News reports located on this page = 4.

College doesn’t allow Lockdown to put a stop to their Open Events

HUGH Baird College are finding innovative ways to ensure that anyone with an interest in applying to 1 of their 300 plus courses, has the information they need to make the right choice about their next steps to realising their future career goals. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the College made the decision to cancel the open events they had planned in May and across the summer. In place of the open the events, throughout May a June, subject area specialists from all areas of the College will host a packed schedule of live online video talks to help inform prospective students of their options. Once the sessions are over, recordings of the event will be available across the College’s social media platforms sessions for those who may have missed out on the live event. To register your place at a virtual event, please visit:- HughBaird.AC.UK/Events. This is a list of the following cover all subject areas and qualifications that people can apply online, that are due to be covered, so far, on this virtual event:-

Appeal for victim after attempted robbery at Birkenhead North Station

BRITISH Transport Police are appealing for information following an attempted robbery at Birkenhead North Station, Merseyside. The incident happened at 4.30pm, on Wednesday, 15 April 2020. 2 suspects are reported to have attacked the victim and tried but failed to take his bicycle. The victim then left the area before Officers could arrive. Enquiries into the incident are ongoing, and to progress the investigation they wish to speak to the victim or anyone who witnessed the incident. If you were the victim of this incident, or have information that could help the investigation, text:- 61016 or call:- 0800405040. In both cases quote reference number:- 209 of 15/04/20. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.

Beau Kerouac's 'Wander' Series Launches to Support Public's Mental Health During Coronavirus Lockdown

ARTIST, Beau Kerouac, announces the launch of 'Wander' a series of specifically commissioned films designed to provide escapism and meditation to all during the current Covid-19 pandemic.

The series features some of the world's best known actors and artists providing narration to their favourite stories based at some of the world's favourite art institutions and museums, with illustrations done by Ralph Steadman.

The 1st episode features Richard E Grant telling the story of Alice in Wonderland at the famous V&A museum in London. Other well known names include:- Simon Callow CBE, Jordan Stephens, Jeremy Irons, Natascha McElhorne, Miles Chambers and many more. Films in the series will also include readings from well known poems, unseen artists letters, and other famous literature.

Each episode has been produced using cognitive film making techniques in consultation with the charity, the Mental Health Foundation, to help people to alleviate mental stress they may be experiencing throughout the lockdown. At the end of each episode, there is professional guidance provided by the charity on what people can do if they're struggling with anxiety.

The production team, led by Beau, has used existing footage of the museums to remotely produce the new films. This creates a fresh take on a familiar place and allows audiences to visit these special venues even while they remain closed.

All actors have provided their time for free in aid of the ongoing support for mental health at a time of crisis. Ribena has covered all costs associated with the project and will be using its own channels and platform dubbed:- 'Creative Juice' to host the content and extend its reach.

Commenting on the concept of Wander, Beau Kerouac said:- "We're all experiencing a massive jolt to our lives in a way that no-one could predict and one that has a major impact on our mental wellbeing. Wander was conceived to bring joy and escapism to everyone, in an easy, accessible and interesting way. With all the museums currently closed, we can't spend time walking the peaceful corridors of these places we all love. Wander allows us to do just that from the ease of your laptop, phone or telly. Each person that I have spoken to about the project has stepped forward to support it. It's great. I hope everyone, no matter where they are or who they are, enjoys it."

As well as being aired on Video on Demand (VOD), the films are also available on Ribena's webpage and social media channels. As the principal supporter, Ribena has launched a platform:- 'Creative Juice,' to support the nation's natural creativity from their homes during a time where many experience anxiety from isolation. The 'Wander' content series is key to providing creative inspiration for the public and a platform for The Mental Health Foundation, and the brand will also host a range of resources and tools online to get the nation's creative juices flowing from their living rooms.

"Our hope is that we're able to provide a way for people to take a break from what can be an incredibly lonely, chaotic and disruptive time. Whether that's for a 5 minute Wander episode or an hour of arts and crafts at home, taking time out is beneficial for mental health, which is why it's lovely that Wander is supporting the Mental Health Foundation. We would love the British public to send in images of their own creative outputs as they spend this period of time at home. We will select a winning submission weekly and in response donate ₤1000 to the Mental Health Foundation every week." Charlotte Flook, Head of Ribena.

To watch the 1st 5 episodes, visit:- Ribena.Co.UK/Wander and follow the series on social media using #Wander and #CreativeJuice.

Ecclesiastical launches the Movement for Good awards 2020 giving ₤1 million to charities in need

SPECIALIST insurer Ecclesiastical is giving away another ₤1 million to charities with the return of its Movement for Good awards. In 2019 more than 1,600 kind hearted Merseyside residents voted for over 100 charities across the Region. 2019 saw an amazing 98,000 people around the UK support the Movement for Good awards in total, with over 7,000 charitable causes up and down the country receiving votes. The 500 winning charities were picked at random from those nominated. In 2020 500 more charities will each receive ₤1,000 during the 1st Phase of the campaign. A 2nd phase of giving will happen later this summer. This is an extremely challenging time for charities, and many are struggling with the unprecedented impact of Coronavirus. Members of the public are once again being encouraged to nominate a cause close to their hearts for a potential ₤1,000 award to help make a difference.

Wirral Hospice St John's, Wirral Youth Zone in Birkenhead, Huntington's Disease Association in Liverpool and Stick 'N' Step in Wallasey, were all among the local beneficiaries in 2019, following overwhelming public support in the county. A representative from Stick 'N' Step stated:- "We would like to say an enormous thank you to all of the wonderful people who took the time to nominate us for a Movement for Good award. It was fantastic to see such a great show of support for the charity and the money we received has helped us to continue to deliver conductive education to over 100 children and young people with cerebral palsy from across the North West. Thank you so much."

The nomination process is open until 24 May 2020. Winners will be drawn at random and the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected. It's quick and easy to nominate, you can vote for your favourite charity online at:- MovemenForGood.com.  Mark Hews, Group CEO of Ecclesiastical, says:- "We're delighted to announce the launch of Ecclesiastical's Movement for Good awards for the second year running. The Coronavirus is having a major impact on charities and many are facing financial difficulties. Our Movement for Good awards will continue to help charities at a time when they need it most and we know that for many charities, ₤1,000 can make a real difference. We were thrilled to receive so many nominations from the public last year and this year we are encouraging even more people to nominate a good cause. Ecclesiastical is a unique financial services group. We are owned by a charity which means all available profits can be given to the good causes that are so important to our customers. As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of our business."