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Author: Bridie Finnan

Local residents and businesses invited to help shape the vision for Southport’s future

30 June 2020
Bridie Finnan
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Categories: Southport Town Deal, Uncategorized

A consultation is to be launched next week (Monday 29th June) on a future vision for Southport. The consultation is part of the first stage of the Towns Deal, which was launched by the Government last year. As part of the Towns Deal, Southport is one of just 100 towns across the country invited to bid for a share of the Government’s £3.6 billion Towns Deals Fund.

Since November 2019 a number of conversations have taken place with local residents and businesses to discuss how that money might be spent if the bid is successful. Over a thousand items of initial feedback have been gathered from the Government’s #MyTown campaign, interviews with representatives of local groups and surveys completed by social media users. This feedback has helped to shape a number of ‘Big Ideas’ that will feed into the Southport Town Investment Plan, a document that will become the first stage in the process of securing a Town Deal.

Work on the Town Investment Plan is being undertaken by Sefton Council and overseen by the Southport Town Deal Board, a group made up of a number of representatives from key businesses and community groups in the town.

Rob Fletcher, Chair of the Town Deal Board, said ‘This is an exciting opportunity to invest in Southport’s future – the resilience of its economy and culture for the benefit of the community. Following initial conversations we have gathered feedback from residents, businesses and leaders in Southport. This feedback has helped us put together a number of Big Ideas and themes, which could help to guide the future of the town.

These Big Ideas aim to encourage more people to visit and stay in Southport, provide better opportunities for local businesses to grow, and ensure residents have every opportunity to make the best of our very special town.”

Consultation on the draft Vision and the Big Ideas for Southport will run from Monday 29th June until Monday 20th July – local residents, businesses and visitors are invited to provide their comments online at www.yourseftonyoursay.sefton.gov.uk/futuresouthport.

Those without internet access are encouraged to call the consultation hotline on 0808 168 8296.

Rob Fletcher, added ‘This consultation is part of the first stage of an evolving process to unlock Government funding for Southport. The Big Ideas on the website present our initial thoughts; we encourage everyone in Southport to participate and share their own views on how £25 million could be used on projects in the town. The consultation will run until Monday 20th July. Following submission of the Town Investment Plan there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved during the next stages of the Town Deal and we plan to undertake further engagement in the future.”

Following the consultation, the Town Deal Team are due to submit a Southport Investment Plan to the Government later this summer.

Changes to shielding guidance from 6th July but support continues

23 June 2020
Bridie Finnan
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Latest News

Changes to Shielding Guidance from 6th July but support continues…

 

The UK Government has set out a roadmap for the clinically extremely vulnerable on the future of the shielding programme.

For now, the guidance remains the same – stay at home and only go outside to exercise or to spend time outdoors with a member of your household, or with one other person from another household if you live alone – but the guidance will change on 6 July and again on 1 August clinical evidence.

Shielding and other advice to the clinically extremely vulnerable has been and remains advisory.

 

What are the changes?

Recently, the UK Government advised that you can spend time outdoors, if you wish, with your own household, or if you live alone with another household. Following this, and alongside current scientific and medical advice the UK Government is planning to relax shielding guidance in stages.

From 6 July, the guidance will change so you can meet in groups of up to six people from outside your household – outdoors with social distancing. For example, you might want to enjoy a summer BBQ outside at a friend’s house, but remember it is still important to maintain social distancing and you should not share items such as cups and plates. If you live alone (or are a lone adult with dependent children under 18), you will be able to form a support bubble with another household.

From 1 August, you will no longer need to shield, and the advice will be that you can visit shops and places of worship, but you should continue maintaining rigorous social distancing.

 

Why is the guidance changing now?

The roadmap has been developed in line with the latest scientific and medical advice and with the safety and welfare of those who are shielding in mind. Current statistics show that the rate of catching coronavirus in the community continues to decrease. On average less than 1 in 1,700 in our communities are estimated to have the virus, down from 1 in 500 four weeks ago.

Unless advised otherwise by your clinician, you are still in the ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ category and should continue to follow the advice for that category, which can be found here.

The government will monitor the virus continuously over coming months and if it spread too much, you may be advised to shield again.

If you are in receipt of Government provided food boxes and medicine deliveries, you will continue to receive this support until the end of July.

 

What support is available to people who are shielding until the end of July?

Essential supplies

There are a number of ways that those who are shielding can access food and other essentials:

  • Make use of the supermarket priority delivery slots that are available for this group. When a clinically extremely vulnerable person registers online as needing support with food, their data is shared with supermarkets. This means if they make an online order with a supermarket (as both a new or existing customer), they will be eligible for a priority slot.
  • Use the many commercial options now available for accessing food, including telephone ordering, food box delivery, prepared meal delivery and other non-supermarket food delivery providers. A list has been shared with local authorities and charities.
  • A free, standardised weekly parcel of food and household essentials. If you have registered for this support online before 17 July you will continue to receive weekly food box deliveries until the end of July.
  • If you need urgent help and have no other means of support, contact your local council to find out what support services are available in their area.
  • For anyone facing financial hardship, the government has made ÂŁ63 million available to local councils in England to help those who are struggling to afford food and other essentials.

 

NHS Volunteer Responders

Support will continue to be available through the NHS Volunteer Responder Scheme beyond the end of July.

NHS Volunteer Responders can support you with:

  • Collecting shopping, medication (if your friends and family cannot collect them for you) or other essential supplies;
  • A regular, friendly phone call which can be provided by different volunteers each time or by someone who is also shielding and will stay in contact for several weeks; and
  • Transport to medical appointment.

Please call 0808 196 3646 between 8am and 8pm to arrange support or speak to your health case professional for transport support. A carer or family member can also do this on their behalf. More information is available at www.nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk

 

Health care

Any essential carers or visitors who support you with your everyday needs can continue to visit unless they have any of the symptoms of COVID-19 (a new continuous cough, a high temperature, or a loss of, or change in, their normal sense of taste or smell).

People in the clinically extremely vulnerable group should continue to access the NHS services they need during this time. This may be delivered in a different way or in a different place than they are used to, for example via an online consultation, but if they do need to go to hospital or attend another health facility for planned care, extra planning and protection will be put in place.

 

Mental health support

It is normal during these uncertain and unusual times to feel anxious or feel low.

Follow the advice that works for you in the guidance on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing during coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Every Mind Matters page on anxiety and NHS mental wellbeing audio guides provide further information on how to manage anxiety.

If you feel you need to talk to someone about your mental health or you are looking for more support for someone else, we would urge you to speak to a GP and seek out mental health support delivered by charities or the NHS.

 

Income and employment support

At this time, people who are shielding are advised not to go to work. This guidance remains advisory.

Those shielding will be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) on the basis of their shielding status until the 31 July. SSP eligibility criteria apply

From 1 August, if clinically extremely vulnerable people are unable to work from home but need to work, they can, as long as the business is COVID safe.

The Government is asking employers to work with them to ease the transition back to a more normal way of life for their shielding employees. It is important that this group continues to take careful precautions, and employers should do all they can to enable them to work from home where this is possible, including moving them to another role if required.

Where this is not possible, those who have been shielding should be provided with the safest onsite roles that enable them to maintain social distancing.

If employers cannot provide a safe working environment, they can continue to use the Job Retention Scheme for shielded employees who have already been furloughed.

 

What support will be available after July?

From 1 August, clinically extremely vulnerable people will continue to have access to priority supermarket delivery slots if you have registered online before 17 July for a priority delivery slot.

NHS Volunteer Responders will also continue to offer support to those who need it, including collecting and delivering food and medicines.

The NHS Volunteer Responders Scheme has been expanded to offer a new Check in and Chat Plus role. This new role has been designed to provide peer support and companionship to people who are shielding as they adapt to a more normal way of life.

If you are vulnerable or at risk and need help with shopping, medication or other essential supplies, please call 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm).

Government is committed to supporting local councils and voluntary sector organisations to respond to those who have specific support needs and requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic. Details of the support and advice available can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/find-coronavirus-support

The updated shielding guidance should not affect any social care or support you were receiving prior to the start of shielding.

Individuals should continue to contact their local council if they have any ongoing social care needs.

 

“Stay safe and be considerate to others this weekend” urge LCR Council Leaders

19 June 2020
Bridie Finnan
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Uncategorized

With a busy weekend of football, Father’s Day and beautiful weather coming up, many people in Merseyside will be getting that first taste of ‘normality’, since Coronavirus restrictions were introduced in March this year.

Although lockdown restrictions have begun to ease, a key challenge for the UK and indeed Merseyside is to navigate these changes – safely.

Many local businesses, health organisations, public health workers and more have been working to introduce local measures to keep the public safe as we ease out of full lockdown.

So, as we make this move, members of the public will notice changes to everyday parts of life including face coverings required when using public transport or attending a hospital setting, along with queues outside the supermarket becoming the norm. 

But the reality is, these measures are stronger when they are embraced by our communities and the people they seek to protect.

Residents across the city region are asked to consider others, especially our most vulnerable, when making plans for the weekend – especially a busy one like this.

That’s why we are urging all residents to stay safe and think twice before leaving home this weekend.

If you do need to travel then please visit Merseytravel’s Re Think Travel campaign for the latest information and important advice.

While we’re able to enjoy a bit more freedom as we move further out of lockdown, I am asking you to consider that, unfortunately, not everybody has the luxury of this choice, especially if they’re vulnerable or caring for someone who is.

  • So, the sun may be shining, but if you don’t need pop out – consider waiting a little until it’s a bit quieter.
  • While you’re planning how to watch the football, support your team from home and only with the people you live with, or those in your support bubble.
  • And this Father’s Day, show your Dad how much you care by calling him to catch up, or meeting from a safe distance.

Together, we can help keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and see Merseyside’s infection rate come down as fast as possible.

Consider others, together, for Merseyside

NEW COVID-19 REGIONAL TESTING SITE FOR CHESHIRE AND MERSEYSIDE.

17 June 2020
Bridie Finnan
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News

A second Regional Testing Centre for Covid-19 has opened in Cheshire and Merseyside.

Based at Liverpool John Lennon Airport the centre began testing residents, with pre-arranged appointments, on Wednesday, June 17.

The drive-through coronavirus testing facility is located in the long stay car park at the airport and is a key part of the Cheshire and Merseyside push to meet the need for further increased testing. It is open seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm.

Anyone experiencing a new, continuous cough, a high temperature, or a loss of or change in their normal sense of smell or taste, should book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119 to find out if they currently have coronavirus.

NHS staff and those key workers within health and social care settings can also access the site without an appointment. To receive a test without an appointment staff will need to bring an employee photo ID badge, if they don’t have an employee photo ID, they can bring another form of photo ID e.g. passport or driving license and a recent payslip

The site sits alongside the existing network of testing sites being set up around the UK and is the second in the Cheshire and Merseyside region, alongside Haydock Park in Newton-le-Willows.

To increase testing for everyone with symptoms, the Cheshire and Merseyside Health Care Partnership has worked with Government to set up the two regional test centres, four satellite and three mobile testing units.

Anyone testing positive for the virus will also be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts. This will help people to identify who they may have been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission.

Terry Whalley, Director of Cheshire & Merseyside Coronavirus Testing said:

“The opening of this drive-through coronavirus testing facility represents another significant step forward in our Cheshire & Merseyside strategy, and creates the opportunity for more people who need a test to get a test.

“Our ability to offer more routes to access testing will help us protect lives and protect livelihoods by ensuring we are able to do more testing every day.”

Chief Executive of Sefton Council, and Chair of the Merseyside TTC Cell, Dwayne Johnson, said: 

“The pace and quality of the roll out Covid-19 testing across Cheshire and Merseyside has been hugely impressive. We have seen so many organisations working together to ensure this happens in a safe and timely way.

“Whether it is local authorities, different parts of the NHS or the Ministry of Defence; private and public sector colleagues have all come together to ensure that we are delivering mobile, satellite and regional testing sites; – like this new facility at Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

“We are working together across Cheshire and Merseyside to ensure that testing is easily available to anyone who needs it. Sites like this allow people who develop symptoms to quickly get a test and find out whether they need to take the appropriate action.

The testing centre is operated in partnership with Levy and will offer assisted and self-administered tests. Those tested will receive their results within a few days.

Formby and Sefton Meadows Recycling Centres to Re-Open on 22nd June

15 June 2020
Bridie Finnan
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Latest News

Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) at Formby, Rainhill and Sefton Meadows are set to reopen to the public from 8.00am on Monday 22nd June.

Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) is implementing a new booking system for these three Centres which means residents wishing to use them will need an appointment. Those residents will need to supply their name, address and vehicle registration either through www.merseysidewda.gov.uk or by calling Tel: 0151 236 0305.

The booking system will be live from Friday 19th June to enable bookings to be made for week commencing Monday 22nd June.  Available slots will be released on a rolling weekly basis.

The Centres will have a limited number of slots for each day. This allows for the site to be serviced – i.e. for getting waste containers emptied – and also ensures that staff can monitor residents and implement social distancing rules. Vans, other commercial-type vehicles and large trailers are still not allowed to access any Centres. The Authority continues to develop plans on how these types of vehicles can be readmitted to HWRCs in the near future.

Carl Beer, Chief Executive of MRWA, said: “We have been liaising with local Council Highways departments and Merseyside Police to enable the safe reopening of these sites. We understand the frustration it has caused local residents and we have wanted them open just as much as anyone else, however extra work has been needed in order to get them open safely.”

“Social distancing is still being enforced in England which means there are restrictions on all our sites for the safety and the health of both staff and visitors, hence there are only a few cars allowed on site at any one time. We would ask all householders to please follow site staff instructions if they do choose to visit any Recycling Centre.

“Our main message remains the same as it has done since we reopened – that people should visit their Recycling Centre only if it is essential – if waste can safely be stored at home then please do so. When social distancing rules are relaxed then we will most probably see queues moving more quickly.”

 

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