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Operation Beachsafe is being publicised this week to remind people to keep Sefton’s coastline safe for visitors and residents alike over the summer months.

Partner agencies continue to work together to prevent crime and disorder, and encourage people to enjoy the coastline and National Trust areas safely and think of the environment.

Sefton Council, the National Trust, the RNLI, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Merseyside Police and British Transport Police are all working in partnership to raise awareness and reassure those affected by various issues, including anti-social behaviour, underage drinking and other issues affecting the communities of Sefton.

Operation Beachsafe aims to address problems that the emergency services and local authorities can face over the summer months, with advice being given including:

·       Park responsibly – don’t park in front of people’s driveways or block roads, use designated car parks instead

·       Take your rubbish home with you – recycle as much as you can!

·       Campfires and barbeques – these are banned due to wildfire risk

·       Drones – these are banned as much of the coastline is a designated Site of Special Scientific interest

·       Check the tides and lifeguard advices before going for a dip

Southport Community Inspector Graham Fisher said: “We continue to work closely alongside our partners to deal with all issues on Sefton’s beautiful coastlines, and this summer is no different. We want all visitors to enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable time, and show consideration for those who live in these areas.

“Anyone acting antisocially should expect to be dealt with police in a robust manner, and we will also support other agencies in their work. Beachsafe leaflets and social media content will also give advice and how you can plan your trip to the area.”

 Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “We want people to enjoy our fantastic coastline this summer but everybody should treat it with respect and have consideration for other beach users.

“Our beautiful coast is home to an array of wildlife and scientific protections and we would encourage people to take home their rubbish, stay safe in the hot temperatures and behave responsibly during a day out to the beach.”

 You can follow #MySefton and #Beachsafe on social media for more advice, news and videos, and via the following channels: @Sefton Council @MerseyFire @Merseytravel @nationaltrust @RNLI @BTP @NaturalEngland

View a video explaining Beachsafe here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yPU_h6lJqiEjH14YXJ4EayOfUmr8CsuY/view

Impressive improvements at Formby Pool are now complete with the opening of a state-of-the art gym and studio extension.

Formby Pool Trust, the Freshfield Foundation and Sefton Council are pleased to announce the grand opening of the new facilities thanks to a donation from the Freshfield Foundation of just under £1million.

The finishing touches to the new studio were made last month with extra classes and facilities now available at the Elbow Lane complex.

Dympna Edwards, Chairman of Formby Pool Trust, said: “Our aim has always been to provide an outstanding environmentally and economically sustainable high-quality leisure facility, accessible and affordable to all, that improves local people’s health, wellbeing and quality of life.

“We warmly welcome this generous donation from the Freshfield Foundation and investment by Formby Land Trust in improving local facilities and services for the benefit of local people.”

David Kiernan, Formby Pool Trust Head of Operations, added: “We are delighted with the new facilities and to see our vision become reality. We are thrilled to showcase the new studio to the community who have been so supportive throughout the process.

“The team have worked tirelessly to ensure we are able to deliver the best possible customer experience and as a result believe we have a facility that can compete with the very best in terms of quality.”

The new studio has already facilitated an increase in group exercises classes from 21 to 43, with a further increase expected in the coming weeks. The Trust is now able to offer a wider variety of classes, such as Zumba, HIIT, Spin, Strength and Conditioning, Bodycombat, Bodypump, RPM, Pilates, Yoga, Chi Ball, Kettlebells and LBT.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “The improved facilities at Formby Pool are second to none and will greatly benefit our communities in and around Formby.

“We all know the health benefits of regular exercise and the new look gym and studio area are perfect settings to get active.”

Dave Pugh, Project Coordinator on behalf of Formby Land Trust, commented: “It has been a privilege to work on this important community building and help develop the facilities to meet the needs of customers. We are delighted with the completed work and hope it encourages more people to try the new facilities.”

Health professionals in Sefton came together on Monday 8 July to hold a ‘Big Tea’ and cake bake event to raise money for a local NHS charity.

‘Big Tea’ events are being held across the country raising money for NHS Charities Together on and around the 71st birthday of the National Health Service. These donations will be distributed to a number of NHS charities throughout the UK to help further support and benefit local patients.

As NHS charities make a huge difference to the lives of patients and their families and the wonderful staff who care for them, members of staff from NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG decided to bake cakes and raise money for The Walton Centre Charity, one of the many NHS charities that will benefit from the ‘Big Tea’ events.

Located in Liverpool, The Walton Centre is a specialist hospital trust dedicated to providing comprehensive neurology, neurosurgery, spinal and pain management services.

Fiona Taylor, chief officer at the CCGs in Sefton, said: “It was great to take a break and celebrate another fantastic year of the NHS. Thank you to everyone at the CCGs who participated in the bake sale by baking or buying some of the delicious treats here today. All the money raised will go to our local Walton Centre Charity, which helps so many people in our area.”

“I would also like to take this time to thank all of our staff, who work tirelessly to support people in our community. Last year was a big birthday for the NHS but it’s still nice to mark the occasion by doing something like this for charity this year. “

The CCGs are now encouraging others to hold their own ‘Big Tea’ celebrations in appreciation of the NHS. You can hold a tea party with friends or organise your own charity bake sale.

Further information, resources and a Plan a Party guide are available at www.nhsbigtea.co.uk

A family fun day held by Southport and Formby Macmillan Information and Support Centre was a real success and brought parents,carers and children in similar situations together.

The event, held on 22 June at The Salvation Army on Shakespeare Street, Southport, aimed to raise awareness of the support available to children, whether they have a close relative who has had cancer, is undergoing treatment, or has passed away.

Over 30 adults and 17 children attended the day and there has been some extremely positive feedback about the event.

One parent said: “Me, my twins, two of their great aunties and cousins went to the Macmillan family fun day for families affected by cancer. Lots of local organisations and support groups provided a free, fun afternoon for us all. But what else they did was give me a smile, made my children laugh, and gave me a day to feel comfort, support and kindness of others.”

Tanya Mulvey, Macmillan Information and Support Centre manager at the centre, said: “When a family member is diagnosed with cancer, the effects on children are often underestimated – children, even the youngest, can sense that something is wrong and if they’re unable to understand they may become withdrawn or distressed. We wanted to put on an event for children and their parents going through difficult times so they could meet other families and get the support they might need.

“We really could not have put this event on without the support like this so we’d like to say a HUGE thank you to Starkidz, The Salvation Army, The Creation Station, Wobble Tree Yoga, Child Bereavement UK, Sefton Young Carers, Parenting 2000, Queenscourt Hospice, ASDA, Harribo, Project Linus and Everton Football Club.

“All of the children were also given beautiful handmade quilts donated to the centre by Project Linus West Lancs, a fantastic charity that make these to help comfort children going through tough times.”

The parent continued: “I felt so lifted when I got home. From that night my babies are now snuggled up in their new blankets from Project Linus, magic blankets that will provide a mummy hug when I physically can’t give it to them. I’m going to bed smiling; something I haven’t done a lot of recently, so sweet dreams everyone.”

The children were entertained with crafts, yoga, outdoor games and a chill-out zone. There was even a surprise visit from Spiderman and Moana! While the children were busy, their parents and loved ones had the chance to talk to centre staff and other professionals about any concerns they had and support available locally.

Set up by Macmillan Cancer Support, NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and St Marks Medical Centre, Southport and Formby Macmillan Information & Support Centre is located on 20 Stanley Street and is open for drop in Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.

For more information about the work of the Macmillan Information and Support Centre on Stanley Street in Southport, please see the website: www.southportmacmillancentre.org.uk