Every child deserves food at school that helps them feel good, learn well, and thrive.

A nutritious breakfast or a good-quality lunch can make a real difference to children’s concentration, behaviour, and long‑term health. That is why the Government has made school food a priority and why they have launched a national consultation on updated School Food Standards in England.

The current standards, set more than a decade ago, no longer reflect the latest nutritional guidance or the preferences of children today. Too many children are consuming too much sugar and too little fibre, and health inequalities remain stubbornly wide.

School holidays can be difficult for some families. The cost of extra food, childcare, and activities to keep children active and entertained can be challenging.

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is a scheme funded by the Department for Education. It gives children who are eligible for free school meals the opportunity to take part in fun, enriching activities and receive a healthy meal. It runs during Easter, summer and the Christmas school holidays. 

Places on the holiday schemes are available free of charge to children aged 5 to 16 who receive benefit related free school meals. 

Halton Play Children's Charity are recruiting for a Resource Centre Manager

Minimum requirements: Level 2 in Retail Management or Customer Service and Full UK clean driving license.

Monday to Friday: 8.30am - 4.30pm - 37.5 hours. (½ hour unpaid break).

£27,850.91 pa

Closing Date: Friday 1st May 2026

Human Book Club is a community gathering where women come together to share their personal stories, cultural traditions, and life experiences in a supportive and respectful space. Instead of reading books, participants become the “books,” offering insight into their backgrounds, journeys, and perspectives.

Through open conversation and listening, the group fosters understanding, friendship, and mutual support, helping to strengthen community cohesion and celebrate the diversity of women’s voices and cultures.

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside calls on people to check they are up to date with their vaccinations as World Immunisation Week begins.

As World Immunisation Week begins on 24 April, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside is calling on people of all ages to check they are up to date with their vaccinations, warning that falling uptake leaves communities vulnerable to preventable illnesses.

The appeal comes as the NHS Spring COVID‑19 vaccination programme gets underway across Cheshire and Merseyside.

Over the Rainbow is a part social, part support group for young people aged 13-17 years (up to 18 if you have additional needs) who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Trans, questioning or unsure of their sexuality or gender identity.

It is a closed confidential youth group based in St Helens, Merseyside.

The group meets once a month, 5:15 PM til 7:00 PM in St Helens. They do not advertise the location of the group to ensure our young people are safe. Once you have been registered you will be told the location of the venue.

Halton Housing have funding available to support community based projects that make a positive difference for people living in Halton Housing neighbourhood's.

Whether you’re running a small local activity or delivering a larger community initiative, you can apply through the simple application process.

Halton Borough Council's Public Health Team are inviting applications for a new Community Grant Scheme.

If you’re a community group seeking funding to support a local project, they'd love to hear from you.

The 1-day Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) training course is ideal to provide first aiders with the confidence and skills to respond effectively to a workplace first aid emergency. The training covers a range of essential first aid skills that are suitable for lower-hazard workplaces such as offices, small community events or shops.

This session is offered at £50 per person — half the usual price of £100.

Access is limited to VCA members who are local community gr

This 3-hour workshop, run by Abbie June Socials, is designed to give teams the confidence, clarity, and
simple systems they need to tell your organisation’s story online,  create engaging content with ease & efficiency and make social media manageable for small teams.

You’ll leave with practical tools and resources, including a printed workbook with content ideas,
planning templates, caption prompts, and checklists.

The session is tailored to your
organisation’s needs, and slides/resources will be provided afterwards so you can refer back to
everything.

When: 5 May 2026

Halton's May VCFSE Forum meeting will be on Wednesday the 6th of May from 9.30am. 

We will hear from sector representative, VCA staff team, HBC staff members, and more. The forum is the perfect stage to showcase your organisation and hear about what else is happening in the borough.

Join us and take time to engage and update one another on projects and activities, as well as touching base with the local Council and NHS organisations.

When: 6 May 2026

Facilitated by ELCONS This course takes us back to the basics of Employment Law, covering recruitment, management of employees and the need to follow ‘best practice’ through to termination of employment.

This is a great opportunitiy for organsiations in the voluntary sector who are currently employing staff or thinking of employing staff then why not take advantage of attending this session and hear from the experts.

When: 7 May 2026

Looking to meet new people or try something new in St Helens?

Come along and explore local groups, events and activities.

Try out a chatty café and learn more about volunteering opportunities.

When: 28 May 2026

Second Story Recovery CIC will be hosting a Launch Event at CGL in Widnes, 16th May 2026, from 2pm.

• Live music
• Lived experience Talks
• Raffles and so much more.

A free 8-week programme for women looking to improve their health, confidence, energy and wellbeing. Starts 13th May

Topics include nutrition, stress, hormones, healthy habits, disease prevention and feeling your best.

To celebrate Deaf Awareness Week (4–8 May), Deafness Resource Centre are pleased to offer a limited number of FREE places on their Deaf Awareness Training. 

This session is open to everyone and is an excellent first step for anyone interested in developing their understanding of Deaf awareness or progressing to British Sign Language (BSL) learning.

When: Tuesday 12 May 2026

Mersey Care’s Carer Engagement Team would like to invite you to attend their Carers Cafe for the opportunity to meet other carers, take time out for yourself and get information and advice to support you in your caring role.

The Cafe is for anyone who supports a loved one accessing any Mersey Care Service (you must be 18 and over to attend).

When: Monday, 11 May 2026

Registered Office: St Maries, Lugsdale Road, Widnes, WA8 6DB