Stars join Northern mayors as they go head to head in charity DJ battle in Liverpool

AS we recognise Armed Forces Day this weekend, a Lancashire social care group has announced the adoption and roll out of the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) across its care homes and services.

HICA Group, which provides care services across Lancashire is required to meet 8 standards to complete their VFF accreditation. These include:- signing the Armed Forces Covenant and ensuring tailored care plans for veterans.

Terry Peel, HICA Group's CEO, said:- "At HICA, we understand that caring for veterans requires a tailored approach that considers their unique experiences and needs. By rolling out the Veteran Friendly Framework, we're committed to ensuring that veterans in our care homes and their loved ones receive the best possible care for their physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. We've aiming to achieve Veteran Friendly Status across all our homes and this initiative marks a significant step in that direction."

As part of this initiative, 2 representatives from each of HICA's care homes and services will become:- Veteran Friendly Champions. These champions will advocate for veterans, stay informed through Armed Forces events and groups, and embed the VFF in their respective care homes and services. They will also celebrate military events, engage in Armed Forces Network groups and build relationships with healthcare providers and veteran charities.

Mark Green, HICA's Operations and Compliance Manager, who leads this project across the Group, said:- "Our commitment to veteran care highlights the importance of tailored support for veterans' wellbeing and mental health. By embedding the Veteran Friendly Framework across all our care homes and services, we're helping to set a new standard for veteran care in the Region."

For more information about the HICA group and its services, visit:- HICA-UK.Com.

Comedy legend Rich Hall announced as final big name for 2024 Southport Comedy Festival

SOUTHPORT Comedy Festival has announced 1 more big name for this year's Southport Comedy Festival in association with Halliwell Jones MINI.

Following a sold out show at 2023's festival multi award winning comedy legend Rich Hall is returning for 1 night only on Friday 11 October 2024.

The Montana native is renowned for his expertly crafted tirades, quick fire banter with audiences and delightful musical sequences. Rich, who has won the Perrier Award (Edinburgh Comedy Festival) and Barry Award, (Melbourne International Comedy Festival) has been described as a transatlantic messenger, lampooning each country he visits with his laser guided observations.

He has fronted the hugely successful BBC 4 documentaries:- Rich Hall's Red Menace, Rich Hall's Working For The American Dream, Rich Hall's Countrier Than You, Rich Hall's Presidential Grudge Match, Rich Hall's California Stars, Rich Hall's You Can Go To Hell, I'm Going To Texas, and Rich Hall's Inventing the Indian.

In addition, he has appeared on:- BBC One's QI, Live At The Apollo and Have I Got News For You, he wrote and starred in his own recurring BBC Radio 4 show Rich Hall's (US Election) Breakdown and has penned articles for:- The Guardian and The Sunday Times.

2022 saw Rich release his memoir Nailed It with Quercus.

For TV, Rich has acted in the Peacock's dystopian thriller Brave New World, hit Disney+ series Extraordinary, ITV2 sitcom Cockroaches and in Comedy Central's Drunk History UK and lent his voice to characters on CITV's Thunderbirds Are Go and Cartoon Network's Elliot from Earth.

Rich is the final big name to be announced for this year's 17 day event which will be held for a 4th year in a luxury heated and seated marquee courtesy of locally based Elite Marquees in the beautiful grounds of Victoria Park, Southport, from:- 27 September to Sunday, 13 October 2024.

Rich Hall joins an already stellar lineup at this years festival to include:- undisputed godfather of modern stand up:- Ben Elton, German Comedy Ambassador Henning Wehn, Festival favourites Jason Byrne, Jimeoin, Godfather of Political Comedy Mark Thomas and Star of ITV'S The Chase Paul Sinha:- 'The Sinnerman,' comedy stars of TV Jo Caulfield  Hal, Cruttenden, Ria Lina,Patrick Monahan, Comedy Circuit favourites The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Review, Rising local star Katie Tracey, host of smash hit podcast:- 'Have a Word,' Dan Nightingale and Comedy Legend Mick Miller.

The festival is also supporting new talent once again with the Southport New Comedian of the Year competition sponsored by Dragon Soop and hosting 2 special events raising funds for local charities:- Southport Flower Show and Community Link Foundation, this event is sponsored by Anthony James Estate Agents.

The Southport Comedy Festival organisers would like to thank all the businesses who have given their support to this year's festival. check out their logos on the festival website with links to their websites to see who has helped keep Southport smiling this year

For more information and tickets visit:- SouthportComedyFestival.Com.