Derry Mathews Academy CIC to return with the City's largest free children's Christmas party this December

DERRY Mathews CIC FREE Family Christmas party for 500 plus children from across the City returns for their 2nd year the event will again take place on 17 December 2023 in the grand room at the Adelphi Hotel on Ranelagh Street, Liverpool City Centre.

Coming off the back of the massive success of Christmas Party in 2022, when every child in attendance received a toy from Santa in our Christmas grotto, selection box, food and soft drink, pantomime, music, Christmas choir, fun and games and much more; providing a memorable day for all the children that attended.

The team behind the event includes:- Stephen Edgerton and Derry Mathews, Directors of Derry Mathews Academy CIC, Hayley Smitton Director of Outside in Festival, Jubilee Sports Bank and also Mitchel Walsh Director of Integritas Property Group who has backed both events,

The team are now taking on an even bigger project:- "Everybody's Christmas" and need the City's help in putting on a magical free Christmas party for 500 local Liverpool children and with the wider aim of no child in Liverpool waking up without a present!

Hayley Smitton added:- "over 500 places were allocated in just over 1 hour! The team are working hard behind the scenes making sure this year's event is as good as if not better than last years. Every donation goes towards making this magical experience bigger and better. The faces of the children last year will live with me forever. Thank you in advance to anyone who can help, every donation is greatly appreciated."

Those who want to get involved can drop boxed presents off at Derry's Fit Club, Marybone Community Centre, Fontenoy Street, L3 2BE. Alternatively, or 1 of the team would be more than happy to come to your place of work / address to collect. Or any local businesses who wish to make a donation can do so to Derry Mathews Academy CIC and all proceeds will go towards providing an amazing experience to all the children in attendance. Those who can help the team with toys, food, decorations or entertainment please email:- Info@DerrysFitClub.Co.UK, as all help will be greatly appreciated. 

Some of the feedback from the Summer event from parents:- "Unfortunately, we haven't been in a position to do anything with the kids this summer, they go back to School tomorrow and they can tell all their friends about today. I cannot thank you enough, amazing day. What you have put on today is amazing, seeing smiling faces all day, after the past few weeks news, it is great to have the kids enjoying all the different activities, fantastic day, well done all involved. Thank you for putting on this amazing event for the kids, we have not been able to do anything with them this summer so to see the smile on their face all day, I can only say thanks."

Are British frontline workers worse off than European peers, despite clocking up more hours; Cash strapped Christmas

BRITS are feeling the pinch more than their overseas counterparts, with 56% saying their wages barely cover living expenses compared to:- 39% of Germans, 31% of Nordic workers (Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland) and 29% of Dutch contemporaries.

That's according to a 1st of its kind study by global workforce management provider, Quinyx. It polled over 3000 shift and non desk based workers in the:- retail, fashion, wholesale, shipping, distribution, warehousing and logistics industries, to gain a fuller understanding of how the cost of living crisis is affecting employees in Europe.

Despite respondents across all countries working more hours in 2023 compared to previous years; peaking at 46% in the UK and The Netherlands, many had to accept help to cover the cost of everyday essentials.

39% of workers in The Netherlands received financial support from family and friends to pay the bills (31% in the UK), while 26% of those surveyed in the Nordics and Germany turned to food banks (11% in the UK).

With Christmas only weeks away, apprehension around the cost and associated pressures at home and work are mounting in the UK and overseas.

51% of Brits will be getting into debt this festive season; a sentiment echoed in the Nordics (58%), 29% are dreading Christmas because of the cost, felt by 32% and 26% of Nordic and Dutch respondents respectively, and 43% think there's too much pressure on people to spend money at Christmas.

However, it's not all bah humbug! 41% surveyed in the UK said it makes them happy when they see people spending lots of money on seasonal gifts and activities; as Christmas is a time to be enjoyed, and 39% like working, in December 2023, because of the festive cheer.

Toma Pagojute, Chief HR Officer at Quinyx, says:- "Beyond the excitement and merriment of the holidays, many frontline workers; everyone from delivery drivers and waiting staff to warehouse operatives and retail assistants, are faced with increased workloads and insurmountable financial challenges. And as our study proves, the UK isn't alone in that; the cost of living is proving a burden in Europe too. So, what's the best gift business leaders can give our dedicated workforce on the frontline this year? Engage with them, listen, and provide support when and where they need it the most. This can be through flexible work schedules, improved communications and by ensuring their working conditions are the best they can be."

Download the country comparison study breakdown here.

Do you know which country in Europe has the highest average salary according to the European Commission in 2022? The highest paying countries in the EU, in 2022, were:- Switzerland (€106,839), Iceland (€81,942), Luxembourg (€79,903), Norway (€74,506) and Belgium (€70,297). Interestinly according to the UK's Office of National Statistics, the average salary in the UK in 2022 for all employees was:- ฃ27,756, that works out at around:- €32,373.96. According to the the European Commission the EU's lowest payers were:- Bulgaria (€12,923), Romania(€14,500), Croatia(€17,842), Hungary(€18,274) and Poland (€18,114). Interestinly the soon to be released pay rates are expeted to have be worse for UK workers in 2023 than in 2022!