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Sometimes only a hug will do, but as the whole country continues to face ongoing coronavirus restrictions, sadly it’s not possible to hug those nearest and dearest to us.

Today, on National Hug Day, people across Sefton are being encouraged to look ahead to happier times and think about who they will hug and why. People can join the conversation online on the Council’s social media channels- Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

To mark the day, Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health, Margaret Jones, has also recorded a reading of Eoin McLaughlin’ bestselling children’s book ‘While We Can’t Hug’. Featuring best of friends, Hedgehog and Tortoise, the book explains how there are many ways to show affection for loved ones in a socially distanced way, for children and adults alike. 

Sefton Council staff have been reflecting on who they will hug, just as soon as they are able to again.

“I cannot wait to be able to hug the people I love the most! I’ve missed my hugs so much!! And that is one of the hardest things about the pandemic! At the moment, I get to hug my dog, even though he hates it!”

“I’d hug my 85-year-old nan, who I haven’t seen since September! I can’t wait for all of us to finally get the vaccine, meaning soon enough we can all give each other a big squeeze again.”

“I LOVE a hug, it always makes me feel better. I would hug my mum and dad, I will hug them so tight and probably cry whilst I am holding them. I hope this happens very soon.”

“Not being able to see your family when you want to is so difficult. I can’t wait for the moment when all generations (from age 88 to only 4 months) can reunite for one great big family hug!”

“I’d love to give my friends a great big hug right now. So many of them have lost family members, have been shielding or have really struggled this past year. And whilst a video call is lovely, nothing can replace a hug!”

“I would hug my grandchildren one by one and then hug them all again!”

“I’d hug my 88-year-old mum, my sister and my niece, who all live over 200 miles away in Essex and who I haven’t seen for nearly a year.”

“I would hug my lovely colleagues who’ve become close friends and who I haven’t seen since we started working from home. I miss our laughs, daily catch ups and chats over lunch.”

Following the issue of a severe flood warning for the Maghull area yesterday (January 20), overnight rainfall was not as heavy as predicted, meaning the outlook was adjusted by the Environment Agency to a flood warning, which means that flooding is still expected. 

Water levels at Dover Brook, near the River Alt, reached 2.5m yesterday, which is unprecedented for that area and remains the case today. 

If you are concerned about flooding in your area, you can find further info and support on the following My Sefton webpage 

Census 2021 will be open from Census Day on March 21, with Sefton Council encouraging all of its eligible residents to take part and shape how key services are delivered to local communities for years to come, including in healthcare, education and transport.

Sefton is a borough for everyone – the census, which takes place every ten years, will provide a detailed snapshot like no other of every household in the area, as it does throughout England and Wales.

Carried out by the Office of National Statistics (ONS), the census has taken place every decade since 1801, with 2021 a landmark year as it moves predominantly online – households should expect a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets.

The census, which covers participants’ sex, age, work, health, education, household size, ethnicity, time served in the armed forces and optional questions on sexual orientation and gender identity, will mean every resident over 16 will play an important role and make a difference, in some way, to everyone in Sefton.  

The information they provide will helping key decision makers to understand the needs of their community and where public funding is needed, whether that be investment in new schools, doctor’s surgeries, bike lanes and much more besides.

Both the council and ONS have moved to reassure residents about the way their data is being used. The ONS is completely independent of Government, meaning officials cannot see your information, which, including your anonymity, is protected by law. In fact, no one will be able to see any personal information you have shared for a further 100 years.  

To make sure all Sefton residents can successfully complete the Census on March 21 when they receive their unique access code, in line with local authority areas across England and Wales, Sefton will be supported by its own Census Engagement Manager, David Yorke.

Leader of Sefton Council, Cllr Ian Maher, said:

“The census is incredibly useful to us in Sefton, helping us to build a picture of the communities we serve in a borough for everyone, so please take part on Census Day.

“It is important that if you’re eligible, you complete the census in the same high numbers we saw in 2011.

“The move to a mainly digital process is welcome, but this won’t suit everyone. The ONS have made sure there is support available so no one is left out. This includes help over the phone from a dedicated contact centre, as well as guidance in a range of accessible formats, such as paper questionnaires and large print. Please also be reassured that your data is completely safe.”

For more information, visit the Census 2021 website or follow Census 2021 on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram