Movin’... with the times
DISABILITY AWARENESS DAY 2009 “Absolutely inspirational” – that was the expression used by one visitor to last year’s North West Disability Awareness Day (DAD). Many of the record number of exhibitors and 22,000 visitors travelled from all across the North West and the UK to attend the event last year, and DAD 2009 looks set to be just as successful. It will be supported by a week of complementary events leading up to the exhibition on Sunday 12 July. The events will be held in a tented village located in the picturesque setting of Walton Hall Gardens, situated off the A56. Eighteen years of experience goes into producing this event – with over 300 exhibition stands promoting independent living, areas dedicated to arts and sports, and family entertainment throughout the week, it boasts something for everyone. DAD covers all disabilities, ages, carers and families, and if you work in the field of health, social care or disability there will be plenty to interest you at the event. DAD offers a free and accessible park-and-ride service, plus free admission and a programme. For more information about the event, visit www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk or call Warrington Disability Partnership on 01925 240 064.
CREDIT CRUNCH SCHOOL LUNCH Up to Friday 15 July school dinners in six primary schools across Warrington will be just £1 a day! St Benedict’s, St Elphin’s, Bruche, Cherry Tree, Sycamore Lane and Woolston Primary will all be taking part in the ‘Credit Crunch Busting Lunch.’ The project is being funded by the School Food Trust with the aim of increasing take-up of school meals. Cllr Sheila Woodyatt, Executive Board Member for Children’s Services, said: “School dinners have come a long way from the stereotypical fish fingers, chips and lumpy custard. Our pupils are now more likely to be served up homemade lasagne, chicken chasseur, turkey curry and fresh fruit salad. “School meals in Warrington are prepared daily using British and local produce wherever possible and provide two of the five recommended daily portions of fruit and veg a day. They are enjoyed by thousands of young people every day.” To find out more about the project, contact Gordon Carson, Catering Services Manager, on 01925 443 080 or email gcarson@warrington.gov.uk 8
July–August 2009 | Issue 3
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT WARRINGTON’S GRASSROOTS The latest Government drive is aimed towards helping the smallest, volunteer-led organisations to thrive, and helping them to direct their energies towards the particular challenges that they see in their local communities. Warrington Grassroots is taking action in this way – it has supported over 50 groups since September 2008 and has issued over £80,000 to the local community. For this level of giving to continue, Warrington Grassroots needs the help of individuals and businesses to get involved in creating an endowment fund that will allow them to support our local community, with the Government matching every pound until March 2011. By creating an endowment fund, Warrington Grassroots can continue to give donations that help to build stronger communities throughout the Warrington area, from the more affluent areas to the more deprived areas in our town. If you’d like to know more about who has benefited from the Grassroots scheme so far, or how you can donate, please visit www.warringtoncvs.org.uk/grassroots. asp or call 01925 246 880.