Halton & St Helens VCA are pleased to be working with Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance to encourage and enable groups in the voluntary sector to increase cancer awareness.

How are we doing this? Groups and organisations all have one thing in common – they know their communities well and talk to them regularly. Perhaps these groups can facilitate conversations around cancer screening opportunities – are those being offered screening attending their appointments?

There is now a greater focus on early detection to improve cancer outcomes but people are often unsure about attending screening appointments or just don’t want to think about their health and so put it off. A conversation might be all that is needed for a screening appointment to be taken up. If further information or support is needed, we will be happy to provide resources to allow groups to access the information they need. Look out for further posts from us about our "Cancer Education Station Events" that are happening in September and October. 

Halton is holding its first Eco Fest on Saturday 12 August in Victoria Park, Widnes, from 12 noon to 4pm. The event is free entry and is part of the Imagine Bamboo is Everywhere project by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Culture Liverpool and Imagineer.

"Imagine Bamboo is Everywhere" are family-friendly outdoor events with giant bamboo structures, playful performances, music, circus workshops and crafting, happening across the region this August.

Are you passionate about lifelong learning? St Helens ACL have an exciting opportunity for sessional tutors to join their team. They are looking for enthusiastic tutors to deliver outstanding teaching and learning in the local community.

They are currently recruiting a tutor(s) with the experience and skills to provide the highest possible teaching and learning experience to the following groups of learners: Childcare and Education (specifically L2 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools); English (Functional Skills); Family Learning

Enjoy an uplifting evening of celebration with Sam's Diamonds Cancer Support as they recognise those amazing local heroes who have made an outstanding contribution to their communities.

The 2023 Diamond Hero Awards Dinner will take place on Friday 10th November at the Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens and includes a 3-course meal, entertainment, disco and prizes. It's a fantastic, feel-good evening that is open to everyone to come along and enjoy. So, round up your family, friends and workmates and get ready for an evening of fun, food and festivities!

The link between domestic abuse and suicide has been reported nationally and data from Cheshire and Merseyside suspected suicide real time surveillance systems have indicated this is indeed a problem for the region.

Between, September 2021 and the end of 2022, data for suspected suicides in Merseyside indicated that 22% of the cases had a link to domestic abuse. Indeed, in Merseyside a high proportion of Domestic Homicide Reviews are reported to be reviews of suicide cases.

A 2018 study by the University of Warwick, focusing on more than 3,500 women supported by domestic abuse charity Refuge, highlighted that almost a quarter (24%) of women supported by the charity had felt suicidal at one time or another. In turn, 83% reported feelings of hopelessness and despair, key symptoms of suicidal ideation.

This event is the start of the journey to improve action to prevent suicides in the domestic abuse cohort and to test and evaluate action to improve the lives of people in Cheshire and Merseyside.