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Women in Southport urged to attend their cervical screening

21 January 2020
Ollie Cowan
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Categories: Essential Sefton, Front Page, Latest News

During Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2020 (20-26 January), health professionals in Sefton are reminding women about the importance of attending their cervical screening – also known as a smear test.

Cervical cancer affects around 3,000 women in the UK every year, making it the most common form of cancer for women under the age of 35. According to Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, 75 per cent of these cases can be prevented through testing.

Screening is the best way to test for human papillomavirus (HPV). If the test comes back positive for HPV, the sample will then be tested for abnormal cells. If left untreated, abnormal cells can develop into cervical cancer.

In 2018/19, only 70.4 per cent of women aged 25-49 in South Sefton attended their cervical screenings after receiving their invitation letter, but health leaders are keen for more women take up the offer.

Debbie Harvey, clinical lead for cancer and end of life at NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “Women aged 25 to 49 are offered screening every three years, and 50 to 64-year-olds are screened every five years. When it’s time for your next test, you should be sent a letter inviting you to make an appointment.

“It’s a quick and simple procedure which makes sure abnormal cells are spotted early – when it is easier to treat. Contact your GP if you think you may be overdue.

“The test only takes a few minutes and could prevent cancer. If you are eligible, I would highly encourage you to attend your cervical screening.”

Debbie added: “It’s really important to contact your GP if you notice any unusual bleeding or other concerning symptoms.”

Thanks to the GP Extra service, local residents can book to have their smear test carried out by a practice nurse on a weekday evening (5-8pm) or, weekend including bank holidays (10am-1pm), making it easier for those who are busy during the day to attend their screening. You can book an appointment for this service via your GP practice.

For more information on cervical cancer and what the screening test involves, visit www.nhs.uk/cervicalcancer

More information on extended access appointments is available here or via your own GP practice.

Residents have their say on future of Southport Market

20 January 2020
Ollie Cowan
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Southport Town Deal

More than half of people that took part in a consultation on Southport Market believe introducing more food and drink options would have a positive effect on the building.

Late last year Sefton Council ran a four-week consultation asking the views of existing traders, local businesses, residents and visitors to the area on the vision for the renewed market space.

Hundreds of people got involved via Sefton Council’s online e-consult site and through hard copies that were available at the King Street market and other Council buildings.

91% of respondents who responded were Sefton residents and just under 80% of them had heard or seen the impressive images charting how the King Street market could look in the future.

While no final decisions have yet been made, the Council remains committed to ensuring Southport Market continues to operate and make a positive contribution to the local economy as well as becoming a key visitor destination.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Labour Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said: “We have said all along that we value Southport Market but the current offer and the way it operates simply doesn’t work.

“The consultation reaffirmed this with people saying they don’t visit the facility much, highlighting the number of empty units and how it was an uninviting place to visit.

“A number of responses also identified that a change in the offer at the market would improve the look and feel of the market quarter in the town.

“People have now told us how they would like a variety of food and drink establishments at the market with 78% of respondents saying they would buy from a deli/greengrocer/butcher that focused on local or specialised produce.

“Early plans drawn up for us last year had a flexible events space at the back of the market and our consultation found that 72% of people would visit an artisan and local food market with 64% saying they would go to a craft market as well.

“These findings have been reported back to our public Consultation and Engagement Panel with the view of moving the project forward during our Borough of Culture year.

“Building on our former investment at the market, we believe these findings can help us move forward and help transform the building into a unique offer that will only benefit the town and the wider borough.”

/Ends

A special memorial service will take place to remember victims of the Holocaust

10 January 2020
Charlene Smith
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council, Uncategorized

A special ceremony will be held for Holocaust Memorial Day.

The service, which is open to the public will be attended by the Mayor of Sefton, Cllr June Burns on Sunday, January 26, at Christ Church, Lord Street, Southport at 1.30pm.

The Council acknowledges this milestone year as 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz -Birkenau concentration camp in Poland.

Councillors and council officers will attend the memorial ceremony in Southport as well as members of the public.

All will take part in a minute’s silence.

The Mayor of Sefton, Cllr June Burns, said: “It is so important that each year we join others around the world to take a moment of reflection to remember those who endured genocide and honour the survivors whose lives were changed forever.

“At the annual service in Southport, our diverse communities will stand together to demonstrate how lessons from the past have taught us that prejudice must be challenged by us all.

“We would like as many people as possible to attend so if you have the time, please join us to mark this day.”

The service in Southport is open to everyone, with refreshments served at the end.

For more information visit www.hmd.org.uk

Get fit this January with Sefton’s Couch 2 5K Programme

6 January 2020
Ollie Cowan
No comments
Categories: Active Sefton, Essential Sefton, Front Page, Latest News

Active Sefton has announced that its hugely successful Couch to 5K programme will be returning to Litherland from Monday 13th January.

Taking place every Monday and Wednesday, at Litherland Sports Park, the coach-led crash courses aim to help you get back into shape or rediscover your love of running over a number of weeks. while The 10 week Litherland course, starting January 13, is priced at ÂŁ10.

The sessions are perfect training for those looking to get fit, find a love of running or build up stamina. Classes are drop in, drop out but it is recommended that runners take part in as many as possible.

Both sessions will run from 6-7pm each evening.

Running has many health benefits, including improved heart and lungs; and when combined with a healthy diet can result in weight loss. A more active life style is also known to improve mental health and can act as a great stress reliever.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Taking part in Active Sefton’s Couch to 5k is a great way to get fit and in shape

“As well helping to keep you in shape, the programme is also a great way to meet new people and make links with the local community. Good luck to everybody who decides to take part, and most importantly have fun!”

For more information about Couch to 5k, contact Active Sefton on 0151 288 6286 or email active.sports@sefton.gov.uk

Take control of your health this New Year

3 January 2020
Ollie Cowan
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News

After all the indulgence of the festive season, health professionals and Sefton Council are encouraging you get the New Year off to the right start by taking better control of your health.

NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG are reminding you about the number of great resources available to people living in Sefton who are looking to make positive changes to their lifestyle.

Living Well Sefton enables people to make small changes to their lives that can have a big impact on their wellbeing. It offers individual and group support around a broad range of issues, from eating better and being more active, to managing debt.

Anne-Marie Morrison, Living Well Sefton assistant manager, explains: “Together with our partners we encourage people to make healthy lifestyle choices including stopping smoking, learning healthy cooking, taking up new hobbies and meeting new friends.”

All Sefton residents are eligible and can self refer via the website or by calling 0300 323 0181.

Fiona Taylor, chief officer for NHS South Sefton CCG and NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “It is a good idea to take a break from drinking during January. People tend to drink a lot more in the run up to Christmas due to all the get-togethers and Christmas parties. Even if you are staying within the recommended intake, drinking most days of the week â€“ no matter how much â€“ can have bad effects on your physical and mental health. 

“Persistent alcohol misuse can lead to heart disease, stroke, liver disease and liver cancer among other things. I would encourage you to take part in Dry January and start your New Year off on the right foot. The first few days will be hard, but it will get easier as you go along.” 

Visit the One You website for tips and guidance about drinking less and a range of lifestyle advice.

Sefton Council’s Smokefree Sefton service can also support people that are trying to stop smoking. The programme provides behavioural support combined with up to 12 weeks’ worth of products to help you quit smoking.

For more information on Smokefree Sefton visit the website.

 

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