Now that’s what we call squad goals! Child Friendly Warwickshire reaches 50 friends

Child Friendly Warwickshire is a priority programme of work from Warwickshire County Council to make the county the best place it can be for children to grow up and learn. Friends of the programme are committed to putting children and young people at the heart of what they do and setting inspiring examples that make a positive difference to their lives.

Key to the success of Child Friendly Warwickshire is a community powered Warwickshire. One where every business, organisation and individual is committed to creating a county where all children and young people – no matter their background – are safe, skilled, heard, healthy and happy.

The University of Warwick’s Esports Futures programme is one of the initiatives invested in as part of Warwickshire County Council’s Brighter Futures Work, which is funded as part of the county’s share of the national Community Renewal Fund. The project’s aim is to work towards re-engaging young people in learning and skills development using esports as a catalyst to excite and entertain.

Over a two-day experience, the participants will form teams to create a sandbox tournament to explore all aspects of running and playing in an esports event. They will learn how to use recording software, format a tournament and plan the event, as well as gain knowledge and experience in marketing, creating content and assets to promote it. These are essential skills in play and tactics, team building, communication, live-streaming, marketing and social media.

Isolation is the theme for this year’s campaign, something all vulnerable groups, including carers, will have experienced during the pandemic. Those who have a caring responsibility are seven times more likely to feel lonely or isolated than the general public. Warwickshire County Council and partners want to reassure young carers that help and support is available to anyone struggling with their mental health and any feelings of loneliness.

In addition, the council also wants to urge young and young adult carers to make themselves known as official caregivers to local support services such as Carers Trust (Heart of England) and Warwickshire Young Carers. For further information and advice and contact details for both of these services, go to www.warwickshire.gov.uk/carers

Nuneaton community steps forward to support donations for Ukraine

Staff at the United Reform Church test centre, on Chapel Street in Nuneaton put the call out a couple of days ago to ask for donations as they felt they wanted to do something practical to support the crisis in Ukraine. Teaming up with local photographer and co-ordinator Aneta Warlikowski, a notice was put on the door to see if anyone using the test site was able to donate anything and within hours donations of nappies, clothes, food, and bedding were coming through the doors.

Staff at the site say that they are completely overwhelmed at the generosity shown by the local community, but feel that it’s not unexpected knowing how amazing they have been in supporting the test site and welcoming them into the local community.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service scoops award at Community Excellence Awards

The community awards, recognise local individuals, businesses and teams who have gone above and beyond throughout the pandemic.

The service took the prize in the Teams category, which recognises individuals and teams of people who do work to benefit their local communities and who have made a real difference during the challenging times of the pandemic.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service were recognised for their bravery in extinguishing the major chemicals fire at Leeson Polyurethanes in South Leamington in August 2021.

The first drop-in is set to take place at Warwick Market in Warwick Town Centre on Saturday12 March between 9 am to 2 pm,

This session will be a great opportunity for local people to call in and find out about what is happening in the District and across the West Midlands in the run-up to and during the Games themselves (28 July to 8 August 2022) and how you can get involved.

• Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership launches their Road Safety Month-long Campaign
• The Transportation Consultancy (ttc) named as sponsor for the ‘On yer bike! Our summer of cycling’ exhibition in Warwick
• Warwickshire Country Park accredited for ‘Learning Outside the Classroom’
• It’s never too late to quit smoking