What ’ s O ut the r e in Wirr al

Issue 2 LINKED UP NEWS - WINTER EDITION

Story So Far—November/December 2008 The Wirral LINk Interim Steering Group has been very busy putting the finishing touches to the LINk’s draft governance structures, policies and procedures ready for publication. The drafts will be circulated to all Wirral LINk Members and key stakeholders prior to a public meeting and of course draft documents will also be placed on our web-site at www.vcawirral.org.uk and available for download when finalised. The Group has also been busy along with other LINk volunteers in organising and running the recent two day

Wirral LINk Winter Warmer Event, which was very well attended and resulted in a grand total of 85 new LINk Members bringing the total now to 175 (see full report pages 2 & 3). We are pleased to report that the membership is growing daily but we do need as many members as possible to put Wirral LINk on the map! So please spread the word to your local community, colleagues, friends, family, neighbours etc.. Membership is open to individuals, groups and organisations. The Interim Steering Group is busy finalising the arrangements for the election of a Wirral LINk Board (21 Board Members) and it is anticipated that a Board will be in place by 1 April 2009. The Board will be elected by and from the Wirral LINk Membership. This has required a lot of discussion and debate, to ensure that the process is fair and transparent and truly representative of the people of Wirral. The Election will be run by the Electoral Reform Society and final arrangements are being made with view to the process commencing in February 2009 after the public meeting. We will of course keep you all informed and updated on progress.

WIRRAL LINk - PUBLIC MEETING

Date: Wednesday 11 Feburary 2009

Time: 6.00pm-8.00pm

Venue: Bebington Civic Centre, Civic Way,

Bebington, Wirral, CH63 7PN

Inside this issue:

Story So Far & LINk Events

1

LINk Winter Warmer Event

2-3

Active 8 Project Details & LINk Membership Details

4

Nov/Dec 2008 - Ci r cu la t i on 1000

“Wirral LINk - Growing Stronger Communities by joining together many

whispers become one voice”

Thanks & congratulations to Jacqui Canning, winner of our slogan competition

O UT AN D A BO UT

Wirral LINk had a Winter Warmer Event on 25th and 26th November which was very well attended. This themed event was well publicised which was evidenced by those in attendance. The purpose of the event was to raise the awareness of the Wirral LINk and its real importance and opportunity for the people of Wirral, to have their say on how health and social care services are delivered. We were delighted when the Mayor opened the event with a public address and spent quite some time with all the stand holders, LINk volunteers and LINk Support Team,

discussing the LINk project. The weather was very kind with a fantastic first day when the sun shone brightly on Birkenhead Park Pavilion. It was a good job as the ‘Wheels for Life Cycling Project’ attended outside with their variety of different types of bikes. Health walks were provided by Anne Litherland, Park Ranger and her volunteer team to give people a chance to walk around the fantastic surroundings of Birkenhead Park. The event ran from 10.00am to 4.00pm each day and inside an array of different stands lined the gallery area and adjoining meeting room. We would like to extend a special thanks to them all for giving up their time to support our event and make it a success, as follows:-

It was a very busy time indeed at the LINk Membership Information and

Registration tables providing programme details, information, flyers

and Membership information to everyone. A fantastic response of 85 people who wanted to have their say and voices signed up for Wirral LINk Membership. People from all areas

and corners of Wirral have now joined. All attendees also received a token for a refreshing cup of tea/coffee and fresh home-made

vegetable/scouse soup, which went down really well and made by Cappuccinos Café located in the park. Free massages were also on offer to those who needed to be pampered and de-

stressed. There was also a selection of free adult and children’s gloves, pens, cotton bags and all the hard working LINk volunteers were on hand to help everyone and were clearly visible in their distinct green and white Wirral LINk Tee-Shirts. Photographs were taken throughout both

days and Wirral TV were on hand to interview the LINk, Volunteers, LINk Support Team and stall holders, and will be producing a video clip for the Wirral TV web-site—www.wirraltv.net, in due

course. As part of the event, everyone in attendance were encouraged to put any issues/questions for LINk on the Question and Answer Board (for details see next page). Thanks to

everyone who volunteered their time and all those who attended.

LINk WINTER WARMER EVENT SUCCESSLINk WINTER WARMER EVENT SUCCESSLINk WINTER WARMER EVENT SUCCESS

Live Wirral Wardens Massage Therapy -John McGorry/Lesley Sanz

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service Beanbag

Carers Support Team Age Concern

Merseytravel Heath Trainers

Smoking Cessation Service Wirral Library Service

Energy Efficiency Team Wirral TV

LINk WINTER WARMER EVENT SUCCESSLINk WINTER WARMER EVENT SUCCESSLINk WINTER WARMER EVENT SUCCESS

“Wirral LINk - Growing Stronger Communities by joining together, many Whispers become one Voice”

Thanks and congratulations to Jacqui Canning, worthy winner of our Wirral LINk slogan competition Jacqui was presented with her prize by Diane Hill,

Chairman of the Wirral LINk Interim Steering Group. The prize had been donated by Tescos.

FEEDBACK ISSUES/QUESTIONS -Thanks to all who contributed. These will be sent to the relevant organisations and feed back provided in

the next edition of this newsletter—Watch this space….

“Important that support services also cover areas such as Saughall Massie etc.” “Health promotion events to be organised within local areas not just in regeneration areas.” “Overhanging branches for people with sight problems – Wirral wide.”

“No transport to Mill Lane Hospital – from Egremont once new services open.” “No chemist in Egremont open from Friday 6.00pm-Monday 9.00am.” “Are the Community Nurses moving to Prenton Dell?” “Involvement in drugs and alcohol issues.” “Poor response from Social Services. Rang every day for a week – Disabled Team not called back, person stuck in care for a week when they could be home.” “Communication – up to two weeks s/s pay for package even if you are in a hospital Admitting Officer needs to identify length of stay (expected).” “I deal with BME Elders. It is very difficult to get carers on the Wirral who can care for clients who do not speak English well or English period. At the moment, we are using Liverpool which is not very flexible.” “Communication - Need to inform Social Services as soon as discharge date agreed or expected date not likely to be kept.” “Hospital – Named nurse not communicating with patients, carers and other agencies. Look into this with new discharge policy.” “Form - Agree database. Change share information with others to give clearer under-standing what share means.” “Young carers.” “Palliative care using LCP (Liverpool Care Pathway).” “Reassessment by NHS Nurse in continuing health care without reference to carer.”

“Vision optical checks without reference to carer (or GP)?.”

“Grandparents looking after young children can be a stressful situation.” “What will the effects of library closures be on elderly, disabled residents? From the health and social care point of view?.”

COMMUNITY NEWS ACTIVE 8 SUCCESS LTD—EXCITING NEW PROJECT FOR 18-25 YEARS

Active 8 Success Ltd is a new company (not for profit) established to improve access and choice of services for young people 18-25 yrs who experience mental health difficulties. A central base in Birkenhead will open Spring 2009 offering an eclectic mix of services for young adults. A needs-focused, motivational, supportive and dynamic environment where young people set their own goals to explore and achieve their greatest potential. Each individual will be involved in planning and design of a personalised 12 month goal setting programme (daily attendance). Some of the services on offer will be:- Music Workshops Film-making/Creative Arts IT training/educational courses Health Promotion Complimentary therapies CBT/Counselling Gym Peer Support Group Carers Support Group These are just a few of the choices available within this dynamic new project. This centre will be an innovative approach to recovery enabling young people to thrive and reach their best potential. A multi-disciplinary team will deliver intensive, integrated and co-ordinated services in one building – a ground-breaking approach to recovery, employability and well-being in Wirral.

For more information contact : Ellen Cullen (07745470355) or email: ellencullen@hotmail.co.uk

JOIN WIRRAL LINk WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT, SO WHY NOT JOIN THE WIRRAL LINK? WANT A PRESENTATION TO YOUR

GROUP/ORGANISATION? PLEASE CONTACT THE LINK SUPPORT TEAM, KAREN OR LYNDA ON 0151 645 4038

EMAIL: wirrallink@vcawirral.org.uk or

WRITE TO: LINk Support Team, VCA Wirral, 65 The Village, Bebington, Wirral,CH63 7PL

Meet new people

Take part in lively discussions

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Make a difference Get Out & About

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WIRRAL LINK WISHES YOU ALL A HAPPY FESTIVE SEASON AND GREAT NEW YEAR