Edge Hill partners with CounterSpike to enhance student safety and spiking awareness
Edge Hill University has hosted an immersive “Party Safe” workshop in collaboration with CounterSpike, the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network (LVRN) and Edge Hill Students’ Union to equip students with the tools to recognise and prevent spiking.
Supported by Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, the 90-minute session combined a live DJ environment with a powerful real-life testimonial. The innovative format provided students with a safe space to discuss harm-reduction strategies and gain the confidence to report concerns during a night out.
During the event, the University’s Mental Health and Wellbeing team and community partners were on hand to provide guidance on personal safety and the support services available to students on and off campus.
CounterSpike, a UK safety-tech firm founded by Mark Ackred following a personal experience with spiking, focuses on empowering individuals through education and specialised detection products. The workshop was further bolstered by the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network, a multi-agency team dedicated to tackling the underlying causes of crime across the county.
Fay Sherrington, Director of Student Services at Edge Hill University, said: “We want our students to feel confident and safe, whether they are on campus or socialising elsewhere.
Working with partners such as CounterSpike and the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network helped us deliver an engaging workshop that raises awareness of spiking and gives students practical knowledge they can take away and apply in social settings and beyond.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw added: “Through my Lancashire Violence Reduction Network, I am committed to making sure young people across our county feel safe, supported and listened to.
“Events like Party Safe show the real difference we can make when we bring partners together with a shared purpose: giving students the knowledge, confidence and practical tools to protect themselves and each other.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe on a night out and workshops like this make that clear, working to prevent people becoming victims while officers tackle offending in the night-time economy.
“The immersive format, the lived experience stories and the honest conversations they spark give young people a deeper understanding of risk and how to respond if something doesn’t feel right.”
Edge Hill professor leads national call for equity in children’s diabetes care
A landmark UK-wide study led by Edge Hill University’s Professor May Ng OBE has exposed a gap in healthcare, revealing that many children with type 1 diabetes are still missing out on transformative technology.
The UNBIASED study, led by Professor May Ng OBE, funded by Diabetes UK and sponsored by Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, is the first national research project to investigate why advances such as insulin pumps and hybrid closed-loop systems remain out of reach for many young people.
Data from the March 2026 National Paediatric Diabetes Audit confirms that health inequalities have persisted for over a decade. The research identifies a stark “digital divide,” with technology use and blood sugar control (HbA1c levels) varying significantly based on a child’s socioeconomic background and ethnicity.
Statistics indicate that children from ethnic minority backgrounds and those living in the most deprived areas are significantly less likely to be offered or use advanced diabetes management tools. Consequently, these children often experience poorer health outcomes compared to their more affluent peers.
Professor May Ng OBE says “No child with type 1 diabetes should be disadvantaged because of their background, postcode or circumstances. The UNBIASED study highlights that while technology has the power to transform lives, access to it is not yet equitable.
“We must now work together as clinicians, policymakers and communities to ensure that every child has the same opportunity to benefit from these life-changing advances.”
The study gathered insights from across the NHS, identifying several key barriers to equitable care:
- Communication gaps: families reported language barriers and a misconception that devices required payment.
- Systemic issues: clinicians cited regional service variations, resource limitations, and unconscious bias.
- Educational needs: a lack of culturally appropriate education remains a hurdle for many communities.
Diabetes UK has pledged to use these findings to monitor progress and dismantle emerging barriers.
Read the full findings and resources of the UNBIASED study
Edge Hill University to host ‘ultimate celebration’ for women’s Rugby League
The Women’s Nines Festival returns to Edge Hill University on Saturday 2 May, bringing together the nation’s top talent for a high-octane day of elite sport and family entertainment.
Coined as the ultimate celebration of the women’s game, the festival is set to transform the Ormskirk campus into a vibrant hub of Rugby League. The event is designed to be inclusive, welcoming lifelong fans, aspiring players and families new to the sport, into an uplifting community environment.
This year’s festival introduces an evolved format featuring two separate categories: the Challenge Grade and the Community Grade. This strategic expansion allows more grassroots community teams to participate while ensuring the professional, competitive standard of the matches remains world-class.
Mikayla Gillespie, Rugby Football League (RFL) Development Officer, said: “We are thrilled to announce the return of the Women’s Nines Festival to Edge Hill this year.
“At the RFL, we have worked hard to create an experience that is fun, inclusive and exciting for players and fans alike. It is a space where our women’s teams can showcase their talent, enjoy themselves and connect with the community in a unique and meaningful way.”
The action isn’t limited to the field. Visitors can expect a true festival atmosphere with a range of off-field attractions, including:
- live music, sets from DJ Libby Nolan, throughout the day;
- family zone, face painting and interactive activities for all ages;
- elite support, partners The Digivan and Nutraprep will be on-site, providing live-streamed coverage of the matches and high-performance nutrition for the athletes.
Andrew Hampson, Sports Services Manager at Edge Hill, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be working with the RFL to host the Women’s Nines Festival.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase our outstanding facilities and to celebrate the continued growth of the women’s game.
“We can’t wait to welcome players, coaches and supporters to campus for what promises to be a brilliant and memorable celebration of women’s rugby league.”
The event is free to attend, reflecting Edge Hill’s commitment to making high-quality sport accessible to the local community.
Whether you are coming to support your local club or to experience the energy of Rugby League for the first time, the festival promises a “magnificent showcase” of female athleticism.
Event Timeline:
- 10am gates open
- 10.30am first kick-off
- 3.25pm grand final kick-off
April 17, 2026
