COMMUNITY
August has proven another very busy month at LHFC headquarters. Myself and the team have been busy with “The Back Kitchen” Catering Pod. We were in attendance at Stanley Park and Garston Park supporting Liverpool Mutual Homes “Picnics In The Park” community events.
The Deckchairs were out. The Sun was shining, and the Flower beds were in full bloom. The parks were packed with people joining in lots of family events. There was pop up play stalls from positivity Inc, pony trails, bouncy castles, acrobatics, tug of war races, park rides and lots more.
The Back Kitchen staff served the crowds delicious prime beef burgers, gourmet hot dogs, chicken Fajitas. We also provided 2 vegetarian options which were popular. One customer stated “that was the best veggie burgers I have ever tasted” praise indeed! Everyone enjoyed the day and it was another opportunity to raise awareness of the issue of homelessness and highlight the work that LHFC does to support people across Merseyside and beyond.
Thanks to Commutual who granted us funding towards our Back Kitchen project. Their generosity enables us to support our volunteers with invaluable work experience.
MENTAL HEALTH
In 2016 Homeless Link statistics showed that 44% of homeless people have a mental health diagnosis, in comparison with 23% of the general population (source: Health Needs Audit, 2016 – Homeless Link). Here at LHFC August was all about raising awareness to mental health issues. We were in collaboration with as many other partners as possible to access and highlight additional support across the region.
Mental health problems can affect anyone, and there is no better time to start looking after your own and others mental well being than today. If you know someone who is suffering LISTEN and give support. You could save a life literally!
We will be launching a new Mental Health tab on our website. You will be able to access lots of information and links to additional support across the region.
Useful contacts:
Samaritans call free any time, from any phone on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
MIND Infoline: call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463
The Spirit of Merseyside Tournament
Thank you to all teams who took part in our August matchday. You all played some great football and the standard is improving every month. It’s a pleasure to watch the camaraderie becoming stronger. This was demonstrated by those teams with extra teammates loaning to other teams. I would like to commend you all for the fantastic sportsmanship on the pitches and the County FA officials and referees have noticed and commented “everyone is so friendly as well as still being very competitive. They all work together to allow everyone to take part and feel valued.”
I would like to formally welcome our latest team to join the tournament from Bed Space. They were able to fit into Everton In The Community and Brennan FC. Despite the language barriers the players settled in nicely and played some great football.
Thank you to everyone who completed the evaluation forms and our surveys your kind words and comments mean a lot and help us to understand what you like most about the events and where we can improve. We are glad you all enjoy the tournaments. It’s your feedback and being a part of your journey that makes it all worthwhile. We do listen and we will publish the findings of our surveys in due course.
WELL DONE GUYS!
A special thank you to all our healthcare guests who provided a wealth of vital information to improve participants health. Thank you to Siobhan and Paula from Boots who joined us providing lots of useful information and demonstrations about eye care. They were able to arrange lots of referral appointments at their Liverpool 1 City Centre Store.
Another massive thank you to the Diabetes nursing staff who provided onsite diabetes and blood pressure tests. Thank you for making a very serious matter fun and for getting so many vulnerable, isolated adults involved. Dietary plans and individual assessments were carried out to follow up on last month’s GP referrals. Some have actually visited their own GP’s. They are now receiving lifesaving treatments that might have gone unnoticed during this period of chaos.
Upcoming Fixtures
25th September raising awareness of Suicide – Pain awareness day, prevention & counselling
30th October – PRESENTATION DAY – Estimated 15- 20 teams participating on the day
Itinerary
A gentle reminder from the FA referees: Please register by 10:00 ready for a 10:30 KO. Late registration results in delayed fixtures and causes unnecessary problems.
- 10:00 -10:30 INDUCTION -Registration
- 10:30 – Kick Off
- 12:00 onwards Lunch served
- 14:00 finish