Higher education 2012: Is it worth it?

YOUNG people are making decisions about their higher education in an unusually volatile time. Widely-publicised changes to Government policy, new arrangements for fees, grants and loans, and an uncertain economy mean that future students and their families are asking whether they should go to university.

Aaron Porter, who has been at the heart of these developments in his former role as President of the NUS, will give an independent view on Wednesday, 12 October 2011, when he is at Edge Hill University's Ormskirk Campus, to talk about the benefits of higher education and the real impact that the new tuition fees and repayment system will have on families.

As an avid campaigner against the higher tuition fees, he will focus on the new financial challenges to the higher education system and provide a thought-provoking insight into the tough decisions that face the younger generation.

Liam Owens, Chair of the Higher Education Liaison Officers Association and Head of Student Recruitment at Edge Hill University, said:- "I’m delighted that Aaron will be joining us in this stimulating debate. Aaron led the NUS into a crucial year for higher education, with a general election, fees review and cuts. I’m sure that his views will bring these big issues to the fore and by providing a student voice I’m sure he will certainly help young people think about their future and whether higher education is worth it."

Aaron is a higher education consultant and freelance journalist, having previously been President of the National Union of Students between July 2010 and June 2011. In that role he sat on a number of Boards including the University and College Admission Service (UCAS), the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and as an observer to the Board of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

Other speakers at the event include Jan Barnes, member of the executive board for National Association of Student Money Advisers, which is the leading authority on all matters relating to student money advice and funding and member of the Edge Hill Student Financial Support team.

After the lecture, Edge Hill University's specialist advisers will be on hand for informal chats about finance, applications, accommodation and student life.

The event starts with refreshments at 5.30pm, ready for a 6.30pm start and networking opportunities afterwards. Book your
free place now via:- educationliaison@edgehill.ac.uk.

Clean, green award winning team!

CLEANERS in Liverpool are enjoying the sweet smell of success after scooping a top national award from the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE).   The team beat 6 other councils to win the title of Building/Facilities Cleaning Team of the Year for their impressive partnership work with suppliers Wray Brothers.

Together they have introduced a range of environmentally-friendly cleaning products to more than 200 council buildings, without increasing costs or compromising on quality. Out go products which can be harmful to the environment to be replaced by low impact, high quality 'Enviro' products such as fully degradable bin bags made from recycled materials.  They have also reduced the number of delivery days for supplies and supported Wray Brothers to introduce a new fleet of 'green' vans.

Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor Tim Moore said:- "This is a fantastic achievement for our cleaning services team. Liverpool has always been keen to lead by example on green issues and this proves just how committed our staff are to making Liverpool a cleaner greener city. Everyone involved should feel immense pride today at the contribution they have made to looking after our environment."

Billy Scott, Head of service, said:- "The team and I are absolutely delighted to receive this recognition for all our hard work to deliver a more sustainable service. Our aim was to conserve the environment and reduce our carbon footprint and we feel we're making great strides in these areas, so getting this award is fantastic. It's really important for each and every one of the team that we are doing our bit to help the council introduce greener ways of working."

Staff were consulted and involved in the whole process, with cleaners’ trying out new products before final decisions were made and drivers taking part in awareness courses to learn how to use less fuel and drive more efficiently.  Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) is a not for profit local government body working with over 300 councils throughout the UK promoting excellence in public services.

This year’s awards were supported by the Municipal Journal and the category of Building/Facilities Cleaning Team was sponsored by Numatic International Ltd.

Costa Coffee's Christian Science Church Visit
Report by Sue McDonald and photos by Collette Palmer

THE public were invited by the Christian Science Church, Lord Street West, Southport, to hear a talk given at Costa Coffee, Lord Street, Southport, on Friday, 23 September 2011. The talk was entitiled Families and Relationships, United in Love. The speaker was Evan Mehlenbacher CSB of Richland, Washington, USA. Mr Mehlenbacher says:- "I have found that when I understand my relationship to God better, my relationships with others improves" He explained how to find the Love of God, which prospers relationships and blesses families. It shows how to overcome grudges, anger, loneliness, despair and other complaints that keep people apart. Mr Mehlenbacher's ideas are based on the teachings of Jesus as recorded in the Bible and as discussed in Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. If you would like to know more about Christian Science, there is a book shop in Bold Street Southport, at present open on Mondays 10.30am to 1.30pm or you will be most welcome to attend a church service on Sundays at 11pm. A warm welcome awaits everyone.