Doctors across Cheshire and Merseyside are encouraging patients to make the most of the options available to them when managing their outpatient appointments. Figures for 2022 show that there were over 4.5 million outpatient appointments across Cheshire and Merseyside, with more than 400,000 of those being missed. One of the ways hospitals are making it easier for patients to manage their outpatient appointment is through Patient Initiated Follow-up, which allows a patient, or carer, to book follow-up appointments as and when they need them, rather than at routine intervals.

Cheshire Police is putting in place Right Care Right Person (RCRP) and this will affect how the Force Control Centre responds to calls. 

In partnership with the wider CVS network across Cheshire, CWVA is hosting a webinar from 9.30am to 11am on Wednesday 22 November to explain in more detail what this means for Voluntary Sector organisations.

The Clothworkers’ Foundation has recently expanded the eligibility criteria for their Open Grants Programmes.

They now offer capital grants for digital infrastructure projects and will consider applications for products and software (such as websites, databases and apps).

They are hosting a webinar on this topic on Thursday 7th December (10-11am)

St Helens Council at Newton-Le-Willows Health and Fitness Leisure Centre are currently looking at replacing their present aged astroturf pitch with a state of the art 3G sports facility. through the access of funding from the Football Foundation.

Key to the outcomes that the Foundation would like to see from the project is any involvement that the Voluntary and Community Sector would like to have in the development and potential usage of the facility.

The consultants working with the Council to develop the project would welcome any views and the potential involvement of groups delivering their services on the new pitch.

The Collaborative Network and Blooming Mind are working, together to host “LGBT+ Suicide Prevention In The City,” on Thursday, November 23rd, from 5pm-7m at Elysium, Liverpool.  The event aims to foster an open and supportive dialogue about mental health and suicide within the LGBT+ community.

Individuals, community members, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in supporting the LGBT+ community are invited to join in engaging discussions and interactive sessions. Together, let’s build a supportive network and contribute to suicide prevention within the LGBT+ community.

Attendees will gain insight into the mental health challenges faced by the LGBT+ community at large and will discuss the significant role of community resources and strategies for accessing them.

St Vincent de Paul Society are looking for an Assistant Shop Manager for their St Helens store. If you would like to be in a role where your creativity and local knowledge is valued, where you will be supported to flourish alongside your shop, then they’d love to hear from you.

Working Hours: 22.5 hours per week. Salary: £12,905.10 per annum (£21,508.50 FTE). Closing date: 22nd November 2023

Something exciting’s happening… the Gift Drop is landing on the easyfundraising site, get ready!

Every day from 9 – 27 November, the gift will drop onto a hidden location on the easyfundraising site. Solve the clues, find the gift, and your organisation will enter a daily prize draw to win a £100 donation!

Every day it's a new clue, a new hidden location, and a new opportunity to win a £100 donation!

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum has been awarded development funding by The National Lottery Heritage Fund for a new project called ‘Synergy.’

They are exploring how to make Catalyst more accessible for the local community. The project will redevelop Catalyst’s heritage gallery and provide new activities and events for visitors.

Whether you have visited recently, in the past, or not at all, they would like to hear from you!

The following organisations gained board approval at the last meeting:

Affiliated members – Paid up members entitled to full benefits (£10) 

• Institute of Advanced Motorists St Helens Group
• ACTIVE Engagement & Education CIC
• Citizens Advice Halton
• Impetro CIC
• Inclusivitee CIC
• Fresh-Beginnings (CHESHIRE) CIC
• Former Forces Support
• Clairs Parents Meeting Parents ADHD Support Group
• The Chrysalis Centre
• T.A.N.G.O Community Outreach Project of St Marks Church Haydock
• Radio Halton
• St Vincent de Paul Society (St Helens Conference)
• Come Together Hub CIC
• OLCOTWISH CIC

Non Affiliated members - Free (but only includes access to up to date information on current news, issues and events)

• Restore - St Helens (Changing Communities CIC)
• Saints Community Development Foundation
• The Autism Wellbeing Project CIC
• St Helens Chamber

If you would like to find out more about VCA membership and the full list of benefits, our website has all the details including the online membership form