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With the Met Office issuing a weather warning for the North West, healthcare leaders in Sefton are sharing advice for keeping safe and well this weekend.

The weather warning means that from Friday evening through to Monday there is a high chance of very strong winds, cold temperatures, rain and sleet, which can be hazardous for vulnerable people or those with long term health conditions.

Sefton residents are being asked to look out for their relatives, friends and neighbours, and to follow the NHS advice on keeping safe and well, below.

Keep warm

If you are aged 65 or older, or have long term conditions such as heart or kidney disease, diabetes or breathing conditions, you should keep warm by heating your home to at least 18°C (65°F). You should also wear several layers of light clothes to keep warm, as multiple layers will trap warm air better than one bulky layer of clothing.

Keeping warm over the winter months can also help us all to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

If you do go outside during the wet and windy weather, remember to wear shoes with a good grip to prevent slips and fall. If possible, stay inside during a cold period if you have heart or respiratory problems.

Be prepared

Ensure you have stocked your cupboards with food and medications in advance, to avoid going out in the bad weather. There are a variety of items you can keep at home to keep healthy and treat minor illnesses, such as pain relief medications, lozenges, cold and cough syrups, antihistamines, and much more.

Susanne Lynch MBE, head of medicines management at NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said:

“The cold weather can make us all more vulnerable to illness, but help is available from all local pharmacies in Sefton, who can advise on treatment for minor illnesses and what to keep in your medicine cabinet.”

“If you do become ill, we ask that you think about self-care, speaking to your local pharmacist, or calling NHS 111 for non-emergencies.”

Know where to get help

If you have an urgent medical problem, but not an emergency, get help from NHS 111 by visiting: www.111.nhs.uk online, or calling 111.

For help with treatment for common illnesses like coughs, colds or earache contact your local pharmacy who can give advice and recommend medicines and are happy to help. You can also access NHS advice and information at www.nhs.uk.

Cllr Ian Moncur, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Sefton Council, said:

“During the poor weather this weekend we encourage everyone in our local communities to keep an eye out for vulnerable residents and neighbours, or anyone living alone who may need advice or support.”

“If you’re worried about a relative or an elderly neighbour, contact your local council or ring the Age UK helpline on 0800 00 99 66.”

Support with energy bills

Anyone living in fuel poverty, or who knows someone who is, can be reassured that there is help and support available for those worried about keeping warm or paying energy bills.

To seek advice and information about the support available, people can call Sefton Council’s Affordable Warmth Service on 0151 934 2222 or the local Energy Advice line managed by the charity EPPlus Freephone 0800 043 0151. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

More information is available on the Sefton Council website:https://www.sefton.gov.uk/housing/fuel-poverty-and-energy-efficiency/

Following claims that the installations of Southport’s Christmas Tree was the reason for the cancellation of a show at The Atkinson last night, the Council has issued the following statement.

“Southport’s Christmas Tree is installed, maintained and funded by the Southport Business Improvement District, not Sefton Council.

 

“We are aware the installation of the structure is a delicate and complex process and ask that efforts are made to ensure these works do not coincide or affect an event at The Atkinson.

 

“Unfortunately we were informed of this year’s installation at very short notice, at which point a music event had already been organised.

 

“We then sought assurances that all works would be carried out considerately to ensure no disruption to the performance and that all fire exits were kept clear.

 

“Sadly during the evening it became apparent that the BID’s contractors were not abiding by these pre-agreed safety requirements and we were left with little option but to ensure the safety of everyone within The Atkinson and postpone the event.

 

“The team at The Atkinson is disappointed that the event wasn’t able to go ahead as planned and has already compensated the band for their postponed performance. Full refunds are now being processed for ticket holders.”

As COP26 comes to the UK, Sefton Council has published its Climate Emergency Annual Report, confirming a whopping 10% reduction in total emissions in just one year.

The fall was driven by the move away from office working and into home working. This led to a 92% fall in staff commute emissions and a fall in gas and electricity emissions in Council owned buildings. Sefton have chosen to report the emissions that staff produce whilst working from home in order to report a more accurate picture but the reductions in emissions were evident.

The Council are working to embed an agile/home working approach in future to maintain these carbon emissions reductions.

The report highlights key projects that have been started this year which would see a further 17% reduction in the Council’s carbon footprint upon completion including LED Street Lighting and retrofit works at Bootle and Southport Town Halls.

In addition to those measures which have reduced carbon consumption, Sefton Council have planted over 3000 trees which, in time, will reduce the amount of carbon in our atmosphere and contribute further net carbon reductions.

The 2030 target, which was set out in Sefton Council’s Climate Emergency declaration in 2019, is ambitious but critical to preventing further damage to our climate. All Council decision making reports now have to consider climate implications and training has been developed for all staff to ensure that all areas of the Council are on board with this ambitious but necessary work.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member for Regulatory and Corporate Services said:

“I am delighted to see the results of this years Climate Emergency Annual Report, it is testament to the hard work of everyone at the Council to have seen such a huge reduction in our carbon footprint and to see we are on track to reach that critical date of net zero carbon by 2030.

“The pandemic has forced us to change the way we live and work and it has been difficult at times, but there are some positives to draw from our experience and I hope we can maintain some of the positive climate impacts that have been seen over the past year.

“A 27% reduction in emissions when this years projects have been completed is so encouraging and I hope we can keep up the momentum as we move into next year. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate COP26 in the UK than with this fantastic progress towards our target.”

As the UK plays host to COP26, Sefton are celebrating all aspects of its wonderful coastline, the health and wellbeing benefits to climate action and its fantastic progress against its climate targets.

You can find further information on Sefton’s Climate Emergency progress at Sefton Council’s website