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Attention Clean Air Crew: Sefton schools urged to join the Airwatch Programme

22 September 2021
Bridie Finnan
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News

Schools in Sefton are being offered the chance to join an exciting research programme to understand the levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) in our atmosphere.

NO2 is produced by most vehicle exhaust pipes and is measured with monitoring tubes in different locations.

Each school on the AirWatch programme will link up with a member of the authorities Environmental Protection team and host diffusion tubes to monitor levels of NO2. They will receive monthly reports as well as educational content and activities to do in class across a wide range of topics.

AirWatch programme schools will also have access to termly campaign toolkits to help pupils influence positive behaviour on the school run to reduce any air quality issues around their school grounds.

Schools will be asked to return the tube every month in a pre-paid envelope and replace it with a new tube so that the team can track changes over a long period.

The AirWatch programme will run from January 2022 to December 2022.

This opportunity is open to 25 schools initially and will run on a first come, first served basis.

 

Darren Lloyd, Teacher at the Eco Centre said:

“This is fantastic opportunity for young people in Sefton to take part in an exciting project with real world results. The Clean Air Crew project has been a fantastic success with most schools in the authority now signed up – we have established engagement, now we want to foster ownership.

“Good air quality is extremely important to the health of people and the planet and this project will help us to identify those areas where improvements need to be made.

“I am thrilled that local schools will be helping us to gather this data, ultimately this is their planet to inherit and we want them to be learn about this crucial issue as soon as possible.”

 

Schools can sign up at www.cleanaircrew.co.uk and log into their account.

From the Teachers’ Area click on the Airwatch link and register your interest. This is the same area where schools will find the resources to support this programme.

If schools are not already signed up to the Clean Air Crew, Sefton schools can register for free & access a wealth of curriculum resources supporting sustainable education for both classroom & home learning.

BIPC Liverpool and British Library join forces to announce major new support lifeline for businesses across the Liverpool City Region

22 September 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, InvestSefton, Latest News, Uncategorized

The Business & IP Centre Liverpool (based in Central Library) and the British Library have announced the roll out of several new local Business & IP Centres (BIPCs) across the Liverpool City Region.

Tuesday 21st September sees the official launch of more BIPCs in libraries in Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, St.Helens and Wirral.

Anyone with a business idea or wanting to develop an existing business can now access a new range of specialist support services.

Following last year’s spending pledge of £13million in government funding towards a major expansion of the British Library’s Business & IP Centre network, many more local libraries are being equipped with dedicated workspaces, business resources and expert support for aspiring business owners. The expansion builds on the proven track record of support delivered by BIPC Liverpool.

Since being set up six years ago, BIPC Liverpool has helped over 3000 people start or grow a small business.

Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson says:  

“Liverpool’s Business & IP Centre is a brilliant success story and has provided a huge amount of support to countless individuals. The concept of providing help to anyone with a business idea, regardless of their background, is social value in action.

“What’s hugely encouraging is that over half of those who have benefited and set up a businesses are women and a third are from ethnic backgrounds – more than triple the national averages for business ownership in the UK.

“This is largely due to the accessibility and community-based ethos of library-based business support, so I’m delighted to see that the success of BIPC Liverpool will now be replicated across the City Region enabling many, many more people to benefit.”

The new BIPCs will be situated in Crosby, Huyton, Birkenhead, St. Helens and Allerton libraries. Each will be equipped with a core set of resources including a powerful range of free business databases, provided by the British Library. There will also be a programme of events, workshops and one-to-one advice sessions delivered in collaboration with local business leaders, professional advisors, successful entrepreneurs and community partners.

Liz Jolly, Chief Librarian at the British Library, says:

“At their heart, libraries are trusted spaces with professional staff who have a mission to connect people with information. Our BIPC Network harnesses the power of libraries, bringing in expertise from the local community to help people from all walks of life turn an idea into a successful business.

“We’re delighted to mark this next chapter in the Network’s journey, growing from 14 to over 100 new regional and local Centres across England. Our mission is to put business support in every library, whilst maintaining our commitment to ensuring IP workshops and events are also open to everyone online.”

Culture Minister, Caroline Dinenage, says:

“It’s brilliant that small businesses and entrepreneurs will now be able to access invaluable support and resources across the Liverpool City Region.”

Details of individual library opening times and range of BIPC services can be found at www.liverpool.gov.uk/bipc 

To find out how InvestSefton, Sefton Council’s business growth team, can help your business contact 0151 934 3452 or email investsefton@sefton.gov.uk or visit www.investsefton.com

Speak to your doctor for a life changing Active Lifestyle referral

21 September 2021
Ollie Cowan
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Categories: Active Sefton, Essential Sefton, Front Page, Health, Latest News

Sefton’s Active Lifestyles Team are encouraging people across the borough who may benefit from a series of health and wellbeing programmes to access their services.

The Active Lifestyles Programme, delivered by Active Sefton, run a series of services designed to help residents prevent falls, lose weight, improve their nutrition and physical activity levels and manage health conditions by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Residents across Sefton who think they would see an improvement in their overall health and wellbeing by joining the Active Lifestyles Programme are being asked to access the services either through registering themselves or arranging a referral through their GP Surgery.

There are four main services, all led by qualified professionals in safe and secure environments.

The Exercise Referral Programme – aimed at people aged 16 and above and designed for people who may be overweight or obese or have health conditions that would improve by taking part in a healthy lifestyle. It includes a 12-week subsidised, supported programme of physical activity, ranging from gym-based sessions, swimming, exercise classes, walking and cycling groups, through to community-based activities, as well as a full health screening before, during and after, including blood pressure, weight and waist circumference checks.

Weigh Forward Weight Management Programme – Our brand-new Weigh Forward programme has been specially designed to reduce the confusion surrounding nutrition and is available to anybody who would like to improve their weight. Suitable for anybody over the age of 16 years who may be overweight or obese, the free 6-week programme is available through friendly group or 1-1 sessions and can be accessed both virtually and face to face.

MOVE IT – This free healthy lifestyle programme is for children who are above ideal weight and their families. MOVE IT is a fun way to learn about leading a healthy lifestyle and eating the right foods to help maintain a healthy weight. Available for children aged 5-16 and their families/guardians, we can work together to learn about healthy weight maintenance in a fun and exciting way over a 6-week period.

Active Ageing – This falls prevention programme is available for residents aged 60 and over who are at risk of a fall or who have suffered a fall in the last 12 months. The free programme offers strength and balance exercises to help reduce the likelihood of a fall, as well as helping minimise any impact of injury in the event of a fall.
The overall aim is to provide the tools to help encourage continued daily activities and maintain independence. The service also looks to improve confidence, builds friendships, improves mental wellbeing, encourages good nutrition, alongside making residents aware of lots of services available in the community to further support.

NHS Health Checks – If you’re aged between 40 and 74, you may be eligible for a FREE NHS Health Check that can help you live a longer and healthier life by picking up early on signs of conditions that can then be prevented such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease, with discussion and signposting on to services that can help improve health and wellbeing.

For more information or to find out if you may be eligible to access services without a GP referral, please contact Active Lifestyles on Active.lifestyles@sefton.gov.uk or call 0151 934 2352.

Recycle for the Planet! Sefton residents encouraged to recycle to combat climate change

21 September 2021
Bridie Finnan
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Latest News

Sefton Council is urging people to think about trying to recycle more of their waste for Recycle Week 2021.

Residents are being asked to ‘Step It Up’ in the fight against climate change and take action to protect our environment and coastline here in Sefton.

Well used

Latest research reveals that almost 9 out of 10 people now recycle and that is seen up and down streets in Sefton where recycling bins are well used. However, 55% of households put items in the general rubbish bin that can be recycled. Recycle Week 2021 is a chance for everyone to stop and think about what can be recycled and how we can do more.

Recycling has a huge impact on our emissions and currently saves 18 million tonnes of CO2 every year, which is the same as taking 12 million cars off the road.

Impact

We recycle on average over 22,000 tonnes of waste each year. Working in conjunction with the residents of Sefton we are looking to improve this year on year. The more we recycle the less impact we have on the environment in which we live.

Cllr John Fairclough, Cabinet Member for Locality Services said:

“Sefton residents have embraced recycling as a way of life but we can always do more. People may be surprised how much of an impact recycling can have on reducing our emissions and the more recycling we do, the greater impact we can have.

“I urge everyone to take some time this Recycle Week to ask what small thing they can do to improve recycling and contribute to protecting our beautiful borough from the effects of climate change.”

If people are unsure about how to recycle a specific item, you can visit www.recycleright.org.uk and use the online tool to see what needs to go in the recycling bin where you live.

Local walk-in vaccination centres still available to 16 and 17-year-olds in Sefton

17 September 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News

COVID-19 vaccinations are still available to Sefton’s 16 and 17-year-olds.

Young people aged 16 and 17 can go to Seaforth Village Surgery and Southport Centre for Health and Wellbeing as well as some pharmacy-led vaccination sites for their COVID jabs.

Find out how to get your walk-in vaccinations in the:

areas.

You can check other walk-in sites in Sefton and beyond via the NHS ‘find a walk-in coronavirus vaccination’ site.

Anthony McNally, who recently got his first COVID-19 jab at a local walk-in vaccination centre said: “It’s really important that everyone gets their jab as soon as they can; to look after your nan and also so we can go on holiday and get out again.”

NHS data from August shows that one in every five of those admitted to hospital in England with COVID-19 was aged between 18 and 34.

Young COVID-19 patients have told their stories of battling the virus and suffering long-term debilitating effects as part of a new film encouraging people to get their vaccines.

Ella Harwood, a 23 year old illustrator from London, was 21 when she fell ill with the virus. She said: “I’m young and fit but I was bed-bound for seven months with COVID-19.

“Before I caught the virus, I was super active and had no health concerns, but I now suffer with asthma which I didn’t have before and a number of allergies.

“I fear I’ll never be the same again but I’m making progress and I’m very grateful that I’m still alive. Please get vaccinated if you haven’t already.”

Dr Rob Caudwell, local GP and chair of NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “Vaccinated people are far less likely to get COVID-19 or need hospital treatment for COVID-19 and they are less likely to pass it on to others. The first dose is proven to give 80% protection from needing hospital treatment. This could be even higher for younger people as they tend to respond better to vaccines. Getting your vaccine means getting back to being able to do the things you love and see the people you love, knowing that you and those around you, are far safer.”

Dr Pete Chamberlain, local GP and chair at NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “There are a number of local vaccine centres where 16 and 17 year olds can get their first jab. Parental consent is not required to be vaccinated and you do not need to be registered with a GP. Check the NHS website to find a centre near you that’s offering the vaccine to your age group. At some vaccination sites there is no appointment required and you don’t need ID. If you have your NHS number bring it, but don’t worry if you don’t have it. Just turn up, get your jab and get back to living your life.”

Those aged 16 and 17 in the UK will be offered a first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Further work is being done to establish whether 16 and 17 year olds will require a second dose.

In the video below, young people talk about their experiences of suffering from COVID-19 and long the effects of Long COVID.

Three quarters of adults in the UK have now been fully vaccinated thanks to the successful roll out of the vaccination programme. This is mirrored in Sefton where over 379,000 doses have been administered to those who are eligible.

The NHS is continuing to offer two doses to young people aged 12 and over with specific underlying health conditions that put them at risk of serious COVID-19, or who are household contacts of adults or children who are immunosuppressed. More details are available via www.gov.uk.17 year olds that are within 3 months of turning 18 are also eligible to have the vaccine.

Experts in the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) have examined the very latest safety data gathered from the UK vaccination programme and from around the world, including the US, where the vaccine is offered to everyone who is 12 years old or over. Vaccines must meet strict international standards for safety, quality and effectiveness. Once a vaccine is approved, it’s closely monitored to continue to make sure it is safe and effective.

How to get your vaccine

COVID-19 vaccines are being offered to 16 and 17 year olds at Seaforth Village Surgery and Southport Centre for Health and Wellbeing, you can find information from :

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