Liverpool Community Health (LCH) is the only NHS Trust in the North West to be named in the UK’s top 100 gay-friendly employers.

The Trust - which provides NHS healthcare in the communities of Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley - came 87th out of almost 400 organisations that took part.

The Stonewall Top 100 Employer List assesses organisations' equality practices and how they engage with their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) staff and customers, and also looks for good practice.

LCH Chief Executive Bernie Cuthel said: "I am delighted and honoured that we feature in the increasingly competitive top 100 list of employers. This result shows how our core values – care, courage, collaboration, commitment and community - influence everything we do.

“This success is even more pleasing given how the current tough financial climate has impacted on the Trust."

Vice Chair of LCH’s Pride in Health Staff Network, Tina Davies-Taylor, who is a Senior Project Manager for the organisation, said: “For LCH to have recognition of the work that is done to promote equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender staff is magnificent. I am proud to work for an employer in the top 100.

“As a staff network we feel that being involved with and therefore understanding the LGBT community is essential for any employer.

“The work that was put into the submission to Stonewall was a real team effort with the Pride in Health Staff Network and the Equality and Diversity team working together.”

The submission to Stonewall included a staff survey and detailed application including information on the organisation’s policies, role models, support systems and general ethos.

Frank Davidson, Equality and Diversity Advisor at LCH, who put together the submission for Stonewall, said: "I am delighted at the achievement of a place in the Top 100. It also reflects the excellent provision in services we provide, such as Armistead, which provides support to the gay community.

“We need to continue to build on this result not only in this area but right across the equalities agenda.”

Chris Edwards, client account manager, from Stonewall said: “Congratulations on making the Top 100 – you should be very proud of yourselves.

“LCH is the sixth best performing organisation in the healthcare sector – another great achievement!”

For more information on LCH visit www.liverpoolcommunityhealth.nhs.uk and for further details about the Stonewall Top 100 see www.stonewall.org.uk

Glitterballs - World premiere at: Charles Cryer Studio Theatre, 39 High Street, Carshalton, SM5 3BB
Wed 29th February, Thurs 1st, Fri 2nd and Sat 3rd March 2012 at 8:00pm

Tickets: £12 (£8 concs)
BOX OFFICE TEL: 0208 770 6990
Book online: www.suttontheatres.co.uk 
16+ (This play contains scenes of violence, strong language and sexual references)

If you only see one comedy horror drag play in 2012 this is the one to watch! ‘Glitterballs’ invites us backstage of a drag club, where back-stabbing is more than just a metaphor. A man is dressed in heels and dressed to kill, and calculated slaughter reins terror in the dressing room. Camp, fun, dark, and full of twists and turns, you will be kept on the edge of your seat throughout the entire show!

The Story:
Glitterballs Showbar is set to have one unforgettable night, as owner Brendan books world famous drag artiste ‘Kandy Kicks’ to perform at his sell out Saturday night performance. However, the evening turns from glitter and glitz to chaos and mayhem, as performer Sidney Suckles begins her mysterious mission of murder backstage. Who will survive, what is the killer’s motive, and who is the secret accomplice?

The show stars LBC 97.3 host Cristo Foufas who is without doubt the UK's best speach radio presenter. Glitterballs will be the first highlight for the theatre world in 2012, don't miss it!

Madame Tussauds Blackpool is going Gaga crazy this Christmas by giving the global style icon her own Grotto for the festive season

In true Lady Gaga style, her figure will be decked out in her brand new dress from acclaimed Manchester-based fashion designer Adnan Bayyat. The dress, made from reclaimed cling film, is sure to live up to Gaga’s notorious fashion statements from the past and will fit perfectly with her Wintery surroundings.

The floor length, statement dress provides a contemporary twist on a vintage style by incorporating a classic peplum and futuristic headpiece. With integrated custom fitted LED lights and a lovingly crafted, hand-made bodice, the dress is set to become a talking point amongst fashionistas of the North.

Madame Tussauds Blackpool general manager, Mathew Titherington, said: “Gaga is known for her quirky fashion choices and this dress is perfect for her new look as the ‘Ice Queen’. It’s an honour for us to have one of the North West’s most promising designers supply the outfit and is a fantastic opportunity for him. How many young designers can say they have dressed a fashion icon like Lady Gaga?”

New band “If” had just completed their debut single for next year, when someone came up with the idea of re-vamping this classic Christmas hit, (as there had been a good Christmas club record for a long while)  and the result was so good that it was very quickly decided that this would be a great pre-taster for what is to come, and to rush release it this year.

This single includes the cheeky “Nik’s On The Phone” mix which “lends” heavily from the classic sound of Motiv-8 and should still fit in with today’s big tunes for the festive crowd, and then “Titanium” deliver a full on 2011 thumper, complete with everything you could want from a Christmas record, yes the chimes are still there, the choir like vocals and the wistful male lead. Hopefully this one will not leave clubbers feeling S.A.D.

After this release “If” will be in the studio working on their debut album. “If” will be taking their influences from the all time top “man” bands including Hurts, Pet Shop Boys, Erasure and A-Ha etc.. and blending massive melodies with big pop dance beats.

They have just shot the video for the next single and the remixes are underway for a Feb 2012 release date.