Atomic Kitten Star Sees A Chance to Work
Photographs by Vamphire.com

POP star Natasha Hamilton made a surprise visit to a lucky Liverpool resident this week, to learn how a very special Barnardo’s-run initiative is giving young people in Merseyside a chance to work.

Jason Ryan, aged 20, is one of the first people to take part in two new Barnardo’s courses, run as part of its A Chance to Work service. Open to 16 to 25 year olds with moderate learning disabilities, the fast-track courses give them the skills, confidence and work experience they need to increase their employability, and are nationally-recognised qualifications.

Natasha was thrilled to present the lucky young man with a certificate this week at Beechley Stables in Liverpool, where he has been doing work experience for the past 6 weeks. Natasha said:- “I hope that my visit will highlight the fantastic opportunities that young people with moderate learning disabilities in Merseyside have through this Barnardo’s scheme. It was an inspiration to meet Jason and see him at work with the horses, I just know he’ll go onto do great things!”

Students going through the 16 week ASDAN accredited courses get plenty of support with job-hunting and the interview process is demystified. They also get the opportunity to work in a range of environments such as restaurants, farms and offices.

Pat Greene, Assistant Director of Children’s Service for Barnardo’s in Merseyside, said:- “This provides the confidence to employers that these young people have the required skills and are ready to work. It also gives the young people invaluable work experience and job-hunting skills.”

Barnardo’s is now accepting applications for the second course starting in early 2011. For more information contact Judith Howard at Barnardo’s via calling:- 0151 729 0128.

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 Celebrity Pictures Taken On Merseyside This Week
Photographs by Ian Fairbrother

WELL it might have been cold outside, but Merseyside has been a hot bed for celebrity spotting... With so many pictures to choose from this week, we did not know what to pick... so we opted to put them in a hat... So for our Celeb Spot this week we have the following... Ricky Tomlinson and the new Coronation Street actor, Chris Fountain, opening a new ice rink and Santa’s Grotto at the, Isla Gladstone Conservatory in Anfield. Because we have had so much ice, we thought it fitted in well... Anyway, a percentage of proceeds from the ice rink will be donated to celebrity Liverpool hairdresser, Herbert Howe’s, Queenie’s Christmas charity, which Herbert set up in memory of his late mum. The ice rink will be open until Sunday 19 December 2010 from 3pm to 9pm (midweek) and 10am until 9pm weekends (except 11 December 2010). Admission is £4 per child and £6 per adult. Admission to visit Santa is just £3.50 for a lucky dip present and £4.50 for a wrapped gift. So get ya skates on and head on over!

Also in our Celeb Spot is the British boy band, who were runners-up in the fifth series of ITV reality talent show The X-Factor, in 2008. Yep, JLS have been in Liverpool book signing at WHS with fans queuing for hours along School Lane in the City Centre. The band have also been doing other music related things in and around Liverpool, pictured on here in concert... Don't worry if you did not get to see them... JLS will be returning to the city on 29 January 2011, at the Liverpool Arena!

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