News reports located on this page = 3.

Only 11% of NW people consider themselves gamblers

ONLY 11% of people in the North West consider themselves to be gamblers even though 65% buy lottery tickets, 43% purchase scratch cards and enjoy betting on sporting events (36%), a new poll has revealed.  YouGov questioned adults in the North West about their gambling habits over the last 12 months and found widespread confusion about what counts as gambling. 36% do not think that playing machine games in a seaside arcade is gambling and there is similar uncertainty about other 'softer' activities; 39% do not think playing in a bingo club constitutes gambling, or playing the lottery (32%), or buying scratch cards (30%). Whilst 44% of people surveyed say they gamble for fun and enjoyment, or as a sociable activity (10%), 24% say they do it to make money, highlighting a knowledge gap that needs to be addressed. Only 29% are familiar with the idea of researching the odds, setting a time limit (16%) or setting a loss limit (31%).

The poll was commissioned by the Industry Group For Responsible Gambling to coincide with Responsible Gambling Week, a national campaign in the UK and Ireland to promote safer gambling, supported by the industry and leading gambling charities. The objective is to get people talking about how to gamble responsibly, without putting themselves and others at risk, and to provide year round advice and help online.

Although 79% of people believe they have enough information to gamble safely and responsibly, there is strong support for a public education campaign to promote safe gambling. 58% believe it is as important, or more important, than a campaign to promote responsible drinking; or active lifestyles (57%), a smoke free environment (54%), safe sex (53%) and healthy eating (54%). However, 57% are unaware of a campaign to promote safer gambling.

YouGov's findings about the extent of people's gambling is in line with The Gambling Commission's most recent research (Gambling participation in 2018: behaviour, awareness and attitudes) which found that 46% of people surveyed had participated in some form of gambling in the previous 4 weeks up from 45% in 2017.

The research highlights the distinction people make between 'softer' forms of gambling, which many do not regard as gambling at all, and so called 'harder' gambling, which they believe may not apply to them. However, Responsible Gambling Week encourages everyone to remember simple tips whenever and wherever they are gambling. The poll gives an insight into the safer gambling messages people found most relevant to them:-

► 'Only spend what you can afford' = 46%

► 'Set your limits' = 34%

► 'Never chase your losses' = 31%

► 'Gambling is not the answer to any problem' = 2 9%

► 'Gambling shouldn't interfere with personal relationships' = 2 3%

► 'Gambling when angry or upset is not a good idea' = %2 3

More than 120,000 staff at thousands of gambling venues across the UK and Ireland and online sites are taking part in Responsible Gambling Week, initiating conversations with customers about safer gambling as part of an on going commitment by operators to train staff to engage pro-actively with customers and intervene when necessary.

The poll found that customers expect to receive information about safer gambling from operators. 36% said they would find it most useful to be given information when they register to play or begin playing; 2 5% want to be signposted to information whilst playing; and 17% would find it most useful to be contacted directly by operators by email or telephone. Only 13% of customers would find it most useful to receive information from family or friends.

John Hagan, chair of the Industry Group For Responsible Gambling, said:- "This research highlights the importance of educating everyone about the importance of safer gambling, including those who think the messages do not apply to them. Every problem gambler is someone who once thought they didn't have a problem. Most people gamble responsibly and purely for enjoyment, but we want safer gambling messages, such as setting time limits or spending limits, to become as instinctive as putting on a seatbelt when you get into your car. Promoting safer gambling is a year round responsibility, which operators and their staff take very seriously. The poll shows there is strong support for a public education campaign and the objective of Responsible Gambling Week is to educate people about safer gambling, but the campaign is just 1aspect of the work being done by the industry throughout the year to protect its customers."

YouGov interviewed 2 ,006 adults in Great Britain on 22 August to 23 August  2019. Questions relating specifically to gambling messaging and motivation for gambling were asked to an unweighted base of 1,811 adults who said they had taken part in 1of the listed gambling activities.

Former Firefighter relives his service days as his wish to "go on a Fire Engine 1 last time" comes true

A former Firefighter who spent more than 20 years serving the people of Merseyside has had his wish to:- "go on a Fire Engine 1 last time" come true, thanks to a visit from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS). Les Storey, 84, joined the Fire Service in 1959 as part of White Watch, working at stations including Durning Road, Bankhall and West Derby Road. The Freat Grandfather was "made up" when he was visited by Firefighters from Kirkby Community Fire Station. The crew sat with Les whilst he reminisced about his firefighter days, sharing old photographs and tales of how things used to be.

He was then taken outside to where 1of MFRS' brand new Scania Fire Engines awaited, to which Les said:- "It's a bit different from the ones we used to have!" After sitting inside the engine, Les tried on a modern day fire tunic, as well as the Crew Manager's helmet; similar rankings to those the former Lead Firefighter would have worn; and was surprised at just how heavy it was. He was then shown some of the engine's equipment; including:- the hose reels and cutting gear used during road traffic collisions. Son Paul, who recalled his own fond memories of growing up as part of the wider Fire Service family, said:- "You have absolutely made my dad's day; he has loved this, seeing a new Fire Engine and meeting the crew. Thank you so much."

The visit came after staff at Aaron Grange Care Home in Huyton, where Les lives with wife Mary, created a:- 'Make a Wish Tree' as part of National Art Week.  Activities Co-ordinator Abigail Murphy explained:- "Rather than just creating a piece of art, we wanted to create something that could be used by our residents; that's when we came up with the 'Make a Wish Tree.' Some of our residents wished to go out for a shopping trip like they used to when they were more independent, whilst another made a wish to go and watch an Everton game. As a former firefighter, Les' only wish was to sit in a Fire Engine 1last time and we're so happy that we've been able to work with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service to make this wish come true; we can't thank them enough."

Born in 1935, Les grew up in Darlington and joined the Army was soon as he was able. It was there that he met good friend Harry from Liverpool, who would soon introduce him to sister Mary - Les' now wife of nearly 60 years.  After moving to Merseyside to be with Mary, Les spent time working as a butcher before applying to be a Firefighter in the late 1950s. He retired from operational duty in 1981.

Crew Manager Mark Tomlinson said:- "We really enjoyed our visit with Les and found the tales of his service really fascinating. It's always really interesting to hear memories like this as a lot has changed since then. Spending time with Les was really inspirational and we're so glad we were able to make his wish come true. What might have only been a couple of hours for us will have surely made a massive difference to him; and that's something we're really honoured to have been a part of."

Edge Hill academics share expertise on the global environmental agenda

2 academics at Edge Hill University will lead and influence a new global environmental agenda to explore behaviour change in relation to sustainability and climate change. Due to their expertise in the field, Professor Geoff Beattie from the Department of Psychology and Dr Laura McGuire, Faculty of Education, have been invited to sit on the prestigious new steering committee hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme in Paris; the leading global environmental authority setting the agenda for sustainable development. They will be members of the new International Panel on Behaviour Change (IPBC), set up to explore behaviour change in relation to sustainability.

Professor Beattie said:- "I'm clearly excited by all of this. Since I came to Edge Hill University, I've argued consistently that, when it comes to climate change, people are the main problem and the principal conduit for meaningful action. This new UN group will be an incredible vehicle to promote change in this domain. It gives us such an opportunity to do good."

As part of their wider mission to encourage people to think about their actions in relation to protecting the planet, Geoff and Laura discussed the topic of behaviour change and the psychology of climate change at a special Institute for Social Responsibility knowledge-exchange event entitled:- 'Sustainability in the Region' which took place on Wednesday, 6 November 2019. They also hosted an interactive psychological test booth which gave an insight into test takers' real responses to carbon consumption by tracking their eye movements and challenging their implicit attitudes to images of carbon consumption.

Geoff added:- "It's a fun demonstration of our research but it can reveal some uncomfortable truths. Everyone knows about climate change and most of us would say we really care and want to make a positive change but our implicit attitudes, which can be affected by cost for example, often suggest the opposite. People just don't seem to be getting the message, despite people like Greta Thunberg and movements like Extinction Rebellion. A lot of that is to do with personal vulnerability and optimism bias; we can't accept the fact that it could happen to us, we think it's a problem for future generations or other countries."

The organisation of the Sustainability in the Region event was led by renewable energy expert Professor Christopher Dent from the Business School with the help of a wide-ranging team of Edge Hill University staff.

A number of informative talks were given on the holistic, interconnected nature of sustainability, including:- Prof John Sandars' discussion of Developing Sustainable Communities for Sustainable Improvement in Health and Professor Paul Aplin's talk on Where's the Swamp Gone for Peat's Sake? Palm Oil Sustainability in Malaysia's Tropical Forest and Councillor Adrian Owens of Our West Lancashire who considered Community Leadership for Sustainability; How the Borough Council Can be a Force for Positive Change.

Representatives from the 2030 Hub, Chamber Low Carbon, North West Ecological Trust, The Bike Works and Liverpool World Centre also spoke.

Display stalls included:- Action for Refugees, SDG Network, Burscough Community Farm, Ecobricks, DS Smith Recycle Packaging, My Life, Leigh Film Society, Ormskirk and Skelmersdale food banks, and West Lancashire Borough Council Ranger Service, with lunch provided by Junk Food Café, an ethical social enterprise.

The Sustainability in the Region event was part of a wider Health, Safety and Environmental Policy in place at Edge Hill University as part of its commitment to managing the environmental impacts of its activities.