MyClubmoor Newspaper Issue 4

www.myclubmoor.co.uk

Issue No. 04

Autumn 2014

DOG SHOW

WINNERS AND CLASSES - PG 6 - 7

WHAT’S INSIDE...

MYCLUBMOOR - PG 2

DOG SHOW - PG 6 - 7

CAROL’S BLOG - PG 11

WHAT AN AUTUMN - PG 3

CLUBMOOR - PG 8 - 9

GET INVOLVED - BACK PG

HEALTH PAGE - PG 4 - 5

THE POPPY - PG 10 1

www.myclubmoor.co.uk

Issue No. 04

www.myclubmoor.co.uk

Issue No. 04

WHAT AN AUTUMN A NOTE FROM THE CHAIR

A

t the recent ‘A Million Reasons to Love Clubmoor’ conference, I told the story of my daughter’s favourite book. It goes like this:

There are lots of things that Scramble is brilliant at, but there’s one thing he can’t do. It’s the thing he always wanted to do; whoever heard of an otter that can’t swim? Scramble’s Mum gives him some advice: “You’ve got to start small!” The next day, Scramble’s sister takes him by the hand and dips his toe into the pool. The next day he paddles his feet, then he splashes, walks and eventually swims. In no time at all, he is able to dive from the highest-ever rock and play in the deepest-ever pool!

The story sticks with me so strongly because it reflects what we hope we will see in Clubmoor.

Our vision is to be a network of committed, active, inspirational people, working towards making Clubmoor the best that it can be. That’s our highest-ever rock.

In September, we launched the I award scheme, giving people the chance to apply for £500 to try out their idea. We’ve extended our partnership with Unltd, the foundation for social entrepreneurship too, which means more support for those of you who have a heart for social and community business ideas. I hope that we will see

COMING SOON TO CLUBMOOR lots of Scrambles dipping their toes in the water.

Find out more about this on pages 8 and 9.

The conference was brilliant. It was great to see so many residents sharing views about their area.

Lianne and Sally did a great job organising things and we had some inspirational ideas, some of which we hope to see happen in the next year. We had over 200 people at our summer Dog Show this year, the idea of one local resident. I can’t wait for the first Clubmoor fashion show!

CHRISTMAS EVENT

20th December 11am - 3pm @ St Andrew’s Church

This edition of MyClubmoor reflects that Christmas can be a tricky time for people. Sometimes we have to be Scramble’s sister, and just help people along on their journey. I’m inspired by some of the stories of people who have met their struggles head on. We’re doing a few things – there are some fun Christmas events planned, we’re promoting the activities of the local church as a place to go, and giving you a chance to donate to the North Liverpool Foodbank to directly help local people in emergency situations.

We’re taking Scramble’s Mum’s advice and starting small. Our firmly held belief is that what makes Clubmoor special is its people. We think that most people have an idea or a dream; we should be about helping people to take steps towards it; and over ten years this will lead to a really different place. There’s a challenge there though; where’s the deepest-ever pool that you want to play in, are you prepared to dip your toe in and how can we help?

CLUBMOOR MEMORIES

And we wanted to keep that for them, which is why it’s all in this book. It’s a keepsake – a way of remembering forever the work they did, and what they got out of it. We all still have keepsakes from our childhoods – things we’ll never throw away – and we hope this becomes one of theirs.

L

iverpool City Council released a book of memories on 13th November – below is an extract from the book written by Irene Rainey, Roz Gladden and James Noakes, Clubmoor ward councilors.

CREATIVE & DRAMATIC ARTS GROUP Every Thursday 7pm - 9pm @ St Andrew’s Community Network

When Liverpool announced it was to host the giants and become one of the national centrepieces of World War One commemorations, people across the city were asked to do something. But in Clubmoor we had nothing to commemorate it with- there’s no cenotaph here; no focal point.

So we thought about a focus for remembering the events of the Great War. Where would people go?

Who would maintain it? How much impact would it have on the greatest amount of people?

Kevin Peacock, MyClubmoor Chairperson

We’d worked with the local schools in the ward before; they’ve always been enthusiastic and inclusive. And so the idea of a book came up, at a public meeting.

LINK UP START UP EVENT

6th January @ St Andrew’s Community Network

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER Bonfire & Christmas

But World War One isn’t really taught in junior schools. And we thought it was important that the children learn about the sacrifices that their great grandparents - and sometimes great, great grandparents – made for us all. Fewer soldiers march every year at Remembrance Day. So who’s going to tell them about it?

The four years of World War One had a dramatic, and often devastating, impact on people’s lives. It affected every corner of their everyday existence – it separated families, changed the working day, affected food and education and toys. It changed the structure of life in this country forever.

Within that, there was plenty to learn – and we were keen that the schools did different things, and each experienced it in their own way. They did so much – there were assault courses, wartime songs and drama lessons; arts and crafts, baking bread, first aid and dressing up.

Everyone was so open to it! They joined in everything with such enthusiasm. It is undoubtedly one of the nicest projects we’ve done in the area – seeing the children in the schools with some of our veterans, or listening to the Last Post, was incredibly moving.

2

BUTTERFLIES NURSEYS

R

oscoe Primary School is happy to announce the new provision for two year old children.

If you are entitled to the following, you are eligible for a free place for your 2 year old child.

September 2013 Entitlement (Introduced in Liverpool from April 2013)

Clubmoor Remembers was funded by the Clubmoor Neighhood fund, which is part of the Mayor’s Fund in Liverpool. It’s something we, as ward councillors, use to try and give a bit back to the local community.

•

We’re all so proud of every single one of them, and their teachers, who we couldn’t have done it without. The enthusiasm of the schools and youth clubs, and their teachers and supporters, has made the project memorable for so many reasons.

•

We want to say a big thank you to Broad Square Primary school, Florence Melly Community Primary School, Leamington Community Primary School, Roscoe Community Primary School, St Matthew’s Catholic Primary school, Splice group, Clubmoor Youth Centre and Norris Green Youth Centre.

• •

•

•

•

Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance (income based) Employment Support Allowance (income based) Support through Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit) and have an annual income of not over £16,190 The Working Tax Credit 4 week-run on (the payment a claimant receives when they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit) Looked After by the Local Authority

ST CHRISTOPHER’S LIGHT PARTY

S

t Christopher’s Church, Lorenzo Drive held its annual Light Party this year in partnership with the reverend Helen Edwards from Christ Church Norris Green, who was in charge of the festivities. Rev Edwards explained light parties are an alternative to Halloween that focuses on the light rather than the dark of the more traditional festivities. Local children were encouraged to dress in colourful costumes and around the theme of heroes and heroines. The pumpkin competition consisted of pumpkins being decorated with smiling happy faces with the best pumpkin won a prize.

Other activities included best fancy dress, dangling doughnuts and arts & crafts. The event was very well attended by local families and children all really getting into the spirit of the evening.

Jo and Craig Search attended with their daughter Libby and said:

“A FRIEND TOLD ME ABOUT THE EVENT AT ST CHRISTOPHER’S AND IT’S BEEN REALLY GREAT, WE HAVE HAD MOUNTAINS OF HOT DOGS AND DRINKS AND THE KIDS HAVE HAD LOADS OF SWEETS.”

September 2014 Entitlement (Introduced in Liverpool from October 2013) • •

•

• • •

If they meet the September 2013 eligibility criteria If their families receive Working Tax credits and have annual gross earnings of no more than £16,190 per year If they have a current statement of special educational needs (SEN) or an education, health and care plan If they attract Disability Living Allowance If they are looked after by their local authority If they have left care through special guardianship or through an adoption or residence order

So if you are looking for a nursery provision.

Please contact the school on: Tel: 0151 226 1536 Email: roscoe-ao@roscoe.liverpool.sch.uk Web: roscoeliverpool.co.uk

3

www.myclubmoor.co.uk

Issue No. 04

www.myclubmoor.co.uk

LYDIA’S STORY FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH

SYMPTOMS FOR PMS/PMDD once pregnant with my daughter but as soon as I had finished breastfeeding her, I relapsed. In September 2007 I found I was pregnant with my third child Ethan and once again stopped my medication. I still felt that somehow my mood and behaviour changes were linked to my hormones as when I was pregnant or breast feeding I would feel so much better. Once Ethan was born, yet again my thoughts and behaviour were becoming erratic with outbursts of anger and plenty of tears.

During the years I had struggled I always managed to maintain an external appearance of a women who balanced family, work, church and life in general really well. I can remember people often saying to me, “How do you do it all?” Even at work, where I held a responsible job as a sister in critical care, no-one had any idea of my internal suffering and the constant struggles I had inside my head.

One of the obsessive thoughts I would often have to fight was the fear of something happening to my children. This soon became too close to reality when my youngest son Ethan had a large seizure at home and was diagnosed with epilepsy.

M

y name is Lydia and I currently volunteer for the Wellbeing project in St Andrew’s Community Network. The project looks to help people within our local community who are struggling with physical, social and mental wellbeing.

If you had told me three years ago I would be working on a wellbeing project helping others with their struggles around mental health, I would not have believed you. This time three years ago, my life had gone from being a loving wife, mother of three, professional nurse within critical care, having fulfilled most of my life’s dreams to someone who was determined to destroy themselves in any way possible.

This obviously did not happen overnight and, looking back, I have always had a tendency to act impulsively and irrationally at times, but always thought this was normal and I was just an emotional, passionate person. I knew at times in my life I was struggling with depression but always related it to my menstrual cycle saying, “Oh, it’s just because I’m due on.”

I was also aware that my mum had suffered with a hormone imbalance, which caused behaviour changes and she had spent many years on hormone replacement therapy. As a teenager I was a typical tearaway, and really struggled with my identity. Often I would feel like I just changed according to the people around me and didn’t know who the real Lydia was.

I moved to Liverpool in 1999 to work at Alder Hey Hospital as a staff nurse. I met my husband and we married in 2002 and went on to have three children. After my first child, I suffered with post-natal depression and was prescribed antidepressants by my doctor. I stopped these

4

I started to lose separation as to what was real and what was not and began to lose grip on reality. I couldn’t understand what the point of me living was when I couldn’t protect my children. I felt like a failure as a mother and as a nurse as the realisation set in that I couldn’t save everyone.

The world felt like an awful place to be and Heaven seemed an easy option.

After a serious attempt to take my own life I spent most of the following year in and out of a psychiatric unit and made numerous attempts to end my life. I was eventually diagnosed with bipolar type two disorders and stabilised on medication.

In some ways, being ill has given me a new sense of freedom. After all, when you have walked through Liverpool in nothing other than a theatre gown with a drip and lots more showing than you would like, being foolish in public now feels quite acceptable.

On a serious note, the lows were extremely painful and included numerous attempts to end my life and generally destroy myself in any way possible. Since being diagnosed I have completed a course of cognitive analytical therapy which has helped me to understand why I think the way I do and helped me to recognise and change certain thought patterns I struggle with. I have taken time to understand my illness in order to recognise triggers and signs of me becoming unwell again and have put preventers in place. I do still have to take medication and may have to continue this long term, but my life is worth living and those feelings of despair have gone. I want to take this opportunity to thank my husband; Stuart, children; Cameron, Rosie, and Ethan, family, and friends for supporting me and loving me through this very difficult time. But ultimately I want to thank God. He never gave up on me and when I had no fight left in me to live, He carried me through to the next day. God is my hope and foundation for the future.

Issue No. 04

JAN’S STORY FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH

m

ood swings, depression, tiredness, fatigue or lethargy, anxiety, feeling out of control, irritability, aggression, anger, sleep disorder, breast tenderness, bloating, weight gain, clumsiness and headaches. Dramatic change in behaviour from ovulation to the onset of a period (7-10 days prior to a period) and complete relief from those symptoms once you have menstruated. For further help and advice, please go to:

Ray did what he could, but his main priority was to provide for his growing family and Jan was struggling to bring up two very small children.

Jan felt like she could no longer cope and she attempted to take her own life, after being hospitalised there still was not any support for how she was feeling. Although a health worker did come out and help with two year old Kirsty with her behaviour, it was not enough. When third daughter Amy came along, Jan once again, felt like she couldn’t cope. Amy had colic and would constantly cry, again Jan asked for help but the midwife said it would pass over and she would be fine but Jan knew she wasn’t fine. Jan said:

Web: www.Pms.org.uk If this story has affected you, or you would like any further information on services provided by the wellbeing project, St Andrew’s Community Network, please contact us at:

“I could once again feel myself spiralling out of control and I didn’t know who to turn to - I even felt like I was capable of hurting my own baby, but still no one took me seriously. I asked my niece if she would move in and help me, luckily she agreed and a felt a lot more able to cope with the children.”

Email: Wellbeing@standrewslive.org.uk.

ST ANDREW’S COMMUNITY NETWORK Volunteer programme, which helps build confidence and gives experience to people who have been out of work for a while

Listening service, which gives people a safe & confidential place to be heard

Chronic pain support group for people struggling with physical disabilities

Sign-posting service, which allows us to direct people to the best help possible which is appropriate to their need

Restored is a new project, which is due to be launched on Wednesday 28th January 12:00pm – 2:00pm, which will be a therapeutic peer support group for anyone struggling with mental health issues.

PLACES I FOUND HELP

J

an Roberts is a 47 year old mother of 3 who was married to Ray at the young age of 17, having their first daughter by the time she was 18. Losing her dad at the age of 11 had a great impact on Jan and relationships with her mother and sisters slowly deteriorated. It was when their first daughter Kirsty arrived that Jan believes her depression symptoms started to peak. Jan recalls:

“AFTER GIVING BIRTH, I FELT LONELY AND UNSUPPORTED - I DIDN’T KNOW WHERE TO TURN AND HAD NO IDEA WHAT I WAS SUPPOSED TO DO WITH A TINY BABY. I HAD RAY, BUT HE WORKED ALL DAY AND WAS GETTING FRUSTRATED WITH ME BECAUSE I FELT I COULDN’T COPE AND HE DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO EITHER.” Jan did tell her health visitor and GP how she felt but other than medicating her, there was no other support. At the age of 21, their second daughter Ashley came along which put Jan under a lot more pressure and two year old Kirsty started to have behaviour problems. Jan continues: “I asked for help. I told people how I felt, but still no one could give me the support I needed. There were no parenting classes and no counselling, I was just given tablets and told to basically get on with it.”

At the age of 21, Jan was spiralling into deeper depression with very little support. Her husband

However not long after Jan’s mother became seriously ill and needed 24 hour care, this became a really hard and stressful time for Jan. Not only was she coping with depression and raising her family, Jan now had to try and fight for her ill mother who was not being cared for properly and allegations of neglect and abuse against the care giver were filed. Unfortunately Jan’s mother passed away and this surfaced the feelings Jan had tried to suppress and once again, Jan was thinking about ending her life. Jan remembers: “I was sitting on my own at the kitchen table, writing and rewriting a suicide note. I knew I didn’t want to leave Ray and my girls, but I felt like they would be better off without me. I felt alone, isolated, I lacked confidence and I feared that I wasn’t good enough.”

It was then that Jan finally got some counselling, but after three sessions, she felt that it was not for her. She recalls: “It made me even more vulnerable; they went too far back for me to cope with it. They even stirred up feelings I didn’t know I had; including feeling that I was rejected from my family and the loss of my dad and it just wasn’t helping me at all.”

Jan now believes she had undiagnosed post natal depression after her first child was born and with not having the right support or dealing with the issues things became harder to deal with and to this day it is still a struggle. Two years ago, Jan’s niece moved into Clubmoor and asked Jan if she would come to the Christmas Eve service at St Andrew’s church with her. It was this that became a turning point for Jan as, for the first time in a long time, Jan felt a sense of belonging. Jan says:

for. Jan made her way to the front of church and two of the congregation prayed with Jan; she says: “I had an overwhelming feeling and I couldn’t stop crying, in fact I was sobbing, it was like there was nowhere else for me but here. After attending the church as much as possible and starting to read the bible, I found a sense of belonging and through prayer, I finally had someone to listen to me. When I was introduced to community pastor Brenda, I felt like a light surrounded us and believed she was the person I had been searching for.”

It has been two years since Jan first attended the church and met Brenda who she says has become a friend, a confidant and someone to rely on.

More than anything, she has a whole new support system around her and her family. Jan says she still has ups and downs, but there is now always someone to help. She says:

“FINDING GOD DOESN’T MEAN I’M CURED; I STILL HAVE A DAILY STRUGGLE WITH DEPRESSION BUT NOW, I ALSO HAVE A UNIT OF SUPPORT AROUND ME THAT I HAVE NEVER HAD BEFORE. I HAVE EVEN BEEN CONFIDENT ENOUGH TO DO SOME DRAMA WHICH I LOVE AND I REGULARLY ATTEND CELEBRATE RECOVERY WHICH HELPS ME TO DEAL WITH MY FEELINGS.” Fifteen months ago, Jan had a hysterectomy that left her with nerve damage and daily pain which again led to her starting to feel the depression sinking in. The medication she was prescribed also had bad side effects including suicidal thoughts and, again, Jan was ready to take her own life. However this time Jan believes God intervened and she feels stronger and more able to cope with life. She has come a long way in the last two years and her smiling, caring and bubbly personality shines through and she feels like she can finally start coping with life.

If you or anyone you know suffers from depression or would like to speak to someone who might be able to help, please contact: Celebrate Recovery @ St Andrew’s Church Email: Brenda@standreslive.org.uk

“My niece didn’t like it but I did, I felt like I needed to go back as much as possible.”

Listening Service @ St Andrew’s Church Email: Contact wellbeing@standrewslive.org.uk

A week later, Jan returned to St Andrew’s and during the service the vicar asked if anyone was feeling lost and alone would they like to be prayed

Beacon Counselling Trust Tel: 0151 226 0696 Email: admin@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk

5

www.myclubmoor.co.uk

Issue No. 04

DOG SHOW

WINNERS AND CLASSES BEST PUPPY & OVERALL WINNER

ANNUAL DOG SHOW

L

ast summer, both MyClubmoor and LMH had very successful dog related events that promoted dog awareness and responsible ownership. This year, by combining the two events, we hoped to have a greater impact on the local community and by working alongside local agencies, partners and businesses, the event was a huge success with over 200 people attending. Recreating some of last year’s successful classes like waggiest tail and best six legs, we also added a few more including an overall best in show class with a winner’s basket of doggie related prizes; all made up from donations from the stalls that attended and contributions from LMH, My Clubmoor and Pets at Home. We also awarded 15 other deserving dogs and their owners with vouchers and winners rosettes.

“The great thing about these types of events is that it’s educational while being fun, everyone can get involved and benefit. Even those who are not dog owners as it’s helping to create a cleaner safer community for everyone.” Local Resident Vets4Pets, Sled Dogs, Dawn’s Groomers, Joey’s Boxer Rescue and RSPCA were just some of the dog experts that helped out and attended on the day. MyClubmoor volunteers, LMH staff and Pete from Merseyside Police helped run the show, with free pet waste bags given away from Liverpool City Council and free micro-chipping of 40 dogs for free by Vets4Pets. Dawn’s Groomers gave out advice on keeping your pooch heathy, happy and looking good.

“I attended last year’s dog show and was really looking forward to this year’s - it didn’t disappoint! The atmosphere was great, with lots of information and support and it was lovely to see so many responsible dog owners and dogs that were well cared for. I can’t wait for the next one.” Local Resident

Tayla & Charlie Chip Judged by Nicky from LMH

We are already looking forward to next year’s show - if you are interested in having a stall or helping out, please contact Lianne on: Tel: 0151 270 3803 Email: lianne@standrewslive.org.uk

BEST PUPPY FEMALE

BEST ADULT FEMALE

Lewis & Mocha Judged by Nicky from LMH

BEST ADULT MALE

Katie & Maisie Judged by Dave from Sled Dogs

BEST VETERAN FEMALE

We had 15 winners overall – you see more photographs from the day by heading to: Web: www.myclubmoor.co.uk

Charlie & Mitzie Judged by Dawn from Dawn’s Groomers

BEST VETERAN MALE

Ashleigh & Sherlock Judged by Dawn from Dawn’s Groomers

BEST SIX LEGS

Linda & Bobby Judged by Nicky from LMH

MOST OBEDIENT

BEST TRICK

JUNIOR HANDLER AGES 7-11

BEST BRACE

Marc & Tia Judged by Nicky from MyClubmoor

JUNIOR HANDLER AGES 12-16

Michael & Meeka Judged by Natalie from Joey’s Boxer Legacy

BEST MIXED BREED

Andrew, Pi & Lupa Judged by Ali from Vets4Pets

Karin & Issabella Judged by Nicky from LMH

Blake & Robyn Judged by Kevin from MyClubmoor

Catherine & Max Judged by Pete the dog handler

6

WAGGIEST TAIL

Hannah & Max Judged by Nicky from MyClubmoor

BEST PEDIGREE

Jean & Ben Judged by Su from Bridge Community Centre

Jan & Duncan Judged by David from Vets4Pets

7

www.myclubmoor.co.uk

Issue No. 04

MORE INDEPENDENT A MILLION REASONS TO CLUBMOOR

M

yClubmoor held its first ever A Million Reasons conference in September, which saw over 100 people attend. Big Local chief executive, Debbie Ladds came all the way from London to find out more about our area and the amazing work the local people are achieving.

Debbie said:

“ON ARRIVAL, I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED. THERE WAS A GREAT ATMOSPHERE, AND THE LUNCHTIME START MEANT THAT I COULD GET TO KNOW SOME OF THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN THE AREA OVER A DELICIOUS BITE TO EAT.” As we were launching our I Awards, we asked attendees to come up with a great £500 idea for the chance to win an iPad and the response was amazing. People had some fantastic ideas which

8

CHAMPIONING A MORE INDEPENDENT LIVERPOOL made it very difficult to choose; however one stood out to our judges and the winner was Su Carson from the Bridge Community Centre. Su’s winning project was a music therapy idea to help people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Well done, Su! Since the conference, we have already had a great response with 5 local people’s applications being successful and getting start-up grants of £500.

One person even received a Grow It Award of £5,000! Could you be our next award winner? See details below on how to apply. Debbie continued:

“I SAID IT WHILE I WAS IN CLUBMOOR, BUT I WANT TO SAY IT AGAIN: MANY THANKS TO EVERYONE INVOLVED IN ALL THESE ACTIVITIES. IT IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF BIG LOCAL IN ACTION; HELPING PEOPLE MAKE THEIR AREA AN EVEN BETTER PLACE TO LIVE.”

In addition, we also had children from the area taking part in the Big Million Team challenge, a series of fun challenging activities for all age groups. The winning teams had to also come up with a £500 project or event for their community.

Ella Radford, Lilly Radford, Lilly-May, Morgan Carragher and Isobella Beesley’s winning ideas won Liverpool ONE gift vouchers! Massive well done to all that took part – some fantastic ideas were presented and do look out for the best ones in your area soon.

L

iverpool-based initiative More Independent (Mi) is helping thousands of people to take better care of themselves and be more independent. Mi does this by making technology and services more available and more affordable to the people who really need it.

Dr Maurice Smith, chair of the More Independent board, and executive lead for Integrated Care at NHS Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group, explains:

We currently organising a Link Up, Start Up event in the new year. If you would like to join us, email Lianne for more information.

“LIVERPOOL IS LEADING THE WAY IN PIONEERING

Link Up, Start Up Tuesday 6th January, 5:30pm - 7:30pm @ St Andrew’s Community Network

LIVES – SUPPORTING THEM TO LIVE AS

Email: lianne@standrewslive.org.uk

TECHNOLOGIES THAT CAN CHANGE PEOPLE’S CONFIDENTLY, HEALTHILY AND INDEPENDENTLY AS THEY POSSIBLY CAN IN THEIR OWN HOMES.”

ARE ALL ABOUT ENHANCING THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF LOCAL PEOPLE; PROVIDING WAYS TO HELP THEM FEEL BETTER, MORE SUPPORTED, AND LESS ISOLATED.” This is supported by the help of many kindhearted, everyday heroes, who work tirelessly to make a positive difference in their community.

One of these fantastic people is Frank Ford, an Mi Champion who has been helping the people of his local community for over 5 years. So far, Frank has set up a local walking club to help people socialise, get out and about, and improve their fitness.

Frank says that the health and fitness of the members of his group has improved thanks, in part, to his work:

With members of Frank’s group ranging from an 87 year old walking enthusiast to a 6 year old bundle of energy, age represents no barrier to anyone getting involved.

All sorts of people can benefit from the work of an Mi Champion, including the volunteer themselves. Frank was keen to express, he says: “Being a champion gives people the chance to improve their employment possibilities with all the courses you can take. I’ve seen many people go on to get jobs through it. There’s loads of free courses in health and safety, food safety, first aid and more, which is great if you’re looking to improve your CV and find a job. But as I’m retired I mainly just enjoy getting out of the house and having a bit of a chinwag!”

To see Mi technology in action, visit the Mi Smarthouse at the Museum of Liverpool daily from 11am – 4pm or call free on 0808 100 1929*.

He continues:

“LOTS OF MY MEMBERS CAN NOW WALK A LOT

“MI PULLS TOGETHER A VAST RANGE OF

FASTER AND ARE A LOT FITTER THAN WHEN

To find out more about Mi Champions, call the PSS Mi champion hotline on 0151 702 5574 or visit www.moreindependent.co.uk

TECHNOLOGIES, TOOLS AND PROJECTS THAT

THEY FIRST JOINED.”

*Standard rates for mobile phones apply

9

www.myclubmoor.co.uk

Issue No. 04

www.myclubmoor.co.uk

THE POPPY

CAROL’S BLOG

100TH ANNIVERSARY

T

he 4th of August 2014 marked the 100th anniversary of the day Britain entered one of the costliest conflicts in history – the First World War – with fighting continuing until the 11th of November 1918, Armistice Day. The Royal British Legion was founded by veterans of the First World War who adopted the poppy as their symbol of Remembrance and hope. Today, the Legion is at the forefront of Centenary commemorations. As we come together in Remembrance of events a century ago, we are reminded of the important welfare work the Legion continues to provide today and will need to provide in the future.

Sunday 9th November saw poignant services held all over the UK, thousands of people paid tribute to fallen soldiers with many tributes being made from art work, marches and the laying of the poppy wreath. I attended St Andrew’s Church in Clubmoor, to remember my own war heroes: Private James Westall was killed in action in France on 1th May 1918 aged just 20 years old, and my great grandfather, Stanley Styles, whom I was lucky enough to know and love was a POW in Japan during WW2. My great grandfather never really recovered from his experiences and I still do not know all of what he went through as it was too hard for him to speak about it.

CATCHING UP WITH CAROL Remembrance Sunday is a day for us to come together, let us remember the sacrifices that have been made throughout history and still today. As a mother and wife, I cannot comprehend what it must be like to wave goodbye to my loved ones and send them into battle; knowing they may never return – I hope I never have to know. I wear my poppy with pride and remembrance for the past and present and my heart goes out to all the families of those who are serving today.

The significance of the poppy as a lasting memorial symbol to the fallen was realised by the Canadian surgeon John McCrae in his poem In Flanders Fields. The poppy came to represent the immeasurable sacrifice made by his comrades and quickly became a lasting memorial to those who died in World War One and later conflicts. It was adopted by The Royal British Legion as the symbol for their poppy appeal, in aid of those serving in the British Armed Forces, after its formation in 1921.

The poppy has a long association with Remembrance Day. But how did the distinctive red flower become such a potent symbol of our remembrance of the sacrifices made in past wars?

The White Poppy was first introduced by the Women’s Co-Operative Guild in 1933 and was intended as a lasting symbol for peach and an end to all wars.

Scarlet corn poppies (popaver rhoeas) grown naturally in conditions of disturbed earth throughout Western Europe. The destruction brought by the Napoleonic wars of the early 19th century transformed bare land into fields of blood red poppies, growing around the bodies of the fallen soldiers.

Worn on Armistice Day, now Remembrance Sunday, the White Poppy was produced by the Co-Operative Wholesale Society because the Royal British Legion had refused to be associated with its manufacture.

In late 1914, the fields of Northern France and Flanders were once again ripped open as World War One raged through Europe’s heart. Once the conflict was over, the poppy was one of the only plants to grow on the otherwise barren battlefields.

While the White Poppy was never intended to offend the memory of those who died in the Great War, many veterans felt that its significance undermined their contribution and the lasting meaning of the red poppy. Such was the seriousness of this issue that some women lost their jobs in the 1930s for wearing white poppies.

The White Poppy Appeal is now run by the Peace Pledge Union.

THE RESTORE PROGRAMME - HELPING MERSEYSIDE’S EX-SERVICE PERSONNEL AND THEIR FAMILIES.

T

he Beacon Counselling Trust and Local Solutions ex- personal and families RESTORE programme, funded by the Big Lottery reaching communities fund, is the first organisation in the UK to deliver the newly developed Mental Health First Aid course for the Armed Forces. The two day course which was

Issue No. 04

developed by MHFA, supported by the Royal British Legion, combats stress and SSAFA, seeks specifically to engage with the Armed Forces community across all domains i.e. serving personnel, reservists, ex-service personnel and families with the overall aim of improving mental health and wellbeing of this community,

whist simultaneously reducing the stigma and discrimination that overshadows this area in the wider Armed Forces community. For more info contact Beacon: Tel: 0151 226 0696 Email: admin@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk

S

o what’s been going on with me? I made it to the dog show (the pictures in this edition don’t even begin to tell you what fun was had by us all!). Lots of stalls, lots of dogs and lots of sun. It really was a fab day and enjoyed by one and all, I’m actually a little sad that I missed last year’s but am not going to miss next year’s.

As you all know, I volunteer for a couple of hours each week in the office of St Andrew’s Community Network, home of the North Liverpool Foodbank, and this Christmas they came up with the idea of “North Liverpool Foodbank Big Coffee Morning”.

This was to be a way of gathering those little extras that make Christmas more than just bearable. A chance for the local community to make a huge difference to someone over the Christmas season by donating a small gift, in exchange they could come and enjoy a cup of coffee (or tea) and slice of (very scrumptious) homemade cake.

I went not knowing what to expect but, as usual, the local people managed to surprise me (although I really shouldn’t be surprised, you are, after all, an amazing lot out there). There were a couple of corporate donations and a couple of donations from small local businesses. My very own St Theresa’s Slimming World (I’ve been going since it started in Ellergreen Children’s Centre) donates something every year; last year, it was our body weight in food – and this year, we donated lots of

gifts for all ages. However, this wasn’t a day for the corporate side of things, it was all about the individuals who came through the door.

There was a real varied collection of people who came along and, I have to say, I really enjoyed my morning. I am not, however, looking forward to being weighed after my slice (okay, maybe two slices) of cake! The cake was so delicious – so it was totally worth it; and I just know that there are going to be some families in the local area who are going to have a better Christmas than they were expecting.

Of course, now I’ve got to go and get the rest of my presents bought for my family, so I’m going to wish you a Merry Christmas and I will see you all in the New Year!

GAMBLING CAN HURT YOUR FAMILY NOT JUST YOUR POCKET Beacon Counselling Trust is working together to provide a new service to support those individuals affected by problem gambling or those affected in the wider family unit. This North West service covers Merseyside, North West England and North Wales.

Beacon has developed a new strategy to engage with this community-wide problem,

which includes FREE one to one counselling, couples counselling and group work to support not only the problem gambler but the whole of the impacted family unit.

Tel: 0151 226 0696 Email: admin@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk

If you, or a member of your family are affected by problem gambling, contact Beacon Counselling Trust on:

CHRISTMAS HINTS AND TIPS

Christmas is the

Hate the mess when

Keep your Christmas

Want tastier stuffing

season when you buy

you take down your

cards and re-use the

balls? Make it with

this year's gifts with

Christmas tree? Buy

pictures as gift tags

the juices from your

next years money

a wheelie bin sized bin

next year or take

veg.

what about joining

bag and stand your

them to Sainsburys

your local credit union

tree in it when you

by 15th January and

in January?

put it up. When its

they will recycle them

time to take it down,

and make a donation

pull the bin bag up

to plant more trees.

over your tree, simply tie and dispose.

10

11

www.myclubmoor.co.uk

Issue No. 04

GET INVOLVED & HAVE YOUR SAY There are many ways you can get involved and have your say on the local area...

VOLUNTEERING: At events and projects NEWSPAPER: Stories, writing and journalism EVENTS: Running a stall, setting up and stewarding UNLTD AWARDS: Could you be the recipient of our next “TRY IT” or “DO IT” award.

MyClubmoor relies on volunteers to help deliver projects and events. Please contact Lianne McGinnes, MyClubmoor facilitator at: MyClubmoor, St Andrew’s Community Network Roscoe Primary School, Ballantyne Road Entrance Clubmoor, Liverpool, L13 9AL Tel: 0151 270 3803 Email: lianne@standrewslive.org.uk Web: www.myclubmoor.co.uk

COMMENT SLIP We would love to know what you think about the publication! Is there anything you particularly like or dislike? Is there anything you would like us to include? Simply fill in the form, cut it out and drop it off at: MyClubmoor St Andrew’s Community Network, Roscoe Primary School, Ballantyne Road Entrance, Clubmoor, Liverpool,L13 9AL. Tel: 0151 270 3803 Email: lianne@standrewslive.org.uk Web: www.myclubmoor.co.uk

12

NAME ADDRESS

COMMENTS

Fb: www.facebook.com/pages/My-Clubmoor Twitter: @MyClubmoor