Headlines and reports on this page = 4 news items.    Page - 6.

Centre's help for street drinkers

MORE than 100 street drinkers who attended a Centre set up to support them received medical treatment and other help.  This figure is shown in an analysis of people attending the REST (rehabilitation, education, support and treatment) Centre in Fraser Street which supported individuals and attempted to help them reduce their alcohol intake. Other services such as housing and homeless support were also available when the Centre operated between June and September 2016. Street drinkers were allowed to drink alcohol at the Centre under supervision.

The review of its use shows that 173 different individuals; 128 men and 45 women used the Centre, the youngest being 19, the oldest was aged 66. A total of 124 people were referred to treatment services including GPs, Hospitals or services dealing with alcohol issues. Seven people had wounds dressed. 8 people went into detox and rehabilitation programmes and 86 were referred to Addaction the drug and alcohol treatment charity.

The Centre was funded by the Clinical Commissioning Group Citysafe and Public Health and operated by the Whitechapel Centre. A full evaluation of its work is being carried out by the Centre for Public Health at John Moores University.

"The evaluation will assess not only how successful the Centre was for the individuals who attended but will also look at its wider implications for the City such as the effects on anti social behaviour. We will then be in a better position to look at the future of this type of Centre.  However, it is clear from the raw numbers that the Centre was well used during the summer and that many of the people who attended there were helped with medical treatment, which they may not otherwise have had, as well as other support.  Along with our partners we will continue to look at the best ways to reduce the levels of street drinking in the City." said Councillor Emily Spurrell, Mayoral Lead for Community Safety.

Cerebral palsy charity bags more funds

WIRRAL based cerebral palsy charity Stick 'n' Step has received more good news in its fundraising efforts having been chosen as M&S Birkenhead's Charity of the Year for a second year running.

M&S Birkenhead in the Pyramids Shopping Centre has supported Stick 'n' Step for a number of years through goodwill gestures such as providing Easter eggs for the children, however, it was in 2015 that the store decided to make Stick 'n' Step its official:- 'Charity of the Year' for 2015.

As a result, Stick 'n' Step received approximately £3,500 and the charity was delighted to be selected as M&S Birkenhead's chosen charity for 2016, which will see funds raised go towards helping the children in their conductive education and learning.

In addition, Stick 'n' Step will also be one of a number of local charities and good causes that will receive the 5p carrier bag donation on every bag sold. It's surprising how this mounts up and the charity has already received £1000 as a result.

M&S's store manager, Chrissy Verdin, is delighted that Stick 'n' Step is the beneficiary of her staff's fundraising efforts:- "Stick 'n' Step is one of our favourite charities. As the charity is local to us, it seems natural to support them in any way we can. The work it does is extremely popular with our staff and we can see that our fundraising is making a real difference to the children."

Sarah Smithson, operations manager at Stick 'n' Step, concurs:- "The way M&S has helped us over the years has been so valuable. We rely completely on donations to run our Centre and the sums raised by M&S bolster our confidence to carry on what we're doing. Being chosen as 'Charity of the Year' two years running was a great honour and the total amount raised on the 5p bag donations really does prove that every donation, no matter how small, mounts up."

Stick 'n' Step provides support services to children with cerebral palsy and their families.

The charity works with over 70 children, allowing the children to gain the skills they need to live independent lives through conductive education sessions. The specialist sessions are provided free of charge to the families by Stick 'n' Step.

For more information about Stick 'n' Step and how you can help, visit:- StickNStep.Org or call:- 0151 638 0888.

Southport and Formby cancer recovery programme shortlisted for Macmillan Excellence award

A Southport and Formby based Macmillan cancer recovery programme has been shortlisted for a prestigious award recognising their inspirational work supporting people affected by cancer in the area. Southport and Formby Cancer Recovery Programme, based at Southport and Formby CCG; Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre, was nominated by colleagues in the Integration Excellence Award category, which recognises exciting new initiatives, products and services. This category's winners have all improved the quality and experience of care for people affected by cancer. The Southport and Formby Cancer Recovery Programme was established to support people with cancer during their recovery. It aims to improve physical and mental health and alleviate the feelings of isolation that can often follow the end of treatment. The hub of the service is the Southport Macmillan Information and Support Centre, but the team comprises members from various health and social care organisations who work together seamlessly. Patients finishing treatment receive a specially designed information pack detailing the support they can access, such as Health and Wellbeing events, Move More sessions and a whole host of support groups. Helen Jones, Macmillan Cancer Information Centre Manager, said:- "The programme has made it more routine for people with cancer to come to us. Macmillan is all about giving the best possible support to people affected by cancer and, as a team, that's where our hearts lie too." A surprise celebrity guest will be hosting the awards ceremony at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel, on Thursday, 17 November 2016, where the winners will be announced for the 1st time. The awards, which are now in their 5th year are a perfect opportunity for us to recognise and thank pioneering teams and individuals who deliver the highest standards of care for people affected by cancer. In 2015 more than 300 Macmillan professionals, as well as representatives from Macmillan and leading healthcare institutions attended the awards ceremony. No 1 should face cancer alone. For support, information or if you have any questions, call Macmillan Cancer Support free on:- 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm) or visit:- Macmillan.Org.UK.