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Author: Martin Driver

All eyes on the enterprise in Southport

18 November 2020
Martin Driver
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Categories: Business and Economy, Front Page, Latest News, Southport, Southport Town Deal

Southport is set to have its first purpose-built incubator spaces for start-up businesses.

Forming part of Southport’s Town Deal Bid, Crown Buildings, located within one of Southport’s famous grand shopping arcades, Cambridge Walks, is proposed to undergo extensive refurbishment.

Repurposing an historic, empty property to create a new business incubator space to support Southport’s emerging creative, digital and tech sector, the working title for the space is the ‘Enterprise Arcade’.

The Town Deal bid proposes to acquire and repurpose one of the town’s former department stores. The ‘Enterprise Store’ has been designed as move-on space from the Enterprise Arcade, supporting further growth and diversification of Southport’s economy, and bringing new footfall to a declining area of Southport’s town centre.

The near 3,000m2 flexible workspace, allowing for event and networking space to encourage cross collaboration, innovation and business growth, can house around 54 Creative, Digital and Tech focused SMEs in co-working and private office spaces.

Artist impression of what te outside of the arcade may look like

These two distinct and exciting projects will support the development of a focused Creative and Digital District in the town to play host to a vibrant cluster and community of businesses and like-minded individuals.

The redeveloped Southport Market, near to the Enterprise Arcade, will in turn benefit from custom generated by the new business hubs, playing host to informal meet ups and socials which are known to be vital to the success of these collaborative business spaces.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Labour Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said: “I’m delighted that, as part of the Southport Town Deal Bid, we will be able to repurpose and fill key empty properties in the Town Centre attracting more people to work in the town, supporting the retail and hospitality sector and providing more reasons for young people to stay and work in Southport.

“The Enterprise Arcade and Enterprise Store will offer a space for start-up businesses and entrepreneurs, creating a community for our existing and future talent.

“The designs won’t be like any other traditional workplace setting and will capture Southport’s distinctive entrepreneurial character.

“Together with the redevelopment of Southport Market, all three projects will work in tandem bringing new uses to underused and vacant buildings while generating substantial footfall to the area.

“Our bid has now been submitted and we have done everything in our power to make Southport an attractive proposition for the Government to invest in. Without Government support these fantastic schemes won’t go ahead. We eagerly await their response.”

Inside of a similar office space that the enterprise hub could look like

Sefton residents urged to ‘live self-care for life’

16 November 2020
Martin Driver
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Categories: Active Sefton, Essential Sefton, Front Page, Health, Latest News, Sefton Council, Young People, Your Sefton

Health and care professionals across Sefton are joining together to encourage residents to ‘live self-care for life’ as part of Self-Care Week 2020 which takes place between 16 and 22 November.

‘Live self-care for life’ is about making improvements in your life to protect your physical health and mental wellbeing. Throughout the week short films will be shared giving tips on different aspects of self care from NHS South Sefton CCG and NHS Southport and Formby CCG, Access Sefton and Living Well Sefton.

There are lots of things you can do yourself to look after your health and wellbeing. There is a range of easy online tools you can access from home, including the NHS website which gives information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help.

The NHS App allows you to access a range of NHS services on a phone or tablet, and you can visit the Every Mind Matter NHS website for practical tips and expert advice on looking after your mental health.

Another way to get quick and easy advice on self care is by visiting your high street pharmacy, as Susanne Lynch, head of medicines management for both CCGs in Sefton, explains: “You can easily access over-the-counter medicines and expert advice from your local pharmacy.

“Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals who can give advice and recommend treatments for self treatable conditions such as indigestion, sore eyes, sprains and strains.

“They can help you choose the right treatment for your ailment, explain the normal duration of symptoms and advise on which medicines to keep in your medicine cabinet at home.”

Self-Care Week 2020 takes place between November 16-22.

Over the counter medicines can be easily accessed at your pharmacy without the need to see a doctor or have a prescription. For those who find it difficult to access over the counter medicines, the Care at the Chemist scheme is available in 22 pharmacies across Sefton.

Ryan Forrest, service manager at Access Sefton, the CCGs’ commissioned talking therapies service, says: “Access Sefton offers free, easy access to a range of effective NHS talking therapies, including guided self-help, cognitive behavioural therapy and counselling. Our services are available to Sefton residents aged 16-plus.

“Due to the pandemic, we are currently offering one-to-one treatments online via the secure Attend Anywhere service and by telephone, as well as interactive guided self-help via the SilverCloud digital mental health platform.

“Referrals to Access Sefton can be made quickly and easily using our secure online form at www.insighthealthcare.org/accesssefton, or by calling us on 0300 303 2708.”

Gemma Boardman, programme manager at Living Well Sefton, said: “Living Well Sefton supports people to make small changes to their lives that can have a big impact on their wellbeing. We have mentors to help reach these goals and all Sefton residents are eligible. They can self refer via our website or give us a call on 0300 323 0181.”

Margaret Jones, director of public health for Sefton, said: “There are lots of easy things we can all do to make ourselves healthier and happier and this self care week I would urge people across Sefton to think about what changes they and their families can make.

“These could include keeping active, eating well, stopping smoking and limiting alcohol to recommended levels and people can use the ‘self-care for life’ resources to achieve some simple goals.

“A flu vaccination is also important, particularly for people aged over 65, anyone who is a carer or children aged two or three so I would encourage everyone who is eligible, or whose children are, to make an appointment. It’s a quick and effective way of protecting you and those around you.”

You can find more information about self care week and the local support available from each CCG website: www.southseftonccg.nhs.net and www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.net 

 

 

Sefton partners pledge their support for National Safeguarding Adults Week

16 November 2020
Martin Driver
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Categories: Essential Sefton, Front Page, Health, Latest News, Sefton Council, Sefton CVS, Your Sefton

Sefton Council and partner agencies across the Borough have pledged their collective support for National Safeguarding Adults Week 2020.

National Safeguarding Adults Week, which runs from Monday 16th to Friday 20th November, aims to shine a spotlight on adult abuse, and the role we can all play in helping to prevent it.

There are many different types of abuse including domestic, physical and financial abuse, modern slavery and exploitation, psychological and emotional abuse, mate crime, radicalisation, sexual abuse, ‘honour-based’ violence, discrimination and hate crime.

As part of National Safeguarding Adults Week, Sefton Council, Southport and Formby CCG and Sefton CVS have produced a pledge setting out their commitment to challenging inequality, promoting inclusion and embracing diverse communities.

Sefton’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Cllr Paul Cummins, said: “National Safeguarding Adults Week gives us an opportunity to highlight the brilliant partnership work undertaken in our communities to prevent vulnerable people being abused by others.

“Prevention of abuse is the most important work we can do to keep people safe and preserve quality of life.”

Image shows an adult male with a black eye and a tear rolling down his cheek.
National Safeguarding Adults Week aims to shine a spotlight on adult abuse.

Mark Waterhouse, Principal Social Worker for Sefton Council, said: “As Principal Social Worker for Sefton Adult Social Care I will always use my professional power in a positive way within the council, and with other professionals, to uphold Social Work England’s standards.

“I will champion positive change and wellbeing on behalf of people, groups and communities. I believe in the dignity of all people and their right to respect and equality of opportunity.

“I value the strength that comes with difference and the positive contribution that diversity brings to our borough, and I will continue to help make Sefton a safer, welcoming, good place to live.”

Fiona Taylor, chief officer of Sefton’s two CCGs, said: “This annual awareness week provides an important opportunity for us all to reflect on the role we each have in supporting the safeguarding adults agenda in our communities.

“In the CCGs, we are proud to be signing up to a Sefton adult safeguarding pledge with our partners, demonstrating our commitment to improving the lives of all our residents and ensuring their safety and care is paramount.”

Nat Hendry-Torrance, Designated Safeguarding Adult Manager for the CCGs in Sefton said: “I am proud to have led the team of partners across Sefton who have come together as one to pledge their commitment to challenging inequality and discrimination.

“Now, more than ever, we need to speak out as one to protect the most vulnerable members of our society, be kind to one another and work together to make Sefton a safe place for all.”

Merseyside Safeguarding Adults Board was formed in 2017 and is made up of the four former safeguarding adults boards from Sefton, Knowsley, Liverpool and Wirral. The Board includes senior managers from local NHS, local authorities and Merseyside Police, alongside members from other emergency services, probation services and the voluntary sector.

Its primary responsibility is to ensure that adults in Merseyside, who may be at risk, are able to live fulfilling lives, free from abuse and neglect.

Anyone who thinks someone is being harmed or neglected, can visit www.merseysidesafeguardingadultsboard.co.uk for advice and contact details.

Anyone wishing to report a safeguarding concern about an adult in Sefton call 0345 140 0845 or visit https://bit.ly/2IJedlc

You can read more about the different types of abuse, and learn more about what safeguarding is, here: https://www.merseysidesafeguardingadultsboard.co.uk/public/

More information about National Safeguarding Adults Week 2020 can be found at https://www.anncrafttrust.org/events/national-safeguarding-adults-week-monday-16-sunday-22-november-2020/

Notes to editors:

 Our Pledge – Sefton Council, South Sefton CCG, Southport and Formby CCG and Sefton CVS

 In Sefton, we will:

  • Respect the values, beliefs, cultures and lifestyles of our diverse communities.
  • Listen to the voices in the community to better understand and appreciate that everyone is unique.
  • Speak as one against inequalities and challenge discrimination in a calm and constructive manner.
  • Embrace our communities and celebrate that we’re all different and all have our story to tell.
  • Encourage people to acknowledge each other’s views and discuss any differences in an open and honest manner.
  • Work together productively to promote inclusion and share our learning to develop our thinking further.

A coronavirus update from Margaret Jones, our Director of Public Health

13 November 2020
Martin Driver
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Categories: Business and Economy, Essential Sefton, Front Page, Health, Latest News, Sefton Council

With the national lockdown restrictions now in place, plans for people without coronavirus symptoms to be able to get tests progressing and positive news about a vaccine, we thought it was time to catch up with Sefton Director of Public Health Margaret Jones again.

We asked her about what we should and shouldn’t do under the national restrictions, what will happen after they come to an end on 2nd December and her advice for those of us considered clinically vulnerable.

Margaret also gave us an update on the planned new testing programme and the need to get a test if we have coronavirus symptoms of a raised temperature a persistent new cough or a loss of taste or smell.

She told us about the vaccine and the importance of us all taking it when it is available.

Here’s what Margaret had to say.

Find out about the latest restrictions.

Information on where to get a coronavirus test in Sefton.

Employment support, advice and training still available for all across Sefton

13 November 2020
Martin Driver
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Categories: Business and Economy, Front Page, Latest News, Uncategorized

Sefton@Work Client Advisers are still available to provide information, advice, guidance and practical support to any Sefton residents who are looking for employment and training opportunities.

Those who are currently worried about their job and potentially being made redundant, or those who are currently on furlough and want to take the opportunity to upskill themselves – help is available from Sefton@Work in several ways.

During the current national coronavirus restrictions, it is still possible to arrange in person appointments at the Bootle office, as well as online and telephone support.

The Bootle Office on Stanley Road remains open for pre-booked appointments everyday between 9.45am and 4.15pm, with COVID secure interview stations in operation.

Sefton@Work Advisers and Employer Liaison Staff are working remotely and at the Bootle office providing:

  • Job Search support
  • CV development and interview skills
  • Assistance with job applications
  • Identifying transferable skills and career coaching
  • Advertising vacancies for local employers, helping with recruitment including pre-screening of applications and online/telephone interviews

If you would like to know more about the services Sefton@Work can offer please call 0151 934 2610.

Alternatively, you can email: Seftonatwork.info@sefton.gov.uk

For the latest updates and vacancies keep an eye on the Sefton@Work website www.seftonatwork.net or follow @LearnWorkSefton on Facebook and Twitter.

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