Derek Gates interviewed John Shelbourne recently about his work with patients who are recovering from illness and injury. John is also a specialist in Cancer Rehabilitation, having been involved with the Starting Over Project at Delamere Centre, Halton Hospital. To find out more about the work that John does, visit www.vpwellbeingcic.com. John can also be contacted by phone on 07985221805 or by email at vintagept@icloud.com
Derek Gates spoke to Paula Parle, who is on the Sports Development Team for Halton Borough Council. Paula’s main aim is to help the people in Halton get moving a little bit more to improve their health. Active Halton organise various activities during the week, such as park runs, active bingo, health walks, yoga, mindfulness and gentle chair based exercise – to name but a few. For more information visit www.activehalton.co.uk or ring Paula direct on 0151 511 8550. You can also reach Paula by email on paula.parle@halton.gov.uk
Derek Gates spoke to Tom Byrne from Dad Matters on 19 March 2025. Dad Matters is a Home-Start Project, developed in Greater Manchester and delivered across the UK. They offer support to dads so that they can build successful relationships with their families, with mental health and accessing services through peer support and signposting. More information can be found on their website dadmatters.org.uk and also Facebook – dadmattersuk. Tom’s telephone number is 07856916685.
David Ash, known as Pink Tutu Guy, visited Halton Hospital on 12 March 2025 and whilst there, popped in to have a chat with our very own, Derek Gates, here on Radio Halton. He talked about all his charity work, raising funds and awareness for Cancer Research UK. You can find David on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X – just search for pinktutuguy.
Derek Gates spoke to Tina, Tracy, Jess & Roxie recently about the Halton Haven Arctic Challenge which is happening between 23 and 30 March. The Arctic Challenge takes place in the middle of Sweden and includes such experiences as husky driving, ice fishing, trapping, hunting, shelter and snow hole building and skiing – to name but a few. To participate or to donate contact them through their website at haltonhaven.org.uk or call them on 01928 712728. Halton Haven can also be found on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube and have several Justgiving pages.
Kathy McMullin from Healthwatch Halton spoke to Emma and Emily from The Autism Wellbeing Project on 26 February 2025. The Autism Wellbeing Project offer specialist independence support and specific coaching, mentoring and training to adult autistic individuals and also provide free wellbeing activities. They offer training programmes to educate and empower parents, carers and professionals, who work with autistic individuals. The Project can be contacted on 01928 620961, by email hello@autismwellbeingproject.co.uk or at https://www.theautismwellbeingproject.co.uk/. They can also be found on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
On 29 January 2025, Kathy McMullin from Healthwatch Halton spoke to Sue Lewis and Carla Boden from Change Grow Live. CGL support adults who are experiencing problems with drugs or alcohol. CGL can be contacted on 0151 422 1400 or online at https://www.changegrowlive.org/integrated-recovery-halton/referrals
On 19 December 2024, Kathy McMullin from Healthwatch Halton spoke to Hayley Winstanley from the Alzeimers Society. They discussed the many ways that the Alzeimers Society can support both those with dementia and their carers. For more information please visit their website – alzeimers.org.uk or contact the Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456
On November 2024 Healthwatch Halton broadcast, Kathy McMullin spoke to Hayley Smith from NorthWest HIV Support CIC. Hayley can be contacted on 07488227331, by email at nwhs21@hotmail.com or on Facebook NorthWest HIV Support CIC
For her very first Healthwatch Halton Show, Kathy McMullin spoke to Angela Spruce, Co-ordinator from The Stroke Association. Angela’s contact details are 01928 249488 or email angela.spruce@stroke.org.uk
The Stroke Association can also be found on Twitter (X) @TheStroke Assoc or on Facebook -The Stroke Association
Eileen spoke to Dr Rachel Veeravalli from Public Health Medicine about Stoptober, the stop smoking campaign for October 2024. To find out more about the campaign, or for support, contact your local Stop Smoking Service by email – HIT@halton.gov.uk or by phone on 0300 029 0029
Derek Gates spoke to Rachel McKernan and Cherry Bhimagunta from Age Concern Mid Mersey in July 2024. Learn about the ways in which Age Concern Mid Mersey are helping and supporting people that are aged 50+. To learn more visit ageuk.org.uk/midmersey
Derek Gates spoke to Emma, a specialist therapist for Lymphoedema. Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Go to nhs.uk>conditions>lymphoedema to learn more.
Derek Gates spoke to Kathy McMullin, Community Outreach Lead for Healthwatch Halton. Healthwatch Halton is your local health and social care champion, ensuring your views are heard by NHS leaders and decision makers, in order to improve care. Visit healthwatchhalton.co.uk to learn more.
In January 2024, Derek Gates spoke to Stephanie from United Utilities about how their Priority Services Scheme was helping and supporting people in the Northwest. Visit their website at unitedutilites.com/help-and-support-services.
In April 2024, Derek Gates spoke to Simon Contable, the outgoing CEO of Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Trust. Simon discussed the plans for the Halton Hospital site particularly with relation to Planned Care.