Hale Independent Issue 173

5 DECEMBER 2024 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk A STAFF Nurse at Congle- ton Hospital has shared her journey and experi- ences since relocating from India in 2022. Sinu Sajin, who works on the Aston Unit at the hospi- tal, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary says the transition was “challenging” but she has grown to love her role. Her journey began in India, where she worked for a few years before moving to Dubai. Sinu, who is a mother of two said: “My colleagues have been incredibly supportive, providing the emotional sup- port I had never experienced in my 15 years of profes- sional life. “Moving to a new country without family can be lonely, but the warmth and assis- tance I received here made all the difference. “Being separated from my family for the first time in my life was distressing. However, their arrival six months later brought immense relief.” She added: “I am honoured to work at and be part of the history at a hospital celebrat- ing 100 years.” MORE young people in Cheshire East are ben- efiting from dedicated youth support as part of a drive to combat anti-so- cial behaviour in hot- spot areas. Through a new partnership approach, every Friday night Cheshire East’s youth support service has been working with Congleton Beat and Change Grow Live Cheshire East Drug and Alcohol Service. Together, they have been engaging with vulnerable young people on the streets, in communities, green spaces and places of interest in Con- gleton to ensure they are safe. Young people who may be out on the streets are encouraged to use facilities inside a mobile van such as team games, PlayStation, arts and crafts and themed engagement activities on top- ical issues that affect young people. They are also encour- aged to use the support ser- vices available if they have any concerns such as criminal and sexual exploitation, sub- stance use or homelessness. Carol Bulman, who chairs Cheshire East’s children and families committee, said: “The Friday night project in Con- gleton is currently working with over 30 young people to engage them in positive activities to keep them safe from harm. “This is an excellent exam- ple of partnership working with Cheshire Constabulary and Cheshire East Drug and Alcohol Service, to make our towns safer and keep young people off the streets. “Moving forward we will continue this collaborative way of working across the borough to engage with our young people.” Cheshire Police’s Congle- ton Beat Sergeant James Bell said: “Congleton Beat Team have loved having the community bus here for the last few weekends and are keen to see how anti-social behaviour will change with its positive impact. “We have already been approached by shop staff, councillors, and parents to say how welcome it has been. “It clearly benefits every- one and shows that Congleton residents, the local authority and businesses will work as a cooperative to make our town even safer to live and socialise in.” Natalie Mottram, Commu- nity prevention and education practitioner for Change Grow Live, Cheshire East Drug and Alcohol service, said: “During our time working in partnership with youth support services we really enjoyed supporting the young people of Congleton and had some engaging conversations around the dangers of drugs and alcohol. “The youth support services work hard to support young people and equip them with the skills they need to thrive.” Town scheme points the way to future approach SPECIAL REPORT YOUTH FOCUS TO TACKLE ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR Happy times: Tinu (pictured left centre) receives a team of the month award with colleague Marly Ponseka for their e!orts choreographing the Bollywood themed dance A Journey of care and community