Sefton Council

Health leaders at NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG encouraged their staff to take a break on Monday, January 20 for Brew Monday.

 Talking to someone about any subject, from the weather to that new TV programme everyone’s watching, can have a positive impact on the way you’re feeling. That’s why the staff at both CCGs took time out of their day to chat to each other over tea and cakes.

 Fiona Taylor, chief officer of the CCGs, said: “A lot of people struggle with their mental wellbeing at this time of year. Events like these are a great way to encourage people to take a break from their busy day and spend a few minutes looking after their mental health.

“It was good to see so many staff taking part in Brew Monday and turning what is often thought of as the most depressing day into a positive experience. Brew Monday is a brilliant way for people to connect over a warm cup of tea.”

 During the event, donations were collected for the local Samaritans group, a charity which supports people in emotional distress.

‘Brew Monday’ was originally launched by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust who host events across the region each year to raise awareness of their ‘zero suicides’ initiative, which is a commitment to eliminating suicide for all those in their care.

 If you are feeling anxious or depressed, you can contact Access Sefton for free NHS talking therapies for common mental health conditions. The service is available to anyone aged 16 and over and registered with a Sefton GP. For more information visit Access Sefton online at www.insighthealthcare.org/accesssefton or call 0300 303 2708.

Members of the public interested in local health issues are invited to the forthcoming governing body meetings of their local health commissioners.

 NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS South Sefton CCG hold their bi-monthly governing body meetings in public, so that people can listen to the discussions and the decision making processes of the doctors, nurses and other health professionals that make up these forums. 

 Dr Craig Gillespie, local GP and chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “I would highly encourage anyone that is interested in local health issues to attend. It’s a great way to find out about the work we’ve been doing over the past few months and what we have coming up.”

 Attendees have the opportunity to ask governing body members questions before the formal meeting begins.

 Dr Rob Caudwell, local GP and chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG added: “It’s really important to us that people in Sefton are involved in the work that we do and that’s why it’s always great to see members of the public in attendance.”

 NHS Southport and Formby CCG’s governing body will meet on Wednesday February 5 at 1pm at the Family Life Centre, Ash Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 6JH.

 NHS South Sefton CCG’s governing body will meet on Thursday February 6 at 1pm at Merton House, Stanley Road, Bootle, L20 3DL in the 3rd floor boardroom.

Agendas and papers will be published on the CCGs’ websites in advance of the meetings:

• NHS Southport and Formby CCG – southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk/about-us/governing-body/governing-body-meetings/
• NHS South Sefton CCG – southseftonccg.nhs.uk/about-us/governing-body/governing-body-meetings/

 Anyone planning to attend either meeting is asked to call 0151 317 8456 to confirm their attendance and to advise about any communications or accessibility requirements they may have.