Category Archives: Northamptonshire

Charity & CSR, Midlands News, News, Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire mental health charity joins Rust Bucket Rally to raise vital funds

A four-day road trip across Europe has raised more than £50,000 to be split between two charities, including We Mind and Kelly Matters who specialise in helping people with mental health issues and Leicestershire charity, Prostaid who help prostate cancer sufferers.

42 teams took part in the rally where they had to drive a vehicle worth no more than £500, travelling 2,500 miles through nine countries, including overnight stops in Pfullendorf, Venice and Stuttgart.

We Mind and Kelly Matters was founded in 2019 after the devastating loss of Kelly Hewitt who in December 2018 at just 24 years of age and after a short battle with anxiety and depression, took her own life. Kelly’s Dad, Mum and Sister decided to set up the charity to raise vital funds for mental health and bereavement charities, so that anyone affected by suicide would receive help and support.

Representing the charity at the rally was Co-Founder and Kelly’s Mum, Rachael Hewitt, Co-Founder and Kelly’s sister, Amy Hewitt as well as family friends, Kerry York and Amy Green who affectionately named their team, the ‘Pinky Blinders’.

Rachael said: “It was a fantastic experience travelling through Europe and I would like to thank the Rust Bucket Rally Team for organising the trip and raising funds and awareness of our charity. We would like to thank Finch Signs in Raunds who did an amazing job wrapping our car.”

The Rust Bucket Rally returned this year after a a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 restrictions. Amy said: “It was an incredible four-day road trip. The team at the Rust Bucket Rally have helped raise so much money for both charities which has been fantastic. The money will be crucial in helping people receive the right care and treatment they desperately need.”

A JustGiving page is still active, and there is still time to donate by visiting: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/wemindkellymattersrbr

For further information visit www.wemindandkellymatters.org.uk

Cybersecurity, Events, Midlands News, News, Northamptonshire, Sport

Driving home the need for cyber security

A top team of IT experts will drive home how businesses can protect themselves from the rising risk of cyber threats at a free event mixing golf and online security.

NewGen IT Services is hosting a face-to-face event called Cyber Security Awareness at the popular Collingtree Park Golf Club in Northampton to educate businesses about the growing need for cyber security.

The innovative event will include a talk on cyber security, a seminar and a question and answer session followed by a buffet and a round of golf.

Managing director Suraj Dholakia said: “We want to run this free event because cyber attacks can cause catastrophic damage to businesses.

“With more and more UK businesses being hit by a breach or cyber-attack in the past year, the threat to UK business is becoming more frequent and increasingly sophisticated.

“We are holding this event to answer any questions from local businesses to enable them to prevent an attack. They will also have the opportunity to talk to like-minded businesses over food and drink and play some golf.”

The event will take place from 2.30pm to 4.30pm on Wednesday, 15 June. Places are limited and can be booked via Eventbrite.

To find out more about Irchester-based NewGen IT Services, go to https://www.newgen-it.co.uk or call 01933 426129.

Mental Health, NHS News, Northamptonshire

St Andrew’s Healthcare co-hosts county’s first mental health festival

An event which organisers say could become the “Glastonbury of mental health” is set to get underway in a few weeks with the support of some key organisations from the across the county.

St Andrew’s Healthcare is co-hosting the county’s first mental health festival in partnership with BBC Northampton, the Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT), the University of Northampton and the Royal & Derngate.

#Headfest will run during Mental Health Awareness Week 2022, from Monday 9 to Saturday 14 May from 10am each weekday. The event will see mental health organisations from across the county take their expertise out of the clinic and into the community. Members of the public are invited to come along for mental health-related talks, free self-care beauty treatments, workshops, and other activities all under the same roof at the Royal & Derngate.

The event was thought up by BBC Northampton radio presenter Helen Blaby (pictured above), who still cannot believe her idea is about to take place. The radio host said: “Who would have thought that eight months ago, a small idea I had while in the bath has now become a reality. I am absolutely amazed and overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from the other festival partners who have been on board from the very beginning and I would like to thank each and every one of them for their involvement.

“This may be the first year, but I have big ideas and I’m already looking ahead at next year to see how we can make the event bigger and better. I want to make Headfest, the Glastonbury of mental health, making sure we have something for everyone, because after all, there’s not many people who don’t experience some sort of mental health issue over the course of their lives, so we want to reach out and touch as many people as possible.

“Headfest is free, it’s local and everyone is welcome, so please do pop along during the week, we would love to see you there.”

St Andrew’s staff, former service users and current patients have come together to host an array of talks and presentations throughout the week. Lady Northampton, who is a St Andrew’s Governor and also runs the Falcon Hotel at the Castle Ashby estate, will also be in attendance as she has agreed to talk about the benefits of cold water swimming and wellbeing.

I’m Not Mad, I’m Me, the St Andrew’s documentary launched last year which followed the recovery of three patients, will be screened several times during the event, and Assistant Self-Care Beauty Therapist Victoria Kelly will be on site the entire week to provide free self-care beauty treatments such as Indian head massages. People can book online and book an appointment between 10am and 4pm over the course of the five days. St Andrew’s CEO Jess Lievesley said: “I am thrilled that St Andrew’s was asked to be part of this exciting and very worthwhile event and we are honoured to have worked so closely with some of the county’s key stakeholders in co-hosting Headfest.

“I’m also very proud of the staff who have signed up to take part as clearly they can see just how important putting mental health at the forefront of all our minds really is.

“As a mental health charity we are always trying to find ways to break the stigma of mental health, and I cannot think of a better way to do this than by co-hosting a mental health festival; it is a great starting point for having the sorts of conversations that we should all be having.”

There will be sessions that cover body image and eating disorders, guided walks, men’s mental health, self-care, suicide prevention and yoga, which will be delivered by teams from organisations such as NHFT and the University of Northampton.

A series of carefully selected, mental health-related movies will also be screened throughout the week at the adjoining Northampton Filmhouse, with expert-led Q&As.

For more information about Headfest, click here and to book tickets, click here.

Email info@northamptonfilmhouse.com for more information.

*The full list of #Headfest partners and workshop providers during the week are:

The Lowdown

Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation NHS Trust

Northamptonshire Mind

Northamptonshire Police

Sol Haven (Drumming therapy)

Space 2 Talk

St. Andrew’s Healthcare

University of Northampton

West Northamptonshire Council

**Please note, film tickets will go on sale later this week.

 

Appointments, Midlands News, News, Northamptonshire

Leasing Broker expands team by hiring new recruit

A thriving car and van leasing firm, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has hired its first part-time employee.

Michelle Williamson is the new sales support executive at Northampton-based Silverstone Fleet Management.

The mother-of-one, who has 14 years’ experience in the car leasing industry, approached the award-winning firm when she was made redundant a few years ago but there were no available positions.

Michelle, supports the sales team in placing orders, liaising with customers and arranging deliveries, took a job in an estate agent but when a job became available at Silverstone Fleet Management she jumped at the chance to go for it.

Michelle, 45, said: “I really wanted to work for Silverstone Fleet Management. It’s small, local and renowned for being a great company. I love working with cars and you really feel like you’re part of a team here. Everyone supports and looks after each other.

“I’m really grateful to Scott for hiring me as it is so hard to find a part-time job in something you enjoy and continue your career as a working mother. He’s taken a chance on me, allowing me to work part-time and it really makes such a difference.”

Silverstone Fleet Management managing director Scott Norville said: “I wanted to continue to grow our amazing team but I knew we needed a different approach to reflect the emerging culture of working life now.

“I wanted to employ Michelle as I knew she’d be a valuable asset to SFM and I was right. She has fitted into the fold incredibly well and we are delighted to have her on board.”

For further information about Silverstone Fleet Management, visit www.silverstonefleetmanagement.com or call 0800 612 8901.

Midlands News, News, Northamptonshire

Vogue snaps up photographer’s image

One of the world’s most iconic fashion and lifestyle magazines has published a picture by a highly experienced Northamptonshire photographer.

Nick Freeman, of Nick Freeman Photography, is well known throughout the UK as a professional photographer who delivers eye-catching images for companies and individuals.

During his career, which has spanned more than three decades, Nick’s work has been featured in numerous national publications and most recently one of his images appeared in British Vogue.

Nick said: “After 34 years of working as a photographer I’ve had many incredible firsts in my career and having a photo published in Vogue is definitely right up there amongst them.

“The photo is of a stunning pair of shoes which I took for a series of formal and informal shots for Northamptonshire boot and shoemaker Newman & Regent to mark their rebranding and the expansion of their range.

“I staged the shot whilst walking through their factory looking for interesting locations and my client and British Vogue loved it.

“I’m now working with several fashion designers on shoots showcasing their garments which we will be pitching for features and cover images.”

Over the years, Nick has built up an impressive portfolio and offers professional headshots, commercial photography to help firms refresh their brands, editorial photography for magazines, newspapers, press releases and end of year reports as well as wedding photography.

Nick also creates headshots for actors, singers and models and video clips and talking headshots which are regularly used by firms to help them create compelling online and social media content.

For more information, contact Nick Freeman Photography on 07971 434463 or visit https://nickfreemanphotography.co.uk.

Midlands News, Networking, News, Northamptonshire

President steps down from Next Generation Chamber

The president of an organisation which supports more than 100 young entrepreneurs from across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes has stepped down after completing her tenure.

Hannah Brady became the second ever president of the Next Generation Chamber when she was appointed in November 2020.

Since then, she has championed the organisation wholeheartedly, hosting countless events including the popular social sandwich online networking events during the pandemic.

Hannah, who was a finalist at the Northamptonshire Business Awards 2021, also hosted the first face to face Next Generation Chamber event post-Covid at Cobblers Sixfields stadium.

Hannah said: “Being involved with Next Gen over the last three years has been brilliant. I’ve broadened my network, learnt from members and CPD speakers and built friendships. As somebody who likes to get stuck in, it’s been great to help drive things behind the scenes.

“I love working in a team so being on a committee with such great people has been an absolute pleasure. I’ll always be a cheerleader of Next Gen and what it stands for and I’m looking forward to attending some of the upcoming events as a member. You can’t get rid of me that easily!”

Next Generation Chamber was created in 2017 by Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber to help businesses support and nurture staff who are dedicated to advancing their careers.

Northamptonshire Chamber and Milton Keynes Chamber deputy CEO Julie Maclennan said: “Hannah has been a hugely influential leader of our Next Generation Chamber and we thank her for her commitment and dedication over the past three years. She has welcomed many new members to the fold, supporting and inspiring them all to strive and thrive.

“Next Generation Chamber continues to grow and will now refocus its activities to do what it does best – champion, inspire and encourage young business professionals from across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes.”

Next Generation Chamber will host an online personal development session on managing online personal brands on 30 March.

To find out more about the benefits of joining Next Generation Chamber visit www.nextgenerationchamber.co.uk or call 01604 490490.

News, NHS News, Northamptonshire, Nursing, Recruitment

Join our new team! Brand new hospital ward in Brackley seeks nurses

Brackley Medical Centre is due to open in late 2020, housing an inpatient hospital community beds service run by Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT), amongst other services. 

The community hospital inpatient beds service will be similar to three other services NHFT runs across the county at Isebrook Hospital in Wellingborough, Danetre Hospital in Daventry, and Corby Community Hospital. They provide specialist care for adults needing medical, physical or specialist rehabilitation, for example after a stroke or brain injury.  

As this is a brand new site the Trust need a new local team of Band 5 staff nurses to help shape and deliver the new service.  This is a unique opportunity to help establish a brand new facility, and be part of a fresh team as part of the award-winning Northamptonshire Trust.  

Community hospital inpatient beds Clinical Practice and Service Development, Vanessa Cross, said, “We’re really excited to start delivering the inpatient beds service in a brand new purpose-built facility in Brackley, meaning that patients in the south of the county can be treated closer to home, their families and friends. We’re going to need a strong team who are passionate about making sure we give our patients high quality, compassionate care, whilst also getting the new service embedded.” 

Sarah Clarke, Recruitment business partner added, “NHFT is a great Trust to work for. We know that in order to deliver the best possible care to our patients, we also need to support our staff, and the Trust has received national and international recognition for our work on staff wellbeing and engagement.  Our excellent quality care is reflected in our Outstanding CQC rating, and we’re looking forward to working with the people of Brackley and the surrounding area to bring our care and expertise to this part of the county.” 

For more information about the vacancies available, and to apply, please visit bit.ly/NurseBrackley 

Alternatively, you can visit www.nhft.work and click on the current vacancies nursing section.  

Awards, News, NHS News, Northamptonshire

Northampton General Hospital invites the public to help them celebrate staff and volunteers in their Best Possible Care Awards

Northampton General Hospital have announced that nominations are open for the Best Possible Care staff recognition awards.

The annual awards are an opportunity for patients, families and carers to tell the hospital about the staff and volunteers who have made a difference to their hospital experience, provided the best possible care or have helped to bring improvements to services and the care that patients receive.

Traditionally the winners are announced at an awards evening, however this year the event will take place virtually. As well as the change to a virtual awards ceremony three new categories have been introduced; including two which recognise the efforts of staff during the COVID pandemic.

For 2020, the categories in which outstanding NGH staff can be nominated are:

  • Clinical team award
  • Non-clinical team award
  • Volunteer of the year (individual or team)
  • Unsung hero, clinical
  • Unsung hero, non-clinical
  • Patient experience award
  • Respect and support award [NEW]
  • Patient safety award
  • Caring through COVID individual award [NEW]
  • Caring through COVID team award [NEW]
  • Research and Innovation awards [NEW]

Nominations are only open until midnight on Sunday 13th September, so you’ll need to be quick to make sure your nomination is counted.

For more details on the award categories and to nominate the person or team you that you think have gone above and beyond, visit: https://www.northamptongeneral.nhs.uk/Patients-and-Visitors/Staff-recognition/Best-Possible-Care-Nomination-Form.aspx

News, NHS News, Northamptonshire

Northampton General Hospital Blood taking unit introduces online booking system

Patients wanting to book blood taking appointments at Northampton General Hospital can now use an online booking process to manage their appointments.

Following a change in the appointment system due to COVID and feedback from patients, the team have developed a new system to make booking appointments easier.

Appointments for adult, special and paediatric blood tests can all now be booked online https://www.swiftqueue.co.uk/northampton.php

Isabelle Brooker, Blood Taking Unit Operational Manager said “We hope this system will make it easier for our patients to book their blood taking appointments at their convenience. We know there have been a number of changes to the service but we hope this will offer a better experience for our patients.

“We would like to thank the community for their support and patience as our team has worked to answer calls as quickly as possible”.

If patients are unable to book via the online facility, appointments for both paediatric and adult blood taking can be booked Monday to Friday between 9am and 3:30pm by phoning 01604 544190 or 01604 523303

 Please note: Patients who are having bloods taken for any of the following tests, should ensure that they book a Special Requirements Appointment:

Acute Porphyria Screen, Bullous Porphyria Screen, BCR-ABL, Cortisol, Cytogenetics, DNA Studies, Erythropoietin (EPO), JAK2, Quantiferon, White Cell Enzymes

Appointments, News, Northamptonshire

CooperӦstlund strengthens growing team with senior appointment

CooperӦstlund, the UK’s leading provider of gas engine specification and maintenance services, has appointed Dan Walters to the role of Operations Director. Joining the business from renewable energy company Ethical Power, Dan brings more than 30 years’ experience from a career spanning asset management and senior-level engineering roles.

Operating from the company’s UK headquarters in Northamptonshire, Dan will be responsible for leading the engineering team, driving operational excellence nationwide and, ultimately, helping CooperӦstlund to realise its ambitious commercial growth aspirations. Dan’s appointment follows a hugely successful period for the business, which continues to experience c.50% year-on-year client growth.

Commenting on his appointment, Dan said:

“Joining CooperӦstlund at such a pivotal time for the UK energy market is a really exciting prospect. The company has a wealth of experience with leading engine manufacturers and I’m looking forward to further improving customer service for our growing client base.

“CooperӦstlund’s success is built on unrivalled knowledge, impartial consultancy and first-hand experience across every type of gas engine. Nationwide coverage, friendly service and effective call-out response times makes CooperӦstlund the UK’s number one choice for operations and maintenance support. I’m looking forward to playing an integral part in the company’s future success.”

Prior to running the gas engine division at Ethical Power, Dan held a number of senior roles at Clarke Energy during a 13-year stint. Additional experience includes Regional Manager at Lightsource UK, Head of Operations at EON UK and CHP Maintenance Manager at Cofely UK.

Tim Broadhurst, CCO at CooperӦstlund, added:

“With significant experience, proven expertise and unparalleled market insight, Dan’s appointment will prove hugely influential. As CooperӦstlund continues to grow, Dan will play a driving role within our senior team. I look forward to seeing the positive impact his appointment has on the company.”

For more information about CooperӦstlund, or the company’s gas engine design, supply, installation, maintenance and improvement services, visit www.cooperostlund.com.