NHS equality boost
THE NHS North West is handing out £100,000 to projects to boost equality.
The cash will help ensure minority staff feel valued and can overcome obstacles at work with targeted funding.
Shahnaz Ali, associate director for equality and diversity at NHS North West, said: “Real support is needed if all staff are to reach their full potential.
“This is why the Equality and Diversity team at NHS North West have put in place £100,000 worth of funding for staff equality networks across the region.
“This is not just about pouring money into equalities work and hoping for the best. It is targeted, specific and directed.”
Secret lottery grant
BIG Lottery Fund and Channel 4’s The Secret Millionaire have teamed up to give viewers a chance to act on the charitable inspiration fuelled by the show.
Lottery funding worth £1m has been lined up to give away in grants of between £500 and £5,000 from the Secret Millionaire Fund.
People can visit www.channel4.com/secretmillionaire to find out if their community group is eligible to apply, nominate a cause or actually apply.
Successful applicants may then be selected for filming by Channel 4 and appear on the website or TV programme. Visitors to the website can also showcase their cause on an interactive map of the UK and get involved by donating time or money.
Grand way to aid fund
AGE Concern Cheshire is giving residents the chance to win £1,000 in a free prize draw.
The promotion runs until June 30, with the draw on July 15.
To take part or for details, contact the charity on 01244 401808 or drop in and see staff at their office in Queen Street, Chester.
You can also find out more about their services and products including travel, home and car insurance, motor breakdown cover, energy products, tailored holidays, funeral plans and the Aid Call personal alarm.
Find out more about these on their website at www.ageconcern.org.uk/products.
Gundog Club course
THE Gundog Club has announced a new training course for beginners in Cheshire.
The Grade Two course will start in June in Hale, near Altrincham.
Similar courses run throughout the UK, and each culminates in either the club's Grade One or Grade Two test. They are taught only by Gundog Club Accredited Assessors, and takes a maximum of six students for eight weekly, one hour, sessions.
For details, visit www.thegundogclub.co.uk/training/courses, email admin@thegundogclub.co.uk, or telephone 01428 717529.
Pedal for children
A CHILDREN’S charity is looking for volunteers to cycle from London to Paris.
During this five day event you will be cycling through beautiful English villages and into stunning rural France until you reach Paris.
“The sponsorship money you raise from this exhilarating adventure will go towards purchasing specially adapted, life-changing pieces of equipment for disabled children and young people throughout the UK,” said Ceri Ward of Children Today.
The event takes place from September 9-13. All participants must be aged 18 or over. For an information pack, call 01244 335 622 or email ceri@childrentoday.org.uk
‘Flasher’ in custody
A PENSIONER who admitted exposing himself to a seven-year-old girl has been remanded in custody by magistrates.
Barry William Hollingsworth, 67, from Dyfed in Wales, was charged with indecent exposure following an incident on Manchester Road, Northwich, on Saturday afternoon
He pleaded guilty to the offence at Northwich Magistrates Court on Monday. He will remain in custody until he is sentenced next month.
