Liverpool Lifestyle February 2021

OLLY MURS

@Lifestyle_MagazineUK

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P R I C E L E S S

FEBRUARY 2021 • w w w . l i f e s t y l e m o n t h l y . c o . u k

I S S U E

MAY YOUR DAYS BE FILLED WITH LOVE AND LAUGHTER

CLAUDINE HOPE

BUDDHA BALM ANTIVIRAL, IMMUNE AND NOURISHING NATURAL PRODUCTS

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HEALTHY EATING WITH DR RACHEL EVANS

DU TA RI Y P NG O LO SI CK TI DO VE W N

CLAIRE SIMMO

HELL0 FEBRUARY How are you? How are you coping? We’re all desperately missing friends and family but hopefully we’re one month close to some kind of normal life. In the meantime we can only remain positive, at least we’re one month closer to spring and the days are starting to get a little longer.

At the same time we have to keep the faith that things will return to normal eventually so we are pressing on with our plans for the Liverpool Lifestyle Awards. And Ollie Murs is among some of the artists hoping to perform

at Aintree Racecourse this summer. We have to remain optimistic.

We’re delighted to be working with award winning landscape designer Pip Probert from Bromborough, who is appearing in BBC2’s Your Garden Made Perfect starting this month. Read her gardening tips inside.

Unfortunately we’re a bit stuck for Valentine’s plans this month but that doesn’t give you an excuse to miss out on romance, so read our gift guide inside. And you don’t need to have a partner

e r ’ e w g n i r i h 4

to get in the mood, after all, self love is the best love of all.

Have wonderful month, and remember, you can count calories, steps and pounds but the best thing to count is your blessings.

Love,

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34. Coping with Coping with Anxiety Anxiety 24. Claire Simmo Anxiety 34. Darren Lawrenson Coping with 37.

34. Darren Lawrenson Coping with 37.

37.

Darren Lawrenson 26.

Sheridan Smith Anxiety Anxiety 6. Business: Shiny Whites 43.

Hen Party Capital 43.

Hen Party Capital Hen Party Capital 8. COVER43.

STAR Olly Murs 37.

Darren Lawrenson 37. Darren Lawrenson 48.

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Craig Phillips 10. Cycling inCraig Phillips winter 48.

43. Craig Phillips Hen Party Capital 43. Hen Party Capital 13. Business: Welness with Planthay 55.

Business News 55.

Business News 55.

Business News 48. Craig Phillips 14. Valentines Day for gardeners 48. Craig Phillips 56.

Editor’s Last 56.

Editor’s Last 56.

Editor’s Last 16. Recipes Paul Watters Word 55. with Business News Word 55.

Business News Word

GET IN TOUCH GET IN TOUCH GET IN TOUCH WITH US WITH WITH US US GET IN TOUCH GET IN TOUCH GETWITH IN TOUCH US WITH US WITH US

CONTENTS

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http://www.lifestylemonthly.co.uk/ http://www.lifestylemonthly.co.uk/ http://www.lifestylemonthly.co.uk/

21. Valentine’s gift ideas 56. Editor’s Last

56. Editor’s Last 22. Lifestyle Word awards Word

24. Business: Luxe Beauty Training Academy

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26. NEW COLUMNIST Claudine Hope 28. Music

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29. Horoscopes 31. Claire Simmo

6 6 6 34. Employment Law with Stephen Pinder 6 6

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CELEBBRITY

Part of 2021 Summer UK Tour

25TH tour starts June 5th in Swansea, UK Join in the conversation online #JCLive21

OLLY MURS

HAYDOCK PARK RACECOURSE, SATURDAY 17TH JULY 2021

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Lockdown has left a huge hole in people's lives with the lack of live music. How excited are you to get back on the road again and play to fans? I’m so excited to get back on the road. It’s been a tough year for everyone, so it’s nice to have something to look forward to for next summer. I’m very aware that not only am I looking forward to it as playing live is the best part of my job, but also for all the people I employ to put on the shows – from my band, crew – sound, lighting, producers, riggers – so many people that rely on live music to make a living. To go around the UK playing at loads of amazing outdoor venues is going to be pretty special.

What've you missed the most about performing live? I’ve missed seeing my fans and having that connection with them when I’m on stage. There’s nothing better than being on the road and actually being able to see your fans singing and dancing to your music. I feed off people’s energy, so going back on the road all around the country, to places I don’t often get to go will be amazing. Also playing live with my band, and having them all on stage with me bringing my music to life is the best feeling.

If you had to pick, what would be your favourite tour memory? It’s so hard to pick as I’ve been lucky enough to have so many amazing memories on tour – but playing at Wembley Stadium with Robbie Williams really stands out for me. I was supporting him on his European tour in 2013, and to have 60,000 people singing back to me and waving their hands in the air to my music was pretty special and I was overwhelmed with the reaction.

trainer Rob Solly - what was your favourite bit from the experience?

To see the results of your hard work is obviously the rewarding part, but for me it was more important in how it made me feel.

At the start of lockdown, while still recovering from knee surgery, I was eating anything and everything out of boredom – but that made me feel less productive and more sluggish, so having Soccer Aid as a focus to get me fit again was a real drive.

You always put on a great live show. In three words, what can fans expect from your show this time round? FUN, UPBEAT and CHEEKY.

We're eagerly awaiting new music from you - can we expect it soon? Yes, it’s been a while since I released my own music – so that’s the plan for this year. I’m starting to work on writing now and figure out what the next sound is for me, so watch this space!

Tell us a bit about what it was like to captain England in this year's Soccer Aid. It was an honour to Captain this year’s England team for Soccer Aid, as we raised a record amount of money (over £9m) in the midst of a global pandemic. I played shocking to be fair, probably my worst personal performance, but it will still be one of my most memorable Soccer Aid’s because of the circumstances in which we still managed to put it on.

You underwent an impressive body transformation during lockdown with personal

Tickets for Olly Murs start at £40.32 for adults and £20.16 for children (inclusive of 12% booking fee) via thejockeyclublive.co.uk,.

Children aged four and below are free of charge, children from five to seventeen years old must have a ticket to attend. Book with confidence! The Jockey Club Live offer a money back guarantee if cancelled.

All T&C’s are available on haydock.thejockeyclub.co.uk.

There will be hospitality packages available to suit all budgets.

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EING

FITNESS & WELLB

CYCLING HAPPILY AND SAFELY THIS WINTER – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

By Catherine Ellis, Hill & Ellis

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f you haven’t braved it yet this winter, do remember that this season is a fantastic time to cycle. Not only is it crisp, cool and quiet, without jumping on your bike daily, you might miss the season all together, staying inside or on public transport until March.

But cycle and you will see more of the season and catch some vital vitamin D whilst you’re at it. To fully enjoy the season in the saddle you need to cycle clever. Here are the five things you need to know to cycle happily and safely in the winter.

BE SEEN Get some strong lights and get yourself a backup that stays in your bag 10

just case you forget to take them and are caught cycling home after sunset.

Reflective is also great.

Get a reflective jacket, or add a band or gilet over your jacket, and it’s worth considering permanently attaching some reflective details to your bike. It’s

easy to forget how hard it is to see cyclists until you are driving a car with headlights from oncoming traffic shining in your eyes.

DON’T OVERDRESS OK, so there’s frost on the ground and your breath is

condensing in front of you but once you start cycling, you’ll get hot. So, don’t overdress from the outset or you will get sweaty and for the rest of the day you will be drying off (and warming up)! A lightweight but windproof jacket is perfect to keep you snug and trust me - take off that extra jumper, you won’t need it on the bike. You just need to brace yourself for the first 10 minutes, but it will fly by and its good for the immune system.

LOOK AFTER YOUR HANDS Anyone who has forgotten their gloves and cycled for longer than 15 minutes in the winter, knows exactly how important gloves are to enjoy cold weather cycling. That searing pain in your fingertips as the warmth at home tries to resuscitate your hands virtually guarantees you won’t forget your gloves ever again. So, get some good gloves; they should be water-resistant or wind proof but don’t go mad and buy ski gloves – you will get too hot. Again, it’s worth having a backup pair stowed safely in your pannier bag, which you can gleefully whip out when you have forgotten your first pair!

ICE AND LEAVES The leaves still left on the road and might look innocent, but they are not! In the winter months the remaining leaves get slippery and icy. Ice is also more likely to congregate at the side of the road, so cycle carefully near the gutter. If you are on the backstreets it might be quiet enough for you to cycle closer to the middle of the road which in the early morning is worth it, as any ice will have melted away towards the centre. If it is icy or there are lots of leaves on the road, cycle in a lower gear for better traction.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT BAG In the winter, you’ll definitely end up wearing more so if you are not careful you won’t escape the back sweats. You warm up quick, and with a windproof jacket on and even a rucksack you’re on the fast lane to back sweat alley. So, don’t overdress.

Invest in a pannier bag, not only will it keep everything

dry, but as you can attach the bag to your bike (instead of carrying it like a donkey) you will avoid that sweaty back.

By investing in the right gear and not wrapping up too warmly before you start, you’ll find that winter cycling can be a great way to get outside, see the season, soak up some vitamin D, and keep fit. All things that can be a little more challenging in the grey winter months.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Catherine Ellis is from Hill & Ellis, which produces a range of high quality, stylish cycle bags. Each bag, designed in the UK, is created to transition perfectly from home to bike to boardroom to bar. They are functional, fashionable and hard wearing. There’s plenty of space inside for a laptop and other essentials, and each bag comes with patented pannier clips that fit almost any bike, allowing you to clip the bag on and off quickly and easily.

www.hillandellis.com

Twitter: @hillandellis Facebook: www.facebook.com/HillEllis Instagram: @hillandellis 11

HOME DECOR

National Houseplant Week 2021: Boost your Winter Mood with these Indoor Plants • To celebrate national houseplant week, Wren Kitchens reveals the best houseplants to boost your mood this winter • Indoor plants can reduce 87% of toxins in the air, reduce blood pressure and make you feel calmer

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t’s a well-known fact that spending time in nature is good for your wellbeing, so what better way to boost your mood than to bring nature inside.

With search volumes for “house plants delivered” increasing by 400%, and “buy houseplants online” by 200% since lockdown, Wren Kitchens have revealed the best houseplants to have in your home to help boost your mood: Aloe vera The gel from aloe vera can help to soothe acne, burns and dry skin, helping you both physically and mentally. To allow your aloe vera plant to thrive, place it in bright but indirect sunlight, and let it dry in between watering.

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Lavender Place your lavender plant in the bedroom, and the scent will help to reduce your stress levels, enabling

you to sleep better. To let it grow, water it regularly and leave it in a place that gets a lot of light.

Snake plant Had issues in the past with keeping plants alive?

Try a snake plant – they need minimal care, but can really help to improve your wellbeing as they add moisture to the air and release oxygen.

They’re particularly ideal for people who suffer from allergies – and interestingly, they were the most Googled plant in lockdown!

Peace Lily Peace lilies are great houseplants to have.

Not only do they soak up mould spores in the air; they also absorb their water before releasing it back into their environment – so place your peace lily in a dry room.

Monstera plant You’ve likely seen the Monstera (also referred to as a Swiss cheese plant) clogging up your Insta feed, but they can actually boost your mood. They purify the air, making your home healthier – plus, you can grow new plants from their cuttings.

English Ivy Like peace lilies, English ivy absorbs mould in the air, helping to purify your home; and it also has properties that help you to stop being restless, meaning you can enjoy a better night’s sleep.

For more plants to boost your mood, please go to www.wrenkitchens. com/blog/top-10-moodboosting-houseplantswren-kitchens

WE L L NESS YOU CAN TRUST

Wellness is an overused word, that seems to exude some super elite club where people are the best versions of themselves, meditate for hours, take open water swims and never ever have negative thoughts. But reality is, wellness is really simple, it’s an accumulation of small decisions you make each day that have a positive effect on your mind, body, soul or the world around you.

We have not only put our heart and soul into creating our own product lines including our easy to choose and simple to use CBD line, Aromatherapy candles to help ease that lockdown stress and products to get the best sleep ever, but we also ensure that you have

access to free information and services on our platform as well as signposting to great services.

Taking care of you, shouldn’t be cash or time dependent.

Planthaya, a place where you can shop, read and discover all things wellness.

There is no magic formula, no one product (including ours) service or activity that’s going to magically have you “living your best life” everyone’s journey looks different, there is no right or wrong way and it’s all about what feels good for you.

Planthaya is a wellness based lifestyle brand and platform here to support your entire wellness journey.

COME JOIN OUR COMMUNITY @PLANTHAYA

www.planthaya.com

DENERS VALENTINES DAY FOR GAR

5 ROMANTIC PLANTS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY With award winning Landscape Gardener Pip Probert

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bviously, the Red Rose is the most popular gift on valentine’s day, and we would all love to be given a red rose from the one we love. But roses are not the only romantic plant, and if you have a green fingered partner, then they may appreciate something a little different!

Jasmine is such a beautiful plant, with a sweet scent!

Actually, known for its aphrodisiac properties.

Even more romantic is that its flowers only open after dark!

Orchids not only have a stunning flower, with strong architectural shape and such delicate patterns.

They are a Chinese symbol of fertility – so it could be the perfect thing to have in the house!!

Lilly of the Valley is such a delicate plant and one that I have often incorporated into bridal bouquets and wedding flower arrangements over the years. Traditionally it means “return to

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happiness”, so it could be a good gift for an old flame!

Violets were used by the Ancient Greeks in love potions as this flower was a symbol of fertility and love.

Violets truly do indicate eternal love, as they flower all year round.

Roses

Myrtle is a shrub we should all keep in the garden as it symbolises Good Luck and Love in Marriage. It’s been used in Royal bridal bouquets throughout the years.

Jasmine

Lilly of the Valley

Garden Violets

Orchid

Myrtle

Seed Bomb A great gift to give your loved one this Valentine’s Day is a Seed Bomb! Sounds like a risky gift I know, but if you love nature then this is something that you will both be able to enjoy over the coming year. Not only are you creating a full summer of gorgeous wildflowers, but this is also beneficial for all manner of insects such as butterflies.

And all you need to do is throw it into the garden and let it do its thing!

Orchid

See Pip in Your Garden Made perfect Thursday 8pm on BBC2 To contact Pip call 07734 157 976 Email: pip@outerspaces.org.uk Visit www.outerspaces.org.uk

International Award Winning Garden Design & Landscaping RHS Multi Award Winners Marshalls Register - Marshalls Approved Installers 15

RECIPE

STUFFED CALAMARI TUBES WITH A THAI SALMON STUFFING AND A RED PEPPER ESSENCE Meanwhile get the Ingredients

3 calamari tubes 3 salmon fillets 1/2 bunch of coriander 1 stick of lemongrass 1 clove of garlic 1 knob of fresh ginger 2 fresh red chillies 1 lime Teaspoon of dried coriander Teaspoon of dried ginger 3 red pepper 2 tablespoons of sugar 1/2 cup of cold water 2 spring onions

Method To prepare the calamari tubes bring to the boil in salted water, when waiting for the calamari to boil you can prepare the stuffing in a food processor blend dried coriander, ginger along with the fresh coriander, lemongrass garlic and chilli and the juice of the lime season with sea salt and pepper and add salmon blend until a soft puree has formed.

By this stage the calamari will have boiled and rinse well under cold water until cold. Add the stuffing mix to a large bowl and rinse as you will need again to make the essence.

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calamari tubes and 3/4 full with the salmon stuffing and arrange on a plate prior to cooking repeat three times, preheat the oven at 180 degrees. Place a cocktail stick the the top of the calamari to prevent the stuffing falling out.

To cook the calamari add a large pan on the stove allowing to heat but not smoke, cook the calamari for 4 minutes on one side flip it over and cook in the oven for a further 8 minutes.

Once cooking in the oven you can prepare the essence and spring onions.

In the food processor quarter and deseed the peppers add sugar and water blend until sauce consistency has formed if required add a little more water and season with salt and pepper, once it it

blending wash and slice the spring onions at a angle for the garnish cut the greens into strips. By this stage the calamari will be cooked take out of the oven allowing to rest for a few minutes then slice down the middle at a angle arrange on the plate drizzle around the plate garnish with the spring onions and serve a nice suggestion is to serve with rice, or salad and enjoy any further food ideas please contact me on Paulwatters35@gmail. com or on my Facebook page simple tasty healthy

by Paul Watter’s.

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TRAVEL

STENA EMBLA FIRST SAILING 1-5 STENA EMBLA MAKES FIRST BELFAST-LIVERPOOL CROSSING… Stena

Line’s newest ship on the Irish Sea has made its inaugural crossing on the Belfast-Liverpool service. Stena Embla will join her sister ship Stena Edda on the popular Belfast – Liverpool route with the capacity to carry 1,000 passengers, 120 cars and with 3,100 freight lane meters. It will increase the Belfast – Liverpool service freight capacity by 20% and raise passenger capacity by 33%. Paul Grant, Stena Line’s Irish Sea Trade Director said: “Stena Embla will make one daily return trip between Belfast and Liverpool. We have now invested over £400m in our ferries and port facilities on the Irish Sea in recent years. The Belfast-Liverpool route is one of the most popular Irish Sea crossings for both freight and leisure traffic so having a second vessel of the calibre of Stena Embla, with a host of high-quality passenger

facilities, will further increase its appeal and expand our capacity. In March 2020 we launched our new build Stena Edda onto the Belfast-Liverpool service and the feedback from our freight and leisure customers was extremely positive. Now we will have two ships offering identical services and facilities which will help take our service levels on the route to new

heights. We have real confidence in the future of our Belfast services and our Irish Sea routes in general, which is why this region has attracted three brand new ships in the last 12 months alone.”

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NEWS

10 TRADESPEOPLE WHO GOT CREATIVE OVER LOCKDOWN

An engineer from Liverpool has won a national competition which asked tradespeople to share how they've used their professional skills to creatively renovate their own home.

Colin Davies took top spot for his incredible outdoor kitchen project. Other entries included an amazing recreation of the Cavern Club!

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cross the UK, creative tradespeople have been making the most of the national lockdowns by undertaking epic home improvement projects of their own.

Like many industries, 2020 was a tough year for many tradespeople due to Coronavirus and ongoing lockdowns, with work output in the construction industry alone falling by over 40% back in April1.

To showcase some of the most creative builds undertaken during lockdown, IronmongeryDirect launched a competition asking tradespeople to submit their most impressive home build projects.

Of the entries received, Colin Davis, 57, a British Gas Engineer from Liverpool won the prize of a £250 IronmongeryDirect voucher, thanks to his 20

incredible outdoor kitchen build.

You can see Colin’s entry below, alongside nine of the most impressive entries.

1. Colin Davis, 57, Liverpool, retired British Gas engineer.

Colin won the competition by cooking up a storm with this incredible outdoor kitchen.

His wife, Angela Davis, said: “Colin’s lockdown project was initially to clear the rubbish from the end of the garden, but he kept on working and eventually built a full outdoor kitchen from scratch and roofed pergola for outdoor (Covid) entertaining!”

“Since the first lockdown he has built, completely on his own, a fully tiled gazebo, kitchen area, BBQ, wood fired oven, lighting,

wine rack, shelves, and box for charcoal. What’s even more impressive is that he used recycled materials where possible, including old wood pallets and spare roof tiles.”

“He has also volunteered to do odd jobs and maintenance for all the local pensioners during lockdown as well as volunteer shopping. I am so proud of him and love him so much!”

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RDS 2021

LE AWA LIVERPOOL LIFESTY

JUST SOME REASONS WHY ENTERING AWARDS IS GOOD FOR YOUR BUSINESS

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ncreased credibility.

A business award win, short-listing or nomination can act as a 3rd party endorsement for your business. A win can give a seal of approval to your activities and is a sign of quality for potential customers, so can form part of your sales pitch. It can also help with relationships with suppliers.

Just being short-listed can improve brand awareness and promote your business to new customers. Make sure you maximise PR

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exposure and update your marketing materials with the award logo including business cards, website, literature, email and sales material. We provide finalists and winners with rosettes to add to your branding.

Awards celebrate hard work and success and are great PR opportunities. It’s fantastic to be recognised so it’s important to make sure that people know what your business has achieved. Winning a business award can open doors to getting contracts,

finding new supply channels and breaking into new markets.

The Liverpool Lifestyle awards is one of the most talked about business event6 of the year and trends locally on social media. It is one the best ways to raise your business profile and drive customers to you.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Welcoming Lifestyle columnist and Liverpool Live Radio presenter CLAUDINE HOPE bringing you the latest entertainment news Local budding actors and crew who are looking for their big break could be one step closer with producer Michelle Billington and Writer/ Actress Kerry Williams.

created a platform so that we can see and develop home grown stories and locally produced films which can then be screened annually at major film festivals.

In October 2020 Michelle and Kerry brought home a top Award Winning “Best of Festival” at the LGBTQ Un-boarded International Film Festival for Fall 2020: presented to an outstanding entry from amongst the Best of Show winners, for their most recent independent film “Out of Time” recently released on Amazon Prime Video and Directed by Leon Lopez.

We are dedicated and proud to be able to give people with potential talent from all backgrounds a platform to grow.

They both worked on the film The Be All and End All, which won seven awards, starring Leanne Best, Josh Bolt and Eugene Byrne who also won Best Newcomer in Monte Carlo.

Michelle and Kerry who have 33 years of experience in the Film, TV and Theatre industry have 26

We have seen a rapid decline in independent film productions so changes need to be implemented to protect the sector.

The traditional model and financing methods do not work for the UK independent film industry so sourcing funds for independent productions is extremely difficult.

We want to bring focus back to the fading industry of independent films. If we can’t help with the change will it continue to create a bigger divide?

To avoid the latter, we need to ensure local people have access

to employment in the film industry. People are constantly being overlooked solely due to lack of experience.

Our productions create copious local employment opportunities, reinvigorating communities and those involved in such a positive way.

Creativity flows through the cities and surrounding areas, yet there is nowhere to channel it to earn a living.

We see people constantly struggling to navigate and thrive in such a competitive industry and we want to put an end to this struggle.

We aim to lower employment rates and allow creativity to be more than just a hobby.

Michelle and Kerry have witnessed first-hand how challenging it is to break into the industry and now they are leading the way for change.

NEWS

SUPPORT SERVICE FOR THOSE BEREAVED BY SUICIDE AVAILABLE IN LIVERPOOL A service is available in Liverpool for people who have been affected by suicide.

Amparo is offering a suicide liaison service, thanks to funding received from NHS England to scale up suicide bereavement support In Liverpool there are approximately 41 deaths by suicide each year.

Estimates vary on how many people are affected by each suicide – ranging from ten deeply affected to 135 people exposed to a suicide death. This equates to between 410 to 5,535 people affected each year in Liverpool.

Amparo aims to reduce the risk for those affected by suicide by offering timely advice and support with the practicalities surrounding a sudden bereavement. The service offers one to one support from an Amparo liaison worker, who will help with practical support dealing with the police and other agencies, support at inquest, help with media enquiries, support overcoming feelings of isolation and signposting

to other services where necessary.

Since the commencement of the Amparo service in other areas of England no beneficiaries have gone on to take their own life according to a coroner office audit, which is a known risk for people who have been affected by suicide.

Cllr Paul Brant, Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for social care and health, said: “I am really pleased we are now able to offer the Amparo suicide bereavement service to the people of Liverpool.

This will ensure that those who have suffered from the shock and sadness of the sudden loss of a loved one are able to get the help that they need in the weeks and months that follow.”

Richard Brown, CEO of Amparo said: “People bereaved by suicide are at greater risk of attempting to or taking their own lives by up to 300%. This is why the service that we offer through Amparo is so vital for the people of Liverpool.

The loss of someone by suicide is tragic and life changing and we offer the

necessary emotional and practical support to help anyone going through this following the death.”

Amparo is free of charge and does not have a waiting list. To refer a person who has been affected by suicide, please contact Amparo directly via the following channels: Phone: 0300 088 9255 Email: amparo.service@ listening-ear.co.uk If you are struggling right now and require immediate help there are a number of services you can contact.

Local

Mersey Care mental health crisis line. Open 24 hrs a day - Call 0151 296 7200 Adults 16 + Alder Hey mental health crisis line.

Open 24 hrs a day - Children & Young People - call 0151 293 3577 James’ Place Liverpool James’ Place offer men experiencing a suicidal crisis a proven, intensive, therapeutic intervention in a safe environment. Open Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm Not bank holidays.

Telephone: 0151 303 5757 ​E-mail: info@jamesplace.org.uk For immediate help: Text JP to 85258, our Crisis Line. www. jamesplace.org.uk Paul’s Place Offer free therapy for those bereaved by suicide.

0151 226 0696 or email: paulsplace@ beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk https://beaconcounsellingtrust. co.uk/pauls-place-2/

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MU S IC

BUGZY MALONE

ALBUM - THE RESURRECTION - 12 FEBRUARY

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his body of work is full of hard-won wisdom and undiluted street delivery on an elevated level that sees Bugzy produce his most accomplished work to date.

Armed with dexterous wordplay, an unwavering sense of self belief and a willing work ethic, Bugzy has proved time and time again that his is The King of The North. His catalogue boasts four top ten projects and last year he made his acting debut in Guy Ritchie’s box office hit movie ‘The Gentlemen’. Bugzy, even in the face of adversity, continues to cement himself as a force to be reckoned with in the UK music scene and beyond.

CELESTE

ALBUM - NOT YOUR MUSE - 26 FEBRAURY

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he announcement completes what has been a remarkable year for 2020’s breakthrough artist, who achieved the double win of BBC Sound of 2020 and the BRITS Rising Star award. While the ensuing pandemic put paid to all touring and festival plans, the British-Jamaican soul singer and songwriter released a string of captivating songs - the sentiments of which resonate in these uncertain times - including ‘Hear My Voice’ was co-written with Golden Globe®-nominated composer Daniel Pemberton and is the focus track of the Netflix film The Trial of the Chicago 7. ‘Hear My Voice’ is tipped as an Oscars contender for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards next year. New song ‘A Little Love’, which was written and recorded for the John Lewis and Waitrose Christmas advertising campaign, has been widely praised as a Christmas classic in the making.

FEBRUARY 2021 ARIES (21 MARCH–19 APRIL)

Your social life is stimulated this and plenty of opportunities to express yourself uniquely will present themselves. Pleasureseeking activities, recreation, and amusement are increased.

You’ll be at your strongest if you tame impatience and work on career plans that need finetuning rather than taking on new things.

TAURUS (20 APRIL – 20 MAY)

You feel more enthusiastic and want to try new things.

You could find you’re put in the spotlight for something, or get recognition for work you’ve done. You’re finding more than usual enjoyment from group or friend activities.

Your personality could be more nurturing or encouraging.

GEMINI (21 MAY – 20 JUNE)

This is a good time to clear things out of your life that you no longer need to make room for the good things to come. An exciting friendship connection could be made in that opens up doors for you– but do watch for deceptions and self-deceptions.

CANCER (21 JUNE – 22 JULY)

It’s time to make a change in your life, not a small one, but one that really transforms you and/or your life. You are radiating energy that makes you more attractive, and, as a result, opportunities are that much stronger for romantic attention.

LEO (23 JULY – 22 AUGUST)

This could be a good time for you to look for a new job or get a second job, try to get recognition at work, or improve your working environment.

You may see things that you’ve

been working on for a long time finally come to fruition now.

VIRGO (23 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER) Your goals and

wishes tend to be broad and perhaps unusual or ahead of the times just now. You may particularly enjoy dreaming up ideas for the future. Others especially value your advice and often turn to you for help.

LIBRA (23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER) You are more

determined to achieve your personal goals, and more strategic in the manner you go about doing so. Pouring your heart and soul into your efforts comes naturally now. Income from your business or career is likely to increase.

SCORPIO (23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER) You could have

an easier time dealing with your career. Any moves you make have a greater chance of going well. Those of you in business for yourself could see an especially profitable month. You are ready to pursue romance and to take the lead.

SAGITTARIUS (22 NOVEMBER -21 DECEMBER) Fortunate

events occur as a direct result of your willingness to entertain the unusual and to think outside of the box. You are feeling brave, positive, and optimistic. New opportunities through friendships, group associations, and other forms of networking might arise.

CAPRICORN (22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY) It’s a good time

for creative communications and pleasure. Your mind is quicker, sharper, and you come

MANISH’S ZODIAC PREDICTIONS MANISH KUMAT ARORA EMAIL: manish@ manishastrologer.com up with ideas faster. Surprising events occur now that serve to jolt you out of your usual routine, particularly when it comes to friendships, finances, and career.

AQUARIUS (20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY) You are open to

new energies, approaches, and attitudes. You’re likely to feel more hopefulness, faith, and confidence, particularly with your career or life direction, long-term goals, and career prospects and outlook. It’s a terrific time for collaborating or enjoying more interaction with someone special as well.

PISCES (19 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH) This is a time when

you invest in yourself and in the people around you that you respect. Projects begun now can have longterm benefits. Finances are likely to be quite reliable or under control now. You could become more active with friends or in your community.

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PE R S ON DEVE LOPAL M E NT

DARREN LAWRENSON The Happiness of Pursuit

TOP PERFORMANCE COACH AND BUSINESS CONSULTANCY LEADER. I am a business owner and director of Dasala Ltd a performance coaching and business consultancy business.

I work across all sectors with a focus on leadership and senior management with a mind to always help individuals and teams to perform at their best.

I speak across the UK and Europe as a keynote speaker to audiences of managers and leaders from business.

Quidquid Latine dictum sit altum videtur Sprinkling a bit of Latin into conversation is impressive, don’t you think? Especially if someone has to ask what it means or better still if they have to Google it.

This little beauty is my favourite “Quidquid Latine dictum sit altum videtur” ...

I won’t make you Google it to find out what it means .. it translates to “whatever is said in Latin appears profound”.

Yes, using Latin is pretty much just showing off ... it’s the antithesis of good communication. The language we use to get our message across is hugely important. I’ve sat in front of many presentations over the years and the ones that had the most impact always used everyday language. If you have ever have to do a presentation

or speak in public just think of Catchphrase. Yes, that TV gem from the eighties.

It was Roy Walker back in my day and I think it’s Stephen Mulhern that hosts Catchphrase today ... the “say what you see” tag line has endured. The best way to communicate is in a simple, straightforward manner.

Do you ‘Touch base’ with people? Or maybe you ‘Reach out’. These are the two most hated forms of office jargon according to a survey of employees conducted by Glassdoor.

These are fairly tame examples but they are slightly irritating.

But what about the dreaded acronym ... IMHO is a favourite of mine ... and by favourite I mean most

Email: darren@dasala.co.uk or follow me on 30

hated! For the those not familiar with IMHO it means In My Humble Opinion.

But the H in this acronym is always redundant because when people are offering their opinion (often unsolicited) it is rarely with humility.

Communication is your most essential business tool and if you get it right your reputation will go up ... conversely if you get it wrong your reputation may go down ... so always be as straightforward as you can ... and avoid showing off at all costs.

If you want to find out methods and strategies to help your own personal development please email me at darren@dasala.co.uk or follow me on twitter.

@dasaladarren

DIARY

RADIO & TV PRESENTER. SASSY MUM & SOCIALITE. Hi! How are you doing?

I have been absent from writing the column for the last couple of months as 2020 dealt a devastating blow at the end of November when my lovely mum, Margaret, finally lost her battle with pulmonary fibrosis. I had lived with her for the last 4 years and I won’t lie – we drove each other insane and squabbled over anything and everything.

I would give anything to walk through the door and her moan I’m late home from work, or call me at lunchtime to complain it’s

the wrong cheese or not crispy enough lettuce on her sandwiches and life just simply isn’t the same without her. Many people remember my mum from when she attended every function with me – known as the most glamorous woman they had ever seen and over the last couple of years she had been so poorly she hadn’t been able to attend anything with me. That is why when Sandra & Adam from Yaffe Photography made this wonderful portrait of her.

Christmas was obviously a little different and not wanting to stay in the house I took the children out for lunch at a family run restaurant in Ainsdale – the Dolce Vita. Then it was pyjamas and back to back films with Melodie and my

boyfriend, who I don’t like using this term, but has been my absolute rock these last few weeks and I will never forget that.

Christmas Day was actually my only day off from panto at The Atkinson in Southport where I played Glinda in The Wizard of Oz for LHK Productions.

We were so lucky to get though the whole of the run bar one show on New Years Eve when we went back into lockdown.

I can’t thank the cast and my good friend Lee Kelly enough for getting me through what was the worst few weeks of my life – Lee is a true friend and an absolute legend in this City and I am truly grateful of his friendship.

This month’s column is dedicated to my mum, my inspiration, my best friend, and sometimes my worst enemy. She was always right – even when I wanted her to be wrong – and all I’ll say is – cherish your mum as when she’s not here – your whole world falls apart.

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Winner Best New Creative PR company 2019 - Global Brands If you go to a restaurant you let someone else do the cooking even though you may have an idea of the recipe, you know the chef will do a better job.

It’s the same with PR

AS A BUSINESS OWNER YOU MAY THINK YOU KNOW HOW TO PROMOTE IT, BUT BY ALLOWING THE CREATIVE PROFESSIONALS TO MANAGE IT, YOU HAVE A FAR GREATER CHANCE OF SUCCESS AmandamossPR helps you: •

Draw in new customers and sustains existing one

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Keep you ahead of your competition

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Create a stronger brand presence

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Create trust in your brand

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Improve staff productivity

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Makes you memorable

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Create a positive image of your business

"Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some hire public relations"

T: 97827636 amanda@amandamosspr.uk www.amandamosspr.uk