Dementia In Knowsley
Dementia ward unveils new outdoor courtyard for patients
A ward for adults with dementia in Knowsley unveiled its newly-refurbished courtyard and outdoor space for patients at a recent opening event.
The £80,000 improvement work involved a complete redesign of the existing outdoor space on Rydal Ward at Knowsley Resource and Recovery Centre, which is based at Whiston Hospital. This now provides a safe, open space for patients to access fresh air and daylight.
The new courtyard has been specially designed to meet the needs of older people with dementia.
Previously, the pavement areas were surrounded by a kerb next to low flower beds which presented a health and safety risk for patients and meant the courtyard was unusable.
This had been highlighted during a recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection as an area which needed addressing to enable patients to safely access the outdoor space.
By addressing the recommendations made by the CQC, the Trust has demonstrated its commitment to supporting people to age well, in line with the national focus on aging well included within the NHS Long Term Plan.
Improving the lives and care of older people is also a priority for all health and social care providers in Knowsley.
As part of the refurbishment, all paving has now been removed and replaced with soft, granular flooring to create an even surface and a safety handrail has been installed around the perimeter of the courtyard.
Other features include a yellow brick road to aid orientation around the garden, a sand pit for promoting the recall of reminiscing, areas to promote physical activity such as skittles and several large planters which will be used for therapeutic activities on the ward so patients can grow their own plants and produce.
The new-look courtyard was unveiled at the opening event by a host of special guests, including the Spectrum Community Choir, Mayor of Halton, Councillor Margaret Horabin, Mayor of Prescot, Councillor Pat Cook, former Everton footballer Graham Stuart and rugby players from Widnes Vikings.
Lisa Murray, ward manager on Rydal Ward, said: “Previously, all patients needed to be accompanied on a one-to-one basis when using the garden due to the potential risk of someone having a fall. However, the new courtyard now provides a safe environment for therapeutic activities and social events.
“We were also delighted to have the Spectrum Community Choir perform at our opening event, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.
“We recognise the importance of music and the ability it has to reduce the symptoms of dementia, such as agitation, apathy and anxiety.”
Simon Barber, chief executive at North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are delighted with this new and improved outdoor space. In addition to the greater independence and privacy that patients will benefit from, it’s also a space they can enjoy with their families and carers.”
KNOWSLEY ANNUAL FLOWER SHOW2019

Knowsley Annual Flower Show (at Court Hey Park, Huyton) takes place on Sunday 4 August 2019 and, if previous years are anything to go by, car parking will be problematic.
However, there is no need to worry because Knowsley Town Council has sponsored a FREE shuttle bus for those wishing to leave the car at home. The shuttle bus will stop (with times) at the following places between Knowsley Village and Court Hey Park:
KNOWSLEY VILLAGE VIA STOCKBRIDGE
Knowsley Lane by Knowsley Recreation Ground (OPPOSITE FORMER POST OFFICE) NO. 51035B 10.15 11.15 12.15 13.15 15.15
Stockbridge Lane / Hillside Avenue 44012A 10.25 11.25 12.25 13.25 15.25
Stockbridge Village Neighbourhood Centre - Deanes Way Water Park S44047A 10.30 11.30 12.30 13.30 15.30
Woolfall Heath / Hillside Avenue 44014B 10.35 11.35 12.35 13.35 15.35
Hillside Road / Hazel Road - Longview Shops 44021B 10.40 11.40 12.40 13.40 15.40
Court Hey Park 10.55 11.55 12.55 13.55 15.55
Return
Court Hey Park 11.00 12.00 13.00 14.00 16.00 17.00
KNOWSLEY HEALTHWATCH Positive Mental Health Coffee Morning
Information from Healthwatch
Mental Health Coffee Morning
Friday 5th July - 10am – 12noon @ The Old School House, St Johns Road, Huyton, L36 0UX
Our Positive Mental Health Coffee Mornings are a great opportunity for people to come and chat about their experience of Mental Health services in Knowsley in an informal environment. The coffee morning is open to anyone, including service users, family members and carers, so please come along and feel free to bring a friend.
A representative from North West Boroughs will be attending this session to discuss the Knowsley IAPT Service.
Please note that the venue for coffee mornings will be alternated between Huyton and Kirkby, though transport is always available on request and parking spaces are available.
If you are interested in coming along to the coffee morning, or would like more information, please contact Jen on 0151 449 3954 or email: jen.casey@healthwatchknowsley.co.uk
Please note that transport is available upon request.
High Sheriff and Merseyside Police Charitable Fund
Background Information: The fund aims to work with voluntary bodies and community groups in Merseyside to support community safety, crime prevention and security initiatives in their locality.
What is the focus of the fund: All applications must meet the following objectives of the fund:
- To promote a safer and increased quality of life through the prevention of crime and the protection of people and property from criminal acts for the benefit of the public in and around Merseyside.
- To secure the advancement of education for the public benefit in all matters relating to community safety.
- To increase provision of diversionary activities and facilities that target young people to reduce crime and anti social behaviour.
How much is available: Grants will normally range from £500 to £2500 and may be less
than the figure applied for. In exceptional circumstances, grants of higher value may be
considered.
Which areas are covered: Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St. Helens and Wirral
Any special criteria: Groups should have been constituted for at least 12 months before seeking funding. The panel is unlikely to fund salaries and staff costs. Priority will be given to projects that focus on the advancement of education and increasing the provision of diversionary activities and facilities for young people. In exceptional circumstances, consideration will be given to other types of funding. NB The panel is unlikely to fund CCTV systems, security measures or similar pieces of equipment.
In addition to the completed application applicants should provide a letter of support for the project, ideally from a PCSO (Police Community Support Officer), traffic community support officer or similar referee.
NB: The donor has discretion to also commission applications.
The next closing date is Friday 26 July 2019 but due to a limited budget the fund may close earlier when sufficient applications are received.
IT’S A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING-Knowsley Ladies Choir & Pilkington Choir
IT’S A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING
Presented by
Knowsley Ladies Choir & Pilkington Choir
At the Bob Whiley Community Centre,
Saturday 22nd June 2019 7.30 pm
Tickets £8 includes light refreshment
Contact for more information 07765371593
When Another Dragon Roars
Community Pavilion based in Pool Hey

KNOWSLEY TOWN COUNCIL
Knowsley Town Council has refurbished the Community Pavilion based in Pool Hey, Stockbridge Village.
If local groups are looking for somewhere to meet or carry out their activities within Stockbridge or elsewhere in the Township.
Why not come along to view the premises.
Viewing will take place on the following days and times:
Monday 13 May 2019 – 1 pm to 3pm
Wednesday 15 May 2019 – 5pm to 7 pm
If you are interested, please contact either Heather or Jane at the Town Council Office
for more details
Telephone: 0151 548 4545
email: heather.weightman@knowsley.gov.uk
Training opportunities for Community groups & volunteers
Could you please complete this survey monkey to help assess what training people are interested in or need within Knowsley the more interest we get the better informed we'll be, if you would like more information there’s a drop in session on a Monday at the hub Stockbridge Village 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GetOnTrackStockbridge
Thank you for your help!
Annie MacLean
Community Development Officer (Stockbridge Village)
ForHousing
16 The Croft
Stockbridge Village
L28 1NR
*: annie.maclean@forhousing.co.uk
Stockbridge Village Community Project wins Award

A community project which addresses social isolation in Stockbridge Village has picked up a North West Coast Research and Innovation Award in the “Research into Wellbeing” category.
With support from Lancaster University, a group of 10 residents carried out research to gain an insight into how much locals feel part of their community and the challenges which they face. The information gathered was then displayed on posters and exhibited in Huyton Library throughout January, February and March 2019 (the exhibition was called “Stockbridge in Stories”).
KNOWSLEY VILLAGE YOUTH PERFORMANCE PROJECT
Bob Whiley Centre
Young people aged 7+ Wednesday’s 4-5pm
Price - £2.50
A fun dance class for everyone that will lead to a performance event in Theatre Royal St Helens in July 2019
Come along to make new friends while keeping fit. Beginners welcome just come along in loose fitting clothes and trainers.
for further information contact Rebound on 489 4616