Southport Amusement Park, partners with local respite charity Revitalise to raise vital funds

SOUTHPORT based respite charity, Revitalise, are delighted to announce a new charitable partnership with Pleasureland Amusement Park in Southport. As the leading provider of accessible respite holidays for disabled people needing 24-hour care in the UK, Revitalise is an important lifeline in the UK disability and care sector.

As part of the partnership, customers purchasing tickets to Pleasureland will have the opportunity to opt-in for a voluntary 50p donation towards Revitalise. In addition to facilitating the voluntary donations, Pleasureland has generously granted complimentary tickets for all guests who visit Revitalise's Southport centre, Sandpipers.

Norman Wallis, Managing Director of Southport Pleasureland said:- "We at Southport Pleasureland are truly honoured to partner with Revitalise, a remarkable organisation that stands as a pillar of support for the disability and care community across the UK. This partnership represents not just a commitment to social responsibility, but embodies our core values of inclusivity and community support. Through the initiative of allowing our customers to contribute via an optional donation, and by offering complimentary tickets to guests of Revitalise's Sandpipers centre in Southport, we hope to bring joy and a bit of respite to those who benefit from Revitalise's invaluable services. We are proud to support their efforts in making a significant difference in the lives of many."

Kelly Walling, Centre Manager for Sandpipers said:- "On behalf of Revitalise and the Sandpipers Centre, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Norman Wallis and the entire team at Pleasureland for their unwavering support. Our guests at Sandpipers always look forward to their day out at Pleasureland. Your generosity and commitment make a significant difference in the lives of our guests, and we are truly grateful. Living with a disability can be an ongoing challenge, both physically and emotionally. Holidays are essential, providing much-needed respite and preventing disabled people and their caregivers reaching breaking point. Revitalise often serves as a lifeline for maintaining relationships, pursuing personal interests and preventing social isolation for both disabled people and their carers. Revitalise extends its sincere gratitude to the Southport community and to Pleasureland for its continued support. Together, we can make a lasting impact and bring positive change to the lives of those who need it most."

Sick pay reform: where do your candidates stand?

LOCAL candidates back change, but some yet to pledge to increase the weekly sick pay minimum, branded:- 'worst in developed world.'

A poll of nearly 3000 voters in the North West finds that most want politicians to increase Statutory Sick Pay (SSP); the very low weekly allowance that hundreds of thousands of workers across the North West must rely on if they take time off work for illness or injury.

The UK's sick pay rate is among the lowest in Europe, with many firms effectively paying as little as:- £1 per hour to full time employees off sick in their 1st week, and:- £3 per hour thereafter. Sick Pay is likely to be a key bone of contention in any new Government's employment bill.

The poll, commissioned for the:- 'Safe Sick Pay' campaign, found that 78% of people in the North West backed an increase to the weekly amount, while 82% would like to see sick pay extended to part time workers who currently don't get it. 1 in 3 workers in Northern England don't get employer sick pay beyond the legal minimum SSP, and this rises to 57% for workers earning near the minimum wage.

Both the Liberal Democrats and the Greens have given their full backing to the campaign, including:- supporting a meaningful increase in the amounts paid to workers. Around the country, prominent Labour and Conservative candidates are showing their personal support, including:- Navendu Mishra and Debbie Abrahams for Labour and Dame Priti Patel and Sir Robert Buckland for the Conservatives, but in Merseyside only Green candidates Martyn Madely and Tom Crone have stepped forward. Campaigners are still waiting to hear from other prospective Merseyside MPs as to whether they will commit to increasing SSP.

Charities, Trade Union leaders and employers are challenging more candidates in Merseyside to show their commitment, particularly in swing seats like Southport and Wirral West where cost of living issues are of vital importance to voters.

Julie Ehlen, CEO of the Equality and Employment Law Centre in Liverpool said:- "By providing adequate support during illness, we strike a balance between:- financial protection and business sustainability. Failure to address this issue only leads to other cascading problems debt, homelessness, family breakdowns, added stress, and mental health challenges. Moreover, investing in a better SSP scheme ultimately benefits the economy."

Richard Roberts, General manager at Wirral Foodbank, said:- "The cost of living crisis has a disproportionate effect on low-income households. Many people needing foodbank support have had an adverse life experience; this could be a 1 off event, including:- a health condition resulting in a period off work, leaving them reliant on statutory sick pay. The basic rate of SSP should at least cover the cost of essentials like food, household bills and travel costs."

Stephen Yip, Chief Executive of the Merseyside children's charity KIND, said:- "As a charity with almost 50 years experience of working with children and families in need, we fully support the aims and vision of the Safe Sick Pay Campaign. As a Charity we have seen the terrible effects that small changes in income or circumstances can make on a family that is already struggling. Society should be judged on how it treats the most vulnerable, the sick and those in need within its community."

MERSEYSIDE Fire and Rescuer Service Archivist and Historian Steve Bousfield has recently received a BEM for his services to the community in Merseyside. Steve before he became semi retired was based at Southport Fire Station for many years. Steve is well known in the Southport area for his work with the Fire Cadets and also St John Ambulance.

Like St John Ambulance Cadets, the aim of the Fire Cadets is to enable young aged between:- 13 to 17 years a chance to gain positive experiences in a fun, safe and secure environment, while developing life skills and inspiring positive life choices about their futures. Pictured here, at Southport Fire Station, we got Steve with some of the Town's Fire Cadets.

Steve was not the only Firefighter to  be recognised in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List. Also recognised for  his services to the Citizens of Ukraine was AM Paul Murphy who has received an MBE.