Health Matters: Home birth help initiative hailed

The home birth workshops which were piloted last year ensured that Bradford parents-to-be received free detailed information in a bid to increase awareness and support for those interested in having their baby at home.

Now the project has been shortlisted for the Royal College of Midwifery Annual Awards which are being held in London today.

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust consultant midwife, Alison Brown, said: "Being nominated for the Bounty award for promoting normal birth is a great honour for our service.

"In Bradford we like to think of new and innovative ways to engage with women and their partners and these workshops have proved to be a real hit."

Gok backs Haven funds challenge

GOK Wan has given his support to the Leeds Haven's Pink Power Challenge. Sally Prendergast, a Haven Visitor with breast cancer, met Gok when he was filming in Harrogate for his new series of Gok Wan's Fashion Fix which airs on 25 January on Channel 4.

Sally is 38 years old, lives in Leeds and is married with a young child. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 37.

Through her meeting with Gok, Sally is hoping to raise awareness about The Haven, which provides support to women and men with breast cancer. Having been open for over two years in Leeds, The Haven is keen to secure its future in Yorkshire by buying the Gateway building in which it is currently based, and the charity is asking the public to support the appeal by taking part in The Pink Power Challenge.

Gok said: "Sally has been very brave. Breast cancer can radically affect a woman's confidence, body image and self esteem. I am proud to support the Pink Power Challenge to help raise money for this vital Yorkshire service."

Mental illness service extended

A service for people with mental illness will be extended in Sheffield this year. SPACES, a mental health community recovery service run by Sheffield Health and Social Care Foundation Trust (SHSC), will now also offer services in Stocksbridge.

The team can provide advice and support to adults with mental health issues and offers anyone who may be feeling lonely, isolated or depressed a chance to meet them. For more information call 0114 2262660 .