Local groups have been given a boost now that wellbeing organisation Living Well Sefton has launched the fifth round of the Community Resilience Grant.

Community groups and community-minded individuals are being encouraged to apply for funding for projects designed to get more people out of their houses and linking in with their communities.

Michael Swift, (below), who runs Southport’s Stepping Stones social group for those with health conditions, was successful in securing funding from a previous round and said: “We wouldn’t have been able to do the drama without the funding and it has helped give people confidence and bring them closer together.”

Karen Nolan, co-ordinator of Living Well Sefton, explains: “The focus of our latest funding is about helping people get out and about so they feel less lonely. So we want to hear from community groups that have ideas on how to make this happen.”

The Community Resilience Grant has supported local communities with a range of projects from enhancing wellbeing through gardening or craft workshops to providing cooking classes that improve healthy eating.

There are grants of up to £2,000 for organisations and £500 to individuals, who are supported by a organisational partner. Grants are subject to specific criteria being met and will be approved by a judging panel. The deadline for applications is Friday, November 30.

Anyone interested in applying can complete the application form on the Living Well Sefton website where there are guidance notes on how to complete the form as well as the criteria for applying – www.livingwellsefton.org.uk

Paper versions of the application form can also be downloaded from the website.

Call the team direct on 0300 323 0181 or email LWS@seftoncvs.org.uk for further details.

In preparation for winter and the illnesses the cold weather can bring, Healthwatch Sefton and the two NHS clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in the borough are working in partnership to raise awareness of where local residents can get free, fast and expert advice from their local pharmacist.

All pharmacists offer expert advice on minor illnesses and ailments and should be your first port of call for conditions like coughs, colds, aches and pains, as well as advising on healthy eating and stopping smoking.

They can recommend the best over-the-counter remedy to start treating your symptoms as soon as possible, without the need for an appointment. They can also signpost you to which local service can help you if they can’t.

In addition to the free advice already available from high street pharmacies, some also offer the Care at the Chemist scheme, which is available to all patients registered with a Sefton GP. It is intended to improve access for patients suffering from minor ailments to the medicines they need to treat the illness without the need to see your GP.

If you don’t pay for your prescriptions then you can ask to join the Care at the Chemist scheme to get free medicines for a range of everyday health ailments.

The range of common, everyday illnesses and ailments included in the scheme comprises: athlete’s foot, cold sores, conjunctivitis, constipation, cystitis, diarrhoea, fever, haemorrhoids (piles), heartburn and indigestion, infant colic, nasal congestion, sore throat, sprains and strains, toothache, thrush, and warts.

However, during engagement work with pharmacies, locality representatives from Healthwatch Sefton – the health and care consumer champion – highlighted the difficulty people may have in knowing which pharmacy was part of the scheme.

Maurice Byrne, Healthwatch Sefton Locality Representative for Maghull, (right) explained: “It is important for people to bear in mind the options available to them when it comes to seeking medical advice or information. But, if you don’t know which pharmacy is part of the Care at the Chemist scheme, then it can be difficult to make that choice.”

Susanne Lynch, head of medicines management at the NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “All pharmacists are highly trained experts who can give advice on common illnesses and ailments, advising on the best over-the-counter medicine to treat your need whether they offer Care at the Chemist or not.

“You also don’t need an appointment to see your pharmacist. They have private consultation rooms so you can talk to them in confidence.

“If they are unable to treat your symptoms or have any concerns they will sign post you to the correct service.

“You can find out more about Care at the Chemist, including a full list of participating pharmacies from both CCG websites.”
Click here S+F and click here SS.

The following pharmacies are currently part of the Care at the Chemist scheme:
Southport & Formby – Bispham Road Pharmacy, Southport; Cambridge Road Pharmacy, Churchtown; Crossens Pharmacy, Rufford Road; Formby Health Rooms & Pharmacy, Liverpool Road; Fylde Road Pharmacy, Southport; Hesketh Park, Queens Road, Southport; Sedem Pharmacy, Churchtown; St Marks Pharmacy, Southport; Woolleys Internet Pharmacy, Bispham Road, Southport.

South Sefton pharmacies in the Care at the Chemist scheme are: Crosby/Waterloo – Alexanders Pharmacy, Cohens Chemist, Higgins Pharmacy, Crosby Road Pharmacy. Netherton – Cohen’s Chemist, Netherton Pharmacy, Durham Avenue. Maghull – Meadows Pharmacy, Station Road Pharmacy. Bootle – Knowsley Road Pharmacy, Superdrug Pharmacy, Bootle Strand.

To give people the support they need during Stoptober – and beyond – Smokefree Sefton is introducing two new venues for people to stop smoking.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) the team will be at Netherton Library, within Netherton Activity Centre, between 1pm and 3pm. And every Tuesday from then.

Smokefree Sefton is also introducing a regular Thursday clinic at Southport Community Centre, Norwood Road, from 25 October also between 1pm and 3pm.

“We have introduced these two new venues to make it easier for people to reach our free service, especially during this month of Stoptober. But, of course, we are here all year round for help in quitting smoking,” explained Colette Kearney, Team Lead.

As one of Living Well Sefton’s partners, the team can also support people by looking at their overall lifestyle to see if there are areas where improvements can be made.

If you can’t make the two new venues, ring 0300 100 1000 to find your nearest stop smoking clinic. For information on how Living Well Sefton can help you ring 0300 323 0181.

A host of famous faces are set to join residents across Sefton in wishing Bootle a very happy 150th birthday.

From Monday October 22 to Saturday October 27 all eyes will be on Bootle as the town celebrates its 150th year of incorporation with a week long series of events, talks, celebratory party and the unveiling of a special exhibition.

It’s part of a number of special occasions across South Sefton as both Bootle Strand Shopping Centre and the Girobank building mark their fiftieth birthdays.

Bootle’s 150th celebrations will include the unveiling of the refurbished Town Charter which was signed in 1868 and has not been seen by the public for decades.

The Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Dave Robinson, said: “I can’t wait for everyone to see the refurbish Charter, which has been lovingly restored by the fantastic team at the Atkinson, Southport.

“It is set to be a fantastic six days of celebrating Bootle turning 150 years old with lots of different events including a special history talk, a themed tea dance by Sefton O.P.E.R.A. performances by the North West Charity Singers, and a huge 150th bash which includes performances from Rachael Russell & George Gallagher!

“I’ve also called on a few famous Bootleians to send special well wishes to their hometown on this landmark occasion so keep your eyes peeled!

“The fact that we are able to celebrate 150 years of Bootle at the same time as the Strand and the Giro bank building turning 50 makes this an extra special occasion for us all.”

An exhibition displaying artefacts from Bootle’s history will be open from 10am-5pm on Monday-Friday (October 22-Friday 26).

Scavenger hunts for children and tours of Bootle Town Hall, done personally by the Mayor of Sefton on Monday 22nd & Wednesday 24th at 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm will also be held.

The full list of ticketed events at the Town Hall are:

Monday 22: Sefton OPERA 150th Themed Tea Dance (1.30pm)
Tuesday 23: North West Charity Singers (1pm)
Wednesday 24: ‘From Bootle to Broadway: It’s Coming Home’ Theatrical performance by SPACE Project (4pm)
Thursday 25: Bootle History Talk with Hugh Hollinghurst (10:30am & 2pm)
Friday 26: Waterloo & Crosby Theatre Group 150th Themed Bingo (7pm)
Saturday 27: 150th Celebration Party including Buffet, Bar & live music (6:30pm)

For more information or to book tickets please call 0151 934 2062 or email mayorsoffice@sefton.gov.uk.

Galloway’s Society for the Blind in Southport now has a timetable of events and activities for October.

Below are details of what is available.

Living with Sight Loss courses

We will be delivering one of the popular Living with Sight Loss Courses. We will be running the course on a quarterly basis in partnership with the RNIB, the first of these courses will be on the 6^th and 7^th November.

This course is for anyone new to sight loss or if perhaps your vision has further deteriorated and you would like to know more about the services and support available to you. This two day course will cover technology, registration, emotional impact of sight loss, low vision aids and lots more; it is also a great opportunity to meet others living with sight loss and share experiences. You are welcome to bring a supporter along too.

If you, or someone you know would be interested in the next course, please call to express an interest and reserve your place.

Christmas lunch – Wednesday 12^th December 2018

We have once again booked Christmas Lunch at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Southport for. If you wish to attend please book early as this is a very popular event and places are limited.

Charles Bonnet Group – monthly on a Wednesday at Galloway’s Southport. Next date is 10 October.

This is a new group that has been set up at the request of our members as a support group for people living with Charles Bonnet syndrome.

Introduction of speakers – every other week on Mondays. Next date is 15^th October.

We have developed a speaker series which is taking place at Galloway’s Southport every other Monday. We are bringing a range of speakers to you to cover a range of useful, interesting and exciting topics. Please come along and send us your ideas for speakers you would like to hear from or topics of interest.

If you would like any more information on any of our activities, or would like to receive the audio version of this information, please do not hesitate to contact either Carl or Lesley on 01704 534 555.

New services have launched this week to offer a range of routine, pre-bookable, appointments with GPs, practice nurses and medical specialists outside of your surgery’s normal hours.

These new services will increase Sefton residents’ options for booking a non urgent GP appointment on weekday evenings as well as on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

In addition, people will be able to book appointments with a range of other healthcare professionals working as part of these teams.

Fiona Taylor, chief officer of NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “We know that access to appointments can be an issue for some patients, particularly those who have weekday commitments during regular practice opening hours.

“Now, thanks to these two new services, we can improve access to general practice by offering more flexibility and a wider choice of appointment times into the evening and at weekends.

“This isn’t just about getting to see a GP when you need to, it’s about seeing the right health professional, providing the right care, in the right place at and the right time.”

NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG have appointed the borough’s two GP federations to provide the extended access services.

The two GP federations, Southport and Formby Health and South Sefton Primary Health Care are run by doctors and invite all practices in their local areas to be members.  In Southport, the federation already runs a very successful community cardiology service.

Dr Gustavo Berni from South Sefton Primary Health Care and local GP, said: “Being able to book an appointment is something we know can be hard for people to do, especially for those in work when surgeries are open.

“Now, people can book an evening or weekend appointment with the new service through their regular GP practice.”

Dr Abdul Zubairu, medical director at Southport and Formby Health Ltd, said: “We’ve been doing a lot of work behind the scenes to get ready for these new services.

“Although you may not see your usual GP, be assured the clinician you see will have access to your health records with your consent, so will know all about you and the best way to treat you.”

The Southport and Formby service will operate out of the same building as the existing Family Surgery GP Practice at 107 Liverpool Road in Southport.

Litherland Town Hall Health Centre on Hatton Hill Road will be the base in south Sefton.

GP Extended Access Fact File

When and where will appointments be available?

Southport and Formby:
Mon to Fri, 5pm – 8pm
Sat & Sun, 9 – 12pm
107 Liverpool Rd, Birkdale, PR8 4DB

South Sefton:
Mon to Fri, 5pm – 8pm
Sat & Sun, 10am – 1pm
Litherland Town Hall, Hatton Hill Rd, L21 9JL

How will patients access these services?

All patients registered with a Sefton GP will be able to book appointments with their local extended access service via their own practice.

Anyone contacting NHS 111 who may be appropriately seen by the extended GP access service will also be offered an appointment by the call handler.

Are there things the new services won’t offer?

These are not ‘list based’ services, so patients cannot register with them like a regular GP practice.  It is therefore not intended to offer all services that you would expect from a traditional GP practice.

Whilst the services will prescribe any medicines that patients’ need as a result of their appointment, they will not be able to issue repeat prescriptions.  This remains the responsibility of the GP practice the patient is registered with.

Smokers in Sefton are being urged to tackle the Stoptober challenge by quitting smoking for 28 days.

Colette Kearney, Team Lead for Smokefree Sefton, one of Living Well Sefton’s partners, said: “Evidence shows that if people are smoke free for 28 days they are five times more likely to quit for good. If you’re thinking of stopping smoking then boost your chances of quitting successfully by using the support of our Personal Quit Plan which is tailored just for you.”

Their clients know first hand how Smokefree Sefton can help and comment: “I want to thank the team because after an injury I became inactive and started to smoke more than 40 cigarettes a day. After reading I was four times more likely to quit with the team’s support, I went to one of their clinics and my advisor helped me every step of the way. Now I enjoy having more money and I’ve even taken up sport again.”

The Smokefree Sefton team is working in partnership with Sefton Council and Health and Safety Executive to give staff help and support to stop smoking during October.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Stoptober presents a great opportunity for people who have been thinking about giving up smoking to take on the challenge and start living a healthier lifestyle.

“I’m delighted that Smokefree Sefton will be offering its services to businesses throughout Sefton this month, including supporting staff at Sefton Council who are ready to make a positive lifestyle change.”

To make it easier for people get free support during the month, the team’s Wellness on Wheels (WOW) bus is driving out to various locations including Bootle Strand, Marion Square Netherton and the foodbanks in Bootle, Waterloo and Southport.  Awareness events are taking place in Asda Bootle throughout the month.

For more information on how the Smokefree Sefton team can help you quit smoking visit their website: www.smokefreesefton.co.uk

Or call 0300 100 1000 to find your nearest stop smoking clinic.

Check timetables and plan your journeys a few days before the event – don’t leave it until the last minute.

These are important messages from transport leaders as the Liverpool City Region gears up to welcome back the Giants for Liverpool’s Dream – their third and final visit to the streets of Liverpool and, for the first time, Wirral.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to join the event, taking place between 4th and 7th October, placing a significant increase in demand on public transport services during the four days – as well as closing many major road routes.

City Region transport providers have worked together to put plans in place to help keep people moving and there will be changes to some services and timetables as a result of the event.

Whether they travel by rail, bus, ferry or car, anyone travelling to, from and around the city region during this time to either enjoy the events or for other purposes is strongly advised to check timetables, plan their journeys and allow extra travelling time to avoid disappointment.

For the latest information about services, customers should check with the relevant transport operator in the run up to and on their day of travel. Information will also be available online and via social media.

There will be extra staff from a variety of transport providers deployed at key locations during the four days to provide information and support people with their journeys.

Mick Noone, Merseytravel’s Director for Integrated Transport, said: “Demand on transport services will be high as this will be a very busy weekend for the City Region as we welcome back the Giants.

“At the same time, to facilitate the event we will see a number of diversions and disruptions to our road network. To enjoy the event to the fullest and avoid disappointment we strongly urge people need to check information and plan their journeys, don’t leave it until the last minute.”

Key Information
Thursday 4th Oct – Normal Thursday timetables apply – there will be no additional late night services so please check last train and bus times.

Friday 5th Oct – Commuters are advised to check for any changes to their usual timetable and need to be prepared to make changes to their journey.

Sunday 7th Oct – Fans travelling to and from Anfield for the Liverpool FC vs Manchester City game which kicks off at 16:30 are advised to allow extra travelling time and be aware of key changes to services – especially in and around Liverpool City Centre.

Thursday services will run as normal, passengers are advised to check the last train times before they travel.

There will be changes to services on Friday 5th, Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th Oct.

A special events timetable will run and passengers are encouraged to visit the Merseyrail website or pick up a leaflet from any staffed station.

The following applies to all three days:
• Trains will not stop at all stations to allow for additional and more frequent services.
• James Street and Lime Street lower level (underground) will be closed to aid crowd control and movement
• Wirral line services will start and end at Liverpool Central station and will not be stopping at Moorfields.
• Northern line passengers travelling to the city centre should use Moorfields as trains will not be stopping at Liverpool Central.

This is National Work Life Week which is an opportunity for both employers and employees to focus on wellbeing at work and work-life balance.

Employers can use the week to provide activities for staff, and to showcase their flexible working policies and practices.

If you are inspired after coming up with ideas and want to keep that wellbeing factor going for longer than the week then, if you are a small or medium-sized enterprise, you can apply to Living Well Sefton for a £500 Workplace Wellbeing Grant.

The grant money can go towards: staff costs, covering sessional work such as yoga; volunteer costs; equipment such as bike racks to encourage active travel to work; training courses with a wellbeing focus and events to support the wellbeing of staff.

It can also be used to refurbish facilities which contribute to the health and wellbeing of staff, for example decorating a break room or buying a table and chairs to encourage people to eat lunch away from their desks.

For an application form or to find out more information, contact Living Well Sefton on 0300 323 0181 or email: workplacegrants@seftoncvs.org.uk