Mental wellbeing brand Laugh For Life Comedy returns to the Hot Water Club on November 7th

One of Liverpool’s most popular comedy hotspots is featuring the latest in series of wellness-oriented showcases this November by Liverpool comedian Henry Churney and his CIC Laugh For Life Comedy.

Mixing stand-up comedy and mental wellbeing to create empowering courses has proved a great success for Churney since he began the organisation in February 2024. Henry enthused: “Comedy as a vehicle to improve an individual’s mental wellbeing has been very well received since we began delivering courses last year across Merseyside.

“Laugh For Life Comedy has brought together so many people, from the participants, to their families and friends and we’ll be demonstrating why at the Hot Water Comedy Club on Friday November 7th.

“I’m delighted that we have secured the support of Matt Jones as guest MC, with the whole evening showcase made possible by Merseycare NHS Trust to whom I’m very grateful.”

Tickets for the Hot Water Laugh For Life Comedy Showcase are priced from just £5 and are available via
Photographs by Keith Taylor

MyCardium AI named overall winner at the 2025 Merseyside Independent Business Awards

The Merseyside Independent Business Awards (MIB Awards) founded by Morecrofts Solicitors, has officially crowned MyCardium AI (pictured above) as the

Overall Winner for 2025, recognising its pioneering work in medical imaging and AI-driven cardiac diagnostics.

The announcement was made at a glittering black-tie ceremony on Thursday 16 October at the Titanic Hotel Liverpool, attended by almost 500 guests from across the Liverpool City Region. The awards, now in their eleventh year, celebrate the diversity, innovation and resilience of the region’s thriving independent business community.

Founded in 2013 by Morecrofts to mark the firm’s 200th anniversary, the MIB Awards have become a cornerstone of the local business calendar. Each year, they shine a spotlight on the region’s most dynamic businesses.

Alison Lobb, Managing Partner of Morecrofts said: “Each year, the MIB Awards uncover remarkable stories of business innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial determination. This year’s finalists reflect that spirit, and MyCardium AI is a perfect example – using cutting-edge technology to make a tangible difference to people’s lives and to the future of healthcare. We are incredibly proud to recognise their achievement.”

This year’s headline sponsor was once again the Liverpool BID Company and CEO Bill Addy added: “Independent businesses don’t just contribute to our economy – they define the spirit of our communities. The MIB Awards are a vital platform to celebrate and elevate those who are pushing boundaries, improving lives and setting new standards. MyCardium AI embodies that mission, and we congratulate them on a well-deserved win.”

MyCardium AI, winner of the Digital & Technology Business of the Year, uses proprietary end-to-end AI software to revolutionise cardiac imaging. Their “human in the loop” technology is trusted by clinicians to increase accuracy, reduce cost, and speed up the development of new treatments across the globe.

Winners were chosen from hundreds of entries, reviewed by independent judging panels made up of experts across various sectors. This year’s finalists represented a broad spectrum of industries – from health and wellbeing to retail, construction, tourism and professional services – reflecting the strength and resilience of Merseyside’s independent economy.

Category sponsors for the 2025 MIB Awards included:

JEC Business Finance, Everton FC, Merseyrail, Forresters IP, ONE Knowsley, The Guide Liverpool, Bruntwood, Butterworth Spengler, B&L Creative, Titanic Hotel Liverpool, Handelsbanken, DSG Accountants and FPC.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS:

Community Interest Company of the Year – Thrive

Trades or Manufacturing Business of the Year – Trojan Lighting Solutions

Professional Services Business of the Year – Sutcliffe

Culture & Tourism Business of the Year – Hope Street Hotel

Best Creative Business – Loud Speaker

Best Start Up – Girls On The Go

Retailer of the Year – Solo Car Sales

Children Focussed Business of the Year – Safe Hands

Food Venue of the Year – Derek’s

Health & Wellbeing Business of the Year – Girls On The Go

Digital & Technology Business of the Year & Overall Independent Business of the Year – MyCardium AI

Employer of the Year – Structec (N.W)

Business Person of the Year – Sean Keyes – Sutcliffe

Chasing the Stigma Announced as Founding Member of The Royal Foundation’s New National Suicide Prevention Network

This World Mental Health Day, Chasing the Stigma will stand alongside The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales as one of five founding partners in the new National Suicide Prevention Network – a UK-wide initiative uniting life-saving work across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Network, which was launched on Friday 10th October, World Mental Health Day, by the Prince of Wales, brings together pioneering charities and organisations dedicated to preventing suicide and strengthening community wellbeing, with James’ Place (England), PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland (Northern Ireland), Mikeysline (Scotland) and Jac Lewis Foundation (Wales) also joining as founding partners. Every year, more than 7,000 people lose their lives to suicide in the UK. Behind each statistic are families, friends and communities deeply affected, and a shared determination to ensure that support is available when and where it is needed most.

Merseyside-based Chasing the Stigma’s Hub of Hope is the UK’s largest mental health support directory, and has been chosen as the Network’s official national signposting platform. This recognition reflects years of collaboration with NHS partners, charities and grassroots organisations to make mental health support accessible for everyone, everywhere. The Hub of Hope connects people to over 14,000 services across the UK and helps hundreds of thousands of people every year find the right support in moments of need. Being part of this network will allow the charity to reach even more people and strengthen the collective effort to prevent suicide through connection, compassion and collaboration.

Chasing the Stigma founder and CEO, Jake Mills said “This partnership represents a vital step forward in ensuring that everyone, no matter where they are in the UK, can find timely, appropriate mental health support. “The Hub of Hope was created to close the gap between those in need and the help available, and it has become a trusted national tool for individuals and professionals alike. To see it recognised as the official signposting platform for the National Suicide Prevention Network is a powerful validation of its impact and of the people who have worked so hard to make it what it is today.

“This moment holds deep meaning for me and our team. Chasing the Stigma was born from lived experience, shaped by the understanding of what it feels like to be in crisis and not know where to turn. Every step we take is guided by that experience and by the hope that no one else will ever feel alone or unseen.

“To now stand alongside The Prince of Wales, The Royal Foundation and so many remarkable founding and innovation partners is not only an honour, but a reflection of how far we’ve come, from one story of pain and hope to a national movement for change.”

His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales said: “The incredible partners who form this network reach those at risk of, or affected by, suicide with their inspirational work. I have had the privilege of meeting all of the founding partners to see firsthand their powerful community-based efforts to offer hope and support to those who need it most. Their efforts reaffirm the urgent mission of the National Suicide Prevention Network: to build a bold unified national response to the heartbreaking – and preventable – tragedy of suicide.”

More than a dozen organisations are also joining the Network as innovation partners. The range from local charities offering crisis support, prevention and postvention services, to those focused on high risk and underrepresented groups. The innovation partners have received seed funding from The Royal Foundation to deliver new projects which serve to address specific areas of need across the sector.

The founding partners have shared their stories and explained the ambition for the Network, in film produced by The Royal Foundation and available on the

National Suicide Prevention Network | A Four Nations Approach: Prince William & The Royal Foundation – YouTube

For further information, please contact:   Jake Mills, CEO Chasing the Stgma

Jake@chasingthestigma.co.uk

Bathgate “Highly Commended” at prestigious national awards

Bathgate Business Finance named a finalist in three categories across two prestigious awards, the Merseyside Independent Business Awards (MIBs) 2025 and the NACFB Commercial Broker Awards 2025, with the firm being awarded “Highly Commended” at the NACFB awards.

Bathgate was shortlisted at the national NACFB Commercial Broker Awards 2025 in both the Invoice Finance Broker of the Year (4+ Brokers) and Asset & Leasing Broker of the Year (4+ Brokers) categories. At the ceremony at Lancashire Cricket Club, which took place on Friday 19th September the company was recognised as “Highly Commended” in the latter, which was sponsored by Haydock Finance.

Bathgate has also been named as  a finalist in the Professional Services Business of the Year category at the MIBs 2025, a title that the business proudly won in 2023.

Bathgate MD, Gordon Andrews, said: “As previous winners of the ‘Professional Services Business of the Year’ category at the MIBs, we are pleased to once again be recongised as a finalist. We’re also extremely proud of our shortlistings at the NACFB awards, and our ‘Highly Commended’ award in the Asset & Leasing Broker of the Year (4+ Brokers) category, where we were up against tough competition.

“This recognition is a reflection of our team’s hard work and expertise, and I am extremely proud of every single member. We had a fabulous evening at the NACFB awards, and we are now looking forward to celebrating with other fantastic finalists at the MIBs in two weeks time.”

Winners and finalists of the Merseyside Independent Business Awards will be announced on Thursday 16th October 2025, at the Rum Warehouse, Titanic Hotel, Liverpool.

 

 

 

Thousands expected as the Wirral Wellness Festival returns to Birkenhead Park this weekend…

The third year of the free Wirral Wellness Festival event returns on Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14.

Founded and organised by Wirral duo Becky Jones, a yoga teacher, and Ellie Ferguson, a tech company brand manager, who have built the festival from scratch having  started it out as a passion project.

Becky said: “We have all been through our own mental health journey and this festival is to help others through their own journey.”

Ellie added: “We want everyone to come along whatever part of the journey that they are on. There will be fitness classes and inspirational speakers. There will also be stalls selling wellbeing products and produce all sourced from the local area.

“A 5k run on Sunday morning for all abilities is expected to prove popular and we’ve got fitness coaches to guide runners along the course.

“All participants will also receive a goody bag from Liverpool based Applied Nutrition who are the main sponsor of the event this year.”

Yoga classes, speakers, places to relax, a six seated sauna, DJs, fun for dogs, dog behaviour classes, and a funfair include just some of the highlights.

Tickets are free and available via Eventbrite. A separate ticket is required for the Sunday 5k which is also available for free on Eventbrite.

Escape for Life – The renowned Karen Kennedy’s latest masterpiece to be performed at Crawford House Community Centre in October

Karen Rachel Kennedy is a British American Producer, Director, Playwright, Singer, Songwriter, Author, Screenwriter, Stage Writer, Actor &  Poet of 5 World War II Plays, 3 Poetry Collection books, and one celebrated Comedic Episode in an Amazon international detective novel.  She is also the author of 11 published short stories in the US & UK, and a recipient of 8 Editor’s Choice Awards in the USA . Her success and highly regarded reputation saw Karen being inducted into the ‘International Library of Poets for the 90’s’ in 1995 in the USA.

Her  Escape For Life play is the 5th to be performed in Liverpool, and is a welcome addition to her ‘Stolen Lives Collection Series’ of WW11 plays, and the second in a trilogy of plays featuring the French Resistance & British Operations Executive (SOE) operating in occupied-France during World War 11. 

The production covers World War II in France during 1943-1944, when the Germans believed they were winning the war.
Karen has also written 6 bespoke songs for the play – the music and lyrics of each being performed during the shows.
Karen and the team hope you can join them at Crawford House Community Centre in Liverpool L8 for one of the two performances, which will take place on:

Saturday, October 4, 2025 

Matinee 2pm-4pm Evening 7pm-10pm

Tickets are £4 Adults, £2 Students/Children, and are available for sale on Ticketsource:

or
You can also pay at the door on the day or evening of each performance  

ESCAPE FOR LIFE, by Karen Kennedy

Crawford House Community Centre, 2 Gwent Street, Toxteth, L8 8DN 

Karen Rachel Kennedy – Producer, Playwright, Administrator For Life Productions Ltd & Producer, Director, KRK Productions Ltd – Mobile: 07891422584

Fighting to be Heard Presents THIS IS ME at Epstein Theatre, Liverpool. Sponsors required.

On October 25th 2025, the curtain rises at the Epstein Theatre, Liverpool, for “This is Me!” – a bold and beautiful variety show packed with music, live acts, laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments.

Hosted by the brilliant Leanne Campbell and headlined sponsored by M J QUINN INTEGRATED SERVICES LIMITED, a telecommunications company based at Knowsley Business Park, this special evening honours women and men living with secondary (incurable) breast cancer – a community whose voices deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

Chair and Co-Founder of Fighting to be Heard, Kathryn Orr, says, “We are so very grateful for the kind hearted support of Mick Quinn for providing the headline sponsorship for “This is Me!”.  We are a national charity run by volunteers from Liverpool, the beating heart of this country, and from where we support those living across the UK with incurable cancer. We cannot do this alone however, we also need that extra support from incredible businesses and kind-hearted supporters to help ensure that we bring this wonderful night to life. 

Sponsorship opportunities for each act are available from £500 – £1000 and these will help cover the costs of staging, lighting and the unforgettable performances that the acts will move the audience and amplify our message. Each sponsor will receive:

Tickets to attend the evening Personal “Thank You” videos from our founders, to be shared across our 200k+ social audience A filmed walk-through visit to your business, which will be featured on the night and in our wider campaign Branding at the venue and on-stage mentions from our host Leanne Coverage across BBC Radio Merseyside, Liverpool Live Radio, National & Regional press  Celebratory attendance.

Most importantly – all monies raised by the event will go into our Winter Grants Fund. There are many in our community who are unable to work due to their illness and these grants will help to cover basic needs such as paying for food and gas/electricity bills .

Your support means survival this winter for someone living with incurable cancer.

BOOK SPONSOR OPPORTUNITY

Fighting to be Heard is also looking for a sponsor for our highly anticipated debut book, Fighting to be Heard, which will be launced on AMAZON the same evening. At the heart of this book is our beloved founder, the late Kate Rackham. Kate’s story is at the soul of ‘Fighting to be Heard’ and the release of this publication is eagerly awaited. Kate’s final tweet reached 1.8 billion people around the world and if you would like to have your brand aligned with a story of truth, courage, and lasting legacy, do not hesitate to get in touch.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT “THIS IS ME!” OR THE “FIGHTING TO BE HEARD” BOOK

Please email Kate Orr at:

admin@fightingtobeheardfoundation.co.uk

FIGHTING TO BE HEARD POSTER CREATED BY: aVA MAY TOBIN
Group Photograph by: Sane Seven

Walton Hall Park becomes new home for Liverpool Feds in Everton Collaboration

Liverpool Feds Women’s Football Club have entered into an exciting new collaboration with Everton Women

The agreement will see the Feds play their home fixtures at Walton Hall Park – underlining Everton’s ongoing commitment to supporting the growth of the girls’ and women’s football pyramid.

With Goodison Park now the permanent home of Everton Women, the Club had pledged to ensure Walton Hall Park continues to serve as a hub for grassroots, community and development activity – with a specific focus on opportunities for women and girls. The move will see Liverpool Feds benefit from WSL facilities, an elite level pitch and enhanced player and supporter amenities as the club competes against Burnley, Wolves, Stoke and West Brom in a competitive division.

Everton Free School and Football College – part of the The People’s Learning Trust – will also be utilising Walton Hall Park, alongside Everton Under-21s men’s team who will play their home fixtures there, ensuring the stadium plays a central role in supporting development football across the city. Welcoming the Feds to the stadium is another powerful step in fulfilling that promise.

Founded in 1990, Liverpool Feds have developed from a grassroots side into one of the region’s leading women’s football clubs. They now compete in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division, the third tier of women’s football in England. Hannah Forshaw, Everton Women’s new Chief Executive, said: “This is an exciting time for Everton Women, as we begin our historic journey at Goodison Park. Partnering with Liverpool Feds reflects our wider commitment to championing women’s football across the city – from the grassroots to the elite game. By supporting a thriving local National League side and ensuring Walton Hall Park remains a hub of opportunity, we’re not only maximising elite-level pitch usage but also helping to inspire the next generation of players and fans. This collaboration is another demonstration of how we will be using our facilities at Everton to continue to play a leading role in the growth of women’s football.”

Originally formed by students at Liverpool Hope University, the Feds have grown into a truly community-driven club. Today they embody the spirit of grassroots women’s football in the city of Liverpool and boast a thriving youth section, with more than 150 girls from under-10s to under-18s playing football every week.

Liverpool Feds general manager Abby Pope said: “The move to Walton Hall Park marks a significant milestone for Liverpool Feds. It not only elevates our matchday experience for both our players, staff and fans but also strengthens the visibility of women’s football in Liverpool. This partnership reflects our ambition and belief in the power of collaboration to inspire the next generation of players and fans. We want to thank Everton for their collaboration and support in making this move possible, and we wish them every success as they begin their own exciting new chapter at Goodison Park.”

To discover more about Liverpool Feds Women’s Football Club please visit:

www.liverpoolfeds.com

Storyhouse Elders Festival Returns This October With A Week Of Creativity, Conversation And Celebration

Storyhouse Elders Festival is back in Chester for five uplifting days of music, theatre, talks, photography, workshops, wellness and craft all celebrating creativity in later life.

From 13–17 October 2025, the Storyhouse building will come alive with events that explore, question and celebrate the richness of growing older. Everyone is welcome whether you’re keen to try something new, reconnect with an old creative spark or simply want to join others for a joyful day out.

At Storyhouse, they believe it’s never too late to start or to be seen. Through this festival, they challenge outdated perceptions of ageing and make space for older people to lead, perform, and be heard. You don’t need to show your ID just bring your curiosity and join in.

Carys Williams, Head of Creative Communities at Storyhouse said “Storyhouse Elders is about visibility, voice and joy. Whether you’re stepping on stage for the first time or just curious to try something new, this is a week where everyone is invited to be creative at any age.”

Monday opens with a big, bold launch event featuring local favourites Rock Choir alongside Sankofa Singers from Ready Generations, hosted by actor Nick Fry. Then head upstairs to the Garret Theatre for a powerful performance by Doms & Dahlias, a theatre company of African-Caribbean women, sharing stories through music, dance and memories of the Manchester music scene.

Tuesday is all about storytelling. Hear from Reverend Dr Andrea Russell, Director of Gladstone’s Library, in a talk about her life shaped by books. Then join acclaimed poet and rapper Joy France, who began her performance career in her sixties, for a creative workshop on finding and writing your story.

Wednesday celebrates endurance, courage and connection. Be inspired by Rachel Smith — ocean rower, paramedic and double Guinness World Record holder — followed by Nicola Marshall, a grief counsellor and hypnotherapist, offering practical guidance on overcoming anxiety and trauma. Two guided walks through Chester explore the city’s literary and historical landscape.

Thursday welcomes back festival favourite and award-winning photographer Jim Holmes, sharing powerful stories from the Mekong River and, closer to home, the River Dee.

Friday rounds off the week with actor Janice Fryett leading a workshop on voice, confidence and expression, followed by a joyful, intergenerational finale of song and performance in The Kitchen.

All events are Pay What You Can (£0–£5), making the festival as accessible as possible for all.

For full details and to book, visit storyhouse.com/elders or call the box office on 01244 409 113.

Savera UK announces first acts for “Culture at the Bombed Out Church”

Savera UK, a leading charity established in Merseyside to help people affected by ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices, has announced the first acts that will perform at its March to End HBA 2025 and “Culture at the Bombed Out Church” festival on Saturday 27th September.

The charity’s annual awareness-raising march through Liverpool city centre will this year end at the iconic St Luke’s Bombed Out Church with an afternoon of performances by its community partners Katumba, Movema, renowned drummer and percussionist Felix Ngindu, Sattvika Arts & Cultural Centre, MD Productions, Liverpool Arab Arts Festival (LAAF), Dee Sign BSL Choir and dancers from Pagoda Arts.

There will also be poetry readings by members of the Savera UK Youth Collective and the charity’s clients, survivor stories and a free henna station, as well as more speakers and acts still to be revealed.

The “The March  to End HBA 2025“and “Culture at the Bombed Out Church” are supported by march sponsors, Maria Fogg Family Law, festival supporters, FPC, and Helplines Partnership, venue partner, St Luke’s Bombed Out Church and longstanding campaign partner, Zonta London, with whom the march was first established in 2022. 

Under the theme ‘Culture is Beautiful: No Excuse for Abuse’ the day’s events seek to raise awareness of the issue of HBA and harmful practices, including forced marriage, FGM, conversion ‘therapy’, and spiritual abuse, among others, and how these forms of abuse can easily be missed due to lack of recognition and understanding. It also aims to separate these forms of abuse from culture or certain communities, defining them instead as a collection of abuse characteristics and a violation of human rights that can affect anyone regardless of culture, background, gender, age, sexuality or disability.

Afrah Qassim, Savera UK CEO and Founder, said: “Honour’-based abuse and harmful practices are too often wrongly conflated with culture. These practices are simply abuse and a violation of human rights that are not a part of any culture, faith or community’s traditions. Culture and tradition are beautiful. They are the things that shape our identity and allow us to belong. They are music, language, dance, art – all of which will be showcased at our celebration. Culture is never an excuse for abuse. We invite people to march with us to raise awareness of this and then celebrate the true meaning of culture with us. Hosting this event with the support of the Bombed Out Church holds special meaning for us, not just because the venue is a testament to community spirit in Liverpool and the power of the arts to affect change, it is also the place where our march originated in 2022.

“That year, a small group of us marched from the steps of the Bombed Out Church, down Bold Street, led by Movema’s Sankofa Bird who represented freedom and beauty. Since then the event has grown each year, to a point where we can now host a full celebration of culture. To do this in our 15th birthday year is a true achievement. Many of our community partners, sponsors and festival supporters have worked with the charity over those 15 years, helping to amplify our message and support our mission to end HBA and harmful practices for good. We could not do this without them, and we look forward to celebrating with them on 27th September.”

Natasha Martin, Chartered Legal Executive Advocate, from march sponsor Maria Fogg Family Law, said: “We’re proud to support Savera UK and their March to End HBA, because no one should face abuse or violence in the name of tradition. Standing alongside Savera UK reflects our commitment to protecting vulnerable people, raising awareness, and driving change in our community.”

     

Moira O’Shaughnessy, Managing Partner from festival support, FPC, said: “At FPC, we believe in standing alongside organisations that create real, lasting change in people’s lives. Savera UK’s work to end ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices – and to help survivors rebuild their futures – is both vital and urgent. We are proud to support their 15th anniversary campaign, which challenges misconceptions, raises awareness, and celebrates the beauty of culture without excuse for abuse. For us, this is about protecting human rights, supporting those most at risk, and contributing to a safer, more inclusive society.”

   

Miguel Doforo, from community partner, MD Productions, said: “The MD Productions team, via See You See Me, will proudly gift a special community performance for Savera Uk’s event. Our work will showcase the incredible talent and spirit within our community, while carrying forward the event’s core message: that unity, respect, and understanding are the true heartbeat of culture.”

As well as the March to End HBA and Culture at the Bombed Out Church on Saturday 27th September, there will also be a special free awareness session on Modern Slavery relating to ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) in October 2025, and a free online event for professionals on Wednesday 10th December 2025 ‘HBA and Harmful Practices Happen Here – Responding As A Frontline Professional’.

To find out more about “Culture is Beautiful: March to End HBA & Culture at the Bombed Out Church” visit: https://www.saverauk.co.uk/culture-is-beautiful/

 

 

Photograph of Moira O’Shaugnessy by Stephen Dodd