Southport pupils unveil:- 'The Strength We Carry' Shine exhibition through Elsie's Story

A new art exhibition called:- 'The Strength We Carry' created by talented Year 7 students at Greenbank High School has been officially opened at:- The Atkinson. on Lord Street, in Southport. The initiative has been led by Hayley Coggins and the Shine programme with funding support from Elsie's Story. The exhibition's officially opened by Southport MP Patrick Hurley and is available to see until the end of April.

Hayley said:- "We are incredibly proud of our students who have poured creativity, courage and heart into this very special project, The Strength We Carry, celebrating their Shine journey and International Women's Day. Following a lot of hard work behind the scenes, it was incredible to be joined by our talented artists and Shine Ambassadors at Greenbank High School and their families to celebrate together. As part of their Shine journey, and to mark International Women's Day 2026, students have created a unique collection of upcycled handbags to represent their inner strength and courage. We are all so proud of every 1 of them. Each creation holds a beautiful uplifting message to inspire our local community and visitors at The Atkinson. This beautiful project would not have been possible without the wonderful support of Elsie's Story, who have kindly funded this important work. We are wholeheartedly grateful that our fantastic young people can continue to be supported in the most creative and nurturing ways. Thank you for making this all possible Elsie's Story, it means so much to all of us. We would like to express a huge thank you to Greenbank High School and families for supporting the Shine Programme. Also, a huge thank you to Southport MP Patrick Hurley and Stand Up For Southport for supporting and opening our special exhibition. Special thanks to Lizzie from Southport's Journey for her wonderful support, to my lovely friend Jo McGuffie for helping in every way, to the superb team at The Atkinson for making Saturday, extra special for all of us. Thank you to June The Florist, Booths, A Little Bit Printed, and Home Bargains for your very kind donations. You have all helped make the event so special and memorable for our extraordinary girls. They were certainly shining and so proud of their superb work. Many congratulations to you all! We are very excited for the next magical chapter of Shine, to create even more opportunities that support and celebrate the magnificent light of our shining stars!"

Southport MP Patrick Hurley said:- "I enjoyed a great Saturday, morning at The Atkinson celebrating the official opening of the Shine exhibition. A real credit to everyone involved, especially the girls at Greenbank High School whose work now sits proudly on display and shows just how much talent exists when creativity is properly encouraged. Particular recognition to Hayley Coggins for the work behind the programme and the care taken to bring it all together, creating something that gives young people both confidence and visibility. A lovely reminder that some of the strongest things happening in Southport are often being built quietly, by people who simply keep showing up and making things happen."

A 3rd of workplace sickness absence is due to stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health problems

32% of bosses report stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health problems as a reason staff give for sickness absence. A YouGov survey, commissioned by workplace expert Acas, asked employers what the top 3 reasons employees give for being off sick from work. 62% said that workers report their absences as being due to minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds and the flu, while 23% said that the absences are due to headaches and migraines. The poll was commissioned ahead of new changes to statutory sick pay that will take effect in a few weeks' time due to new rules introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025. From 6 April, workers will be eligible for statutory sick pay for their 1st day of illness rather than the fourth day and workers will no longer need to earn a minimum amount to be eligible

Acas Head of Inclusivity, Julie Dennis, said:- "Our findings reveal that 1 in 3 bosses report mental health problems as a key reason for staff absence. It's a surprising result alongside the top reason for sickness being coughs, colds, flu and other minor illnesses. Bosses need to ensure that their work environments are healthy places to work as well as prepare for the new rules on sick pay that will coming in a few weeks' time. Workers should also look after their own health and wellbeing too. If they are experiencing stress, they should talk to their manager as soon as they can. Acas has good practice advice and training in this area."

Acas has good practice advice to help bosses manage sickness absence at work:-

Providing training for managers on how to support employees through periods of illness can help with absence rates.
Employers that offer flexible working can also help promote a healthy work environment and prevent high levels of sickness absence.
Good mediation services at work can help resolve any issues that is sparking sickness absence among staff.
Easily accessible illness and absence policies will make it clear what's expected of both employers and workers if someone needs time off work.

Acas has updated its advice on sick pay to reflect the new changes in the law from the:- Employment Right Act 2025 that will apply from:- 6 April and how they compare to the current rules:- Acas.Org.UK.

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Southport pupils unveil:- 'The Strength We Carry' Shine exhibition through Elsie's Story

A 3rd of workplace sickness absence is due to stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health problems