pandemic. And with household bills becoming increasingly more unaffordable, it's likely some people may opt to move home to save on money. Similarly, we could see many moving home to support their family through what is expected to be a financially difficult year.

It seems the cost to move out is putting a lot of adults off the prospect of finally flying the nest. But for many respondents, living at home doesn't mean they're getting away with not paying their way. 64% said they paid their parents rent, and 59% also contributed to additional bills. Those who pay rent fork out £182 per month on average to their parents. But 23% pay £200 or more. Meanwhile, those who contribute to bills cough up £133 per month on average. This means the average cost of living at home for many is £315 - a significant amount less than the price of renting or buying elsewhere.

It seems parents are typically charging more now than those with children who have already left home. Additional research into adults who used to live with their parents beyond the age of 18 and paid rent were charged £190 in rent in comparison. And those who paid towards additional bills were charged £178, on average. It may seem slightly harsh for parents to charge their children rent, especially as the reality of saving for a deposit is seemingly getting harder. However, 70% of adults who lived with their parents during adulthood claimed that paying rent and bills helped them understand the value of money before living independently.

However, while many are paying towards bills, fewer people currently living at home are contributing towards their own insurance cover. Only 20% of those currently living at home pay towards the cover of their contents. This is particularly concerning as the total average value of items owned by adults living at home is a whopping £5,180. This is because most own high priced items such as smartphones, their own television and laptops. Many might expect this to be covered under their parent's policy, which could leave them underinsured if they tried to make a claim.

But for some, living at home is purely a cost saving exercise. 47% of those surveyed claim they're currently saving to buy a place of their own, while 18% are saving up to rent. Although, it seems that this is still a lengthy process. While those currently saving have been doing so for 2 years, on average, 16% have been saving for 5 years or longer.

While saving the money for a deposit may seem like the hard part, it's no secret that moving out for the 1st time can be a daunting experience. However, for first-time buyers, the process is notoriously confusing, loaded with overwhelming jargon and a lot of financial considerations. Worryingly, 26% of adults who are currently living at home are unaware of the free financial advice available to those looking to buy. Similarly, many are unaware of the different schemes available to help them get onto the property ladder. In fact, 54% admit to having little to no understanding of stamp or land duty costs. And 50% are blissfully unaware of how much the legal process could cost them.

With this in mind, Confused.com's experts have compiled a step by step guide to buying a home for the 1st time. The guide lays out each step of the process and outlines how much buyers could expect to pay. And for those in the process of saving, Confused.com offers tips for saving the right way, from setting up ISA accounts, to finding deals to bring down outgoings.

Keeping a budget tracker and selling personal items seems to be the most popular way of saving money (38%). And 37% are keeping their entertainment subscriptions to a minimum. But 36% avoid social events where possible while 26% work extra hours to keep their savings topped up.

Living at home may seem like a cheap luxury, and for some might be the only option as the cost of living proves to be unaffordable. But there are ways for potential homeowners to save up for a deposit or to help towards additional expenses, with plenty of financial advice or support available.

Jessica Willock, home insurance expert at Confused.com comments:- "There are many perks to living with parents; cheap rent, the occasional cooked meal and constant company. But for some, this is purely because the cost of living has become very expensive, and getting on the property ladder seems like an impossible task. And this is possibly why we're seeing a record number of people in their 20s and early 30s living at home. But moving out is an extremely daunting experience. You've saved up the deposit, but what next? Worryingly, so many people are unaware of the additional costs or tasks associated with buying your 1st home. While paying towards rent and bills can prepare you for the financial commitment of living independently, the home buying process can really take you by surprise. It's an amazing accomplishment knowing that you've taken that step to becoming independent, even if you're moving out from your parents for the second or third time. But it doesn't need to be overwhelming. To help break this down, we've outlined the step-by-step process of buying a home, including all the different fees you can expect."