The event is part of Adult Learners’ Week which celebrates of the benefits of lifelong learning and focuses on the many types of learning available to adults from all walks of life.

It will take place at the World Museum on Friday 24 May

Fourteen Learners from Merseyside who have been nominated for awards from the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) will receive certificates. There will also be presentations to four projects (information below).

A further 21 learners the city council’s and Unison schools project which brings training to school support staff and parents via Archbishop Beck and St Cecelia’s primary schools adult learning service will also receive certificates along with 11 other learners from the adult learning services who have achieved level five in numeracy or literacy

The event will also involve more than 40 learning providers who will hold a learning market place with information stalls and workshops, followed by walks and tours of the city.

Councillor Nick Small, city council cabinet member for employment, enterprise and skills, who will present the certificates, said: “You are never too old to learn. It should be a lifelong process and we want to encourage adults to engage in learning of all kinds. We also want to recognise those organisations who provide the opportunity for adults to engage in learning and develop new skills.”

The event is open to the public between 10am and 4pm. It has being led by unionlearn , Merseytravel and the Adult Learning Week NW Regional Consortium, who are deliverers for NIACE.

The projects to receive awards are:

Musician in Residence Project

Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra has been working in partnership with MerseyCare NHS Trust to deliver their Musician in Residence programme in mental health inpatient wars across Liverpool and Sefton delivering around 600 sessions per year.

MerseyCare commission the Orchestra to provide therapeutic music sessions to patients in secure units as well as people with learning difficulties, mental health and dementia.

Music reaches patients who wouldn’t normally engage with activities and helps improve the patient experience encouraging interest in other areas such as poetry and reading.
Liverpool Fashion Week

The Creative Life Skills students at Knowsley Community College participated in Liverpool Fashion Week. They were given the challenge of creating 12 outfits from recycled materials that were then modelled by professional models as part of the festival.
The learners all overcame personal barriers as they all have learning difficulties or disabilities and they investigate alternative ways of working to ensure they could take part in the challenge.

Lines of Enquiry

The WEA engaged hard to reach students from black and ethnic minorities, disability groups, and learners not normally engaged in education in a wide range of learning activities across the North West including art, drama, music, creative writing, textiles and jewellery making. The project engaged with local museums and undertook research using creative methods.
Participants improved their life skills, some moved into volunteering and their general confidence was enhanced.

NIACE Highly Commended Project Award

Information and Skills for all (Kensington Community Learning Centre)
The project provides the local area with a community hub that offers access to much needed services identified by the community. Last year the project helped nearly 1000 individuals develop a range of news skills including: IT/internet, ESOL courses, health and wellbeing classes, healthy eating arts, crafts, recycling, languages and PC/laptop maintenance.

In its first three weeks the group at Stanley Park, attracted 60 women of all ages and abilities.

“They are mainly beginners but we have had some more experienced runners and some women who used to run and who want to take it up again, “said Michelle Hughes, the group’s organiser.

“We have a couple of 16-year-olds and some women over 50 but everybody is welcome. Some of the women want to lose weight, others just to keep fit generally and many are in training to take part in the Race for Life at Sefton Park in July.

“All the distances and paces are adjusted to the abilities of those taking part. We usually jog for two minutes and then walk for a minute but if people want to jog further or walk more, that’s fine. It’s about improving stamina and fitness – but it is also an opportunity to make new friends.”

The running group invites those who want to take part to meet outside the Isla Gladstone Conservatory on

Tuesdays – 9.30am

Wednesdays – 6.00pm

Thursdays – 9.30am.
Councillor Peter Mitchell, Mayoral lead on Parks, said: “We are very pleased to see a new group making good use of one of our parks. One of the great ways our green spaces benefit the city is by helping people keep fit and active and this group is a fine example of that. ”

The scheme is part of the Active Women programme, which seeks to improve the health of women in targeted areas of the city. Liverpool’s Active City survey showed that there are areas in Liverpool with poorer health and less involvement women/ for more details or speak to Jimmy McGinn, scheme manager, on 0151 233 5261.

The Race for Life in Sefton Park, to raise money for Cancer Research UK. takes place on 7 July 2013

Leith born businessman, Gary, has made Liverpool his home for the past 30 years and is proud of the city’s diverse heritage, along with its undeniable spirit and humour.

Councillor Millar said: “Growing up, I never once imagined that I would be asked to be Lord Mayor of such a fantastic city.

“I am humbled and honoured to be chosen as Liverpool’s First Citizen and I hope to work with as many people, communities, organisations and businesses as possible in order to further promote this wonderful city.”

A passionate entrepreneur, Gary firmly believes in doing your best in order to help others, his personal motto being “Pay it Forward”.

Along with his consort and Civil Partner, Steve Macfarlane, Gary is hoping to reach out to as many people as possible during his time as Lord Mayor and is looking forward to representing the city locally, nationally and internationally.

Gary has chosen to back charities tackling cancer & homelessness; to support vulnerable children and those with special educational needs and disabilities. He also wants to help create a safe haven in the city for LGBT youth.

His nominated charities include The Linda McCartney Centre, The Whitechapel Centre, Variety – The Children’s Charity and the Michael Causer Foundation, although he is keen to support all Liverpool based charities.

From Friday 24 until Tuesday 28 May activities will take place on the waterfront and in the city centre in tribute to the men and women involved in the longest continuous military campaign of Word War II.

From a veterans parades, Lindy Hop flash mobs, a fly past and action packed displays, right through to more than 20 warships arriving in the city – it will be an unmissable bank holiday weekend for all the family.

On 25 and 26 May, from 9.30pm until midnight, two high intensity lasers projected from the Liver Building, transmitting the phrase ‘Thank You’ in Morse Code. This is a nod to British mathematical genius Alan Turing, who helped crack the Enigma Code which saved many lives during the Battle of the Atlantic.

Craig Morrison, the artist responsible for the work, said: “I am thrilled to be showing my Light work, Thank You, at The Battle of the Atlantic Commemorations.

“The lasers will pulse into the heavens, and I sincerely hope that it will provide a fitting memorial to all the men and women who gave their lives in the Second World War.”

From Saturday until Monday from 11am to 5pm, there is a packed programme of events, including a model boat exhibition inside the Liver Building. Many of the vessels lining the waterfront will be open to visitors and a dramatic Battle of the Mersey will see Royal Marine Commandos carry out a fast-roping rescue exercise involving a Royal Navy helicopter and several warships. Further information on the names of the ships visiting Liverpool for BOA70 and times when they are open to visit will be released very shortly.

A Veterans Welcome Centre will also be open all weekend from 12-4pm at the Port of Liverpool Building. Veterans and a guest can take some time away from the hustle and bustle of the Pier Head and enjoy a cup of tea and a biscuit served by the City of Liverpool Sea Cadets.

Other highlights include:

Saturday 25 May
• At 11.30am veterans and their families are invited to gather at the Cunard Building, where a procession led by Chinese lion dancers, Indian drummers and troops from the Polish community (representing the nationalities which made up crew on merchant and royal navy vessels) will head to the Merchant Navy memorial on the Pier Head for a poignant wreath-laying ceremony.
• Just after 1.30pm a Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft will fly over the waterfront in a Battle of Britain memorial flight. (Please note, this is weather dependent)
• The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines will join local artists in a sold-out concert at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Sunday 26 May
• A private commemorative service will take place at the Anglican Cathedral, followed by a parade at 12.30pm, which includes platoons from the Merchant Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Regulars, Reservists and Cadets from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. The route is along Rodney Street, Mount Pleasant, Hope Street, down Upper Duke Street finishing at the Anglican Cathedral.

Monday 27 May
• Organised by the 156 Transport Regiment, around 15 teams made up of ships’ companies and guest visitors including the Merseyside Fire Service will take part in a fun raft race in Salthouse Dock at 1pm.
• A sold-out 40s themes veterans party at St George’s Hall.

Tuesday 28 May
• From 2pm the fleet of vessels will sail out of the city in a spectacular co-ordinated departure.

Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “It is a real honour for Liverpool to be the national focus of these 70th anniversary commemorations.

“When it comes to maritime events, Liverpool excels. We’re expecting around 250,000 visitors, and whatever the weather, the city will shine.

“Working in partnership with the Royal and Merchant navies, we are proud to have developed a huge programme consisting of well over 100 events. These will not only be a tribute to those who took part in the Battle of Atlantic, but will also appeal to people of all ages, entertaining them but also teaching them about the sacrifices made for the lives of future generations.”

Rear Admiral Chris Hockley, Flag Officer Regional Forces, said: “Liverpool is absolutely the right place for the national focus on commemorating the Battle of the Atlantic on its 70th anniversary.

“It was the home of the Western Approaches operations room and the receiver of over 1000 convoys, together with ship repair and building activity in support.

“The events planned over the weekend of May 24-28 – the time in 1943 recognised as being the turning point for this long and drawn out battle – will provide a fantastic opportunity for the public to engage with, and learn more about, those who made such a vital contribution, including Merchant and Royal Navy veterans.”

Chairman of the Liverpool Retired Merchant Seafarers Association, Pat Moran, said: “Liverpool took the men and women of every maritime nation to crew her ships, particularly from the Commonwealth and Empire.

“It is the achievements of these men and women and Liverpool’s own sons and daughters that the cavalcade will celebrate. If you love Liverpool and the people who made her great you must come and take part.”

Merseyside engineering firm Cammell Laird is the main sponsor of Battle of the Atlantic 70th Anniversary commemoration weekend.

For full details of all the events taking place, the location and times visit www.itsliverpool.com/culture and click on ‘On the Waterfront’.

For the latest news about Culture Liverpool, like Culture Liverpool on Facebook or follow Culturelpool on Twitter.

Payment for Skills will see the city council’s team of 300 foster carers paid a professional fee of up to £370 per week in recognition of the knowledge and expertise they bring to the care of looked after children.

It is part of changes designed to increase the recruitment and retention of foster carers, and recognise the high degree of professionalism needed to do the job.

The scheme is being launched on Monday 20 May at an event at Croxteth Hall attended by foster carers and the Chief Executive of the Fostering Network, Robert Tapsfield.

Councillor Jane Corbett, Cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Our team of foster carers do an amazing job providing a loving home for our children.

“They deserve the very best support that we can offer, and that is why we are making changes to the system to better reflect the skills that they possess.

“It will also allow us to better match the abilities of foster carers to the needs of our children.”

There will be five fee levels linked to skills, knowledge, experience and professional development. Prior experience and relevant training will also be taken into account.

A steering group of foster carers and social work managers have drawn up and consulted on the new policy.

People interested in fostering can visit http://www.fosteringforliverpool.co.uk to find out more, or call the recruitment line on 0151 515 0000.

Foster carers need to be aged over 21, but there is no upper age limit. They can be single, married or co-habiting, straight or gay.

Around 11,000 people in the city are affected by the welfare change, which results in reduced housing benefit payments for people of working age.

Following feedback from tenants who are requesting information to help them submit an appeal, the council is issuing the following guidance:

• There is no charge for submitting an appeal or asking for information from the Council to support the appeal (eg: correspondence between the council and their landlord)

• The council will be writing to people who have requested information asking them to set out their case for an appeal, and will extend the time limit to lodge an appeal for a further month

• Where landlord and tenant dispute the number of bedrooms in the home the Council will treat any such cases as appeals and look carefully at the circumstances to review the decision

• If people believe we have assessed their claim using incorrect or out of date information, eg: the number of people living in a property has changed, they should contact the Benefits Service

Deputy Mayor and Cabinet member for Finance, Councillor Paul Brant, said: “I fully appreciate that people are extremely concerned about the financial impact of the Government imposed welfare changes, and I am determined we do all we can to help people through the process.

“This is the biggest change in the administration of benefits for a generation and we are constantly reviewing what we are telling those affected and making tweaks and changes to improve the system.

“We have taken on board the feedback we’ve had from tenants and are making a number of improvements.

“We are working closely with social landlords to help and support tenants who find themselves in financial difficulty to help them out.”

The council has already paid out £400,000 in Discretionary Housing Payments since the start of April to people in the most need, with the majority of it being paid out in relation to the bedroom tax .

More information about the spare room subsidy or ‘bedroom tax’ can be found at http://liverpool.gov.uk/benefits-and-grants/housing-benefits/reduction-to-housing-benefit-or-bedroom-tax/

Some limited funding is available for Discretionary Housing Payments for people in the most need. More details and the application criteria can be found at http://liverpool.gov.uk/benefits-and-grants/housing-benefits/discretionary-housing-payments/

The consultation period for the revised text is from 1 May to 26 July.

The Compact is the agreement between local public bodies and voluntary and community organisations- independent voluntary organisations, charities, community groups, etc – which outlines a way of working that improves their relationship for mutual advantage.

The Compact for Liverpool was first agreed in 2002, but since then there have been many changes affecting all parties to the agreement. This latest refresh of the Compact for Liverpool reflects changes made at national level and for the first time includes an agreement on what happens when the Compact is not followed or when things go wrong.

Copies of the compact may be found at www.lcvs.org.uk/ and http://liverpool.gov.uk/compact

The consultation closes at 5pm Friday 26 July.

The retail and leisure destination fought off tough competition from three other shortlisted destinations around the country in The Coach Tourism Awards 2013 at an event held at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral.

The Coach Tourism Awards announcement comes soon after Liverpool City Council was named as the Most Coach Friendly Local Authority at the UK Coach Rally & Awards earlier in the year. This time the city has been recognised for its shopping offer.

Liverpool’s standing as a group and coach friendly destination has dramatically increased in recent years thanks to the introduction of the Liverpool Coach Welcome Scheme, with more group travel operators keen to include Liverpool in their itineraries. As a result, organisers of The Coach Tourism Awards chose Liverpool to host the 2013 national event.

Commenting on the award success, Donna Howitt, Marketing Director at Liverpool ONE said: “Since the launch of the Liverpool ONE coach facility with Merseytravel last year we have dramatically improved the accessibility of the city centre for coach visitors.

“We are absolutely thrilled to win this award at such a prestigious national event. To host the important awards ceremony in the city is testament to how appealing and accessible Liverpool has become to the group travel industry. We continue to improve our offer for people visiting by coach, to ensure their experience in the whole city is enjoyable. Our ongoing partnership with Merseytravel makes coach visits to the city hassle-free and convenient.

“This award cements the city’s reputation as a true shopping destination.”

Since opening in 2008, Liverpool ONE has propelled the city within the top five retail destinations in the UK.

Councillor Wendy Simon, Cabinet Member for Culture and Tourism, said: “For Liverpool ONE to win this award is testament that the city is one of the most popular places for people to visit in the UK. Liverpool is firmly on the map as a shopping destination and increasing numbers of tourists only benefits the wider economy.”

Chris Brown, Head of Marketing Liverpool said: “We would like to congratulate Liverpool ONE on its success in winning the Coach Friendly Shopping Destination of the Year at the Coach Tourism Awards ceremony. This is richly deserved recognition for a product that has completely transformed the city’s retail offer and for the tireless work they put in to ensuring that they consistently deliver a high quality of welcome and service.”
This year the event was hosted by editor of Coach Monthly, Stuart Render, and television presenter and travel expert, Judith Chalmers.

Stuart Render, Editor of Coach Monthly said: “Delivering a quality welcome to coaches, their drivers and their groups is becoming more and more important as destinations look to encourage more visitors. Liverpool ONE was up against many of the UK’s leading shopping destinations so this is therefore a well-deserved and a significant achievement.”

The stunning building, which originally opened in 1860, has been on the receiving end of a massive restoration project with work including:

• Demolition of the 1950s Brown Library and its extension, and the demolition of the 1978 eight-storey extension between the Walker Art Gallery and the World Museum.
• Construction of a new five-storey library behind a retained Grade II* historic façade.
• Brand new central atrium with domed roof to mirror the Picton Roof.
• New entrance on William Brown Street.
• A new five-storey archive and a specialist climate controlled repository which will store the city’s archives and rare treasures.
• Restoration of the historic Picton Library, Hornby Library and the Oak Room.
• A conservation studio.
• A literary pavement, leading to the entrance of the library, and a literary wall adorning the rear of the building, proudly display the names of writers and titles from world books, cinema and music.
• A new café located near the entrance.
• The creation of a roof terrace with beautiful views across the city.

Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “May 17 is a hugely important landmark in the history of Central Library and will see the culmination of years of hard work.

“The transformation of the building exceeds expectations and I know there is a real anticipation in the city with residents keen to see the finished results.

“Liverpool should be extremely proud that this modern, welcoming and hi-tech library and records office is taking pride of place in our cultural quarter, and we expect hundreds of thousands of people to make the most of this stunning facility each year.

“The dedication and hard work which has been invested in this redevelopment should be applauded, and I would like to personally thank the city’s libraries and archives team who have played a pivotal role in the transformation of this cultural gem.”

To mark the library’s re-opening, animations will be projected on the Grade II* listed façade of the building on the 16 and 17 May taking inspiration from 16 books including John James Audubon’s Birds of America and Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. The shows start at around 9.15pm on the 16 running until 10pm, and on the 17 from 9.15pm until midnight.

Rare highlights:
Visitors are encouraged to see the rare and treasured John James Audubon’s Birds of America volumes into its new climate controlled, glass case home in the Oak Room.

There will also be a chance to see a signed letter by Elizabeth I, a second Folio Shakespeare and a unique opportunity to see the first Charter of the City – the Letters Patent from King John 1207. This is rarely seen by the public because of its fragility.

In addition, information on which of the vessels among the 21-strong ‘BOA fleet’ will be open to visit by the public is now available.

It should be noted, however, that most of the attending vessels are operational naval ships and the details below are subject to short notice change. Every effort will be made to communicate any alterations to media.

Over May 23-24, the first vessels to arrive will be the First Patrol Boat Squadron, a fleet of 11 small but versatile P2000 patrol ships which serve a number of functions for the Royal Navy, including being assigned to University Royal Naval Units around the UK, enabling unparalleled training opportunities at sea for students.

Over the course of the day on Thursday May 23, a further six ships will sweep into view. The first group contains the Royal Navy’s Fleet Flagship, HMS Bulwark, an amphibious assault ship which will be berthed at Alexandra Dock. She will be followed by the Royal Navy mine countermeasures vessel, HMS Pembroke, which will be berthed at Canning Half Tide Dock, and the TS Jack Petchey, a Marine Society and Sea Cadets training ship, which will go alongside in Albert Dock.

The foreign navies are represented by the Groemitz, a German minehunter which will go alongside in Canning Dock and the Belgian frigate Louise-Marie at Alexandra Dock. The Canadian destroyer, Iroquois, will be then be the first ship to arrive alongside at the Cruise Liner Terminal.

However, the most poignant moment will be the arrival of HMS Edinburgh later that evening when the last Royal Navy Type 42 destroyer – which was launched at Cammell Laird in 1980 – returns to her place of build, her last visit to Merseyside before decommissioning in early June.

The Type 42’s predecessor – a Town-Class light cruiser – has a Battle Honour for her part in the Atlantic campaign, something her ship’s company are immensely proud of to this day.

On Friday, May 24, two more foreign naval ships arrive: the Gen T Kosciuszko, a Polish frigate and the Vice Admiral Kulakov, a Russian destroyer. Both will be berthed at the CLT. The Trinity House lighthouse maintenance vessel, Patricia, will then go alongside the Kulakov at the Cruise Liner Terminal to complete the flotilla.

The public are encouraged to go aboard when the crews of five of the above ships throw down their gangways, offering the people of Merseyside and beyond a unique opportunity to learn more about life in today’s Royal Navy… and see how things differ around the other navies.

There are five ships open to visit on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, May 25-27. The public may board between 11am and 4pm.

HMS Edinburgh – Cammell Laird Wet Basin
HMS Pembroke – Canning Half Tide Dock
Kulakov – Cruise Liner Terminal
Iroquois – Cruise Liner Terminal
Groemitz – Canning Dock

Access is free and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be aware that access to the warships will involve ascending gangways and is therefore not suitable for those with restricted mobility. Additionally, we anticipate there may be long queues to board the vessels – please build this into your planning.

Along with the motor tug Brocklesbank, a regular feature on the Mersey, Patricia will then lead the Co-ordinated Departureon Tuesday, May 28 at around 2pm. Both Merchant Navy vessels will provide a gateway for the 20 other ships to pass along the waterfront and proceed down-river, bringing the curtain down on a packed programme of events over the BOA70 commemorative weekend.

For the full event programme visit www.itsliverpool.com/culture