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Author: Martin Driver

Public Health leaders urging public to stay at home, to fight COVID and reduce extreme pressure on hospitals

11 January 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News

Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health Margaret Jones has joined her colleagues across the region to urge people to follow by the latest lockdown rules and stay at home.

The plea from Directors of Public Health, who are leading the local public health response to COVID, comes as COVID cases have alarmingly increased in communities putting NHS hospitals under extreme pressure.

Essential reasons

Under the rules, people are strongly requested to stay at home and only leave the house for essential reasons such as getting a COVID test, food shopping, work, education, exercise or helping someone vulnerable. A full list of what is permitted is available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Ian Ashworth, current Chair of the Cheshire & Merseyside Directors of Public Health Board said, “The next few weeks are going to be extremely difficult and it will be some time until we see the impact of the lockdown take effect. People need to stay at home as much as possible. Only shop when necessary. Exercise away from other people. If you cannot work from home and have a symptom free test centre in your area, get tested regularly so you can self-isolate before symptoms show. We are working hard with health and government partners to speed up and unblock barriers to the rollout of the vaccine for the most vulnerable groups but this will not happen overnight. We now have a number of licensed vaccines which will mean more vaccines becoming available locally. In the meantime, we need people to double their efforts to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”

Vaccination

The COVID-19 vaccination programme has seen over a million vulnerable people and those that care for them vaccinated so far. Vaccines are the way out of this pandemic and an effective vaccine is the best way to protect people from COVID. Members of the public will be invited by the NHS when it’s their turn for a vaccination and it is important that everyone who is offered the vaccine takes it to protect themselves and others. Directors urge those waiting for their vaccine to be patient and not contact the NHS or their GP surgery as it will take time for the vaccine to be rolled out to all priority groups.

If residents follow the rules and stay at home, then lockdown restrictions will end sooner and people can look forward to better times ahead. Directors would like to thank everyone who has been doing their bit for so long, and understand they desperately wish to see an end to the restrictions, but it’s more important than ever that people now put in that extra effort to keep friends, family and communities safe.

Symptoms

If you develop symptoms of COVID (fever, new continuous cough or loss/change of taste or smell) you can obtain a test by visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119. If your test is positive you must follow the guidance including self-isolating immediately. More information on self-isolating can be found at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19

Anyone needing support during this difficult time should visit www.kindtoyourmind.org which has details of 24/7 crisis helplines and resources to help mental wellbeing.

Find out more information about COVID-19 in Sefton.

Council’s cabinet asked to approve authority’s re-entry to social housing market and council housing provision

30 December 2020
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council

At their meeting on Thursday 7th January, Sefton Cabinet members are being asked to agree the Council’s re-entry into the social housing market for the first time in nearly 15 years.

Agreement by Cabinet members would enable the Council to start making preparations for the acquisition of nine apartments, as the beginnings of its future stock of new council housing.  The Council would acquire the apartments on the Sefton Grange development at Buckley Hill Lane, from its wholly-owned housing development company Sandway Homes.

This will be the Council’s first new rented housing since its stock transfer in 2006. The move will require the Council to register with the Regulator of Social Housing as a social housing provider. It will also need to apply to become an ‘Investment Partner’ with Homes England, the public Government body that funds new, affordable housing in England.

The next steps will include the development of a business plan, identifying options for housing management services and putting together a delivery team.

Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities said: “If Cabinet agrees these proposals on Thursday it will be a really decisive step for the Council not only in meeting the demands to house the most vulnerable in our society, but also in providing a choice and range of affordable housing types that meet the needs of our communities.

“While there is still much work to do, approving these plans would underline Sefton Council’s commitment to supporting the Borough’s residents by delivering a high-quality and inclusive housing agenda.”

Sandway Homes, the housing development company launched by the Council in January 2019, is already building 30 new homes at Hey Farm Gardens in Crossens and 47 more at Sandy Brook in Ainsdale. Due to be completed in 2021, these two schemes will add to the supply of housing in the north of the Borough. A further scheme on Buckley Hill Lane at Sefton Grange, which is currently at planning stage will enable the Council to provide the first phase of its new social housing offer.

Link to details of next week’s Cabinet meeting, including the agenda and papers.

Help with taking steps towards a healthier 2021

29 December 2020
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News

On Friday 1st January, a new talking therapies service is launching to help anyone aged over 16 in the South Sefton, Southport and Formby areas to deal with common mental health difficulties.

Talking Matters Sefton has been developed in partnership with the CCGs to offer easy access to high-quality talking therapies. You can self-refer online or by phone, or your GP can make a referral. The Covid-19 pandemic has made 2020 an incredibly challenging year for us all. With the vaccine rollout underway, we have reason to be hopeful for 2021. By making some small changes, you can get the New Year off to a healthier start and take control of your wellbeing.

Statistics show that a quarter of patients who died with coronavirus in England had diabetes, and people who are overweight or smoke are also at much higher risk of becoming seriously ill or dying from the disease.

Margaret Jones, Director of Public Health for Sefton, said: “This year has been tough for everyone, and it hasn’t always been easy for any of us to stay motivated or make healthy choices. If you want to make a change, you do not have to do it alone. Living Well Sefton is a free service that can support you in living a healthier lifestyle. You can call them on 0300 323 0181 or e-mail LWS@seftoncvs.org.uk.”

Dr Craig Gillespie, chair of NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Making changes to your lifestyle can feel overwhelming at times, and sometimes it might feel easier to just do nothing. There is plenty of support available and making little adjustments, such as exercising more, eating a healthier diet and quitting smoking really can have a big impact on how you feel. It isn’t just about looking after your body, living a healthier life can boost your mental health too. If you’re feeling low, getting active could make a huge difference to your mood.”

Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Making changes to your lifestyle can not only help improve your physical and mental health, but it can also help protect you from becoming seriously unwell with Covid-19. Consider taking a Vitamin D supplement during the winter months, as it is difficult to get enough of that during the shorter daylight hours. Vitamin D helps to control the amount of calcium and phosphate in our bodies – needed for healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, combined with getting active and staying connected with people can all help to improve your health – both physically and mentally.”

Information and support:

  • Living Well Sefton is a free service supporting people in Sefton with issues that may be affecting their health and wellbeing.
  • Talking Matters Sefton (launching 1 January 2021) provides talking therapies to anyone aged over 16 living in Sefton.
  • NHS Live Well and NHS Better Health offer support and resources to help you make the best choices about your health and wellbeing.
  • Every Mind Matters and One You offer expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental and physical health

December coronavirus testing facilities across Sefton for those with symptoms

21 December 2020
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News

Testing for people with symptoms

Across December, drive-through Mobile Testing Units will operate once again. These sites are for those with symptoms – a new persistent cough, a high temperature or a loss of sense of taste or smell – and can be booked by calling 119 or visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.

Planned dates and sites may be subject to change if testing is required in other locations:

Opening hours from 8th Dec: 10am – 3pm

  • Mon 21 – Litherland
  • Tues 22 – Litherland
  • Weds 23 – Ainsdale

Opening times from 24th Dec: 10am -2.30pm

  • Thurs 24 – Aintree Racecourse
  • Fri 25 – NO MOBILE TESTING
  • Sat 26 – NO MOBILE TESTING
  • Sun 27  – NO MOBILE TESTING
  • Mon 28 – Southport
  • Tues 29 – Southport
  • Weds 30 – Aintree Racecourse
  • Thurs 31 – Aintree Racecourse
  • Fri 1 Jan – NO MOBILE TESTING
  • Sat 2 Jan – Southport
  • Sun 3 Jan – Southport

In addition, local walk-through test centres are open every day from 8am to 8pm, providing easy access to COVID-19 tests for people who do not have access to a car and for those who have symptoms and should not travel by public transport.

Walk-through sites will open 9am-3pm on 25th and 28th December and on 1st January 2021. 

The four local test centres are located at:

  • Bootle Town Hall L20 7AA
  • Crosby Library Car Park, Haigh Road L22 OLQ
  • Netherton Activity Centre, Glovers Land L30 3TL
  • Southport Town Hall PR81DA

Those with symptoms seeking tests, need to book ahead of going to either the walk-through or drive-through sites. It’s quick and easy to book by calling 119 or going online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.

Find out about SMART coronavirus tests for people with no COVID-19 symptoms. 

Get outdoors safely across Sefton this winter

21 December 2020
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News

Sefton’s heritage parks and green open spaces, along with its 22-mile coastline and exciting nature reserves are here to be explored this winter. The Council is encouraging residents to enjoy the outdoors in line with current government guidance.

Whether its walking, cycling or simply getting outside for a breath of fresh air, which many people may look to do over the festive break, staying local and exploring Sefton’s natural assets are a fantastic resource for residents as they continue to adapt to everyday life under COVID-19 restrictions.

Cllr Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:  “This year we’ve seen unprecedented use of our outdoor spaces, particularly throughout the summer months along our beautiful coastline. We joined forces with colleagues and partners to implement our Coastal Action Plan and we were delighted with the support we got from residents and visitors, the vast the majority of whom took note to enjoy our beaches safely.

“Now we’re embracing the seasonal changes and the onset of winter, and I would encourage everyone to continue to make the most of some fresh air when they get outdoors, as well as enjoying everything that nature has to offer in our Borough. That’s not just on our coastline but also our canal walks, cycling routes and Sefton’s many small open spaces and parks.”

Downloadable resources and ideas for places to explore locally in Sefton are available on the Visit Sefton website: visitseftonandwestlancs.co.uk.

Cllr Moncur continued:  “I would like to thank our residents and visitors who are continuing to act responsibly in line with current restrictions. And I would just remind everyone to continue to practice social distancing when getting outdoors, to adhere to current tier two guidelines, and to show respect to both the landscape and the wildlife that we are so lucky to have in Sefton.”

Residents are being reminded that as well as following government guidelines, that they should be prepared for winter differences before getting out and about locally around Sefton’s parks, coastline and open spaces.

The words: Have a wonderful winter in Sefton, with images of winter trees

Cllr Moncur added: “Following this advice and going through a quick check list before heading out and about will ensure that people get the best out of spending time outdoors. You never know what wonders you might find on your doorstep if you explore locally this winter.”

Green Sefton’s advice and checklist is:

  • Always check the weather forecast as conditions can change quickly and check tide times before you set out to the coast.
  • Be prepared for winter weather with appropriate clothing and robust footwear.
  • Remember that the evenings get darker earlier so carrying a torch or wearing reflective clothing would be advisable.
  • Sefton’s entire coastline is environmentally sensitive and protected – please respect this precious landscape.
  • Do not disturb wildlife, livestock or damage habitat – keep a close eye on dogs and keep them away from pools of water or resting birds.
  • Follow the Countryside Code.
  • Camping, BBQs and fires are not permitted.
  • Leave nothing but your footprints – take all your rubbish home with you and recycle wherever possible.
  • Some facilities like public toilets may not be open in winter months at parks and nature reserves.
  • Beach car parks are closed and will not re-open until the spring – please park responsibly in the limited parking available nearby.
  • There are no RNLI patrols on Southport or Ainsdale beaches during winter.
  • If walking or cycling in remote areas, ensure you take a fully charged mobile phone and be aware that signal may be poor.
  • Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you plan to return.
  • Stay local and walk or cycle rather than taking a vehicle where possible.
  • Remember to follow current COVID-19 guidelines and observe social distancing.

Green Sefton – Sefton Council’s service that looks after parks, green spaces, coast and countryside alongside volunteers and partner organisations – is asking residents to report anything that requires attention when they get outdoors and can email the team at greensefton@sefton.gov.uk

Green Sefton may not be able to commit as many resources to regular inspections during the COVID-19 outbreak, so visitors can play their part in helping the Council to maintain Sefton’s outdoor spaces.

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