Wirral life saving initiative nominated for national award

A ground breaking mental health initiative has been nominated for a national award. The partnership, which is the 1st of its kind in the UK has been brought together by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) and suicide prevention charity, The Martin Gallier Project to provide extra support to local people at a time when they are at their most vulnerable.
 
The project reaches out to people who have attended Arrowe Park emergency department (A&E) with suicidal thoughts or those who have attempted to take their own lives. People experiencing crisis attending the emergency department or calling the CWP 24/7 Crisis Line will be assessed by specialist mental health practitioners and, if appropriate will be referred to The Martin Gallier Project. Within 24 hours an experienced suicide prevention specialist from the project will make contact to offer 1 to 1 support.
 
Jessica Gallier-Booth, Chief Executive Officer, at The Martin Gallier Project, says:- "We understand that when people are at crisis point it is often impossible for them to take in information and untangle what comes next in their journey to recovery. We feel that offering non-clinical support at this important time is essential for people who might not have the emotional reserves to explore and understand the full breadth of support available to them. Each person receives a tailored service, based around their individual needs, including a safety plan. We work together on a recovery journey timeline and offer a safe alternative to emergency departments."
 
Nominated in the; Best Mental Health Partnership' category at the upcoming Health Service Journal Partnership Awards, the initiative has already started to make a significant difference to people struggling with their mental health. 80% of people referred have engaged in treatment and support and of those, there has been a 73% reduction in re-attendance at emergency departments.
 
Sean Boyle, clinical director for crisis and urgent care at CWP, says:- "Working with The Martin Gallier Project in this way means we can offer enhanced support and improved after care to people and their families following a mental health crisis and ultimately reduce the risk of a reoccurrence. Working closely with the clinical teams, The Martin Gallier Project provide personalised support to help people address and resolve non-clinical issues that are exacerbating their mental health such as social factors, self-esteem and skills to support independence and healthy relationships. I'd like to thank everybody involved; we all share a joint mission of improving people's experiences of mental health crisis care and I'm absolutely delighted for the partnership to be recognised in this way by the Health Service Journal Awards."
 
The awards are due to take place in London on 23 March 2023.
 
If your mental or emotional state quickly gets worse or deteriorates, this can be called a - 'mental health crisis.' In this situation, it is important to get help quickly. Please call:- 08001456485, and the CWP dedicated local staff will support you to access the help you need. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is open to people of all ages, including children and young people.

Michael Parr, Crissy Rock and Jessica Ellis lead an all star cast in Rita, Sue and Bob Too! At the Epstein Theatre

ST Helens born Emmerdale actor Michael Parr returns with an all star cast in the raucous comedy Rita, Sue and Bob Too! Following a record breaking run in his own Town. Rita, Sue and Bob Too! will run at the Epstein Theatre between:- Saturday, 11 February and Sunday, 19 February 2023, which also stars Liverpool comedy legend Crissy Rock and Hollyoaks Jessica Ellis. The hilarious comedy by Andrea Dunbar is based on the 1987 British film, and features a brilliantly funny script, impressive cast, and is bursting with all the best 80s music, taking audiences on a hilarious trip down memory lane through this cult classic.   The Regal Entertainments production has seen previous runs of the comedy at St Helens Theatre Royal, breaking box office records in:- 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2016. Proving very popular with audiences. The show is suitable for over 18's only. Rita, Sue & Bob Too! is a comedy, telling the gritty tale of love, lust, and the ultimate test of friendship. 
 
Rita and Sue are 2 working class girls from a run down Council estate who are about to finish their final year at school. In their spare time, they earn money babysitting for married couple Bob and Michelle. Behind Michelle's back, Bob embarks on an affair with both Rita and Sue, who take it in turns with him in his car in the countryside. Michelle eventually finds out and leaves lothario Bob. When Bob later develops a preference for Rita, the 2 girls fall out but when Sue ends up in an abusive relationship, the trio are reunited. 
 
Michael Parr will play the role of Bob. He will be joined by a fantastic cast including:- Comedian Crissy Rock, as Mother and Jamie Greer as Dad, along with Jessica Ellis as Michelle; Jenna Sian O'Hara as Sue and Kay Nicholson as Rita. 
 
Michael Parr - After beginning his performing career aged 14, Michael was cast as Amahl in Amahl And The Night Visitors; and has since worked extensively across stage and screen in plays, musicals, TV, and feature films. He is best known for his award winning portrayal of village bad boy and thug Ross Barton in ITV's Emmerdale; a role which Michael maintains couldn't be further from his own real life personality.  Michael commented:- "I had so much fun playing Bob in my hometown at:- St Helens Theatre Royal that I couldn't refuse when I was asked to perform the show in Liverpool too, the Epstein is a great venue and I know Liverpool audiences are going to love this comedy classic." 
 
Crissy Rock - Crissy started her career as a stand-up comedian in the 1980's, then went on to appear in films such as:- Ladybird, Ladybird and TV shows Brookside, Nice Guy Eddie and Peak Practice. However she is best known for her longstanding role in TV Comedy Benidorm and talking part in I'm A Celebrity and Celebrity Masterchef.
 
Jessica Ellis - Jess is a Liverpool actress who was 1st cast in episodes of Eastenders and Doctors before joining the cast of the popular soap, Hollyoaks in 2013 playing the role of Tegan Lomax. Rita, Sue & Bob Too! is brought to the stage by Regal Entertainments Ltd and directed by Chantelle Nolan.
 
Director Chantelle Nolan added:- "Following its huge success at St Helens Theatre Royal earlier this year, we are delighted to bring the show to our sister venue in Liverpool. The show went down a storm, we have a great cast and Liverpool audiences are in for a treat, tickets are already on sale for February and selling well so book early to avoid disappointment." 
 
For more information and to get tickets go to:- EpsteinTheatre.Co.UK.