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Sefton Council

Back to school blues? Mental health support is available

7 September 2020
Charlene Smith
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Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News, Sefton Council, Young People

As children and young people are preparing to go back to school health organisations across Sefton are reminding residents that mental health support is available. Parents, carers, and guardians are being urged to be alert to signs that children could be experiencing anxiety, distress, or low mood as pupils head back to the classroom after months away.

 Dr Susan Gough, mental health lead for NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “It is more important than ever to look out for our children and young people and to help them access the support they need. We know it is not easy to talk about mental health, we would really like to encourage young people to have open conversations about their wellbeing, and to reach out for help if they need it.”

Signs that parents should look out for include:

  • You might find they are more upset or find it hard to manage their emotions
  • They may appear anxious or distressed
  • Increasing trouble with sleeping and eating
  • Appearing low in mood, withdrawn or tearful
  • Reporting worried or negative thoughts about themselves or their future
  • For younger children, there may be more bedwetting.

“If you’re worried about how your child is coping, trust your instinct and reach out for help you can talk to your GP, your child’s school or NHS mental health services.”

This week, The Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust has launched a mental health campaign. Using the hashtag #WellnessWednesday, the trust will share and promote information about local services and resources for children and young people on social media. The trust also has a webpage which hosts useful videos, including hints and tips to help children and parents dealing with anxiety about going back to school.

 Margaret Jones, director of public health for Sefton Council, said: “We’d like to reassure parents and pupils that they can get back to school safely and protective measures are in place. Your child’s school or college will be able to give you more information about the specific measures they have put in place, but the government has also released information and practical guidance to support parents, carers and students returning to school or college.”

 Dr Hilal Mulla, mental health lead for NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said:

“As many children start to return to school, it’s vital we continue to give them the support they need to maintain their mental health and wellbeing and deal with any feelings of uncertainty or worry they may be experiencing.

“The NHS offers a large amount of mental health support for children and young people, and if a child needs urgent mental health support or advice, check the NHS website for services in your area, including 24/7 crisis support.

“Parents should contact NHS 111 online or a GP immediately if they notice any physical injuries on a child, such as deep cuts or burns.”

Local mental health and wellbeing support and helplines available:

·       Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) – there are a number of local mental health support and advice services available to young people and their families at this time. For more information and to find your local service visit: South Sefton CCG CAMHS or Southport and Formby CCG CAMHS

¡       Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust 24/7 CAMHS Crisis Care Team – if a child or young person requires urgent mental health support the team can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0151 293 3577 or free phone on 0808 196 3550.

  • Kooth – This free online service for young people aged 11 to 18 years offers self-help materials and a safe online community 365 days a year.

National helplines and support available:

  • Childlinecall 0800 1111
  • The Samaritanscall 116 123
  • YoungMindsCrisis Messenger: text YM to 85258
  • Papyrus Hopeline UKsuicide prevention helpline: call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967
  • The Mix a support service for young people. You can talk to with the online community, on social, or through the confidential helpline or our counselling service. Call 0808 808 4994 (Sunday to Friday, 2pm to 11pm)
  • If you identify as male, you can call the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight, every day).

Useful links for children and young people’s mental health:

·       For information about the Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust Back to School Resources, visit: https://covid19.alderhey.nhs.uk/back-to-school-resources-for-parents-and-children/

·       To view the Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust Mental Health Help video series, visit: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4zniovSeRnCh_aHl7C7U_8lc7vjphc

Let’s Get Back to School Safely

25 August 2020
Charlene Smith
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Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News, Merseytravel, Sefton Council

Since the lockdown began, students across the country have been prevented from going to school to help control the virus and save lives. The Government is committed to ensuring that all students can safely return to school and we are working to make sure transport is not a barrier to people accessing the education they deserve.

There are many ways students can travel to school. In the first instance, we encourage all students to walk, cycle or scoot to school if they can and if they live a short distance (2 miles or less) from their school or further education college. This will help to reduce pressure on the public transport network for those who need it most.

If students aren’t able to walk, cycle or scoot, they can use public transport or drive to get to their school or college. If parents or students are car-sharing with someone outside of their support bubble or family, they should share with the same people each time, open the windows for ventilation and wear a face covering if they are over 11 years old and are not exempt.

If students are using public transport, they should continue to follow government guidelines to ensure they can travel safely on the network. They should plan their journey in advance and allow more time to get to their school or college. They should wear a face covering for the entirety of their journey if they are over 11 years old and are not exempt, wash or sanitise their hands regularly and social distance where possible.

Merseytravel has been working with transport operators and partners to put plans in place to provide the best level of transport services possible in what remain very challenging times.

Key information and advice are being promoted through the ReThink Travel campaign to make sure that parents and children are aware of new measures put in place to help keep everyone safe as a result of the Coronavirus.

Read more on returning to school here;

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools

The M58 Junction 1 slip roads are now open

21 August 2020
Bridie Finnan
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council

Sefton Council and Highways England are pleased to confirm that the new slip roads opened to traffic on Friday 21 August at 11.00am

The construction of the ‘missing’ slip roads at junction 1 on the M58 will provide a northbound off slip and a southbound on-slip.

The new junction will also reduce traffic on the A59 and some residential roads, as well as improving journey times between Maghull and North Liverpool.

As part of the works, we’ve also completed a section of cycle track which will extend into Kirkby helping to improve Active Travel throughout the Borough.

Funded jointly by Sefton Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the delivery of the M58 Junction 1 slip roads was one of the Council’s key commitments set out in the Sefton Local Plan.

Sefton Council has led on the development and delivery of the scheme in conjunction with Highways England and contractor John Sisk and Sons.

Contractors John Sisk and Sons, having scored so highly on the Considerate Constructors assessment, have completed the work with as little disruption as possible to the local community whilst ensuring that the project leaves a positive legacy.

Cllr John Fairclough, Cabinet Member for Locality Services said: “I would like to thank motorists for their continued patience and cooperation while these works have been undertaken.

“we understand the delivering of an infrastructure project of this size and complexity inevitably creates disruption.

“The benefits of the new Junction will reduce travel time, making it much easier for people in the local area to access the motorway network, while reducing traffic and air pollution on congested roads.

“The new junctions will also help facilitate potential future development in the Maghull area.”

 

Rob Heywood, Route Manager for Highways England said: “We’ve worked closely with Sefton Council to develop the new slip roads and are pleased to hear they have opened today. Adding two new slip roads to this junction will help ease traffic congestion in the local area and allow for new homes and jobs to be created.”

Joint plea to public to continue to be sensible and respectful at Sefton’s beauty spots

4 August 2020
Charlene Smith
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Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News, Merseytravel, Police, Sefton Council, Southport, Young People

A number of organisations across Sefton are joining forces to remind people to continue to be sensible and respectful if they choose to spend time outdoors during the warm weather.

The agencies who make up the Sefton Coastal Landscape Partnership include Sefton Council, Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue, British Transport Police, HM Coastguard, National Trust Formby, Natural England, the RNLI and other key partners.

Today (04 August) the partnership launches a campaign covering many of the issues faced on the Sefton coast.

Since restrictions were lifted allowing people to spend more time outside, we have seen a rise in the number of people using local beaches, parks and beauty spots including Formby nature reserve and many of Sefton’s beautiful beaches.

The advice remains that everyone should maintain social distancing at all times.

People also should check in advance of visiting places like National Parks and beaches to make sure they are prepared for visitors.

We are also asking people to remain respectful and protect our public spaces.

During the recent nice weather, the partnership has received reports of excessive littering and fires and BBQs being lit as well as people parking illegally and inconsiderately by blocking driveways and residential roads.

Mark Shaw from Sefton Council’s Green Sefton service said:

“Our beaches are tempting but they are not able to cope with high level of visitors at the moment.

“For those few who do visit our coastline at this time, they are advised that stringent parking restrictions are in place, all rubbish must be taken home and BBQs are strictly prohibited along the entirety of the Sefton coastline.

“At this time, we need people to think about their safety and the safety of others, as well as the wellbeing of our communities and Council staff.”

Sefton Chief Inspector Mike O’Malley from Merseyside Police said:

“We continue to work closely alongside our partners to deal with all issues on Sefton’s beautiful coastlines, and this August – with many choosing to holiday in this country due to travel restrictions – will be no different. We want all visitors to enjoy a safe, relaxing and enjoyable time, and show consideration for those who live in these areas.

“During spells of good weather this year we have had reports of excessive littering and fires and BBQs being lit as well as people parking illegally and inconsiderately by blocking driveways and residential roads.

“Anyone acting antisocially should expect to be dealt with by police in a robust manner, and we will also support other agencies in their work.

“I want to reassure those affected by anti-social behaviour, underage drinking and other issues affecting the communities of Sefton that we will again make a co-ordinated effort to prevent such incidents from occurring.

“Throughout August, officers will be on foot, in vehicles and on quad bikes across the Sefton coastline including Formby, Ainsdale and Crosby beaches, as well as parks and beauty spots including Formby nature reserve.”

PC David Baier from British Transport Police said:

“Everyone wants to enjoy this gorgeous weather and may head to the coast but it’s really important that people continue to social distance and wear compulsory face coverings when using public transport.

“These may be strange times, but the same rules apply regarding anti-social behaviour – we won’t tolerate any abuse of passengers or rail staff and we’ll continue to take a robust approach to anyone who breaks the rules.”

ENDS

Pupil tested positive for COVID19 at Maricourt High School in Maghull

17 July 2020
Charlene Smith
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council, Young People

Responding to a pupil being tested positive for COVID-19 at Maricourt High School in Maghull, a Sefton Council spokesperson said:

“We are aware of the situation at Maricourt High School in Maghull, where a pupil has tested positive for COVID 19.

“The child had not showed any symptoms of Coronavirus, but following National Guidance, had taken a test immediately after being informed that a family member had tested positive.  The child stayed off school while awaiting the results and has been off since.

“The pupil was part of a small cohort of key workers’ children attending school, all following strict social distancing rules, meaning the possibility of further infection is limited. However, following a risk assessment, a number of close contacts were identified and advised to self-isolate at home, even if they have no symptoms, to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus.  They have been informed of signs and symptoms and how to obtain a test should they become symptomatic.

“The school is currently in contact with the local Public Health team, Public Health England and the Infection Prevention Control team, who have advised on what health and safety measures need to be taken and on a cleaning regime which is currently underway.

“We commend the school for following the correct protocol and guidance which has meant that we can take swift and appropriate action to protect children and families.

“The school has been advised to take appropriate public health measures to ensure it is safe for other pupils and staff to attend as normal. However, if anyone does develop symptoms, which include a new continuous cough, high temperature or loss or change to their sense of taste or smell, they should self-isolate straight away.”

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