Latest news with #LucyWilliams
BBC News
22-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Protesters gather to demand hospice reopens and question funding
Campaigners have returned to a hospice inpatient unit in Liverpool a year after it was shut to stage another protest to demand the facility reopen as soon as possible. The 26-bed unit at Marie Curie in Woolton, Liverpool, closed in July 2024 because of a shortage of specialised nursing decision sparked immediate concern and a campaign group, Save our Hospice, formed to demand a u-turn. A Marie Curie spokesman said it was in talks with the NHS Cheshire & Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB), which commissions end-of-life care in Liverpool, to agree a "sustainable long-term plan" for the unit's future. A large group of campaigners gathered outside the unit on Saturday afternoon and held placards criticising Marie Curie for not "taking up our offer" to fundraise for the unit. Some wore yellow t-shirts with the slogans "Save our Hospice" and "Save our Ward". Independent Liverpool councillor Lucy Williams, who attended a protest at the unit on Saturday, told the BBC: "It's been a year since they closed their doors to the inpatient unit and it's been a year that they've continued to receive funding from the ICB."So we're here today to ask where has that money gone and why haven't they delivered that service that they're getting commissioned to provide."Williams worked at the hospice as a palliative care nurse for two years, and said: "People's relatives and loved ones have died here and a lot of them have committed their time to fundraising for this hospice."We found out over this year that money doesn't come to this hospice, it goes into a national pot - so throughout the closure this fundraising has continued and people haven't been aware that the inpatient unit in Liverpool has been closed." 'Get the ward open' Williams said an "easy" resolution was to immediately re-open the ward. She said: "They're receiving the funding to have the ward open, surely they can have one or two beds? That's better than none at all. "So get the ward open and if Marie Curie aren't competent to provide the service then the ICB need to commission someone who is."The Marie Curie spokesperson said the charity hoped to reach an agreement with the NHS integrated care board "as soon as possible".While admissions to the inpatient unit "had been paused", the hospice had remained open and was providing palliative and end of life care to "thousands of people in Liverpool in different ways", they added. The spokesperson said the ICB was aware its funding was being used to provide these services. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
BBC News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Adoptive therapy funding cuts 'disgusting'
A mother has described government cuts to therapy funding for adopted children as "disgusting".Lucy Williams, from Gloucestershire, adopted her daughter four years ago and has used the fund for specialist assessments and play therapy. But the government announced in April that the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) would be cut by 40% per child and Ms Williams is now worried her daughter may not be able to access the therapy she Department for Education said the decisions it has taken "will ensure the fund is financially sustainable to allow more vulnerable children to access targeted support". Ms Williams, who describes her daughter as "sassy" with a "wicked laugh", said the fund had been a lifeline for them - giving them a framework to follow in order to support her needs. 'Most vulnerable' The funding would usually cover specialist occupational therapy, play therapy and time with a counsellor, which Ms Williams says is vital for young people, many of whom have faced early trauma."This support is not a luxury, it's an absolute necessity," Ms Williams said, adding that the cuts were "short sighted". "There will be a cost to the country, because these kids will need to access various things throughout their life, every professional will tell you that the earlier the intervention the better the outcome," she said."Stripping this away from some of the most vulnerable young people in our society is not the answer." Last year each eligible child could access £2,500 for specialist assessment and £5,000 for therapy. But the therapy limit has now been cut to £3,000 per year, while separate funding for specialist assessment has been axed the overall pot remains at £50m, increased demand means it is having to be shared among more have said that many of these children rely on therapeutic support to help build secure attachments, increase self confidence, and to identify the necessary support functions needed to be put in place in education and family fear the cuts will mean that therapy sessions could come to an abrupt end for some children if the money runs out and their families cannot afford to plug the Woodhead, from Adoption UK, said: "These are kids who have been abused or neglected and these things have a lasting impact. "The decision to cut this fund is just wrong". A Department for Education spokesperson said: "We know how important this support is to families – and through our Plan for Change, we're committed to ensuring adopted and kinship families continue to receive the help they need to thrive."It said that the Fair Access limit (FAL) has been set at £3,000 for 2025-26, in line with the average cost of services for most families, adding that more than half of therapy applications already fell within this limit in 2024-25.
The Independent
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Missoma's flash sale sees 20% off sitewide, but you'll have to be quick
Calling all magpies – for one weekend only, Notting Hill-based jewellery brand, Missoma, is offering 20 per cent off site-wide. On a mission to redefine demi-fine jewellery by creating high quality pieces for everyone, every single piece of Missoma jewellery is handcrafted, responsibly sourced from recycled gold and silver, and designed in-house. These are investment pieces that will last you for many years to come and, when you can shop with money off, they're even more appealing. A celeb-loved brand, Missoma has been spotted on Florence Pugh, Bella Hadid and Emma Watson, and right now, you can join the club for less. For the first time ever, the leading jewellery brand's fine collection is included in the discount, so don't miss your chance to secure a slice of luxury for less. Shop our favourite picks from Missoma's site-wide sale event, which is running until Tuesday 4 March – from oversized hoops to embellished bracelets. Best Missoma deals to shop now Missoma x Lucy Williams chunky entwine hoop earrings: Was £129, now £103, Hot sellers in the Missoma 20 per cent off sale, these maximalist hoops are designed to be retro in their style, featuring a crossover of gold and silver. Part of the bestselling Lucy Williams collection, we wouldn't be surprised if they were a sell-out. A tennis bracelet is a staple in all jewellery boxes, with its timeless chunky design and beautiful cubic zirconia detailing. We particularly love this Missoma bracelet, which would sparkle all day long on your wrist. Grab it while it's on sale and you'll keep it forever. There's no question as to whether we'll be shopping this beauty over the weekend – if it's still in stock, that is. Available in both 18ct gold and silver plated, the stunning puffy heart pendant hangs on a delicate chain, making it a perfect pick for layering. Another of our favourites from the puffy heart collection are the stud earrings (was £115, now £92, which we'd wear from desk to disco. A pick from another of Missoma's hit collaborations, the Rouje Josie gemstone oversized earrings feature a striking mosaic of quartz gemstones and molten detailing, for a real stand out style. They remind us of our nan's earrings, but in all the right ways. Freshwater pearls, glistening recycled silver and a stand-out design, what's not to love? Wear this piece with more simple bands for a statement, or with a matching pearl necklace to give it a more luxurious look. If, like us, you're a lover of pearls, you'll also adore the square pearl statement earrings (was £159, now £127, but we expect them to fly out of stock. Missoma's feel good flash sale is back for just the weekend, and runs from today (28 February) until midnight on Tuesday (4 March). If you've had chunky rings or simple studs on your wish list for a while now, this is the time to shop. Many of the brand's best-selling pieces are selling fast, including fine jewellery options, which have been included in the discount for the first time ever.
