Author: Ollie Cowan

Sefton will be named Liverpool City Region’s Borough of Culture in 2020 and wants ideas from communities, partners and businesses to ensure next year’s programme reflects the cultural diversity of the borough.

As Sefton always prides itself on being a borough of storytellers, the 2020 cultural programme will focus on stories about its people, places, history and the future.

Planning is well underway for 2020 and Sefton Council, who is providing the framework to connect these stories, events, activities and initiatives together, is urging people to get in touch with their ideas.

The aim is to build on the great things that already happen in Sefton and combine exciting existing events with some new ones, whilst supporting the promotion of those planned by partners and communities.

Executive Director Stephen Watson, Sefton’s project sponsor for Borough of Culture 2020 status, said: “We’ve already started talking to our communities and partners and we’re hearing some great ideas, which is also giving us a better understanding about what culture means to them.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase and build on Sefton’s already distinct cultural offer and we want to develop a programme that is focused on stories about us, by us, for us – ultimately with the aim of delivering positive outcomes for the whole borough.

“We’re open to new ideas and would love to hear them. With your help, we will ensure our programme is inclusive to all and will engender connectivity, pride and belonging across the borough.”

Anyone who would like to submit an idea can email BOC2020@sefton.gov.uk.  Deadline is Friday May 17.

For more information about Sefton’s offer as an exciting place to live, work, visit and invest in, log onto www.sefton.gov.uk or www.mysefton.co.uk.

The Borough of Culture initiative is part of the Liverpool City Region’s 1% for Culture Programme, which involves a commitment from the LCR to spend the equivalent of 1% of its annual £30m devolution funding from government to support cultural activities. Wirral currently holds the status for 2019.

The five key principles that the LCR will expect Sefton to demonstrate during its year are: a focus on children and young people; positive outcomes; community participation; showcases the distinctiveness of Sefton; and leaves a legacy for cultural infrastructure.

With Easter fast approaching, Sefton health professionals are reminding people to ensure they use the right NHS service for them, should they or their family members become unwell over the long weekend and also during the first May bank holiday.

GP practices will be closed from Good Friday (19 April) to Easter Monday (22 April) and the early May bank holiday (6 May) but there are several other ways for Sefton residents to access medical help during this time, if they need it.

Susanne Lynch, head of medicines management at NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG said: “Pharmacists are a great resource. We recommend taking advantage of all the services available at your local pharmacy for any minor health-related concerns and if you need a GP appointment to think about using the extended access service.

“Pharmacists are highly trained and are able to offer clinical advice and over the counter medicines to manage a range of minor health concerns, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy troubles, aches and pains and many more.

“Most pharmacies will have private consultation rooms where they can advise you on self-care treatments and give you advice on your medication.”

If you do need an appointment there are now extended GP appointments of an evening or weekend across Sefton. These appointments can be booked in advance via the GP practice you are registered with or by calling 111.

Fiona Taylor, chief officer at the CCGs in Sefton, said: “The extended access GP service launched last October in Sefton and has been popular ever since. Open 365 days a year the service is really useful over bank holiday weekends like Easter. If you do become unwell and your GP practice is closed you can call 111 to book an appointment with your nearest service as long as you are registered with a GP practice in Sefton.”

Pharmacy opening times will differ over the bank holidays. There will be normal opening times on Saturday (20 April), but a reduced service on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday and Monday 6 May. You can view the Easter opening times here: www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services/ or www.southseftonccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services/

If you’re unsure which service is right for you, ring NHS 111 to speak to a highly trained adviser who will assess your symptoms and immediately direct you to the best medical care for you. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.

You can also visit 111.nhs.uk to get medical advice on where and when to get help.