Supporting each other throughout lockdown in Newton

Take some time to contact people in your neighbourhood who might be struggling - whether that's in getting essential food and supplies, or just with loneliness.

A phone call and a chat can make a big difference to someone's day.

The old 'Clap for Carers' is being revived, but this time the idea is to clap for all those who are out working and supporting people during the lockdown - this includes NHS workers and carers, but also teachers, nursery workers, refuse collection workers, social workers, delivery drivers... all those people we rely on for help.

A simple thing. But it will mean a lot.

If your child's teacher has been really supportive, or your postman has been a real lifeline lately... tell them!

Send a quick email, leave them a note, or tell them face to face (from a distance, of course!) It's a simple gesture which will go a very long way.

Newton Deli will still host their Community Fridge at their store for those struggling. Visit their Facebook page and send them a message if you need help.

If you or someone you know needs help accessing essential items during lockdown, help is available through St Helens Borough Council's Contact Cares team by calling 01744 676767.

The council is also extending its free school meal voucher scheme.

Families who receive free school meals are also encouraged to check whether they could also receive free Healthy Start Vouchers which are available every week to use to buy healthy food and get free vitamins. Find out more at www.healthystart.nhs.uk

A host of recipes to give people ideas on how to spend their vouchers can be found by visiting www.sthelens.gov.uk/recipes 

If you, or a loved one is in need of extra help or care, the care givers from Right at Home North Cheshire and Leigh can make a big difference.

Whether its companionship or round-the-clock care, there's a service to suit everyone. Read more about the care options provided by Right at Home. 

Lowton-based Emotional Wellbeing Group are a not-for-profit organisation who are offering free relationship and mental health counselling to people affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

They are offering a weekly online 'drop-in' service and can signpost you to other sources of information and support, too. Read more.

Newton Deli on Wargrave Road have kindly offered to support parents of children who don't have access to a printer.

Email the documents to mail@newtondeli.co.uk and they will print them for you from their shop, with no charge. Please make sure you include your name so they can get the right papers to the right family!

If your child needs a little extra help with their schoolwork, our local Kumon Centre in Lowton is offering online lessons at the moment. Currently, registration is free, saving you £30 per subject per child.

After that, you pay a flat monthly fee of £60 per subject – and for that, your child will receive weekly classes and daily worksheets, all tailored to your child’s individual ability.

For more information, contact Instructor Elizabeth Forrester on 07585 667518, email lowton@kumoncentre.co.uk or visit the centre webpage. You can also follow the centre on Facebook.

Lowton-based Monkey Maths tutoring are offering a free maths club on Zoom for primary children (aged 5 – 11) on Thursdays at 2pm.

Email monkey.maths.tutor@gmail.com to register your child.

They also have helpful videos on their YouTube channel for parents who are struggling to support their children with maths work – you'll also find them on their Instagram account @monkeymaths.

If you are homeschooling at the moment and need access to a printer, Kip McGrath on Newton High Street will print it off for you and arrange a convenient time for collection.

Email newtonlewillows@kipmcgrath.co.uk with your documents - dont' forget to include your name and contact details.

Newton Tutor is able to help share the load when it comes to home-schooling, offering virtual classes during lockdown. Read more.

Newton BGC are appealing for anyone who has unwanted equipment that might help a disadvantaged local child to access home learning online.

You can drop off donations in the collection trolley near the tills at Tesco, or direct to Newton Deli on Wargrave Road.

If your child has an upcoming lockdown birthday, they don't need to miss out on a birthday party.

Book a Zoom birthday party with Love Lee Parties, choose your child's favourite theme, then sit back and relax as the the children are kept entertained with games and fun.

Everything you need for the party will be delivered in advance in colourful party bags.

Choose from:

Ariete Restaurant on Newton-le-Willows High Street is offering a takeaway service of their favourite and most popular dishes. There's free delivery within a three mile radius and free bottle of wine with all orders over £40 for collection only. Menus can be found on their Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Opening times for takeaway / collection are:

• Fridays 4-8pm
• Saturdays 4-8pm
• Sunday 3-7pm

Orders can be emailed to arieterestaurant@gmail.com.

Over the coming weeks, they'll also be running competitions on their Instagram and Facebook pages, so make sure you follow them for details.

Gift vouchers are also available to purchase during Ariete's takeaway opening times.

Shakey J's on Newton-le-Willows High Street are offering delivery to your door from Thursday to Monday each week.

The Travellers Rest on Newton Road, Lowton, is offering takeaway home-cooked meals on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Details of the latest menu and available times can be found on their website.

Get your quality beer fix from The Firkin on Newton High Street, which is operating as an off-licence during the lockdown.

Stocking a mixture of hand-crafted small batch beers from the UK's best suppliers, it's perfect for all the beer connoisseurs out there who are missing a really good pint.

Find out more on the Firkin's Facebook page.

Can't cook, won't cook? No worries... The Oak Tree, at the bottom of Newton High Street, is running a takeaway,  delivery and drive in service - including for classic Sunday Roasts.

Call 01925 228668 or order your collection via their app oaktreenewton.zappii.com.

The Victoria, on Wargrave Road, is offering a range of takeout options from their menu - why not try their incredible pick 'n' mix boxes which include salt and pepper chips, southern fried chicken goujons and crispy spicy marinated king prawns... complete with southern fried gravy and a tandoori ketchup! YUM! Visit their Facebook page for more details.

Gemstone Cheer are a local cheerleading troupe. They can’t currently meeting in person to rehearse due to social distancing regulations but are working hard on their routines and fitness from home, instead!

Now you can join in!

Gemstone Cheer are running free online dance classes for 12-16 year olds - you'll find details on their Facebook page.

They are also taking names for a new Starter classes for cheerleading, pom dance or lyrical, which will begin as soon as restrictions allow. With limited spaces per class 'bubble', the classes will take place in adherance to social distancing at a venue to be confirmed.

If you are interested in joining after lockdown, contact them now via Facebook to get your name on the list.

Tumbles Academy of Gymnastics, based on the Moss Industrial Estate in Lowton, are doing all they can to keep their young gymnastics active during the lockdown.

They have been running online classes to help keep the young people fit and happy - and for those gymnasts who hope to be entering competitions this year, to help keep their standards high!

You can read more about Tumbles Academy of Gymnastics here.