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25 25 December December 2019 2019
www.champnews.com www.champnews.com
Vol 26 Issue 52
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Merry Christmas Borough of culture funds available for community groups COMMUNITY groups and local organisations can now apply for support to help run projects as part of Sefton’s Borough of Culture year. Local groups can apply for funds from Sefton Council with two different tiers of funding available – up to £5,000 and £5,000-£15,000. The money could be used to help them organise events throughout 2020 or help support event management, communications and marketing, or connections with other partner organisations. The Borough of Culture (BoC) title is awarded by the Liverpool City Region’s Combined Authority to one of its six local authorities on a rotating, annual basis. 2019 was Wirral’s year while 2020 will be dedicated to Sefton with a raft of new, existing and community led events planned for the year. Cllr Trish Hardy, cabinet member for communities, is asking community groups to consider applying for funding. She said: “While we are looking at organising some spectacular larger scale events as part of our Borough of Culture Year, the foundation of our year will be the smaller events organised by our valued communities. “This is where this support and the funding pot comes in really helpful as it can enable more localised community groups and organisations to give them a boost in arranging something to celebrate Borough of Culture. “If you are group and are thinking of running something during 2020, please get in touch, download the form and tell us your plans! This way we can make sure our year of events appeals to everyone right across Sefton.” For more information and to download the forms, visit sefton.gov.uk/ sefton2020 or email: BOC2020@sefton. gov.uk.
COUPLE HAILED IN BBC STAR AWARDS FOR THEIR CARE AND COMPASSION ‘The social club they organise is an amazing place for young adults with learning difficulties and we wanted them to know we are hugely grateful’ Report by Kenny Parker A COUPLE who organise a social club for adults with learning disabilities have been honoured for their care and compassion with a BBC North West Christmas Star award. Mike and Viv Penn set up the Maghull Young Adults Social Club 17 years ago to provide a place for their son Jonathan to socialise. Jonathan has learning difficulties and the couple wanted a safe place for him to go on a Friday night where he could meet and make friends and have fun like other young adults. The club, which meets at The Venue at, Maghull Town Hall, is now attended regularly by more than 100 young adults each month and is so appreciated by its members and their families that Mike and Vic were nominated twice for the BBC North West’s Christmas Star award. The award honours people who make a difference to their communities. “It is just an amazing place for young adults with learning difficulties,” said Sue Egersdorff, who
nominated the couple. “They can come here and just be who they are.” As she presented the award, Sue said: “For 17 years you have supported us with all your love and care and your compassion. And we want you to know we are hugely grateful.” Mike said: “We were surprised and delighted to get the award. We knew the BBC were coming along but we thought it was part of a documentary about people with learning disabilities, so we were really were shocked on the night!” Viv said they originally launched it because their son wanted to go into Liverpool but they knew he just would not be able to manage. Viv added: “We wanted to make it a Friday night with a disco and bar, so people can meet, relax, have a good time, have a drink, make new friends, a bit like going into town. And they all have a great time.” Members of the club also added their praise for the couple. One said: “It’s nice and relaxing and it helps to keep your mind off things. We are here to have fun. And it is only £1, cheaper than anywhere else in the world!”
Viv and Mike with their award from BBC.
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