Health

One Sefton resident is counting the benefits of stopping smoking with Sefton’s free stop smoking service.

George Travers, from Bootle, went to Smokefree Sefton’s clinic at the May Logan Centre and is delighted that he has said goodbye to cigarettes.

“I have been smoking most of my life, at least 20 per day. I’m in my seventies now and was unsure if I would ever quit.

“However, I would like to thank Smokefree Sefton because, after attending Smokefree Sefton and completing the course with the help and support of my advisor, I am now smoke free!”

The other benefit is that George has noticed he’s got more cash to spend and comments: “I am looking forward to my holiday in Spain with the money I have saved. I would say to anyone ‘It’s never too late to stop’.”

Thousands of people in Sefton have also successfully quit smoking with the help of the borough’s free stop smoking service.

Smokefree Sefton, a partner of Living Well Sefton and managed by Solutions 4 Health, offers professional support in a variety of community venues to make it easier for people to get the help they need to stop smoking.

If you would also like to stop smoking then ring Smokefree Sefton, which is commissioned by Public Health Sefton, on 0300 100 1000 for details.

Sefton’s Director of Public Health, Matthew Ashton, is delighted to release this year’s Public Health Annual Report (PHAR) which focus’s on children and young people growing up healthy and happy.

 Presented for the first time in video format, the report explores how children and young people from across the borough approach mental health and wellbeing. Using real-life stories, the film looks at how young people deal with issues such as exams stress, anxiety, worry and looks at the support available throughout Sefton.

 While there is no single reason why children and young people experience problems with their mental health, growing up in challenging home environments; having a disability; being a looked after child or a young carer; not being in education, employment or training; being exposed to domestic abuse; or having a parent with mental health problems can have a negative impact on mental health. 

 In Sefton, the number of people from some of these vulnerable groups is higher than the national average.

 Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “In Sefton we are dedicated to creating the right conditions and environments to promote and improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.  

 “The report gives us a chance to consider the opportunities and challenges ahead as Public Health continues to be at the forefront at Sefton Council.”

 Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Sefton and Knowsley, said: “I am pleased to be able to share this year’s annual report, which covers the pressing issue of mental health in young people.

 “Evidence shows that experiencing mental health problems before the age of 14 can affect educational attainment, physical health and impact on social relationships; therefore, leading to poorer outcomes in later life. 

 “For this reason,  Sefton Council continues to work with partners to develop early intervention programmes to promote emotional resilience which will enable children and young people to be able to cope better with difficult circumstances and do well in school and in life.”

The PHAR and a short supplementary document can be viewed online at www.sefton.gov.uk/PHAR