Stockport Mail Issue 80 - September 2020

INSIDE:

Mature living at The Sanctuary Wilmslow

ISSUE 80

Stockport Mail is available FREE from outlets throughout SK1 to SK8 2 course meals menu Available every day Christmas bookings now being taken

Lucky player hit the £50,000 in Stockport

Shaw Heath resident is high achiever at Stockport College

READ MORE ABOUT BOTH STORIES INSIDE

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6 year old kids watch TV without supervision

People in most deprived areas were almost twice as likely to visit A&E as those in wealthy areas

There were almost twice as many attendances to Accident and Emergency departments in England for the 10% of the population living in the most deprived areas (3.1 million), compared with the least deprived 10% (1.6 million) in 201920, according to official figures released today.

NHS Digital’s Hospital Accident and Emergency Activity 2019/20 also shows that attendances for the 20% of the population living in the most deprived areas1 accounted for 27% of all A&E attendances (5.9 million attendances)2.

Report

The report, created in partnership with NHS England and NHS Improvement, brings together newly published data from NHS Digital’s Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) with previously published data from NHS England and NHS Improvement’s A&E Attendances and Emergency Admissions Monthly Situation Reports (MSitAE)3.

It includes attendances from all types of Accident and Emergency departments ranging from major A&E departments, single specialty, consultant-led emergency departments to Minor Injury Units and Walkin Centres.

HES data in the report shows for 2019/20: Monday is the busiest day of the week, accounting for 16% of all attendances during 2019-20 (3.63m attendances).The most popular time of arrival on a Monday is between 10am and midday, accounting for 15.2% of attendances on this day (552,000 attendances).

The number of reattendances4 to A&E within 7 days was 1.95 million and accounted for 8.7% of all reported attendances Patients arriving from 8am to 10am generally spent the shortest time in A&E with 16% of patients arriving between 8am and 8:59am spending one hour or less; and 85% of arrivals between 9am and 9:59am spending four hours or less Looking at all arrival times, 2.3% (520,000) of all attendances in 2019/20 spent more than 12 hours in A&E, compared with 1.5% (333,000) in 2018/19. This measures the entire duration of stay in A&E5.

MSitAE data in the report shows that: There was a one per cent increase in attendances to A&E during 2019-20 (25.0 million), compared to 2018-19 (24.8 million) and a 17% increase since 2010-11 (21.4 million) The average growth per year over the period since 2008-09 is two per cent, compared with the England population average growth of one per cent per year, over a similar period

Over half (51%) of 6 - 15 year olds don’t talk to their parents about choosing what content to watch.

Four in ten (42%) parents say they’re concerned about what effect upsetting or disturbing content might have on their child’s development.

But the majority of parents (63%) agree films and TV shows are good springboards to talk to their children about difficult topics, including mental health and sexuality.

New research by the British Board of FIlm Classification (BBFC) has revealed that more than half (51%) of children aged 6 - 15 choose what to watch all or almost all of the time, without help from their parents.

The research, by YouGov, showed that as many as half (46%) of 6 year olds are regularly making their own decisions about what to watch without asking mum or dad. Four in 10 (42%) parents say they’re worried about the effect watching disturbing or upsetting content might have on their development.

Six in 10 (63%) parents of 12-15 year olds think that films and TV can be a useful springboard in starting difficult conversations with their children around topics like mental health and sexuality. And interestingly, three quarters of teens agree (72%).

When it comes to parents with young children, two thirds (65%) with 4-11 years olds say that content can help them start conversations about relationship breakdown, death, illness or bullying. And their children also agree (66%).

David Austin, Chief Executive of the BBFC, said: “It’s clear from our new research that young people and their parents need the right information to help them choose content well. It’s vital for children’s healthy development, and parents’ peace of mind, that they’re confident they’re pressing play on something that won’t cause harm or upset.

“It’s very encouraging that parents - and their children - are approaching each other to talk about depictions of issues they see on screen. That’s why we have comprehensive ratings info on our website, alongside our trusted and well known age ratings, which gives everyone an idea of what to expect.”

Girls are much more likely to talk about their mental health with a parent after watching content on a streaming service - with a quarter of 6 - 15 year old girls (25%) saying they’ve approached a parent after seeing something, compared to less than one in five (19%) boys.

Stockports’ Poppy Richards helped by Princes Trust

Poppy Richards, 24, from Stockport, hadn’t worked since 2014 when the Coronavirus pandemic hit.

“I struggle quite badly with mental health problems, so left my last job in 2014 because of anxiety and depression. Over the past few years, I’ve been diagnosed with BPD (borderline personality disorder) and have had a child, all of which have kept me from working.”

Lockdown presented additional challenges to Poppy.

“I’d decided to apply for jobs, and there were suddenly lots more people applying for them. Not being able to go out and see people has been very isolating and lonely too.

“I already struggled before the lockdown but it made it more difficult, but luckily I found The Prince’s Trust through a charity for care leavers that supports me and have managed to get somewhere.”

Poppy took part in Get Into Healthcare from the 16th to 18th of June, and was particularly encouraged that the upskilling course included job interviews at the end.

Good Programme

“It was a really good programme, with lots of information about the job itself and working in the healthcare sector. We also worked on interview techniques and CV building.

“I found the course worked better for me being online because with my anxiety, it was easier for me to learn in the comfort of my own home, and I didn’t have to travel.”

Poppy successfully secured a job as a Care Assistant through The Prince’s Trust, which starts on the 22nd of July.

“I’m really excited to start the job. Before The Prince’s Trust course, I didn’t feel like I was employable at all. Now that I can put the course on the CV, and that I have a job, I finally feel like a normal person.

“I think the job will help my mental health because I’m looking forward to being busy and helping other people. I’m a real people’s person, I love building relationships, and when you help other people, it makes you feel so good about yourself, so it will have a really

Kill your cigs addiction

positive effect on me.”

Poppy’s advice to other young people struggling with finding employment during the pandemic is to take care of your mental health and stay persistent when looking for opportunities.

“I don’t think enough people know about the employment courses the Trust offers. A lot of unemployed people could do these jobs, as long as you’re passionate and resilient, because a lot of your training will be on the job.

“If you come to charities like The Prince’s Trust and do courses, or even just have a chat with a youth support worker, it will really help because it’s important to reach out for support right now.”

38 Blue Badge holders battle for one parking space

35,000 drivers have applied for Blue Badge under the ‘hidden disability’ criteria since the scheme was extended in England 12 months ago 1,800 new Blue Badge spaces have been installed by councils in the past 12 months.

Nearly 158,000 fines were issued to drivers in 2019 for misusing a Blue Badge parking space, with a further two million drivers admitting to wrongly taking advantage of these spaces.

Two thirds (66%) of Blue Badge holders have been forced to park elsewhere, with half (49%) struggling to get out of the car due to a lack of space.

Confused.com clarifies who could be eligible for a Blue Badge, as more than one in four (28%) are confused about which medical conditions would be included.

The battle for a Blue Badge parking space has increased since the introduction of ‘hidden disabilities’ to the criteria in England 12 months ago, a new study reveals.

Parking

There are 38 Blue Badge holders per one council-owned parking space across Britain, on average. That’s according to new data obtained through Freedom of Information requests by Confused.com. Since the scheme was updated in England, there have been more than 35,000 applications for Blue Badges under the ‘hidden disability’ criteria.

However, only 1,800 new dedicated parking spaces have been added in the past 12 months to accommodate these drivers, suggesting the demand for a parking spot is now greater than before. According to councils, there are more than two million Blue Badge holders and more than 55,000 dedicated parking bays in total across Britain.

Dedicated Blue Badge parking spaces are available for badge holders, as they’re often closer to entrances or offer more room to get in and out of the car. However, data shows that many drivers are also taking advantage of this, as nearly 158,000 fines were issued for misusing a Blue Badge parking space last year. The issue is far more widespread than what councils have found, as more than two million (5%) UK drivers admit they’ve misused a Blue Badge parking space. And their reasoning was often more for their own convenience than for a genuine need for the space:

Top reasons drivers have wrongly used a Blue Badge parking space:

There were plenty of Blue Badges available – 36% I was only going to be quick – 33% I couldn’t find another space – 29% I wanted to park close to the entrance – 19% I/my passenger was recovering from an injury and needed more space to get out of the car – 19%

Patients who smoke will now receive new support with their tobacco addiction thanks to a new approach, and a new team based at Stepping Hill Hospital.

CURE is a comprehensive secondary care treatment for tobacco addiction. At its heart is systematically identifying all active smokers admitted to hospital and immediately offering nicotine replacement therapy and other medications, as well as specialist support, for the duration of their admission, and after discharge too. This will be progress towards a long time ambition and national expectation that hospitals should be smoke free sites.

Once admitted and identified, the new CURE team of five nursing and medical staff based at the hospital’s chest clinic will be on hand to offer support, advice, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and other medications to help them with their addiction and to give up smoking wherever possible.

Supported by the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership and GM Cancer, CURE is now being introduced into hospitals across the area. Tobacco is the single greatest cause of preventable death, disability, illness and social inequality in our area and indeed in the world. The term ‘CURE’ has been specifically chosen to ‘medicalise’ tobacco addiction and move away from the stigma of a lifestyle choice towards disease treatment. The aim of the project is to reduce smoking in the area by a third to 13% by the end of 2021, and to 5% by 2027. This will save hundreds of lives, and as well as improving quality of life, with ex-smokers spending a lot less time in hospital. The cost savings for patients’ household budgets from no longer buying cigarettes could raised 34,000 households out of poverty across Greater Manchester.

Respiratory nurse practitioner and CURE team leader Pauline Holmes said “Smoking is still the biggest preventable cause of death in Stockport, and one in two smokers will die from it. Stopping smoking is the single best thing you can do for your health, but smoking is part of an addiction, not a lifestyle choice, and people need support to get through this addiction. The CURE project will see treating tobacco addiction as a priority for clinicians across the hospital, helping us to help smokers with the support and treatment they need.” . For more information on CURE visit https://thecureproject.co.uk/

Telephone: 0161 998 4786 / 07779 300162

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The Gardening Column – October 2020

The Wildlife Water Garden

It doesn’t take a huge amount of effort to ensure wildlife can flourish in your garden, you just need to be aware of what creatures need so that you can enjoy your garden alongside the birds, butterflies and bees.

In addition to growing pollinator friendly plants, encouraging birds with feeders and tempting other wildlife through log and leaf piles (so don’t tidy up too much), at the heart of any wildlife garden sits a pond or small water feature. All animals need water to thrive and a small wildlife-friendly garden pond can make a huge difference to your garden’s biodiversity.

Many people overestimate the effort and expertise required to fulfil the dream of a garden pond. Preformed ponds – that come in a variety of shapes and sizes - simplify the construction process and are perfect for the less experienced gardener or landscaper.

Experts from Oase UK, specialists in water gardening, have come up with a simple nine-point plan for easy installation of a pond – an autumn project that the whole family can help with.

PUBLIC NOTICE – APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003 Notice is hereby given that, Ate Days a Week Limited has applied to Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council on Tuesday 1st September 2020 for a Premises Licence in respect of the premises located at 8, Vernon Street, Stockport, SK1 1TY The proposed licensable activities are as follows – The sale by retail of alcohol on and off the premises between Monday to Saturday Sunday

11:00 to 23:00 12:00 to 22:30

Anyone wishing to make a representation about this application must do so in writing by 1st October 2020 to The Licensing Officer Environmental Health and Trading Standards Service Stockport MBC Stopford House Piccadilly Stockport SK1 3XE Licensing@stockport.gov.uk Please note that it is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence is level 5 on the standard scale, currently £5,000

PUBLIC NOTICE – APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003 Notice is hereby given that, Cherry Jam Limited has applied to Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council on Tuesday 1st September 2020 for a Premises Licence in respect of the premises located at 4, Mealhouse Brow, Stockport, SK1 1JP The proposed licensable activities are as follows – The sale by retail of alcohol on and off the premises between Monday to Thursday 11:00 to 23:00 Friday and Saturday 11:00 to 01:00 Sunday 12:00 to 22:30 Anyone wishing to make a representation about this application must do so in writing by 1st October 2020 to The Licensing Officer Environmental Health and Trading Standards Service Stockport MBC Stopford House Piccadilly Stockport SK1 3XE Licensing@stockport.gov.uk Please note that it is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence is level 5 on the standard scale, currently £5,000

First, you need to think about location.

Try and find somewhere that is as clear as possible from overhanging trees to avoid leaves dropping into the pond. If you want to keep fish, to create the right environment, your pond will also need to have sunshine for four to six hours a day.

You need the right tools for the job - a spade, a shovel, filling sand (play sand will do), a spirit level, a measure tape and a garden hose with a water connection and then it’s time to get started …

1. Position the preformed pond in the desired location and mark the outline with sand 2. Then mark the different depth zones of the pond with sand 3. Now you can dig out the individual zones of the garden pond 4. Use the preformed pond to check you’ve dug enough out and touch up again if necessary 5. Level out the unevenness in the excavated steps with filling sand to create flat surfaces 6. Check the surfaces with a spirit level. If

they are level the preformed pond can be inserted and then fill it one third with water so that the bowl settles 7. Next, pour the filling sand under the edge of the preformed pond and fill this cavity with water. The water will slurry the sand to the edge of the pond shell. Repeat the process until the spaces under and next to the preformed bowl are filled 8. Now level the surrounding soil with topsoil, which provides the basis for the subsequent planting. Please make sure that no topsoil gets into the water as it will encourage algae growth in the pond 9. You can now carry out planting – important to maintain the biological balance of your pond and look beautiful. The surround bank zone can be filled with large stones and gravel after planting to cover the transition to the preformed pond. The pond can then be filled with water and plants.

When choosing plants for ponds make sure you have a good mix of oxygenators – underwater plants that are essential in keeping algae at bay and are the most beneficial plants in any water feature eco-system – and ornamental plants that cover the surface of the water with their floating leaves and root at the bottom of the water.

As autumn gets under way there are a number of to do’s for gardeners in addition to pond installation, so here are some tips for this month from the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)…

• Cut back perennials that have died down • Divide herbaceous perennials • Move tender plants, including aquatic ones, into a greenhouse or conservatory • Plant out spring cabbages • Harvest apples, pears and nuts • Prune climbing roses • Finish collecting seeds from the garden to sow next year • Last chance to mow lawns and trim hedges in mild areas

Heatons and Romiley investigation

Stockport Council is asking residents in the Heatons and Romiley for their views on whether they would support the introduction of an Active Neighbourhood in their area.

A seven-week engagement period, ending on Friday, October 23, will give residents the opportunity to leave comments on whether they support the introduction of an Active Neighbourhood in the Heatons and Romiley.

An Active Neighbourhood aims to enable residents to make short trips on foot, by cycle or by public transport, instead of jumping in their car. Active Neighbourhoods also seek to make our roads safer for everyone as well.

This engagement exercise has been created with help from community groups in both Romiley and the Heatons.

Residents will be able to leave comments via Commonplace, an online community consultation platform that allows the user to leave comments on a map where they think new infrastructure would benefit their community.

First

This is the first phase of engagement, with further consultation planned if residents agree to the principles of an Active Neighbourhood.

Cllr David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “Changing residents travel habits can be helped by making physical changes to the areas, to make it easier to move around by foot or by bike.

“Reducing the reliance on cars in both areas could also make Romiley and the Heatons even more pleasant places to live, with less traffic noise and pollution.

“As a result, the council would like to hear our residents’ views on whether they would want to see these sort of changes, and if so, how the council could make that happen.

“It is vital that we focus on the key issues that our residents are telling us about. It’s also important that the idea of an Active Neighbourhood has wide approval from residents, which the engagement period will seek to find out.”

The Commonplace sites will go live on Monday, September 7. To leave your comments in Romiley, visit https:// romiley.commonplace.is and to leave your comments for the Heatons, visit https://heatons.commonplace.is Residents can contact a member of the council’s team by emailing activeheatons@stockport.gov.uk and activeromiley@stockport.gov.uk

STOCKPORT TO GET MOVING AGAIN WITH COVID-19 RECOVERY PROGRAMME

Stockport Council has partnered with Life Leisure and other local organisations to launch a new COVID-19 physical activity recovery programme to support inactive Stockport residents to get moving again.

The programme, called Stockport Moving Together, consists of a range of projects that will cater to the needs of residents and will continually develop as the borough transitions into the recovery phase of the pandemic.

This includes localised activities delivered

by Life Leisure’s SMILE and PARiS initiatives, the development of booklets guiding people through a range of exercises, and specialist projects in partnership with care homes and the NHS. Partners involved in the development of the programme include GPs and Primary Care in Stockport, Stockport CCG, Stepping Hill NHS Foundation Trust and Life Leisure.

It forms part of the broader One Stockport campaign, which will allow the borough to ‘build back better’ in response to the virus.

A major early initiative is supporting people recovering from Covid-19 as they gradually return to health through the provision of physical activity packs.

Developed with input from Life Leisure’s active communities and specialist physical activity teams, alongside Stepping Hill Hospital, recovery patients will be guided through exercises using the equipment within the packs, which will support people to get moving.

The packs will be distributed to identified care homes and individuals who will benefit the most from these.

This will reduce the risk of ‘deconditioning’, which can lead to a loss of balance, muscle, independence, and other negative outcomes later in life.

Other ways to get moving include going for walks, YouTube yoga, a dance party with the kids, gardening, and even spring cleaning.

As long as your heart rate is up and you feel warmer, it counts towards your daily exercise.

The Stockport Moving Together (#StockportMovingTogether) campaign will also draw all national, GM-wide, and local physical activity initiatives under a single local banner. This includes initiatives that existed pre-virus, such as the Local Pilot, as well as those that have been developed in response to the pandemic.

Cllr Elise Wilson, Leader of Stockport Council (pictured above), said: “Recovery from this pandemic is front and centre of the Council’s priorities, and I think it would be fair to say is front and centre of almost every organisation and person in Stockport Colin Wasson, Medical Director at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, said “We are proud to be a part of ’The Stockport Moving Together’ programme, which will be important in helping those who have been less mobile than usual during lockdown, but also supporting those recovering from Covid-19 return to health.

“This help will be of particular importance to our older people who can quickly lose strength and fitness during illness or periods of immobility and reduced activity.”

Dr Cath Briggs, a local GP and Clinical Chair of NHS CCG, said: “This is a vital programme that Stockport’s GPs are delighted to be part of. Everyone is aware of the physical benefits of exercise – particularly for the elderly in keeping them mobile and independent – but many don’t know that it can have a massive impact on your emotional wellbeing as well.

“Exercise can improve your mood, selfesteem and confidence and also helps you to sleep better. Recovering from the emotional trauma of the pandemic is just as important as improving your physical state and exercise can help you”

Telephone: 0161 998 4786 / 07779 300162

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Enjoy mature living with a difference at Sanctuary Wilmslow

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Telephone: 0161 998 4786/07779 300162

Active over-55s looking for mature living with a difference can find their perfect home at an exclusive gated development in Wilmslow.

Sanctuary Wilmslow hosts a collection of stunning two and three-bedroom cottages and apartments.

This innovative concept from Jones Homes offers bespoke mature living for the active over 55s looking for something a little different. This unique development is the first in the UK to introduce the bespoke mature living concept pioneered by Jones Homes USA in Florida.

Located in grounds off Coppice Way, Sanctuary Wilmslow is perfectly placed for those wishing to enjoy the wide choice of shopping, leisure and dining options which this desirable part of Cheshire has to offer.

The homes at Sanctuary Wilmslow boast the high specifications and exemplary build quality for which Jones Homes is renowned, and each property has been designed to be adaptable to residents’ future needs, including the provision to install a lift.

The development features modern bathrooms with Hansgrohe taps, Aqualisa showers and a range of Porcelanosa tiles, while the contemporary fitted kitchens come equipped with top of the range integrated appliances and quartz work surfaces included.

In addition to the communal gardens at Sanctuary Wilmslow, many of the homes have their own private gardens, and all external maintenance of the grounds are taken care of by the Emerson management team – ensuring low maintenance, hassle-free living at its very best.

For more information about Sanctuary Wilmslow, visit jones-homes.co.uk

Telephone: 0161 998 4786 / 07779 300162

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Telephone: 0161 998 4786/07779 300162

THE NORTH WEST HAS SOME OF THE FRIENDLIEST NEIGHBOURS IN THE UK

Research from Greenall’s Gin found that over half of the UK now feel closer to their neighbours than ever before, with Yorkshire & Humber having the friendliest neighbours in the UK, followed closely by London and the North West Research has revealed where you’ll find the friendliest neighbours in the UK and it’s good news for the North West, as it came

third in the list.

Despite the recent local lockdowns imposed on some of the areas North-West of England, the region mshowcasing just how much local communities across Cheshire Greater Manchester have pulled together to help each other out during the pandemic.

The research from Greenall’s Gin also

found that two thirds of respondents from the North West (62%) said it was extremely important to them to have good neighbours, with half (50%) stating they now feel closer to their neighbours as a result of the pandemic.

Prior to Covid-19, just a third (32%) of Brits spoke to their neighbours regularly, but this figure now having risen to almost half (48%).

Who would you like to be your front seat passenger?

Stephen Fry, Sir David Attenborough and Sir Winston Churchill top list of dream car passengers 49% choose friends and family over celebrities Wife and husband tops family passenger wish list Half of drivers say they would choose a friend or family member as their ultimate post-lockdown road trip passenger, according to new AA Driving School research1.

An AA poll of 16,400 members1 found that 49% would want a friend or relative as their dream passenger on a drive after lockdown.

The survey results were split into two top-ten categories for celebrity or family and friend dream passengers.

Romantic relationships ranked top in the family and friend league tables with wives, husbands and partners taking the top three places.

In the top ten for family and friends, nearly two fifths (38%) voted to have their wives next to them on a drive, followed by 12% asking for their husbands and one in ten requesting their partner (10%).

Mothers ranked fourth with 9% of the votes and friends / best friends came in fifth in the tables.

National treasures Stephen Fry, Sir David Attenborough and Sir Winston Churchill made up the top three for celebrities, followed by musical legend Elvis Presley and Jesus Christ. Other top-voted passengers included The Queen, Nelson Mandela and drivers’ own dogs.

Sarah Rees, AA Driving School managing director said: “Many people will have missed the freedom of taking their car out for a drive during lockdown and staycations were certainly popular this summer, so maybe it’s a great time to think about future road trips.

“While you might want to pick Stephen Fry’s brains or listen to the soothing commentary of Sir David Attenborough, at the end of the day people will always rather see their friends and family in the passenger seat.

“Some people would even like to take their dog for a spin in the car as their favourite passenger. The star of the AA’s new advert Tukker is a four-legged friend who has proven just as popular with AA members.

“The current massive demand for driving lessons and tests shows that they are many more potential drivers out there just waiting for the chance to give their favourite passengers a ride.”

Telephone: 0161 998 4786 / 07779 300162

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Telephone: 0161 998 4786/07779 300162

Lucky player hit the £50,000 in Stockport

Local player struck gold when she won the house prize of £50,000 during the National Game – just after her husband was made redundant A lucky bingo player won a life-changing £50,000 during the National Game at Buzz Bingo Stockport The player, who wishes to remain anonymous, was flabbergasted when they called ‘house’ to nab the prize and says that it comes just after her husband was made redundant. Fellow bingo-goers at the Stockport club erupted into cheers to celebrate the huge jackpot, creating a party atmosphere throughout the room.

The win came days after the club, in Newbridge Lane, reopened, welcoming regulars and newcomers back through its doors with new enhanced safety measures.

The winner said: “It couldn’t have come at a better time as my husband has just been made redundant and we are moving house. Thank you to all the staff at Buzz Bingo Stockport, I really do enjoy my time there. My mum was an avid bingo player herself and I feel she is looking over me.”

Kevin Carrigan, General Manager at Buzz Bingo Stockport, says: “We can’t believe that just over one week after reopening we’ve had a player win the National Game and scoop the big £50K prize; we’re utterly delighted to bring a little happiness to the community. The club erupted into a party atmosphere when they won, it was incredible – everyone was celebrating with the winner. It’s certainly a moment we won’t forget .

A one-of-a-kind Full Time GCSE Programme that allows students to retake courses or study qualifications for the first time in this country is proving as popular as it is successful.

This academic year saw a record number of students study GCSEs on the one-year fast track programme run by Stockport College, with even more subjects on offer from this September.

All of the Full Time students passed on Results Day, with two thirds gaining grades 9 to 4, equivalent to A* to C under the old system.

One of this year’s highest achievers was 17-year-old Summaiya Umar from Shaw Heath in Stockport scoring with 9 in maths, 8s in chemistry and psychology and 5 in English.

BBC One’s hugely successful sitcom Ghosts has returned to our screens for a six part series as well as a Christmas special at the end of the year

Coveted

Many of us were guilty of lockdown surges

A surge in screen time during lockdown saw people in the UK spend 40% of their day watching TV and online video services, according to our latest study of the nation’s media habits.

People spend twice as much time watching subscription streaming services: 34 minutes in 2019, and 1 hour 11 minutes in April 2020.

As people across the UK followed official health advice to stay at home during April, they kept themselves informed and entertained by spending an average of six hours and 25 minutes each day watching TV and online video content – a total of almost 45 hours a week, and a rise of almost a third on last year.

The biggest factor behind this increase was people spending twice as much time watching subscription streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.

The trend was even higher among 16to 34-year-olds.

Average minutes of viewing per day across all devices during peak lockdown (April 2020): All UK adults In April 2020, UK adults spent an average of 6 hours 25 minutes viewing across all devices.

16-34s In April 2020, 16-34s spent an average of 6 hours 21 minutes viewing across all devices.

Shaw Heath resident is high achiever at Stockport College

Silver streamers widen their viewing

Our Media Nations 2020 report also found that an estimated 12 million people adopted a new video streaming service during lockdown, with around three million using one of these services for the first time.

Silver streamers widen their viewing.

A third of 55- to 64-year-olds, and 15% of people aged 65 or over used subscription streaming services in the early weeks of lockdown – up from 25% and 12% respectively before the pandemic.

Some of these were older viewers who previously watched only broadcast TV. A third of 55- to 64-year-olds, and 15% of people aged 65 or over used subscription streaming services in the

early weeks of lockdown – up from 25% and 12% respectively before the pandemic.

Disney+, which launched on the first day of the lockdown, made an immediate impact. The new service attracted 16% of online adults by early July, surpassing NOW TV (10%) to become the third most-popular subscription streaming service behind Netflix (45%) and Amazon Prime Video (39%).

Among children aged 3 to 11, Disney+ was used in a third of homes by June – overtaking BBC iPlayer which saw use among these children fall from 26% to 22% during the spring.

Summaiya, who won a coveted award for impressive GCSE performance at this year’s prestigious Student of the Year Awards, credited her tutors at Stockport College for her successes and for helping her adapt to a new country, language and culture after she moved to the UK from Italy.

She now plans to study Science A Levels at the Sixth Form Centre at Trafford College, which is part of Stockport College’s Group.

Summaiya said: “The staff at Stockport College are very professional, encouraging and motivating, and they recognise the potential within students. I lacked confidence due to the language barriers but they involved me in all activities, which helped my confidence grow, and inspired me so much.

“I was also overwhelmed by the outstanding efforts of the college’s administration; they are providing and promoting a healthy culture where students from different backgrounds can integrate easily.

“Throughout lockdown, online learning materials helped me fill any gaps in work I was missing and I’m so thankful to my teachers for their regular communication.

Their support enabled me to achieve my study goals. I can’t wait to start my A Levels and to hopefully progress to employment in something Chemistry related. I want to give back to the community by becoming a professional in my field.”

Assistant Principal Helen Wood added: “Summaiya is a dedicated student who approached her studies with maturity, commitment and intelligence. Summaiya arrived in the UK early last year, speaking English as her third language. She took the challenge of completing her GCSEs in one year on the College’s Full Time GCSE Programme, where she has been an outstanding student and we are confident she will be an excellent addition to the A Level cohort.

“Students have adapted incredibly well to remote learning during lockdown this year, which makes their achievements even more impressive. I am grateful to the hard work of all of our teaching staff who go above and beyond to help our students succeed.”

Stockport College’s Full Time GCSE Programme is now offering business, maths and English as well as chemistry and psychology this year. Apply online at https:// stockport.ac.uk.

Stockport Dynamoes U10s have new sponsor Telephone: 0161 998 4786 / 07779 300162

Stockport Dynamoes under 10s start the season ready to hit the back of the net with a new kit sponsorship deal from the UK’s leading artificial grass brand, Namgrass, who have become their 2020/2021 official kit sponsor.

A group of football players posing for a picture Description automatically generatedStockport Dynamoes are a well-known grassroots local football team formed in 1991 run solely by volunteers with a passion for sport. Training every Monday, the under 10s play league matches, in the ever-popular East Manchester Junior football league. The sponsorship on behalf of Namgrass will support a team of 9/10 year old boys who regularly participate in various tournaments around the north west.

Jared Gardner, Sales Director for Namgrass, said: “In these tricky times we’re delighted to be able to help grassroots teams thrive by donating full kits for matches as well as namgrass footballs for their training. We are thrilled to provide sponsorship for them, and we are looking forward to seeing the boys go from strength to strength throughout the 2020/2021 season.”

James Findlow, Manager and Coach of the Stockport Dynamoes, commented: “Being a coach for Stockport Dynamoes is incredibly rewarding. We love watching the players grow to achieve their potential. We are thrilled to welcome Namgrass to the Stockport Dynamoes’ family and are extremely grateful for their support and belief in our team.”

Jit Patel, Joint Manager and Coach, added: “On behalf of the coaching staff I would like to thank Namgrass for the boys’ brand new Puma kit, which looks brilliant - the boys love them! We look forward to welcoming the Namgrass team to watch the boys play very soon.”

Image shows: Callum Findlow 9 (Goalkeeper) Jack Blood 9, Jazib Bukhari 9, Rune Hill 9, Alfie Howard 9, Charlie-Jack Lahiri 10, Marshall Mason 9, Jaxson Myers 9, Jayden Patel 9, Michael Pollitt 9

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Don’t let fatigue slow you down

Phil Day, Superintendent Pharmacist at Pharmacy2U comments: “With peoples’ lives getting back to this ‘new’ normal, people are understandably cautious about crowded areas, with the risk of catching the virus still very much apparent. However, there are some key things you can do to boost your immune system, making your body more likely to fight off viruses.

Sleep

Get enough sleep – poor quality sleep is linked with a higher susceptibility to lots of illnesses; adequate rest strengthens your natural immunity. Adults should aim for 8 hours of sleep per night, with teenagers needing an hour more.

Find ways to reduce stress – when you are stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol to prepare you for “fight or flight”.

But over time, excessive levels of cortisol will lead to an increase in inflammation in the body, which in turn impairs your immune system, reducing its ability to fight infections.

Ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D - vitamin D is vital for healthy bones, teeth and muscles thanks to its ability to influence the amount of calcium in our bodies. A lack of vitamin D could lead to complications with the immune system, which could worsen the effects of the virus if you do get sick.

Most of our vitamin D comes from our diet, and exposure to the sun during the warmer months. However, there are other sources of vitamin D. Supplements containing vitamin D are widely available from your local or online pharmacy, or supermarket.

Eat more fruit and veg – fresh fruit and vegetables are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, which are essential for keeping your immune system as healthy as possible.

Get your 5 a day!

Take moderate exercise – this can reduce inflammation in the body and promotes the healthy turnover of immune cells, as well as boosting the effectiveness of vaccines in people with compromised immune systems.

Exercises such as jogging, cycling and swimming are excellent for this – even a daily walk is really good for you.”

KLASS ON ICE

Myleene Klass is Dancing On Ice 2021’S first celebrity contestant Musician and presenter Myleene Klass is the first celebrity skater confirmed to take part in Dancing on Ice 2021.

She took to her Instagram tonight to announce she has signed up.

Myleene will be strapping on her skates, alongside eleven other celebrities, in a bid to become champion of the ice.

Occasional event cakes Order yours today