The Phoenix Newspaper UK | Latest news in UK | Positive news | Inspiring The Next Generation
Inspiring The Next Generation It’s your chance to show your mum just how much she means to you. And this year we’re happily reminding you that Mother’s Day will fall on this Sunday, March 11.
For those with mothers the period leading up to it can be panicky, because the date changes every year – leading to a sickening dread you might miss it.
The event always falls on a Sunday because it’s technically known as ‘Mothering Sunday’ in the United Kingdom.
Have a ‘Happy Mother’s Day!’
Leiths have announced that City Harvest will be their Charity of the Year for the second year in a row.
"The charity do incredible work rescuing delicious surplus food from supermarkets and restaurants and delivering it to the hungry, so it's wonderful to be able to offer continuing support."
"As usual, we'll be raising money at our annual Canapé Party in March, but we're also trying something new!"
The Foodie Family Parent and Child Cookery Day will be held on Friday 24th August 2018, and for every child that enrols, Leiths will donate £10 to City Harvest.
Parents get to spend time in the Leiths kitchens with their little food lovers, and their donation will deliver 40 nutritious meals to those in need.
VisitEngland has today announced the latest projects to receive funding from the Discover England Fund for tourism product development.
The two large scale bids, worth up to £1 million, will target European visitors and enhance England’s competitive tourism offer.
VisitEngland Chief Executive Sally Balcombe said: “The Discover England Fund continues to raise the bar of England’s tourism offer creating diverse and unexpected products for the consumer market. From cycle routes in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire to a touring route along the East of England, the fund is creating tailor-made packages targeting markets and driving the value of tourism throughout the country.”
The successful projects follow the 38 bids that have secured funding to date from the Discover England Fund.
East of England Touring Route, led by NewcastleGateshead Initiative
This bid will target the German market and create a 300-mile touring route that spans the length of Eastern England from London to Northumberland. Packaging up well-known destinations with those that are off-the beaten track the project will develop itineraries that include attractions, accommodation options, places to eat and activities to provide a rich cultural and quintessentially English experience.
Cycle England, led by Welcome to Yorkshire
Cycle England will develop cycling tourism breaks aimed at the Dutch and German markets. Led by Welcome to Yorkshire, the initiative will bring together bookable, end-to-end cycling holiday experiences across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and will target visiting cyclists of all levels.
The three-year £40 million Discover England Fund, which runs from 2016-19, improves England’s competitive tourism offer by building world-class, bookable tourism products and getting them to the right international customers at the right time, benefitting the domestic market and making it easier to explore the country. In Years 2 and 3, the fund is supporting destination-led collaborative bids worth more than £1million, and a series of pilots. It continues to fund existing Year One projects that demonstrated early success.
The first elected Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, visited the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham, to meet the families of seriously ill children staying at the ‘home away from home’ accommodation.
In 2017, over 1,000 families stayed at the House, free of charge, while their children were being treated in nearby Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Mr Street met current residents and the team at the Ronald McDonald House, who work around the clock 365 days a year to provide vital accommodation for the families.
The Mayor said: “It was great to see the fantastic work done by the brilliant volunteers and fundraisers at the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham. They give a first class welcome to the West Midlands to all the families that use the House every day of the year.”
Doug Wright, Chair of the Board of Governors at the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham said: “We are delighted that the Mayor has taken the time to visit us so he could see the great work and passion of the team here at the House. The House is heavily funded by donations from the community, from kids raising a few pounds for their sponsored PJ Day at school, to large corporate donations. This House is vitally important and gives all our families the peace of mind they need.”
Ronald McDonald House Charities provides free accommodation to families of children receiving treatment at specialist Children’s Hospitals across the UK. The 14 Houses across the UK offer somewhere for families to cook their own meals, sleep in their own ensuite bedrooms, and to get valuable respite whilst being able to remain close to their children who are being treated in specialist hospitals.
This year marks the 128th Crufts event, the most hotly anticipated dog show of the year which brings together top dog breeders and trainers from across the globe, all competing to take home one of the prestigious awards.
Every year thousands of dog owners, trainers and enthusiasts mark their calendars for the biggest doggy event of the year, and get ready to celebrate the coveted “Best in Show” pooch. To get into the spirit Lintbells, a Crufts’ event sponsor and manufacturer of premium natural pet supplements, which will be attending for the 11th time, is sharing some of the ways dog owners can celebrate their very own best in show at home.
If you would like to find out any more information or advice about the health and wellbeing of your dog you can head to the Lintbells stand at Crufts (Stand 121 in Hall 3) to chat to the friendly team.
The team will also be asking “What makes your dog’s tail wag?” encouraging customers, both new and existing, to share thoughts and experiences about their own canine companions, and adding stories to the Lintbells #tellyourtail wall. With one lucky visitor winning a dog friendly UK holiday worth up to £750 with Forest holidays. A Lintbells hamper and discount code for 2018 will also be up for grabs.
A host of Lintbells’ products will be on offer to purchase from the stand including a brand new product, YuMOVE PLUS for dogs which is exclusively available through Lintbells only. This is an extension of their already popular joint supplement YuMOVE, packed with even more ActiveEase® Green Lipped Mussel providing extra strength for older and much stiffer dogs. There will be some fantastic offers available including up to 50% off RRP on selected products. The experienced team will be on hand to offer tips and advice on any of the products.
Alethea Maillard, Marketing Manager for Lintbells, said: “We are so excited to be returning to Crufts this year, and are thrilled to be one of the sponsors for the event for the first time. The health and wellbeing of dogs is at the heart of everything we do and we can’t wait to meet lots of fellow dog lovers and let them know about the benefits of our products. We are also looking forward to hearing everyone’s ‘tails’ about their own best friend and invite everyone to come along to your stand and share their stories.”
A cute little black-and-white kid is the latest member of the rare Bagot goat family in the Sandwell Valley – the latest newcomer to a project to save the species from extinction.
The female has been born at Sandwell Council’s Forge Mill Farm at West Bromwich and is now available to be seen by visitors.
Melissa Underwood-Grattage, the farm manager, said “She is a cute little thing and is the latest introduction to the farm’s breeding stock and will play a part in helping to increase the number of these rare animals for years to come."
Staff at the Valley are supporting a scheme run by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust to breed the rare goats as there are fewer than 200 registered breeding females left.
The Bagot family of goats are a popular attraction for visitors to Forge Mill. The Bagot is believed to be Britain’s oldest breed of goat with records of them being around in 1389 at Blithfield, the Staffordshire home of Sir John Bagot.
The exact origin of the Bagot goat is unknown - one theory is that they were brought to Britain during the Crusades in the Middle Ages, while others believe they originated from native goats in medieval times.
Wellbeing support and befriending services will be offered to older LGBT+ people living in sheltered housing, as part of a pilot project launching in Haringey next month.
Volunteers from the community will hold a range of social activities, such as film nights, creative writing and exercise sessions for the older LGBT+ community and their friends in sheltered housing services across the borough.
The pilot, which will provide safe and sensitive social spaces, is part of Haringey Council’s commitment to improving our work with LGBT+ residents. As part of the scheme, charity Opening Doors London will offer a befriending service for vulnerable older LGBT+ people to enhance social inclusion and tackle loneliness.
The launch, on March 1, follows LGBT+ History Month, a time to celebrate the borough’s diversity and the people in our community who have made a contribution to equality in Haringey.
Cllr Alan Strickland, Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning, said:
A new campaign has been launched urging people to play their part so that, “Together, we can tackle child abuse”.
It encourages members of the public to help protect children and young people by reporting any concerns they may have about the possible abuse or neglect of a child to the City of Wolverhampton Council, the NSPCC or West Midlands Police.
The City of Wolverhampton Council and Wolverhampton Safeguarding Children Board are backing the campaign which was launched by the Department for Education amid fears that some people are failing to report their concerns because they are not certain of the signs of child abuse, don’t know where to report it, or are worried about being wrong.
As well as highlighting how people should go about reporting their concerns, the campaign also urges people to look out for the signs that could suggest a young person is being abused. These include changes in their ABC – their appearance, their behaviour and the way they communicate.
Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "We all have a role to play in protecting children and young people from child abuse and neglect.
“Anything you notice can help a child at risk. If you’re concerned in any way that a child is being abused or their safety is at risk, please speak to someone as keeping quiet could mean that the authorities miss out on vital information they need to keep children safe from harm.
"Information about a child's welfare is gathered from many sources, and your report will form part of a bigger picture. You don’t have to be absolutely certain, but by speaking to the council, the NSPCC or the police you could provide the missing piece of the jigsaw – and ultimately keep a child safe."
To report concerns in confidence, please call the City of Wolverhampton Council's children's social care team on 01902 555392 or 01902 552999 outside normal working hours. If the child is at immediate risk, call the police on 999, or 101 if you think a crime has been committed. Trained counsellors are available via the NSPCC helpline 24 hours a day on 0808 800 5000 or via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Councillor Gibson added: “Anyone can make contact with the authorities if they are worried or have concerns about a young person, including children and their families, relatives, friends and neighbours and professionals such as teachers, doctors, nurses and health visitors. Whoever you are, the message is clear – if you think it, report it."
West Midlands families joined forces to support the launch of Muscular Dystrophy UK’s West Midlands Family Support Group.
The group has been set up to help South Asian families affected by muscle-wasting conditions get access to vital support. It will provide a range of support to the West Midlands community, such as helping them to access local health and care services and find suitable, accessible accommodation.
Around 4,000 people from the South Asian community in England and Wales have a neuromuscular condition, such as muscular dystrophy, and up to 600 people on the West Midlands are affected. Neuromuscular conditions cause muscles to weaken and waste over time, leading to increasingly severe disability. There is no cure, and few treatment options, cutting lives short.
Spearheaded by Naima Ali-Khan (36) from Coventry, Sanah Rauf (21) from Wolverhampton and Jaspal Mann (41) from Coventry, the group hopes to break down some of the language and cultural barriers that may prevent South Asian families from accessing services.
Naima, a student nurse and Muscular Dystrophy UK ambassador, whose two teenage daughters have an ultra-rare condition called SEPN1-related myopathy, said:
“As a parent of children affected by a muscle-wasting condition, it was a privilege to meet other families who really understand what you are going through. It can be overwhelming at first when you don’t know where to go to for support and this is why the group is so important. It can be empowering and reassuring to speak to others in a similar situation and learn from their experience.
“I hope the group will act as a much-needed lifeline for families who need support and understanding, when dealing with the challenges neuromuscular disease can bring.”
Bobby Ancil, Senior Neuromuscular Outreach Manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “It was good to have families coming together and drawing strength from each other. Muscle-wasting conditions can turn lives upside down, and the feeling of isolation and helplessness people often feel after a diagnosis can be all-consuming.
“By reaching out to the South Asian community in the West Midlands, we want to help families get the right support when it is most needed.”
Muscular Dystrophy UK has been supporting South Asian families affected by muscular dystrophy through the Yorkshire Neuromuscular Awaaz Forum. In 2014, the charity teamed up with Leeds General Infirmary Neuromuscular Service and two mothers from West Yorkshire, whose sons have Duchenne muscular dystrophy, to form the group. Meeting regularly in Bradford, the group brings families affected by muscular dystrophy together to support each other.
This Easter Holidays, from 24 March – 15 April, head to Newquay's Pirate's Quest for an exciting new adventure. Join the live pirate crew on the Quest for the Golden Egg with tours running daily throughout the holidays!
Embark on the special mission set by Captain Blackbeard, as you travel back in time to the Golden Age of Piracy, almost 300 years ago…
Begin your adventure on board a Pirate Hunter's Ship, the Royal Anne. The vessel left England in 1721 with the intention of sailing to the Caribbean, but wrecked off the South Coast of Cornwall.
A real LIVE pirate from the infamous Republic of Pirates will rescue you from the sinking Royal Anne, escorting you through a secret passageway, and then acting as a guide through several detailed sets and scenes. Discover mystical caves and brave the murky streets of eighteenth century Cornwall as you look out for clues that might lead to the discovery of some chocolate gold!
Eventually you'll arrive at the Captain's Ship, ready to successfully return to the Caribbean with your Easter booty.
The authentic pirates are brought to life by talented theatrical actors, who are guaranteed to make this a unique and memorable experience. Families of all ages can enjoy a fascinating opportunity to learn something new about piracy, and experience the REAL life of a seafarer during the Golden Age of Pirates.
A councillor who once tipped the scales at nearly 30 stone is preparing to run his first London Marathon.
Councillor Paul Sweet, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, will be taking part in the 26.2-mile race in April to raise hundreds of pounds for Sense, the national disability charity which supports people with complex communication needs.
He said: "My late brother John was hampered by being blind in one eye for most of his life, and his passing made me look for a charity that helps people with more complex needs which I could support.
"My own journey has been a rollercoaster to say the least. I was once approaching nearly 30 stone and had many health problems. I went up and down with my weight before being asked to take part in the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Call to Action in 2014 to tackle high levels of obesity in the City.
"Inspired by this, I managed to lose over eight stone and went onto to complete several 10ks and two half-marathons – but I've always wanted to do a full one."
Councillor Sweet's preparations for the London Marathon were hampered by a fractured hip and hernia surgery last year, during which time he gained some 20kgs as he was unable to run. But he vowed: "I am not going to let this setback define me and I am gently building up the miles and hoping to stay fit and well as the big day approaches.
“I’ve set a target of £1,500 for Sense, but am hoping to raise as much as I possibly can.”
Joining Councillor Sweet in this year's London Marathon – and also supporting Sense – is Martha Cummings, the council’s Voluntary Sector Coordinator. She is also a member of Wolverhampton and Bilston Athletics Club and Event Director at Wednesfield Junior parkrun.
She said: “I started running three years ago to lose a little weight and to get ready for the London Marathon which is my biggest challenge on my bucket list.
“I'm now lighter, fitter and in much better shape than when I started running, and have completed three 10ks and six half-marathons including the Great North Run and Birmingham Marathon – all to get me to London.
"There are so many good causes out there that are doing incredible work for people with very challenging lives, and I’ve used my efforts to raise money for different charities, helping a variety of people and causes.
“Sense is an amazing charity, and thanks to the generosity of family, friends and strangers I am already two-thirds of the way to raising £1,500 to help offer a life changing opportunity to someone who is deafblind or has complex needs. I would be incredibly grateful for any further support to help me to reach my target.”
Accompanying the duo at the London Marathon on Sunday 22 April will be Lisa Eardly, a nurse at Newbridge Surgery, Event Director of Wolverhampton parkrun and fellow member of Wolverhampton and Bilston Athletics Club.
She said: “Paul, Martha and I volunteer and run together at Wolverhampton parkrun at West Park every Saturday morning.
“This is my first London Marathon and I’ll be celebrating my 50th birthday a couple of weeks later.
“I’m fundraising for Kwale eye hospital in Kenya, as I’ve been fortunate to have three stints nursing voluntarily in Kenya.”
Sense supports people with complex communication needs to be understood, connected and valued. It began, and continues, to support people who are deafblind. Today, it also supports a wide range of people with complex communication needs. To find out more, please visit www.sense.org.uk.
With Mother’s day just around the corner, everyone at Twycross Zoo, including the adorable mother and baby orang utan duo, Kibriah and Kayan is feeling the love
Come and say hello and visit the award-winning conservation charity in the heart of Leicestershire this Mother’s Day, where mums go FREE all mothering Sunday weekend.
On Sunday 11th March from 1pm, visitors can treat mum to an exclusive sparkling afternoon tea in Himalaya’s Windows on the Wild Restaurant, where the whole family can enjoy a delicious range of sandwiches, scones and sweet treats.**
Open from 10am to 5pm 364 days a year, there is something for everyone at Twycross Zoo. Walk the Wetlands area, marvel at the winged wonders of the Butterfly Farm, meet the meerkats, pop and see the penguins and say hi to the snow leopards.
Twycross Zoo is open to the public from 10.00 to 17.00, 364 days a year. For more information and to book tickets visit www.twycrosszoo.org or call 0844 474 1777.
Steps to improve green spaces, retail parades and walking routes as well as support for businesses and traders are just some of the proposals unveiled today to bring a new lease of life to Tottenham High Road.
Haringey Council’s draft Tottenham High Road strategy has been put together following earlier engagement with local people and includes a wide-range of proposals designed to improve the area such as restoring historic buildings; encouraging more people to shop and socialise in the area; reducing congestion, and creating more local job opportunities.
Local residents and businesses are being invited to share their views on the proposals as part of a consultation that runs until 23 March. There will be an exhibition at Marcus Garvey Library throughout the consultation period and public drop-in sessions on March 1 (4pm-7pm), March 3 (11am-3pm) and March 14 (5pm-8pm), also at the library.
Proposals set out in the High Road strategy follow in the footsteps of a host of recent improvements to the High Road and Tottenham’s town centres. These include landscaping and improvements at Tottenham Green; a new weekly market on the green; restoration of the war memorial; West Green Road Pocket Park; improvements to Bruce Grove Bridge; an upgraded Holcombe Road Market; Albert Place, the restoration of the former Monument Way toilets into the (soon to open) High Cross bar, and new and restored shopfronts.
Feedback will help shape future plans and investment for the High Road and surrounding areas, including Seven Sisters, West Green Road, Bruce Grove, Tottenham Green and Broad Lane.
Highlights of the draft strategy include:
Improving travel links to make it easier for people to get to Tottenham’s town centres, encouraging shopping and socialising
Working with building owners to improve the external appearance of historic buildings such as the former Barclays Bank at Seven sisters, Bruce Grove toilets, St Mark’s Church and the Palace Cathedral
Transforming the High Road in Seven Sisters to create a greener and cleaner environment with improved air quality
Making West Green Road a welcoming shopping destination with ideas like new paving, lighting and street furniture
Cllr Alan Strickland, Haringey Council Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning said:
Tottenham is an historic area with outstanding diversity. The High Road is the spine running through Tottenham and the community needs to be at the heart of any plans to improve the area’s environment and boost its prospects. We’ve already delivered a raft of positive changes, and we want to work with local people to make further improvements that will help the High Road continue to thrive in the future.
Our Tottenham High Road strategy aims to set a clear vision for the area to help shape its future success, and I would encourage all residents and businesses to let us know their views.
With cold spells continuing for much of the UK, Cats Protection have some top tips to help protect cats from ‘the beast from the east’.
While snow can be beautiful and exciting for humans, it is important to remember some of the risks it poses to our feline friends.
These are some simple measures to help keep cats safe in plummeting temperatures:
Hundreds of children in Sandwell have been given their breakfast during February half-term as part of "Cereal Readers" scheme.
Children at Blackheath library tucked into their breakfast and then took part in activities provided by library volunteers and the Murray Hall Trust. The scheme has also run at Glebefields library in Tipton, Rounds Green library in Oldbury and Stone Cross library in West Bromwich.
Cereal Readers is a library initiative in which children and their parents are invited to share a bowl of cereal and a glass of fruit juice as they take part in book related activities at the library during school holidays.
All the refreshments have been provided by local supermarkets and other community groups and all the sessions are run by library volunteers and it has proven popular with local families.
Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children's services said: "It's great to see so many children are enjoying 'Cereal Readers' and visiting libraries during the school holidays.
"We do lots to encourage parents and carers to take their children to libraries and having a breakfast on offer for the children is a great incentive."
"We are putting plans in place so we can provide the scheme during the Easter school holidays to more libraries in Sandwell."
Shortly after settling into the RSPCA’s Newbrook Animal Centre, in Birmingham, Luna started to show symptoms of fur loss and sore feet. She was put back into a foster home, where her symptoms disappeared.
Three months on from her arrival into RSPCA care, the charity is still looking for a loving home for her.
Emma Finnimore, cattery supervisor at Newbrook, said: “Luna is an absolute sweetheart and we are desperately looking to find her a home. She got very stressed out from being in a cattery environment, it was as though she was allergic to it!
“We think that her symptoms were stress-related, she simply couldn’t cope with living in a cattery environment. She seems less stressed in a foster home, although she got a little stressed out when her foster carer went away for a few days.
“She’s been with us now for 98 days*, which means she has spent Christmas, New Year and Valentine’s Day without a home to call her own.”
Luna had to have an eye removed when she arrived at the RSPCA, due to an injury - however she’s adapted well to having one eye.
Emma added: “She is a proper lap cat and climbs on the moment she sees you take a seat. If you pick her up she will give the best cuddles!
“Luna will suit a quiet home to match her personality. She could live with children of a primary school age who understand she likes a peaceful life.
“Luna enjoys being groomed as this is more fuss and attention for her. She isn't really interested in toys and when we've tried, she just looks at us as if to say, ‘yeah right!’
“We know for sure that Luna will make a great addition to her new home and will be a fantastic companion.”
