Damien Moore MP celebrates care staff during Care Home Open Week

MEMBER of Parliament for Southport, Damien Moore, has visited Blair House Care Home to speak with both residents and staff as part of Care Home Open Week.

Mr. Moore spoke with Care Home Manager, Peter Bennett, and Head of People Services, Jenna Bethel, to learn more about the provision and facilities available at Blair House, the career opportunities available for those interested in joining the care sector, and the current issues faced by care homes.

This comes as Mr. Moore continues to champion our vital social care workers, by calling on Sefton Council and on the Government to do what is necessary to support care homes and staff, to ensure that vulnerable constituents in Southport are able to receive the highest quality of care.

Care Home Open Week is a national programme, involving hundreds of care homes and care facilities across the UK, that highlights the incredible value of the social care sector to society. It is also an opportunity to show communities the kind of work carried out to support residents on a daily basis supporting those they love.

Damien Moore, Member of Parliament for Southport, said:- "I had the pleasure of visiting Blair House on Roe Lane as part of Care Home Open Week, to celebrate the fantastic role that care homes play in our town. It was a pleasure to speak with residents and members of staff to learn more about their personal experiences in the social care sector, and to hear 1st hand how the continued hard work of care home staff has positively impacted the lives of residents. Carers across Southport are greatly valued by all of us, and it is right that we do all we can to support and value those working in care homes as they look after those we love."

Hugh Baird College students honoured at annual Awards Evening

HUGH Baird College recently held its annual:- 'Inspire and Shine' Student Awards Evening, which celebrated the success of students from across all areas of the College, recognising them for their achievements and dedication during their time inside and outside the College.

Award winners, their guests, College governors and staff were joined by guest compere Eithne Browne, stage, film and TV actress. Born in Huyton, Eithne is known for her starring roles in the original Blood Brothers in the West End and TV appearances on Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Waterloo Road, Cold Feet and as Brookside regular Chrissy Rogers; she has enjoyed a dazzling career spanning more than 3 decades.

The awards presented to students featured 11 Directorate awards and 3 special awards announced on the evening. These included the Student of the Year award for the Directorate of:- Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Community and Adult Education, which apprentice Georgia Hill won.

Georgia showed resilience and commitment to her healthcare apprenticeship, despite the setbacks, such as her football career ending due to injury. She adapted, improving her communication skills and clinical abilities, and showed dedication to her duties and patient care within challenging environments. Georgia has demonstrated devotion to learning and a desire to aid those in need.

Another award presented on the evening was the Denholm Logistics Excellence in Employability Skills award. At the beginning of this academic year, Hugh Baird College initiated a partnership with Denholm Logistics, paving the way for exciting scholarship opportunities for students.

The award winner, Paul Osaigbovo, was nominated for the award by Emma Griffiths, Curriculum Manager, at Hugh Baird College. Emma said:- "Relocating to Liverpool to finish his Extended Diploma in Business at Hugh Baird College, Paul has excelled, securing University offers and surpassing expectations during his Denholm Logistic scholarship. His industry insights contributed to a distinction in his Employer Led Project. Paul's mature learning approach and proactive attitude predict a promising future."

The final award presented on the evening was the Outstanding Student of the Year award. This award is given to a student who not only represents the College's values but who has also made a significant impact and embodies the essence of:- 'inspiration.' Barbering student Hasan Hasan won the award.

Hasan came to the UK with their family in 2015, from his homeland of Syria. He greatly supported his fellow students and tutors, sharing his prior Barbering knowledge and experience in practical sessions and occasionally taking on the role of junior tutor.

Hasan engrossed himself in College life, regularly participating in extra curricular activities such as:- Open House events and competitions and offering haircuts to local care homes. He even brought Eid celebrations into the College with a special event for students and staff of the hairdressing and beauty department.

Hugh Baird College Principal and Chief Executive, Rachael Hennigan, said:- "I feel lucky to be the Principal of Hugh Baird College on most days, but it is on evenings like these that I feel an even greater sense of pride. It is a privilege to witness not only how our students grow and develop but also to watch how they do it. They do it with passion, grit, drive and commitment. Regardless of their barriers or challenges, they don't allow anything to get in the way of their relentless pursuit to achieve their aspirations. I wish them the very best for the future, whether going to University, progressing onto an apprenticeship or gaining full employment within their chosen fields."

The complete list of 2023 award winners:-