Essential Sefton

Emma James-Jenkinson, a performing arts student from Sefton, made headlines with the story of her first COVID-19 vaccination earlier this year. Now after her second jab, Emma wants others to know how she made her decision to get vaccinated, encouraging others to do the same.

Emma, 18, who has Down’s syndrome had anxiety about getting her first COVID-19 vaccination but with support from North Park Health Centre in Bootle and NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), she faced her fears and used some creative methods like singing songs from her favourite musical ‘Hamilton’ to keep calm and get her first jab.

She has since returned to have her second vaccine, with further support from the team at North Park Health Centre who even gave Emma a special gift of a personalised pink tote bag to celebrate her fully vaccinated status.

Emma and her mum, Lynn James-Jenkinson believe that the COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to get protected against the disease, but they were both keen to make sure that Emma was able to make her own decision on getting vaccinated.

Lynn said: “Emma researched information about the vaccines in a way that was accessible to her, through easy read materials and informational videos, and reasonable adjustments were made to provide the support she wanted to make her choice, and to get both of her jabs.

“She made her own decision to get vaccinated and wants to encourage other teenagers, especially those with learning disabilities, to find out the facts and make the right choice for them.”

Emma said: “I spent weeks reading the information and talking to some of my friends who I trust, about getting the vaccines.

“Some of my other friends did not want to get vaccinated, but I decided that it was the best way for me to stay safe. I hope that other people like me will look at the facts and decide to get themselves protected too.

“Since getting fully vaccinated, some of my close friends tested positive for COVID-19, but I did not catch it and tested negative both times, so I feel happier knowing I am safe and protected.”

Cathy Riley, former COVID-19 site manager and practice manager at North Park Health Centre, said: “It’s great to see young people like Emma actively finding out information about the vaccines and making the decision to get protected, for themselves and for those around them.”

“It was a pleasure to help support Emma to get her jabs, our team were delighted to celebrate her fully vaccinated status with a gift that she can proudly show off to her friends at college.”

Teenagers aged 16+ are now able to get their COVID-19 vaccines at sites across Sefton.

To find a walk-in vaccination site or to book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment when you are eligible, please visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Sefton, visit the CCG websites: www.southseftonccg.nhs.uk / www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk

Thousands of kind-hearted and generous residents have pulled together to donate to the Sefton Afghan Appeal to help those families who will be settling in the borough across the coming weeks and months.

Sheer generosity

The sheer generosity of communities across Sefton has in fact been so overwhelming that all eight donation points are now at maximum capacity and can no longer receive clothing donations.

Monetary donations are still being gratefully received and the Sefton Afghan Appeal online hub remains live for anyone who wishes to selflessly contribute to helping displaced families

Over £3,000 has already been donated and organisers are seeing this figure claim each day, showing an unwavering support for those who have been forced to flee their homeland.

Despite only launching at the start of September, the Borough-wide appeal has seen all eight donation drop-off points filled to capacity.

Welcoming and caring

Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said: “We are all too aware of the devastation and conflict taking place right now in Afghanistan and, like many others across the UK, we are doing all we can in Sefton to help support displaced families who have been forced to flee their homeland.

“Sefton’s communities have once again shown just how welcoming and caring we are as a Borough and we are delighted with the amount of clothing donations we have received.

“As a council, we offered eight of its buildings to act as donation points for the appeal and to have them filled within just a few weeks is an incredible feat.

“Nevertheless, we are continuing to work closely with partners to ensure we are doing everything in our power to help.

“Please, if you can afford to do so, give generously to our online financial appeal and lend your support to these families many of whom have arrived with very few belongings but the clothes they are wearing.”

Fantastic response

Angela White OBE, Chief Executive at Sefton CVS, added: “On behalf of Sefton CVS and Sefton4Good, I would like to thank everyone who has donated valuable funds or newly-bought items to support the Sefton Afghan Appeal over recent weeks.

“We have received a fantastic response from local residents and organisations who have helped to raise over £3,000 so far which will enable us to provide bespoke items to directly support Afghan families arriving in Sefton.

“We will be continuing our online fundraising for the Sefton Afghan Appeal, but due to the overwhelming generosity of local residents we are unable to accept any further donations of clothing or goods at this time”

For more information regarding the Sefton Afghan Appeal or to donate, please visit www.sefton4good.org.uk.

For all enquiries about the Sefton Afghan Appeal, please email afghanappeal@seftoncvs.org.uk.