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Lancashire Times
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Disability Discrimination - A Matter Of Life And Death
A shocking report was released this week spelling out the scale of deaths of people with disabilities from Covid-19 in the UK: 22,500 in less than three months, from 38,000 in total. In other words, around 60% of deaths in that time were of disabled people. And, in fact, the…
Photo by Fusion Web Animation
Why No Fault Divorce Will Help Children Of Separating Parents
Peter Jones
Founder, Jones Myers
I am optimistic that long overdue reforms to introduce no fault divorce and end the bitter ‘blame game’ will help the well being of children who are caught up in their parents’ separation. Spearheaded by Resolution, which champions non-confrontational approaches in family law, no fault divorce aims to make…
8:05 PM 9th July 2020
Schools And Colleges To Reopen In Full In September
Detailed plans have been unveiled for all children and young people to return to full-time education from September. Current restrictions on group sizes will be lifted to allow schools, colleges and nurseries to fully reopen to all children and young people, as Covid-19 infection rates continue to fall. Covid-19 secure measures will…
3:52 PM 3rd July 2020
Dogs Trust Help Your Hound Out Of Lockdown As Restrictions Ease
photo - Clive Tagg
Dogs Trust, the UK’s leading dog welfare charity, is advising owners on how to help their dog adjust to life as lockdown restrictions ease - from how to cope with being left at home alone to preventing nervousness around visitors. For most dog owners, lockdown has meant spending more quality…
2:39 PM 7th July 2020
Majority Of Children No Longer Need To Shield
The majority of children currently considered extremely clinical vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19) will be able to be removed from the shielded patient list. Evidence from paediatric clinicians shows COVID-19 poses a low risk to children and young people Majority of children currently shielding to be told by their doctor…
3:20 PM 6th July 2020
Grammar School Student Is A Star Writer
A Ripon Grammar School student’s talent for writing fiction has been recognised by top authors. Ellen McKeag’s short story Betelgeuse, about one of the brightest stars in our night sky, was highly commended in a Puffin and National Book Tokens competition. The 16-year-old, from outside Grewelthorpe, near Ripon, says her love of…
1:55 PM 26th June 2020
Thousands Of Children To Benefit From Free Meals And Activities
Disadvantaged children in England will benefit from free healthy meals and enriching activities throughout the summer as part of ambitious plans set out by the Government. Backed by £9 million, the Government’s Holiday Activities and Food programme will support up to 50,000 disadvantaged children across 17 local authority areas and help…
11:53 AM 23rd June 2020
Is Now The Right Time To Get Divorced And Divide Your Assets?
Making decisions when you are in the midst of life changing events isn’t easy - especially when there is so much other upheaval going on with the current pandemic. Physically separating is one thing - but when is the best time to divide your assets? Questions around your financial settlement…
4:31 AM 22nd June 2020
Funeral Celebrants - What Are They, And Why Are They Becoming So Popular?
It’s never easy to deal with the death of a loved one. Whenever and however it happens, a host of tasks and duties crop up that can overwhelm even the most organised and level-headed family member. One of the questions you might be asking if a loved one has passed away…
2:12 AM 21st June 2020
Treat Your Dad This Father's Day
Jan Harris
Assistant Editor
What is a Father? A father is the male parent of a child. Every man can be a father but not every father can be a dad. Some Father's Day quotes: "Anyone can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a daddy." - Anonymous. Some people don't believe…
10:00 AM 20th June 2020
Helping Dogs Adjust When They Can’t See Our Faces
Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, is urging dog owners to get their dogs used to seeing face coverings as part of daily life, as new Government legislation makes face masks mandatory for people using public transportation. With new rules coming into force this week and countless people…
1:45 PM 18th June 2020
Priority Supermarket Deliveries Announced For Blind Shoppers Amid Social Distancing Concerns
Blind and partially sighted people who have struggled to buy food since the lockdown are now able to access priority online shopping slots following campaigning by sight loss charities. Changes to supermarket layouts, social distancing and limitations on online delivery slots have made it nearly impossible for blind and partially sighted…
8:44 AM 17th June 2020
How To Keep Your Dog Safe And Happy During A Storm
Dogs Trust rescue dog Seamus weathering the storm
With thunderstorm and flood warnings in place, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity Dogs Trust is providing top tips and advice on how to keep our four-legged friends happy and safe. Catherine Dobbie, Veterinary Surgeon at Dogs Trust, said: “Extreme weather and thunderstorms can be distressing for dogs. Signs to look out…
3:54 PM 16th June 2020
A New Way To Celebrate The End Of The School Year — ‘When We Were Apart Yearbook’
A North East-based print company, has launched a ‘When We Were Apart Yearbook’ in order to help school children share and hold onto the precious memories of the lockdown. This year, many students will have to go without their end-of-year celebrations or graduation ceremonies. What’s more, in light of recent announcements,…
12:18 PM 14th June 2020
Letter From Keith Valentine, Development Director Of RNIB
Dear Editor Across England, non-essential shops are due to reopen on 15 June. It is expected that, as with shops that have remained open throughout lockdown, visual markers will be used to signify the correct distance from others, one-way systems and designated queuing areas. With social distancing now part of everyday life…
2:07 PM 12th June 2020
Leisure Centres On The Brink Without Rescue Funding – Councils Warn
Leisure centres closed due to coronavirus may never re-open unless government brings forward a financial rescue package to save the sector, a new survey reveals today. The District Councils’ Network, which represent authorities responsible for providing leisure services, is forecasting a financial hit to leisure centres of around £305 million this…
6:00 AM 10th June 2020
Opinion
Increase Of Domestic Abuse During Lockdown
As a speaker on ‘Honour based abuse’ and a champion for IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Service) in Craven, I myself have witnessed and experienced abuse and understand the struggles a victim may face. I was recently speaking to a few women about the impact lockdown has had on many vulnerable individuals…
12:26 PM 6th June 2020
‘Silly Squad’ Could Help Us Rethink What Matters About Reading
Rosie Goodwin
Family Arts Correspondent
This week sees the launch of the Summer Reading Challenge across the UK. It only feels like two minutes since I was writing about it last year. This summer, of course, things are feeling a little different. For a start, the Challenge has moved online. It has also started early.…
1:07 AM 6th June 2020
It's Official! We Did It!
Rob Biddulph’s #DrawWithRob online lessons have captured the nation’s attention since the lockdown began, with over three million households tuning in to join his draw-along videos. On Thursday 21 May 2020 at 4pm BST (8am PST) an attempt was made for an online class to attract 10,000 participants and raise money…
4:37 PM 5th June 2020
Printing Company Launch Safety Signs For Primary Schools
Dave Crapper, Director of FYI with 7 year old son Oliver
A print house and creative agency that provides branding, content and print campaigns for some of the world’s biggest brands in the music and hospitality industry has re-directed its talents to help primary school children to feel safe as they return to school during Covid-19. FYI, which has bases in…
9:59 AM 5th June 2020
Lockdown Lessons: A Short Story
Rosie Goodwin
Family Arts Correspondent
In the distance, they scurry: racing, weaving, tracing, tracking, dreaming. They’re Zooming to the moon and back. But my life is full of questions. I can’t Zoom. I don’t have any oo. It has eluded us. Oo is required for many words, for many stages of the day. I need my…
8:14 AM 30th May 2020
Why Bereavement Damages For Cohabitees Is A Welcome Move
Plans by the government to reform laws to enable partners who have lived together for at least two years to claim bereavement damages is a undoubtedly a positive development. The proposal follows a Court of Appeal decision in 2017 that the current law - which does not entitle an unmarried partner…
5:31 AM 28th May 2020
PM Confirms Schools, Colleges And Nurseries On Track To Begin Phased Reopening
Schools, colleges and nurseries across England remain on track to open to more children from 1 June, the Prime Minister confirmed today (24 May 2020). Primary schools will welcome back children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6, while nurseries and other early years providers will begin welcoming back children of…
9:27 PM 24th May 2020
Low Mill Receives Crucial Grant Boost
Low Mill Outdoor Centre in Askrigg is one of the first organisations to receive a vital grant from Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust’s Coronavirus Community Fund. The support will help to ensure the outdoor education centre survives the current crisis as it is unable to open its doors. Low Mill Outdoor Centre is…
2:07 PM 24th May 2020
World Mental Health Week: 10 Tips To Improve Your Child’s Wellbeing In A Time Of Crisis
The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week [w/c 18 May] is kindness. At this time of upheaval where our worlds have been turned upside down, acts of kindness now are more important than ever. Here, former primary school teacher Catherine Lynch of leading education resources and lesson…
10:37 AM 18th May 2020
I Am Trapped...
The Secret Carer
Features Writer
It has now been nine extremely stressful, exhausting weeks of isolation at home caring for my severely disabled son who, we are told by the NHS, is “at risk of severe illness should he catch Coronavirus”. Our son’s respite carers cannot help us as they are, quite rightly, staying at…
9:11 AM 17th May 2020
Read All About It! RNIB Launches New Online Library For People With Sight Loss
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has launched a new online library offering people with sight loss instant access to thousands of free books in formats they can read. RNIB’s new platform already has more than 26,000 titles making it the UK's largest online library of Talking Books –…
7:01 AM 15th May 2020
Heritage Walks: Pots & Pans Stone, Uppermill, Saddleworth Moor
Caroline Spalding
Features Correspondent
Rising above the charming village of Uppermill, located in Saddleworth, just across the border from West Yorkshire, sits a dominant monument which I call “Oldham’s equivalent to Stoodley Pike”. The obelisk and the area of Alderman’s Hill is often referred to as “Pots & Pans” however the name refers specifically…
11:42 AM 10th May 2020
VE Day In Lockdown: Help Children Understand What VE Day Is All About, At Home
As the country gets ready to celebrate VE Day under lockdown, PlanBee, creators of professional curriculum resources for teachers and schools, have some suggestions to help your children understand what VE Day is all about, at home. Here is some essential World War 2 information (things you may have forgotten from…
3:13 PM 7th May 2020
£14 Million Financial Support For England’s Zoos Unveiled
Support fund for licensed zoos and aquariums affected by coronavirus. The government has today (Monday 4 May) launched a £14 million support fund for zoos and aquariums in the latest step to protect businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The social distancing guidance, urging people to stay at home and save lives,…
2:09 PM 4th May 2020
Covid-19 – Where The Law Stands On Access To Your Children
The Covid-19 pandemic and measures enacted by the government to place the country on lockdown and close schools and nurseries has severely impacted child care arrangements for many separated parents and their children. There are concerns about parents’ abilities to meet obligations from previously agreed court orders and how they…
10:22 AM 4th May 2020
Agreements Give Separated Parents Reassurance Over Child Contact Arrangements During Lockdown
Reports that separated couples using the Covid-19 lockdown to prevent their ex from seeing their child could face court action re-enforce how, more than ever, estranged parents need to work together to put their children’s best interests first. The warning comes from Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division,…
2:49 AM 4th May 2020
April With Little Alf & Hannah Russell
It’s nearly the end of April and lockdown continues, and Alf and I have been making the most of the sunshine over the last week or so… We are grateful to live in the Yorkshire Dales and be able to enjoy the sunshine in our back garden, with a hidden path…
2:21 AM 29th April 2020
Bluebells Flower In The Spring
Jan Harris
Assistant Editor
Walking in a Bluebell wood is a delight and a highlight of any springtime walk in the countryside. Bluebells flower between mid-April and late May, but the best time to see bluebells in the North of England is generally late April to May and they make a colourful backdrop to…
2:33 PM 28th April 2020
An Open Letter To Vets To Mark World Vet Day
Photo Credit BVA
The Environment Secretary writes to those working in the veterinary profession, to thank them for the part they are playing at this time. Dear colleagues, I am writing to thank you for the part you, and the wider veterinary profession, are playing in our fight against what is perhaps the greatest…
10:29 AM 26th April 2020
Healthy Heart Tips From Heart Research UK
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tips, by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK Physical activity for adults while staying at home At a time when gyms are closed and the population is being asked to stay at home, finding ways to keep active can be challenging. Regular…
10:33 AM 24th April 2020
Why Couples Are Advised To Consider Cohabitation Agreements During Covid-19 Lockdown
Peter Jones
Founder, Jones Myers
Since the government advised dating couples to go into lockdown together to reduce the risk of passing on the virus, the Institute for Employment Studies estimates employment has plummeted to two million during the first month of the crisis. The loss of jobs on such a major scale will undoubtedly result…
5:05 AM 24th April 2020
Pete Waterman Urges Public To Support Heritage Railway Attraction
Pete Waterman - President of the East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society - urges train fans and ELR supporters to donate to the East Lancashire Railway Support Fund to allow the railway, and its 800 volunteers, to reopen after Covid-19 forced the charity to close its doors. The music mogul and…
11:10 AM 23rd April 2020
Covid-19 Personal Finance Advice From R3
R3, the insolvency and restructuring trade body, has released advice for consumers who are worried about the financial impact of COVID-19. “The pandemic will have a serious effect on people’s finances,” says R3 President Duncan Swift. “People are seeing their income cut, their hours cut, having to take mandatory unpaid…
3:02 PM 22nd April 2020
Train To Be An Astronaut… From Home!
With the Summer term approaching, hundreds of free activities and materials have been published online by STEM Learning to help parents navigate home learning These include fun exercises that facilitate learning, such as how to train like an astronaut British astronaut Tim Peake launches free home-teaching and learning support from…
2:15 PM 19th April 2020
Leeds Cast Plasterer Opens Competition In Hunt For Next Budding Manufacturer
Young people across the nation are being encouraged to get creative as part of a new ‘home build’ competition launched by Leeds-based cast plasterer, Ryedale Interiors. Open to children and young adults between the ages of four and 16, the competition calls for entrants to build a model of their favourite…
10:36 AM 16th April 2020
Seekh Kebabs
Yesmien Bagh Ali
Features Writer
Have fun learning new skills by making these delicious seekh kebabs with the family whilst at home during the lockdown. Ingredients: 500g minced mutton or lamb 1 medium-size onion 2/3 fresh green chilli finely 1 clove of fresh garlic 1/2 inch of fresh ginger 1 egg 1tsp salt 1tsp crushed red chilli flakes 1tsp coriander powder 1tsp cumin powder 1/4 tsp…
8:41 AM 13th April 2020
Easter Customs And Traditions - Easter Sunday
Jan Harris
Assistant Editor
Sunrise on Easter Sunday
Easter is the most important Christian festival and Easter Sunday or Easter Day is the most important day of the year for Christians. Christians celebrate Holy Week and Easter to mark the most significant event in human history: the life, the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter comes from…
5:00 AM 12th April 2020
What Is Passover Or Pesach?
Jan Harris
Assistant Editor
photo by slgckgc
Passover or Pesach is one of the most widely celebrated Jewish holidays. The Hebrew name for Passover is Pesach which means ‘to pass over’ because God passed over the Jewish homes when killing the Egyptian firstborn on the evening of the first Passover. It is one of the three Pilgrimage festivals when…
9:14 AM 11th April 2020
Home Secretary Announces Support For Domestic Abuse Victims
A new public awareness raising campaign will highlight that if anyone is at risk of, or experiencing domestic abuse, help is still available. The Home Secretary launched a new public awareness raising campaign highlighting that if anyone is at risk of, or experiencing domestic abuse, help is still available. The campaign,…
8:42 AM 11th April 2020
Healthy Cooking With Children
Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK gives some tips on how to get your children involved in the kitchen. Healthy cooking with children Getting children involved in cooking from an early age can help them to develop the skills they need to plan and cook healthy meals…
8:53 AM 10th April 2020
Easter Customs And Traditions - Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian holiday celebrating the death of Jesus Christ on Calvary. It is the Friday at the end of Holy Week and two days before Easter Sunday, when Jesus rose from the dead. The day normally coincides with the Jewish Passover. In some countries, including the UK,…
8:00 AM 10th April 2020
Coconut Balls
With the children at home and the Easter holidays upon us, why not enjoy this simple recipe to create with your kids. Ingredients 200g desiccated coconut 100g icing sugar (optional) small tin of condensed milk (200g) 4 drops of pink food colouring Sugar strands /chocolate strands Mini bun cases Method Place coconut, condensed milk and food colouring in…
11:00 AM 9th April 2020
Easter Customs And Traditions - Maundy Thursday
The Last week of Lent is called Holy Week and helps people to think even more about the Easter Story. Maundy Thursday is the Thursday of Holy Week and is the beginning of the three day celebration of Easter - the most important time in the year for Christians. On this…
8:00 PM 8th April 2020
New Initiative To Support Parents In Lancashire
The ‘Happy Hour at Home’ group will share an activity every day to keep kids in Lancashire entertained and give parents back a vital hour. Community-focused travel and lifestyle brand, Girl About and its Girl About Lancashire, Francesca Smith, have launched a new initiative to support parents and kids in…
4:49 PM 8th April 2020
Five Fun Ways To Stay Apart To Celebrate Easter Together This Weekend
It’s usually a weekend packed full of family fun and chocolate treats – but there’s no escaping the fact that Easter is going to look a little bit different this year – which is why the team at Interflora has come-up with five ways to stay apart to celebrate Easter…
8:23 AM 8th April 2020
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