Information on Leicestershire
News Index
2010
Mar 2010Feb 2010
Jan 2010
2009
Dec 2009Nov 2009
Oct 2009
Sep 2009
Aug 2009
Jul 2009
Jun 2009
May 2009
Apr 2009
Mar 2009
Feb 2009
Jan 2009
2008
Dec 2008Nov 2008
Oct 2008
Sep 2008
Aug 2008
Jul 2008
Jun 2008
May 2008
Apr 2008
Adult Social Care Service
Loughborough-based children's hospice Rainbows is backing a County Council worker who is in line for a prestigious national award.
Andy Hollingshead, who has been shortlisted for a Council Worker of the Year Award, has devoted a considerable amount of his own time to ensure that Rainbows manages health and safety effectively.
He has also been instrumental in helping the hospice receive three consecutive RoSPA gold awards for managing health and safety in the workplace and the charity is urging residents to show their support and give him the recognition he deserves.
Dramatically reducing assaults on County Council social care staff is among the many achievements of Andy who is a finalist in the 'transformation' category.
By bringing in simple but innovative procedures such as pocket-sized guides, special lone-worker training and satellite tracking, Andy has helped to cut the number of assaults by a staggering 80%.
Incidents have fallen from just over 1,500 in 1998 to under 350 in 2008, helping the County Council become a UK leader in this area. A large majority are not intended assaults but are a result of behavioural or mental health difficulties.
Andy works as a social care health and safety manager and through his 'can do' approach, has enabled hundreds of people to benefit from life-changing projects.
Through sensible assessments and advice which emphasises positive risk-taking, many unique and inspiring projects have taken off including:
- a woodwork group at Millfield Breaking the Barriers project in Hinckley where people with learning disabilities run a business making and selling bird boxes and furniture using power tools and equipment
- an allotment project at Roman Way Day Centre in Market Harborough where people with learning disabilities earn an income growing and selling local produce
- a recycling project in Loughborough and Wigston where people with learning disabilities recycle cans and foil, benefiting the environment
People can vote for Andy until 2nd July by:
- visiting www.localgovernmentchannel.com/awards
- texting 'LGATV 2 AndyH' to 80039 (texts charged at standard network rate)
- filling in voting forms at libraries, museums and service shops
Andy said: "People often blame health and safety as an excuse for other failings - you see it every day on signs saying ‘closed because of health and safety’. We very much have a 'can do' approach in Leicestershire as cocooning people in cotton wool is not the answer.
"Working with Rainbows over the past eight years has been fantastic and very rewarding. The staff, managers and board of directors work very hard to ensure children and young people are safe while exposing them to controlled and managed risk where possible.
"It is an honour to be nominated for this award and I am proud that my hard work over the past 11 years has made a difference."
Geoff Ellis, Chief Executive of Rainbows, commented: “Andy has been a huge help to the hospice donating both time and expertise ensuring Rainbows health and safety policies, procedures and training are maintained to the highest standard. I can think of no one more deserving of this award.”
To find out more about the awards and Andy’s story, visit: www.leics.gov.uk/doingmore
Notes:
Assaults to actual Social Workers, as opposed to Social Care staff, are a very small percentage of the number of incidents.
There are 40 finalists from local councils across the UK competing for 10 awards - Innovation, Community Engagement, Transformation, the Green Award, Working with Young People Leadership, Lifetime Service, Team of the Year, Bravery and Caring, and were chosen from over 320 nominations.
The 10 winners are chosen by the public vote and will each receive a trophy and £250.
The winners will be announced by BBC presenter Jeremy Vine at this year's LGA annual conference in Harrogate on 2nd July.
More information is available at:
RoSPA - www.rospa.com
Social Care - www.leics.gov.uk/socialcare
Council Worker of the Year - www.localgovernmentchannel.com/awards
Photos/interviews:
To arrange photos and interviews or for more information, please contact the County Council's Press Office on 0116 305 6274 or Rainbows.
Latest News
Fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road | |
|---|---|
 | Fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road Officers from the force s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for witnesses after a fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road. The collision occurred at around 7.... 08 Jun 2009 Fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road |
Appeal following graffiti incident in Leicester | |
| Appeal following graffiti incident in Leicester Police in Leicester are appealing for witnesses after an incident of graffiti. The incidents happened at around 7pm on Saturday May 30, 2009 when a resident of a house heard a noise outside her front door on Pindar Road.... 08 Jun 2009 Appeal following graffiti incident in Leicester |
Witness appeal following serious collision in Netherhall | |
| Witness appeal following serious collision in Netherhall Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious road traffic collision on Ivychurch Crescent in Netherhall. The incident happened at about 9.... 08 Jun 2009 Witness appeal following serious collision in Netherhall |
Missing girl returns home safe and well | |
| Missing girl returns home safe and well Officers investigating the disappearance of a 14-year-old girl have confirmed she has returned safe and well. Sarah Dunn was reported missing from home on Monday May 25.... 08 Jun 2009 Missing girl returns home safe and well |
National Tackling Drugs Week (8-12 June, 2009) launched | |
| National Tackling Drugs Week (8-12 June, 2009) launched Tackling Drugs Changing Lives that s the message behind the national campaign which the police and Community Safety Partnerships across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are taking part in. The work Leicestershire police and their partners do to tackle drugs, reduce drug related crime and educate people about the effects of drugs will be highlighted during the National Tackling Drugs Week (8-12 June, 2009).... 08 Jun 2009 National Tackling Drugs Week (8-12 June, 2009) launched |
Related News
'Can do' approach lands Andy in national finals | |
|---|---|
 | Adult Social Care Service 5 May 2009 'Can do' approach lands Andy in national finals Dramatically reducing assaults on social care staff is among the many achievements of a County Council worker in line for a prestigious national award. By bringing in simple but innovative procedures such as pocket-sized guides, special lone-worker training and satellite tracking, Andy Hollingshead has helped to cut the number by a staggering 80%.... 07 May 2009 'Can do' approach lands Andy in national finals |
Officers cycle 80 miles in one day for local charity | |
 | A team of six police officers from Loughborough are raising money for charity by cycling to all five police stations on the North Area in one day.... 19 Aug 2008 Officers cycle 80 miles in one day for local charity |
Adult social care services retain top rating | |
| Adult Social Care Service 27 November 2008 Adult social care services retain top rating Services for older people and adults with disabilities in Leicestershire have received the highest rating for the seventh year running. Leicestershire is the only County Council to receive the maximum three star rating for adult social care every year since the scheme was introduced.... 01 Jan 2009 Adult social care services retain top rating |
Adult social care services retain top rating | |
| Adult Social Care Service 27 November 2008 Adult social care services retain top rating Services for older people and adults with disabilities in Leicestershire have received the highest rating for the seventh year running. Leicestershire is the only County Council to receive the maximum three star rating for adult social care every year since the scheme was introduced.... 01 Jan 2009 Adult social care services retain top rating |
Loughborough Mentoring Scheme Expanded | |
 | A BENEFICIAL project which helps steer 'at risk' youngsters away from anti-social behaviour is being expanded across Charnwood ? and new volunteers are now needed.... 12 Jun 2008 Loughborough Mentoring Scheme Expanded |
Relevant News
Care Home Sale | |
|---|---|
 | Ten care providers interested in buying six County Council care homes have been shortlisted. Leicestershire County Council today published the names of providers who have been invited to submit formal bids for six residential care homes by 6 May 2008.... 04 Apr 2008 Care Home Sale |
Rainbows Childrens Hospice | |
 | The winning numbers from todays (Friday 18th April 2008) lottery draw for Rainbows Children's Hospice: 038643 (1000) Hinckley 048545 (100) Nottingham 077926 (100) Nottingham 003445 (5) Leicester 006797 (5) Loughborough 011950 (5) Nottingham 013298 (5) Loughborough 021060 (5) Loughborough 023878 (5) Leicester 026151 (5) Leicester 028145 (5) LOUGHBOROUGH 029582 (5) LOUGHBOROUGH 030587 (5) Loughborough 031660 (5) Nottingham 038380 (5) LOUGHBOROUGH 042045 (5) Coalville 047907 (5) LEAMINGTON SPA 049943 (5) Nottingham 051196 (5) LOUGHBOROUGH 055051 (5) HINCKLEY 057881 (5) Leicester 059588 (5) Leicester 061946 (5) Leicester 062896 (5) Leicester 065541 (5) LOUGHBOROUGH 065596 (5) Leicester 067232 (5) Leicester 074321 (5) LEICESTER 075856 (5) Nottingham 080952 (5) Nottingham 081827 (5) LEICESTER 088310 (5) WIGSTON 089850 (5) OADBY. .... 18 Apr 2008 Rainbows Childrens Hospice |
Environmental Action Week launches in Syston | |
 | The police at Charnwood police station have organised an 'Environmental Action Week' in Syston. Officers will be working with representatives from Charnwood Borough Council, Syston Town Council, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Age Concern, the Primary Care Trust and 45 volunteers from Walkers Crisps.... 21 Apr 2008 Environmental Action Week launches in Syston |
Loughborough Mentoring Scheme Expanded | |
| A BENEFICIAL project which helps steer 'at risk' youngsters away from anti-social behaviour is being expanded across Charnwood ? and new volunteers are now needed.... 12 Jun 2008 Loughborough Mentoring Scheme Expanded |
Social care improvements | |
 | PLANS to help improve the delivery of social care services for adults living in Leicester will be considered by councillors.... 16 Jun 2008 Social care improvements |
Most Read News (today)
Second collision on M1 northbound | |
|---|---|
 | Leicestershire Constabulary are investigating a second fatal collision on the M1 northbound. The first collision happened at around 8.... 12 Nov 2008 Second collision on M1 northbound |
Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis | |
| Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis Anjam Nazir, Mohinder Singh, Baljinder Singh Three men from Leicester have pleaded guilty to their part in one of the country s biggest Cannabis smuggling operations. Leicestershire Constabulary is now able to provide details about the 36m drugs investigation following the conclusion of the trial at Winchester Crown Court today (Tuesday June 2).... 02 Jun 2009 Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis |
Fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road | |
| Fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road Officers from the force s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for witnesses after a fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road. The collision occurred at around 7.... 08 Jun 2009 Fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road |
Forensic Psychology | |
 | Volunteers are being sought to take part in a new study at the University of Leicester which will have important implications for forensic research. Participants are required to spend just 30 minutes undertaking memory tasks and questionnaires which will help to shed new light on the relationship between personality, the experience of life adversity, and eye-witness memory.... 23 May 2008 Forensic Psychology |
Missing girl returns home safe and well | |
| Missing girl returns home safe and well Officers investigating the disappearance of a 14-year-old girl have confirmed she has returned safe and well. Sarah Dunn was reported missing from home on Monday May 25.... 08 Jun 2009 Missing girl returns home safe and well |
Most Read News (this month)
Second collision on M1 northbound | |
|---|---|
| Leicestershire Constabulary are investigating a second fatal collision on the M1 northbound. The first collision happened at around 8.... 12 Nov 2008 Second collision on M1 northbound |
Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis | |
| Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis Anjam Nazir, Mohinder Singh, Baljinder Singh Three men from Leicester have pleaded guilty to their part in one of the country s biggest Cannabis smuggling operations. Leicestershire Constabulary is now able to provide details about the 36m drugs investigation following the conclusion of the trial at Winchester Crown Court today (Tuesday June 2).... 02 Jun 2009 Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis |
Fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road | |
| Fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road Officers from the force s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for witnesses after a fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road. The collision occurred at around 7.... 08 Jun 2009 Fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road |
Forensic Psychology | |
| Volunteers are being sought to take part in a new study at the University of Leicester which will have important implications for forensic research. Participants are required to spend just 30 minutes undertaking memory tasks and questionnaires which will help to shed new light on the relationship between personality, the experience of life adversity, and eye-witness memory.... 23 May 2008 Forensic Psychology |
Missing girl returns home safe and well | |
| Missing girl returns home safe and well Officers investigating the disappearance of a 14-year-old girl have confirmed she has returned safe and well. Sarah Dunn was reported missing from home on Monday May 25.... 08 Jun 2009 Missing girl returns home safe and well |
Most Read News (alltime)
Appeal following graffiti incident in Leicester | |
|---|---|
| Appeal following graffiti incident in Leicester Police in Leicester are appealing for witnesses after an incident of graffiti. The incidents happened at around 7pm on Saturday May 30, 2009 when a resident of a house heard a noise outside her front door on Pindar Road.... 08 Jun 2009 Appeal following graffiti incident in Leicester |
Witness appeal following serious collision in Netherhall | |
| Witness appeal following serious collision in Netherhall Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious road traffic collision on Ivychurch Crescent in Netherhall. The incident happened at about 9.... 08 Jun 2009 Witness appeal following serious collision in Netherhall |
National Tackling Drugs Week (8-12 June, 2009) launched | |
| National Tackling Drugs Week (8-12 June, 2009) launched Tackling Drugs Changing Lives that s the message behind the national campaign which the police and Community Safety Partnerships across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are taking part in. The work Leicestershire police and their partners do to tackle drugs, reduce drug related crime and educate people about the effects of drugs will be highlighted during the National Tackling Drugs Week (8-12 June, 2009).... 08 Jun 2009 National Tackling Drugs Week (8-12 June, 2009) launched |
Local children’s author Rose Impey to visit Oadby Library | |
| Community Services 5 June 2009 Local children s author Rose Impey to visit Oadby Library A highly regarded and well known local children s author and story teller is to visit Oadby Library. Rose Impey will be making an appearance at 4pm on Monday, 22nd June.... 06 Jun 2009 Local children’s author Rose Impey to visit Oadby Library |
HUBBLE PINPOINTS VISIBLE GLOW OF BRIGHTEST GAMMA RAY BURST | |
 | University of Leicester astronomers have used NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to peer across 7.5 billions light-years, halfway back to the big bang, to photograph the fading optical counterpart of a powerful gamma-ray burst.... 11 Apr 2008 HUBBLE PINPOINTS VISIBLE GLOW OF BRIGHTEST GAMMA RAY BURST |