Sefton residents interested in getting involved in how local health services are delivered are invited to two public events next month.

The special events, organised by the two clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in Sefton and  Healthwatch Sefton, are open to anyone wanting the chance to support their local NHS to improve and develop services by joining their local Patient Participation Group (PPG).

Helen Graham is chair of a local PPG group and says: “I joined our PPG group over four years ago and now chair the meetings. For me, it’s important that we think about all patients at the surgery rather than just those present at the meetings so we’ll think about all age groups and different health needs to help the practice support its patients.

“The meetings are a chance to get involved in changes and have your say, for example our practice has recently developed a new website, which we were all able to feed into and make suggestions on that were then taken forward.

As a result of discussions in the group, the practice also set up social media accounts and we’ve recently had a new PPG member join as a result of seeing our Facebook page. It is so worthwhile being a part of your PPG and making changes for the better in your local practice.”

Dr Rob Caudwell, GP and chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “PPGs support GP practices and are a way for you as a patient to have a voice about services at your surgery, as well as the wider health sector in your area.”

Dr Craig Gillespie, GP and chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “By coming along to these special events, you will gain a better understanding of what PPGs do and how you can become a part of the one at your GP practice.”

Diane Blair, manager of Healthwatch Sefton, added: “As a local Healthwatch,
we recognise the importance of the patient voice being heard when local health services are being delivered or developed. That is why we want as many people as possible to come along to the events to hear first hand the difference being a member of a PPG can make.”

At the events there will be a marketplace of health and wellbeing stalls at both events giving people the chance to chat with health professionals as well as representatives from the CCGs and Healthwatch. People can hear from current PPG groups and how they engage with their patients.

A light lunch will be served during each event, the first of which is on Tuesday, November 12 at SING Centre, Cambridge Road, Seaforth, L21 1EZ and the second is at Lord Street West United Church, off Lord Street, Southport, PR8 2BH on Tuesday, November 19.

Both events run from 10am until 2pm.

To book on for the south Sefton event on November 12, please register by calling: 0151 317 8456 or emailing: southsefton.ccg@nhs.net

For the Southport event on November 19, please register by calling 01704 395785 or emailing: southportandormby.ccg@nhs.net

Sefton’s local NHS health and care consumer champion is looking to recruit a chairperson and is asking: “Do you share our passion to ensure people’s voices are heard by health and social care service providers and commissioners? If you do, then we want to hear from you!”

Healthwatch Sefton makes sure local people have a say in influencing the design and delivery of local health and care services for those who use them now and those who might need them in the future.

Diane Blair, manager of Healthwatch Sefton, explained: “There are changes happening within the NHS and these are having an impact locally. We are looking for a chairperson to lead us through these changes to ensure we carry out our aims for the benefit of Sefton residents.

“Our chairperson will champion the patient’s interests as well as influence decision makers and ensure our organisation is effective.”

The role requires knowledge of the health and social care system across Sefton and whoever is recruited will be expected to maintain strong working relationships with Sefton Council, NHS, the voluntary sector and will take a seat on the Sefton Health and Wellbeing Board.

This is an unpaid role which runs for three years but out-of-pocket expenses will be covered. There will also be access to office accommodation (Burlington House) and administrative support.

Maureen Kelly is the current chairperson and has served two terms in this role since Healthwatch Sefton was formed six years ago. During that time she has overseen its development including the launch of the two Community Champion Networks and Independent Complaints Advocacy service.

DOWNLOADS

Chairperson recruitment pack (Word/PDF)

Application form (Word/PDF)

Diversity Monitoring form (Word/PDF)

Criminal Convictions Declaration (Word/PDF)

Closing date: 5pm on Monday 4^th November 2019.

Interviews scheduled: Week commencing 18^th November 2019

All completed applications and for any enquiries, please email recruitment@healthwatchsefton.co.uk

For an informal chat, call Diane on 0151 920 0726 ext 236 or email: diane.blair@healthwatchsefton.co.uk

Theatre group Collective Encounters have taken up a twice-weekly residency at Bootle Library with the aim of creating a new piece of theatre for social change.

The workshop will explore the issues that are important to you, your community and society.

Collective Encounters is a professional arts organisation specialising in theatre for social change through collaborative practice. It uses theatre to engage those on the margins of society, telling untold stories and tackling the local, national and international concerns of our time.

They have been recipients of the Community Resilience Grant managed by Living Well Sefton which was used to work jointly with Stepping Stones on a project to raise confidence and communication skills for people with mental health issues and learning differences.

The project resulted in a performance for an audience of local community groups, councillors and health and support workers.

Collective Encounters will be at Bootle library every Tuesday and Thursday between 10am – 12 noon and 2pm – 4pm.

For more information contact Abi on 07849 094903 or abi@collective-encounters.org.uk

Sefton4Good is asking local Sefton residents to Paint it Pink from 21-25 October to help raise money for local good causes.

Paint it Pink is the annual drive from Sefton4Good to encourage local residents and businesses to donate their time and resources for charities and good causes in the borough.

Sefton4Good are asking local businesses to fundraise on their behalf during this week, through activities such as raffles, bake sales, or wearing pink to work!

All money raised from the events will go to local charitable organisations within Sefton. Over the last two years, Sefton4Good has distributed more than £25,000 to Sefton-based causes, including Bootle Action Group, Girlguiding Sefton, and the Orrell Trust.

Rachael West, who is a member of the Sefton4Good team, says: “Paint it Pink week is a great chance for local people and businesses to find out more about Sefton4Good and the work we do in the borough.

“It is a fantastic cause to raise money for, as we only distribute our funding to local causes, ensuring your money stays in Sefton.”

The latest round of grant funding is due to be launched on 24^th October.

For more information on how to get involved visit; sefton4good.org.uk/paint-it-pink-week/

For fundraising ideas, please contact the Sefton4Good team at info@sefton4good.org.uk or call 0151 920 0726.

Donations to Sefton4Good can be made by texting SEFTON(amount) to 70085.

Health commissioners in Sefton are encouraging residents to challenge themselves by taking part in Stoptober, a month-long challenge to quit smoking.

Smoking is one of the biggest causes of death and illness in the UK – killing around 78,000 people every year and leaving many more with life-altering illnesses. Serious illnesses such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart disease have all been linked to smoking. Quitting will make a huge difference to your overall health and you will notice improvements almost instantly.

Dr Craig Gillespie, local GP and chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “Stoptober is a great opportunity to stop smoking. It sets you an achievable short term goal but who knows, you may be able to keep it up past October.

“We understand that giving up smoking is extremely difficult – that’s why the NHS provides several different types of support services. These include the Smokefree app and one-to-one or group stop smoking sessions.”

Dr Rob Caudwell, local GP and NHS Southport and Formby CCG chair, said: “Once you stop smoking you will notice a change in your pulse within minutes and your breathing will become easier within 72 hours. Giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. I would encourage all smokers to give Stoptober a go.”

There are several options to help you quit smoking. Chewing gum, receiving daily support with the new Stoptober app, as well as using a number of nicotine replacement therapies, such as patches and E-cigarettes are all great ways to help you quit.

Colette Kearney, Service Manager at Smokefree Sefton (pictured right), said: “Smokefree Sefton is a free programme commissioned by Sefton Council, which provides behavioural support combined with up to 12 weeks’ worth of products to help you quit smoking.

“By taking advantages of resources like ours you will be supported throughout your journey of quitting and will have a better chance of being successful with it.”

For more information on Smokefree Sefton, a partner of Living Well Sefton, visit their website.

To find out more about the services available to help you quit smoking, visit the NHS website.

To find out more about Stoptober, visit https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/be-healthier/quit-smoking/stoptober