Spring training is here

Welcome to the Spring 2026 Training and Development Newsletter

Hi everyone,

Lighter nights and warmer days are finally here, and the spring training programme is live — and booking up quickly.

Courses start running at the end of April, and I’d love to see as many Wirral Ways staff and partner agencies as possible. A big thank you to everyone who has already attended.

— Vicky

How to book

Booking a place is easy. Head to the Wirral Ways training page and find the course you want.

Book your place

Once you’ve booked, you’ll get a confirmation email and a reminder closer to the date.

If you have any difficulties booking, or if you have any access or support requirements that would make your attendance more comfortable, just get in touch and I’ll help.

We’ll ask for your organisation and manager details when you book. This helps us keep accurate records and make sure you have the right support if you need it after attending.

What to do if you can't make it

What to do if you can’t make it

We understand that things come up. If you’ve booked a place and can’t attend, here’s what to do:

  1. Give as much notice as you can. This lets us offer your place to someone else — we’ll be keeping a waiting list for popular courses.
  2. Let me know by email or phone — even on the day.
  3. You can also cancel directly using the link in your booking confirmation.

vicky.moran@cgl.org.uk | 07345 418448

I need you — join the training team

I’m looking for experienced and enthusiastic staff to join me in delivering a fantastic training programme through our new Addiction Team Trainer for Trainers initiative.

Does any of this sound like you?

  • You love sharing your experience with others
  • You enjoy supporting people who are learning
  • You’re passionate about helping service users
  • You’re looking for professional development opportunities

If you answered yes — and you’ve had a chat with your manager — I’d love to hear from you.

Making the most of spring

After a long, dark winter, spring really does feel like a breath of fresh air. And it’s not just in your head — increased sunlight boosts serotonin, which lifts mood, and triggers vitamin D production, which supports bone health and your immune system.

Did you know that just 20 minutes in the sun can be enough to trigger significant benefits, including the release of nitric oxide, which helps lower blood pressure?

Stay safe in the sun

Factor 30+ is recommended to protect against UVB rays — and remember, skin can burn even in spring. If you take certain medications, including some antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or diuretics, you may be more sensitive to the sun than usual. Cover up, use high-SPF sunscreen, and try to avoid being out in strong midday sun for extended periods.

A large group of people gather outside Nightingales café in Birkenhead, releasing colourful balloons into the sky. The balloons are a mix of purple, pink, and cream, floating upwards in an act of remembrance. The group stands on the pavement beside a brick building, with expressions of reflection and unity. The cloudy sky and urban backdrop add to the scene’s emotional tone.

Spotlight on Nightingales Café

This month, we want to celebrate Nightingales — and everything it means to our community.

Based on Argyle Street in the heart of Birkenhead, Nightingales is far more than a café. It’s a recovery community space, open seven days a week, and one of the most important places we have.

From the Day Rehab Programme and counselling services to structured recovery groups, holistic wellbeing activities, and our Recovery Works provision — which supports people into education, training, volunteering, and employment — Nightingales is a place where people rebuild their lives.

And at the heart of it all is the café itself. A warm, welcoming space to connect, share a meal, and be part of something. Free takeaway meals are available every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 5pm to 7pm, open to anyone who needs them.

Nightingales is a place of connection, opportunity, and hope. If you haven’t visited, we’d encourage you to go and see it for yourself.

Find out more: wirralways.org.uk/get-support/sites/nightingales-hub

Thanks for reading. If you have any questions about training, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Vicky Moran

Training and Development Lead, Wirral Ways

vicky.moran@cgl.org.uk | 07345 418448

Last Updated on 6 May 2026