Gateway Digest

Bowl for HealthPosted Monday 2nd March 2020

SEE HOW PLAYING BOWLS CAN IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Residents across St Helens and Knowsley are being encouraged to feel the benefits of being more active by trying a beginners course in bowls. Taking part can give yourself a boost, feel more refreshed and is a great way to meet new people.

‘Bowl for Health’ is a six week programme designed for complete newcomers to bowls, providing an overview of the basics and how to play a match. Run by welcoming coaches and club volunteers, the programme is due to start up again in 2020.

The programme is being led by MSP, after being successfully rolled out across Merseyside over the last two years. The idea for Bowl for Health was developed and successfully piloted in 2017 by Formby Village Sports Club, and the programme has also had support from the National Lottery Community Fund.

One participant – Tom, 60, explained how taking part has helped him to feel less isolated, “Being on my own is very difficult – it’s hard to come to terms with the fact that you can’t turn around to speak to anyone. I got a note through my door about the Bowl for Health course and I was really interested in joining. My father was a great bowler in Liverpool and I used to go and watch him play, but I’ve never played before myself. I’ve only been playing bowls for a short time, but I’ve found the activity very invigorating – both from a physical and mental side – so with this you get the best of both worlds!”

Danny Woodworth, from MSP, said, “Being active doesn’t need to mean joining a gym, it’s about finding an activity that you enjoy – people have told us that bowling is a great way to enjoy gentle exercise in a relaxed and sociable environment. Bowl for Health is for anybody to join in with – it doesn’t matter what your age, experience or level of fitness is.”

A new Bowl for Health course is starting up at:

· Rainhill Bowling Club (Victoria Terrace, L35 0LH) from 10.00am to 12.00pm Saturday 28th March 2020 (for 6 weeks). For more information or to book your place please contact Eric Davies on 0151 426 5818 or email [email protected]

For further information about the programme please visit www.merseysidesport.com/bowlforhealth or call MSP on 0151 728 1811.

Tony Talks AUTISM 2019Posted Wednesday 17th October 2018

An opportunity to learn with Professor Tony Attwood, one of the world’s most respected experts on autism. Gain knowledge updates, practical strategies and tips so you can make a real difference to the children & young people you support with ASD.

This event should be of interest to those supporting children and young people (0-25 years) with autism particularly; Teachers, Head Teachers and Support Staff, Social Care and Health Professionals, Parents and individuals with ASD.

EVENT DETAILS: Wednesday 16th January 2019
VENUE: St Helens R.F.C. Totally Wicked Stadium, St. Helens, Merseyside WA9 3AL

For more information and a registration form see leaflet below
Medica Tony Talks Leaflet (electronic)

Over the RainbowPosted Monday 24th September 2018

OVER THE RAINBOW

Over the Rainbow is a part social, part support group for young people aged 13-25 years who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Trans*, questioning or unsure of their sexuality or gender identity. We run a closed confidential youth group based in St Helens, Merseyside. At Over the Rainbow, you will find a group of likeminded young people that you can socialise with safely.

For more information click here

Memorial Service for those affected by suicide March 2018 at the Saints Totally Wicked StadiumPosted Tuesday 6th February 2018

Bringing people affected by suicide together from across Merseyside and Cheshire in a Memorial Service to be held at the Totally Wicked Stadium 7:30pm – 9:00pm on Wednesday 28 March 2018, hosted by Listening Ear’s AMPARO service

St Helens Memorial Service – for those affected by suicide

A service of reflection will be held at Saints’ Totally Wicked Stadium this March for people affected by suicide.

The event, which will run from 7:30pm – 9:00pm on Wednesday 28 March 2018, is being hosted by Listening Ear’s AMPARO service, which provides support following suicide, and is supported by St Helens Council, Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBs), State of Mind (a charity that promotes positive mental health for sportsmen and women) and St Helens College.

Bringing people affected by suicide together from across Merseyside and Cheshire, the evening aims to provide a space for thought and reflection in supportive surroundings. In attendance will be Danny Sculthorpe and Ian Smith from the world of Rugby League who have both been personally affected by suicide.

Richard Brown, CEO of Listening Ear said: “We have been delivering our post suicide support service, AMPARO, in Cheshire & Merseyside for nearly three years. AMPARO aims to reduce stigma, support bereaved families, and bring local services together to provide cohesive care and support when a suicide has occurred within a community.”

Cllr Gill Neal, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing said: “I would just like to thank all those involved for organising this memorial service. It will give people a chance to remember their loved ones and come together with others who have also been affected by suicide. It’s also an opportunity to let people know that there is support available to help them through this tough time in their lives.”

Derek Hall and Anne Cunliffe, Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBs) said: “SOBs gives us a chance to talk and listen to others who, like ourselves have lost someone to suicide and understand the devastation for those left behind.”

Malcolm Rae, State of Mind Chair said: “State of Mind Sport are pleased to support this important event as we recognise that family members and friends can be supported and strengthened in their distress by remembering their loved ones in this way.”

Suicide is an individual tragedy, life-altering for those bereaved and a traumatic event for the community and local services involved. It is also a major public health issue and a leading cause of years of life lost.

To continue this community support, AMPARO would like to invite all affected by suicide to attend the reflection at Saints’ stadium in March, with an opportunity to meet others who have had similar experiences.

The evening will seek to continue the work of AMPARO and other partners, ensuring all who have been affected by suicide are fully supported and are able to feel connected to their community.

If you would like to attend the memorial service, visit https://www.listening-ear.co.uk/Event/st-helens-memorial-service to book your place.

For further information:

Richard Brown CEO Listening Ear (Merseyside)

07850 476 360 [email protected]

[email protected]

A service of reflection will be held at Saints’ Totally Wicked Stadium this March for people affected by suicide.

The event, which will run from 7:30pm – 9:00pm on Wednesday 28 March 2018, is being hosted by Listening Ear’s AMPARO service, which provides support following suicide, and is supported by St Helens Council, Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBs), State of Mind (a charity that promotes positive mental health for sportsmen and women) and St Helens College.

Bringing people affected by suicide together from across Merseyside and Cheshire, the evening aims to provide a space for thought and reflection in supportive surroundings. In attendance will be Danny Sculthorpe and Ian Smith from the world of Rugby League who have both been personally affected by suicide.

Richard Brown, CEO of Listening Ear said: “We have been delivering our post suicide support service, AMPARO, in Cheshire & Merseyside for nearly three years. AMPARO aims to reduce stigma, support bereaved families, and bring local services together to provide cohesive care and support when a suicide has occurred within a community.”

Cllr Gill Neal, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing said: “I would just like to thank all those involved for organising this memorial service. It will give people a chance to remember their loved ones and come together with others who have also been affected by suicide. It’s also an opportunity to let people know that there is support available to help them through this tough time in their lives.”

Derek Hall and Anne Cunliffe, Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBs) said: “SOBs gives us a chance to talk and listen to others who, like ourselves have lost someone to suicide and understand the devastation for those left behind.”

Malcolm Rae, State of Mind Chair said: “State of Mind Sport are pleased to support this important event as we recognise that family members and friends can be supported and strengthened in their distress by remembering their loved ones in this way.”

Suicide is an individual tragedy, life-altering for those bereaved and a traumatic event for the community and local services involved. It is also a major public health issue and a leading cause of years of life lost.

To continue this community support, AMPARO would like to invite all affected by suicide to attend the reflection at Saints’ stadium in March, with an opportunity to meet others who have had similar experiences.

The evening will seek to continue the work of AMPARO and other partners, ensuring all who have been affected by suicide are fully supported and are able to feel connected to their community.

If you would like to attend the memorial service, visit https://www.listening-ear.co.uk/Event/st-helens-memorial-service to book your place.

For further information:

Richard Brown CEO Listening Ear (Merseyside) 07850 476 360

[email protected]

[email protected]

Diabetes UK Events 2018Posted Friday 17th November 2017

List of forthcoming events for 2018

St Helens & District Group
St Helens & District Group Meetings 2018

Do you have Diabetes?

Come along to one of our meetings and find out more about living with your condition.

See below for details of our Programme for 2018.

Wed 7th Feb ’18. DRIVING WITH DIABETES. Jenni ShawGroup Liaison Officer,
North West Office of Diabetes UK
Wed 7th March ’18 DIABETES EYE SCREENING – THE CURRENT VIEW BOB WILKESOptometrist,
R.D. Wilkes Opticians, Rainhill
Wed 4th April ’18 DIABETES, THE NHS AND ME DR STUART BOOTLERetired GP, Workshop Facilitator and
Person with diabetes
Wed 2nd May ’18 SHORT AGM, followed by talk onTHE IMPORTANCE OF
DIAB PATIENT EDUCATION
JAN CARDWELLDiabetes Nurse Consultant,
Diabetes Unit, St Helens Hospital
Wed 6th June ’18 A DIABETES QUIZ – HOW MUCHDO YOU KNOW ABOUT YOUR DIABETES? PROF KEVIN HARDYConsultant Physician & Endocrinologist
Diabetes Unit, St Helens Hospital

Please note all Meetings will now be held in the St Helens United

Reformed Church, King St, St Helens.WA10 1HP at 7.30 pm

For further details Phone: 0151 480 0821.

World Health 10 October 2017Posted Tuesday 10th October 2017

World Mental Health month long campaign event on Tuesday 10th October 2017

As part of the World Mental Health month long campaign, St Helens World Health day on Tuesday 10th October 2017, sees the Mayor and Mayoress and Cllr Neal (Public Health Well Being Portfolio Lead) arrival in Church Square at 12pm to offer their support.

There will be a photo opportunity and St Helens Star will be undertaking a Live interview with Cllr Neal regarding mental health and the importance of coming forward to seek help.

The Aim of the event is to engage with St Helens residence letting them know it is mental health awareness day, encouraging people to talk more openly about mental health and suicide and most importantly letting them know what services are available in St Helens to keep them well mentally.

Services that provide support in times of crisis are of the up most importance however we want to prevent people from reaching crisis point. We can do this by encouraging people to think of their mental health in the same way they do their physical health encouraging them to take part in activities and hobbies which help them to feel good and cope well especially when times get tough.

September 2017Posted Tuesday 22nd August 2017

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

World Suicide Day to Mental Health Day 2017

Hello and welcome to the third edition of Gateway Digest.

The Healthy Living Team (as part of St Helens Council, Public Health and Wellbeing), and partners will be attending a classic car show on Saturday 9th September 2017 in Church Square, St Helens, to mark World Suicide Prevention Day which is 10 September 2017. They will be raising awarenes with regard to suicide prevention and advice on local mental health and well-being support.

They will also provide support for anyone who wants to have a chat about their own mental health, staying well and coping with life.

This is the start of a month long awareness raising and reducing stigma campaign throughout September until World Mental Health Day on 10th October 2017. The team will also be promoting events and activities throughout the Borough that people can take part in to boost their mental and physical well being.

We all experience things differently and sometimes struggle to cope.

Are you worried about a family member, partner of friend who might be going through a tough time?

Are you worried that someone you know may be feeling suicidal? It can be really hard to know what to say to them in this kind of situation. Few people go through life without, at some point, having a suicidal thought or feeling. Whilst suicidal feelings are more common that we like to admit, it doesn’t mean that it’s the answer.

It’s ok to ask about suicide. It doesn’t increase the risk! There is help available.

visit: www.thecalmzone.net/get-help

Call CALM on – 0800 585 858

Visit: https://www.samaritans.org/media-centre/our-campaigns/talk-us/shush-listening-tips

Call the Samaritans on 116 123 – Calls are taken by trained staff who are there to listen, support, inform and signpost. Calls are confidential and anonymous.

September 2012Posted Tuesday 28th August 2012

Hello and welcome to the second edition of Gateway Digest, a regular round-up that brings you a taste of local and national developments in health and social care.

In this edition…

  • New veterans service supporting ex-service personnel and their families
  • Local news and events

New veterans service supporting ex-service personnel and their families

The North West of England is the largest recruitment ground for the British Armed Forces, and there are over 22,000 ex-service men and women in St Helens and Halton. The transition from life in the Armed Forces to that of a ‘civvy’ is full of challenges. These challenges can be emotional (such as dealing with an addiction) or practical (like finding employment or somewhere to live) and they can take many years to overcome.

Live At-Ease is a new programme that offers free one-to-one support to all ex-service personnel and their families to deal with issues that have occurred during or after spending time in the Armed Forces. Over the years, clinical service providers have noticed that there are many other issues that ex-military personnel come up against – relationship breakdown, housing issues, unemployment, drug and alcohol addiction and money management problems. It is widely acknowledged that mental health needs can’t be met if support isn’t in place to help with these other non-clinical issues.

Live at Ease can help with:

  • Drug and alcohol dependence
  • Family breakdown
  • Training and jobs
  • Money management
  • Housing

Live At-Ease works with existing Armed Forces organisations and charities, voluntary organisations, NHS and Probation services to join them together and provide the most effective support. Each client has a dedicated caseworker who puts a support plan together and who is there throughout the client’s time with Live At-Ease to ensure they get exactly the right support.

Anyone who has ever served in the armed forces and who lives in the North West can use Live At-Ease. They can be any age and could have left the military yesterday or 40 years ago. The programme is also available to the families of ex-service personnel. For more information about Live At-Ease please contact 0808 123 1123, email [email protected] or visit their website at www.liveat-ease.org.uk

Local news and events

  • In October the Pride of St Helens Awards are taking place for the first time, celebrating the best of St Helens, including outstanding achievers and those who have succeeded in the face of adversity. Nominations are currently being accepted across eleven separate categories that include Community Hero, Mentor of the Year and Courage Award. Nominees should either live, work or have been born in the St Helens area and entries can be made online or via the St Helens Star.
  • Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre are holding their annual coffee morning on the 28th September at 9.30am at the Spice of Life café (St Helens Hospital) – last year was a great success and this year is promised to be bigger and better. Macmillan are also running HOPE (Helping to Overcome Problems Effectively) courses for survivors of cancer – the 2.5 hour sessions run over seven weeks and is a free course that looks at ways in which you can help manage the day-to-day impact of living with cancer. For more information please contact Julie or Peter on 647 000 or 646 985.
  • Reflections’ Art in Health charity launched a fundraising initiative this summer called ‘Park Art’ – a series of co-ordinated events across NHS mental health Trusts celebrating the visual and performing arts. 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust will be hosting an event in the grounds of Hollins Park Hospital at Winwick, Warrington on Sunday 16 September from 12pm to 4pm; the event will include performances of music and poetry, public access to artwork and poetry displayed in the hospital, a photography exhibition and sale of work, refreshments for sale from the De-La-Mare Restaurant and a sponsored walk around the recently developed 1km Health and Well-being Trail which circles the grounds. For more information about this event please contact Duncan Barber on 01925 664 043 or email [email protected]
  • The next meeting of the St Helens & District group of Diabetes UK will be on Wednesday 5th September at 7.30pm in the Town Hall. The guest speaker for this session is Suzanne Keigan from the Diabetes Unit at St Helens Hospital, and for further information about the group please contact C Bowmaker on 0151 480 0821
  • Willowbrook Hospice are marking their 15th anniversary year with a 5k walk up to the Dream sculpture on Saturday 29th September. Starting at the Smithy Manor, you can join the guided walk around the site and up to the Dream, guided by ex-miner and Dream-maker Gary Conley, who will talk about the rich heritage and history of the site and how the Dream was achieved. There will also be a Dream Fair running from 11am, with stalls and games, heritage displays, craft sessions and refreshments. For more information and a registration form for the walk, please contact 01744 453 798.

Keep in touch

What do you think about the first edition of Gateway Digest and some of the issues above that have been raised? Please let us know by getting in touch with us, or alternatively you can follow us on…

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August 2012Posted Tuesday 31st July 2012

Hello and welcome to the first edition of Gateway Digest, a regular round-up that brings you a taste of local and national developments in health and social care.

In this edition…

  • National debate on care costs
  • New schemes to help tackle smoking in St Helens
  • Further support for people with dementia and their Carers
  • Been affected by someone else’s suicide?
  • Seasonal health advice
  • Stuck for ideas on entertaining the kids during the holidays?
  • Local news and events
  • St Helens Gateway nominated for national award

National debate on care costs

Recently there has been growing frustration directed at the Government for failing to decide upon reform for how older people and people with disabilities pay for their own care. Although some proposals and recommendations have been put forward, it may be until the next spending review in 2015 that we know the full picture.

The current social care payments system is unsustainable due to people living longer, and many people now have to pay for their own care or simply go without due to funding cuts over the past couple of years, that have led to Local Authorities increasing their thresholds for eligibility. As an idea of how much social care can potentially cost, the average weekly cost of a residential care home in the UK is around £500 per week. In St Helens there are around 31,000 people aged over 65, and it is estimated that 75% of these need some form of social care – this may range from help getting washed and dressed, to full round-the-clock care.

Beneficial proposals have been put forward, including increasing the wealth threshold at which people no longer receive financial help from the Local Authority, and introducing a cap as to how much people have to pay for their own care – it would cost the Government £1.7bn to introduce this cap, but they want to look at cheaper options first before implementing the idea. It has been proposed that the Government may have to cut winter fuel payments for older people, free TV licences and travel concessions in order to pay for the new social care reforms – all of which will negatively impact upon people’s financial and emotional wellbeing.

The government have however introduced several initiatives in the meantime. These include setting a national standard as to who can receive help and at what threshold (currently this varies from area to area), a pilot of free palliative personal care and a ‘deferred loan scheme’ whereby people would be loaned money to pay for their care (instead of having to sell their own home), however they would have to pay it back (plus interest) after they die – this idea has been criticised and labelled by some as a ‘death tax’.

Want to have your say on social care costs or other aspects of health and social care that you (or someone that you know) has received? St Helens LINk can listen to and act upon your views.

Worried about care benefits or finances? Age UK and DASH may be able to help.

New schemes to help tackle smoking in St Helens

According to research conducted by Heart of Mersey, 75% of children are aware of smoking and cigarettes before they reach the age of five, and an estimated 330,000 children nationwide under the age of 16 try cigarettes for the first time each year. Following on from this, St Helens Council announced last month that it is introducing a voluntary no smoking code to all of its 90 public play areas in the borough. Called ‘Play Smokefree’, the code aims to reduce the number of young people who start smoking, reduce the negative health effects of ‘second hand’ smoke and also reducing the amount of cigarette litter in play areas, overall making a more pleasant environment for children to play. Of the people surveyed in St Helens, 92% were in favour of the scheme.

If you are looking to quit smoking and attend Saints home games then help is at hand; on matchdays, smokers can benefit from advice from ‘Smokefree Squad’ stewards who have been specially trained to help those ready to kick the habit. Successful quitters will have their achievements highlighted through updates on the club website, in club publications and through matchday activities.

The Health Improvement Team run a SUPPORT stop smoking service that offers one-to-one support and advice from trained staff, access to free or reduced cost nicotine replacement therapy, support within the workplace setting and specialist advice to pregnant and breast-feeding smokers via trained midwives. They also have ‘Quit Heroes’ who are local people who have used the service to help them to stop smoking – you can read more about their stories via www.healthimprovementteam.co.uk or alternatively call 01744 814 837 for more information about the SUPPORT stop smoking service in St Helens.

Further support for people with dementia and their Carers

Following on from the ‘Supporting Dementia’ event that took place during Wellbeing Week, a number of new services have been launched in St Helens to help those with dementia and their Carers.

The Alzheimer’s Society have recently appointed a Dementia Adviser, Tony Boote, who will head up a new adviser service that provides information and signposting to people with dementia (and their Carers) at the point of diagnosis; a detailed plan will also be developed with each individual, which aims to empower them and promote independence. The Alzheimer’s Society have also recently relaunched their weekly activity group that takes place on a Thursday at the United Reformed Church, and they are soon to be starting a singing group called ‘Singing for the Brain’ – contact 0151 420 8010 for further information about this or any of their services. You can also watch Tony and Denise (Dementia Support service Manager) speak about the Alzheimer’s Society via our YouTube channel – click here to view their video.

We can also confirm further details of a new charity launching to help people affected by dementia. The former Mayor of St Helens, Tom Hargreaves, will formally launch the Hargreaves Dementia Trust at an opening ceremony on Wednesday 12th September at the Mansion House. The new charity will provide information and guidance, a Carers support group (called ‘Making Sense’), promote awareness and training for those working in direct care and they will also work alongside existing services to enhance the quality of life and experience for those living with dementia in St Helens. Keep your eyes peeled on our twitter page for further updates about the new charity.

Been affected by someone else’s suicide?

A new support group has launched in St Helens for people who have been affected by suicide. Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide will be running a monthly group to help those who would like some emotional support in dealing with the loss of a loved one through suicide – for further information about the group please click here.

The Government is shortly due to launch its new suicide prevention policy, and CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably, a charity focused on reducing suicide in men) have conducted research into adults who have considered taking their own lives. CALM have reported that a quarter of all adults have considered taking their own lives, and factors that have a large bearing include relationship status and number of children in the family – click here to read more about CALM’s studies. If you have been, or currently are, feeling suicidal then it is important to seek help – click here to read about available sources of support.

Seasonal health advice

The summer holidays are upon us and whether you are going abroad or staying in the UK, NHS Direct has produced a useful guide for keeping well this summer. It includes advice on coping with hayfever, staying safe in the sun, barbeque safety, dealing with bites and stings, travel health and a festival survival guide.

Stuck for ideas on entertaining the kids during the holidays?

It has been reported in the news recently that children who watch more than two hours of television per day risk increasing their waist size and reducing their muscle fitness, factors which can lead to obesity. Although we haven’t enjoyed the best summer so far in terms of sunshine, there is still plenty going on throughout the borough to keep children and families entertained during the school holidays, so we asked What’s on in St Helens to give us the lowdown…

  • Summer Streets 02/08/12 to 04/08/12 – the streets of St Helens will burst into life for three days of outdoor performance. St Helens Council has unveiled a stellar line-up of world-class street artists, including comedy, music, acrobatics, dance, magic and theatre. Visitors can also see acts including the Foodies (a comedy duo involving a Chef and his hilariously hopeless trainee), Farenheight (fiery stilt walkers), Tiny the Dinosaur (an extremely life-like dinosaur) and a wonderful children’s show inside the belly of a 30-foot long sleeping pig!
  • Summer Beach and Rides 08/08/12 to 01/09/12 – Church Square will be transformed into a children’s beach area with free seaside entertainment and a selection of exciting rides and attractions
  • Heritage Celebration 31/08/12 and 01/09/12 – as part of the Heritage Festival, there will be heritage-themed arts, crafts and research events and activities taking place at St Helens Library. Later on in September there will also be a Victorian Tea Dance (06/09/12) and open days at the Masonic Hall, Smithy Heritage Centre, Friends Meeting House, Sutton Oak Welsh Chapel, St Helens Cemetery, St Helens Town Hall, Windleshaw Chantry, The World of Glass and at Fir Tree Farm.

Take a look at the ‘Summer Fun’ brochure for more information about events and activities taking place during the school holidays. For more information about what’s happening in St Helens go to www.whatsoninsthelens.com, call 01744 675 492 or visit their Facebook and Twitter pages.

Local news and events

  • In October the Pride of St Helens Awards are taking place for the first time, celebrating the best of St Helens, including outstanding achievers and those who have succeeded in the face of adversity. Nominations are currently being accepted across eleven separate categories that include Community Hero, Mentor of the Year and Courage Award. Nominees should either live, work or have been born in the St Helens area and entries can be made online or via the St Helens Star.
  • Thinking about starting your own business but not sure where to begin? Halton and St Helens VCA are offering a free business support project to St Helens residents who are looking to become a sole-trader, start a social enterprise or taking the first steps in starting a business. Click here for further information.
  • The Wellbeing Project has three new groups starting for anyone looking to improve their wellbeing. Develop your singing ability and unlock your creative potential with the Choir group (Starts 08/08/12 every Thursday from 10am at United Reformed Church). Develop your reading ability with a Reading Group (every Thursday from 1pm at the Millennium Centre) and learn how to write your own short story in the Writers Group (every Monday from 10am at the Millennium Centre). All groups are free to attend, and for more information about the group please contact Lynn Swift on 01744 26444 or email [email protected]
  • Help make St Helens a safer place to live, work and play by completing the Community Safety survey (click here). Feedback will be used to plan what is done to tackle crime and disorder in the borough over the coming years.

St Helens Gateway nominated for national award

We are delighted to announce that St Helens Gateway has recently been nominated for a prestigious Third Sector Excellence Award. Now in their eighth year, the awards ceremony recognises and celebrates the outstanding work and innovation that takes place in charities and not-for-profit organisations. The award winner will be announced at a dinner in London on the 27th September, and for more information on this story please click here.

App of the month

WheelMate is a smartphone app (iTunes or Android) and website that locates wheelchair accessible toilets and parking spaces for people with a disability. It is a peer-led system, so if you know of any facilities within St Helens that aren’t already listed then please add them to WheelMate in order to help others.

Quirky story of the month

Ending Gateway Digest on a more light-hearted note, we couldn’t help but notice a Metro article published this month regarding a small town in Alaska called Talkeetna – click here to find out why!

Keep in touch

What do you think about the first edition of Gateway Digest and some of the issues above that have been raised? Please let us know by getting in touch with us, or alternatively you can follow us on…

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Youtube

You can also receive Gateway Digest and other St Helens Gateway notifications direct to your inbox – simply enter your email address towards the bottom of this page.

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