May 2025

The morning started with a fantastic service to commemorate the 80th Anniversary. There were members from our Ex-Services group in attendance as well as the Mayor, local Councillors, residents and veterans from Rainford.

The afternoon was such fun at a tea dance which saw over 70 people celebrating VE Day at Rainford Village Hall. This included a wonderful selection of homemade tea and cakes, music and of course dancing. Traditional fish and chips in paper cones were served, and children from the local primary schools came and read poetry about the war. This concluded with a rendition of “We’ll meet again” by Vera Lynn, bringing everyone together across the generations, a truly heart warming moment!

Finally, a raflle was drawn – all proceeds raised went to the Foundation by way of a donation.

Thanks so much to everyone who came and supported by buying event tickets and raffle tickets.

Massive thanks to Rainford Parish Council for organising the event and making sure it ran so smoothly.

Lastly, a ginormous thanks to TVS Supply Chain Solutions who were fantastic volunteers on the day and very kindly donated £500 to the Foundation to allow us to continue providing the support services we do.

Here are some of the best bits of the day!

 

The event held at The Mecure Hotel saw 30 amazing organisations battle it out and pitch their ideas of how the funding would be spent to help build community resilience in St Helens.

We are going to use the money to deliver interactive first aid awareness sessions for teenagers in St Helens, aiming at Years 7-11. The focus being on what to do if you have been stabbed, slashed, shot or burnt with fire or corrosive substances and how to administer CPR.

For the older years 10 and 11 there will be additional sessions about addiction, addressing the growing concerns and issues with Ketamine, dangers of substance abuse and the health consequences.It will also focus on the impact addiction can have on people’s lives and their families.  Our recovery coach will talk about the importance of goal setting and utilise his lived experience of coming through the other side to live a positive and fulfilling life in recovery. 

Our First Aid Awareness sessions are specifically aimed to help victims of knife crime or fire. Not only will they help to educate teenagers on how to respond in certain situations, but also make them aware of the dangers of knife crime and arson.

Our addiction talks will be used to highlight the dangers of substance misuse, but also how they can lead to addiction. Substance abuse and crime are closely intertwined. Historical data has shown that people who engage in substance abuse are more likely to commit crimes.

These sessions have the potential to help attendees and the wider community, given patterns of arson/knife crime.

Thanks to all the organisers, everyone who supported and voted for us, and massive congratulations to all the other winners and participants on the night!