Health advice and services in Sefton

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has secured a mandate from its members to co-ordinate industrial action until May 2023. Following a ballot of members at 16 NHS organisations across Cheshire and Merseyside the RCN has confirmed that members at the following organisations plan to join strike action on both Thursday, December 15th and Tuesday, December 20th 2022:

• Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
• Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
• The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust
• Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust
• Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
• The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust
• Health Education England

Separately, GMB, Unite, and Unison members of North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) plan to join strike action on Wednesday, December 21st, with GMB members also taking a further 24 hours of action on December 28th.

We have successfully opened the centres below but only at derogated numbers:

• Old Swan Walk In Centre, 8am to 8pm
• St Chads, Kirby Walk In Centre, 8am to 8pm
• Smithdown Children’s Walk In Centre, 8am to 8pm

Our Silver Command is working hard to ensure the Walk In Centres return to usual operational business from Friday morning and is utilising resources from across the Trust.

We will continue to encourage everyone who thinks they need a Walk In Centre to contact NHS 111 online, their local pharmacy or GP practice and if it is felt to be an emergency then to attend the nearest A&E.

The NHS Walk In Centres operate at the following locations:

Knowsley

• Huyton - Nutgrove Villa 
• Halewood - Halewood Centre 
• St Chads, Kirby

Liverpool

• Liverpool City Centre Walk In Centre (based at The Beat)
• South Liverpool Walk In Centre
• Old Swan Walk In Centre
• Smithdown Children's Walk In Centre

South Sefton

• Litherland Walk In Centre

For more details on all our Walk In Centres, visit: www.merseycare.nhs.uk/walk-in-centres

Drugs and Alcohol

Sefton Council offers a range of services to support individuals experiencing problems associated with alcohol and other drug use.  For further details including how to access services visit the following website:

• For Adult specialist drug and alcohol treatment contact - Drug and Alcohol Service - Sefton (changegrowlive.org) 
• If you are under 19 please visit   - Rise Up – Sefton Young People and Families Service | Change Grow Live

Sefton’s Integrated Sexual Health Services offer a range of information, treatment and support regarding contraceptive and sexual health advice, as well as treatments for sexually transmitted infections.  For further information regarding accessing these services including online advice and online testing kits please visit the following website:

Sefton Sexual Health Service

Sefton 0-19 Healthy Child Programme

The Healthy Child Programme (HCP) is the early intervention and prevention public health programme for children and families. All families receive HCP services and there are also enhanced services for children and families who need them.

Healthy Child Programme 0-5 Years

Health Visitors deliver HCP for 0-5 Years for all children and parents to support:

• Parents having a strong bond with children
• Children being happy and safe
• Protection of children from serious diseases through screening and immunisations.
• Early identification of health and development problems and timely help.
• Improved readiness for school
• Breastfeeding, healthy eating and physical activity

For more information on the health visiting service visit: https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/our-services/southport-formby/health-visiting-team

Healthy Child Programme 5-19 Years

School health delivers the HCP, for ages 5-19 Support is provided to individual children and families and to schools as a whole.  Work delivered includes:

• health assessments for individual children in key stages in development and any child new to the area
• drop in clinics covering health and lifestyle behaviour
• support for vulnerable children including safeguarding
• assisting schools with lesson planning in PHSE
• supporting schools develop health plans

For more information on the school health service visit: https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/our-services/south-sefton/school-health-team

Enhanced Service

The Enhanced Service is a targeted programme for vulnerable young people and families. It involves more intensive support, delivered by specially trained staff. The Enhanced Service plays an important role in safeguarding children alongside statutory and other partners to ensure children are protected.

For more information visit: https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/our-services/south-sefton/enhanced-childrens-team

Sefton Kooth offers free and anonymous mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people in Sefton aged 11-25.  The site is staffed by fully trained and qualified counsellors and is available until 10pm each night. The service includes online counselling, peer to peer support and self help materials.  Click here to find out more : Kooth

The NHS Health Check programme aims to prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease. If you don’t already have one of these conditions and are aged between 40-74 you can have a Sefton NHS health check once every five years.

To find out more information and to book an appointment visit: NHS Health Check

Living Well Sefton (LWS) is a partnership of community organisations who work together to support people to improve their health and wellbeing.

At LWS, we have health mentors who can help you to make lasting changes to improve your lifestyle. This could include cooking and eating better, managing stress, being more active or taking control of your finances.  We are here to help you achieve your goals and get the assistance you need from the right people. We can meet with you in a range of locations across the borough.

You can call LWS on 0300 323 0181 to make an appointment or to find out more information visit: Living Well Sefton

Smokefree Sefton is a specialist part of Living Well Sefton (LWS), it helps people who want to give up or reduce the harm associated with smoking. The service is free and confidential for Sefton residents and includes regular 121 support combined with products such as NRT to help people quit.

The service has been designed to be flexible and accessible, offering packages of support that are tailored to individuals. Advice is provided in a range of community settings, can be face to face, in groups, online chat or over the phone.

For more information visit:  Smoke Free Sefton

Active Sefton provides lifestyle programmes in the form of Weight Management Services for both adults, children and young people, aimed to provide the whole community with the opportunity to live a more active and healthy lifestyle. 

The two programmes offered consist of our FREE 6 week Adult Weight Management Programme and our FREE MOVE IT programme, which is a Weight Management programme for children and young people aged 5-16 years and their families. All our Weight Management programmes are free to access direct by calling the Active Lifestyles team on: 0151 934 2352.

For more information visit: Active Lifestyles Sefton

Well Sefton is a community lead partnership based in South Sefton made up of Living Well Sefton (LWS), Safe Regeneration (SAFE), Sefton Council, Regenerus and YKids.  The partnership is working within the South Sefton community to improve health and wellbeing in the area. 

For more information about the Well Sefton partners please visit: 

Living Well Sefton

Regenerus

SAFE Regeneration

YKids

The support on offer can help us with our mental health and wellbeing meaning that we will sleep better, are able to do the things we want to do and can have positive relationships with those around us.  

Kooth provides online support form children and young people in Sefton aged 11-25. 

Kooth can direct you to a crisis service or you can join up to access counselling, advice and support online.  

Is there any local support available in Sefton? 

Access Sefton is a free, confidential service to support people with anxiety, depression and other common mental health conditions. The service is available to anyone aged 16+ and registered with a Sefton GP. The service provides psychological therapies (sometimes called talking therapy) on the telephone and online guided self-help, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling. Self-referrals can be made between 8am and 8pm Monday to Tuesday, and 8am to 5pm Wednesday to FRIDAY on 0300 303 2708 or online 24/7.  

NHS Mersey Care is providing urgent 24/7 mental health support. Anyone, including those in crisis can refer themselves into the service by calling 0800 145 6570 (freephone).  

Listening Ear provides psychological support line or ‘listening ear for anyone aged 16+. The service can discuss your needs and signpost you to resources, information and other services!  

The Life Rooms is providing mental health and wellbeing support for anyone aged 18+. They are providing online staying well at home learning courses. They also have pathway advisors who can support and provide advise around debt management, employment, housing, benefits and more. They can be contacted by phone 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday on 0151 478 6556. 

Kooth provides online support form children and young people in Sefton aged 11-25. 

Kooth can direct you to a crisis service or you can join up to access counselling, advice and support online.  

Women and Families

The Venus Centre in Bootle is an organisation for women, families, young people and children.

Details can be found online or by calling 0151 474 4744.   

The Swan Women's Centre in Litherland can provide Counselling, Outreach Services, Volunteering, courses, Therapies, Support Groups and more.

Visit the website for more information or call 0151 933 3292.  

I've seen some of the work across Cheshire and Merseyside, how do I access this support?

The Be Kind to Your Mind campaign has been launched across Cheshire and Merseyside and aims to support the mental wellbeing of those living and working in Merseyside. It includes the ALMA online hub, which includes mental and physical wellbeing resources e.g. online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). 

I would rather use national support services; do you have any information about these? 

The NHS mental health and wellbeing advice website contains information for people experiencing stress, feelings of anxiety or low mood. It includes self-assessment, audio guides and practical tools. 

Every Mind Matters provides simple tips and advice to support you to take care of your own wellbeing and mental health or support someone else. It contains short videos on a range of topics from mindful breathing to improving sleep. 

The NHS has published a series of mental wellbeing audio guides to support people with feelings of anxiety or low mood. 

Anxiety UK provides a helpline for people experiencing or suffering with anxiety, one to one therapy support and a free subscription to the Headspace application. Visit the website or call 03444775774.  

Is there any support available for children and young people? 

Kooth provides online support form children and young people in Sefton aged 11-25. 

Kooth can direct you to a crisis service or you can join up to access counselling, advice and support online.  

0-19 services

0-19 services, including health visitors and school nurses operate in Sefton and are contactable for support, advice and information around family health and wellbeing.

For more information, contact the duty team on the following local numbers:  

• Bootle (Derby, Linacre and Litherland wards): 0151 247 6010  
• Feelgood (Ford, Netherton, Orrell and St Oswald wards): 0151 247 6147  
• Formby (Ainsdale, Harrington and Ravenmeols wards): 01704 395 723  
• Hampton Road (Birkdale, Dukes and Kew wards): 01704 385 125 
• Houghton Street (Cambridge, Meols and Norwood wards): 01704 385 125 
• Maghull (Molyneux, Park and Sudell wards): 0151 247 6810 
• Prince Street (Blundellsands, Church, Manor and Victoria wards): 0151 247 6354 

Further information about the locations that the 0-19 team cover can be found at the NWBH website. 

If you want advice on supporting children and young people, Parenting 2000 offers a wide range of support services - services are now running via telephone and online, including You Connect 5 Courses for parents, parenting circle family support group and the Alchemy Youth Club - services are now running via telephone and from a range of online platforms. 

The Venus Centre in Bootle is an organisation for women, families, young people and children.

Details can be found online or by calling 0151 474 4744.   

The Alder Hey CAMHS team offer support during crisis, including assessment support via telephone. They are also due to begin a range of online groups and seminars from May 2020 for parents/carers, children and young people. To make a referral for support contact 0151 282 4527 or email camhs.referrals@alderhey.nhs.uk. Further information can be found on Twitter at @camhsSefton 

More information about support for children and young people can be found in the 'Sefton Educational Psychology Service Guide for Supporting Parents, Carers, Children and Young People During the COVID-19 Pandemic' at /public-health/mental-health-emotional-wellbeing.aspx  

Support for bereavement 

The NHS provides support around Grief after bereavement or loss

Cruse Bereavement Care has free online resources to support you during a bereavement, including specific information on how grief may be affected during the coronavirus. 

At A Loss is a signposting website with an online chat facility called 'GriefChat' that allows you to speak to a bereavement counsellor.

Child Bereavement UK provide one-to-one support for those grieving the loss of a child, or for children and young people (up to age 25) who are experiencing bereavement. There is a live chat feature and a helpline open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm at 0800 02 888 40 for those wishing to access private and confidential support.  

Mind provides information on bereavement, where to go for support and suggestions for helping yourself and others through grief.  

Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone affected by suicide. The service is completely confidential and can provide short-term or longer-term support. 

For a step-by-step practical guide following a bereavement, visit the government website. The site includes information on how to register a death, arrange a funeral and check if you are eligible for bereavement benefits.  

Our levels of physical activity and eating habits contribute to both our physical and mental health. It is important to keep as physically active as possible to help ease pressure on our muscles, relieve any mental tension, improve our blood circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and various cancers. Regular physical activity can also help us create a routine and can be fun to do alone or with those we live with.  

Eating a healthy diet and being physically active are also important to keep our immune systems strong, allowing us to prevent and recover from infections and illness. In younger children they are important for growth and development.  

 What support is available for me locally? 

The Active Sefton team is promoting the importance of looking after our physical health via social media.

You can visit them at Facebook or at Twitter for information about how to be active at home, including advice and tips on physical activity, healthy eating and wellbeing. The pages also include fun ways to engage children with healthy eating and physical exercise, including a tuck shop template that can be used to encourage healthier food choices whilst promoting learning.  

In addition, the team at Active Sefton has produced a YouTube channel with smaller workouts, challenges, and full classes for people with different levels of activity. channel also contains advice and informational videos on how to get up after a fall.  

The Active Ageing section of the Active Lifestyles website includes home exercises and downloads of exercises to print. 

What support is available to me from a regional level? 

BeFit4Baby is a scheme across Merseyside, that encourages pregnancy activity at home by providing access to exercise videos targeted at pregnant women. Details of how to access the videos, plus other pregnancy exercise resources can be accessed via the website. 

Are there any national resources I can use? 

Sport England have launched their 'Join the Movement' campaign and are sharing lots of information on how to #StayInWorkOut. There is also the latest advice on getting outside, with tools to help you make the most out of the fresh air during your daily walk, run or cycle. 

The NHS also has produced useful resources on keeping physically active. These are suitable for many people with different activity levels and include exercises from yoga workouts to gym-free 10-minute cardio workouts. 

The NHS also offer a range of lighter exercises, if you are looking for gentler options to stay physically active. 

Is there any support for children and young people?

The NHS Healthier Families website has a wide range of videos, resources and information to encourage physical activity for children indoors. It also includes recipes and support to eat healthily. 

This Girl Can provide information on exercising indoors and has teamed up with Disney to create dance routines to encourage children to get active.  

It has never been more important for smokers to try to stop. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Public Health England (PHE) have warned that if you smoke, you are more vulnerable to severe illness from coronavirus (Covid-19) as your lung capacity will be reduced. Smoking also means that your fingers will be in contact with your lips more frequently, increasing your risk of transmitting the disease from hand to mouth.  

The coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak has also meant that some people feel more worried and are experiencing feelings of anxiety. The stress of withdrawal is often difficult to distinguish from other stresses. However, scientific studies have shown that people's stress levels actually lower after they stop smoking.  

What support is available in Sefton? 

Smokefree Sefton Specialist Stop Smoking Service continues help smokers to quit during this difficult time. To protect clients and maintain social distancing measures the service is not currently offering face to face support. All staff are continuing to support clients weekly by telephone 6 days a week including during the evening. In addition, text message support can be provided.

The service provides nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) at no cost via secure postal service. Alternatively, other prescribed stop smoking medication can be sourced from GPs where required. 

People who want to self-refer can do so by calling 0300 100 1000 or emailing smokefreesefton@nhs.net   

If you are pregnant and smoke, the Specialist Pregnancy advisor will continue to provide support.  

Is there any national support available? 

You can visit the NHS Smokefree website to download the app, search for advice and information or create your own personal quit plan.

NHS Smokefree also has a YouTube channel with useful videos and information.  

Many people are experiencing feelings of stress, worry and anxiety during the coronavirus (covid-19) outbreak, and some may be suffering from bereavement and loss. During these times people may look for ways to cope with these challenges or with feelings of boredom. Alcohol and other substances may feel like a way to feel better during these times, however use may worsen feelings of unease and anxiety.  

 Key workers will also be experiencing heightened feelings of anxiety and changes to routine during and following the coronavirus (covid-19) outbreak. They may have experienced increased stress and worry about family, friends, colleagues and those they support. Key workers should feel able to access confidential support for alcohol and substance use without fear or judgement.  

With routines changing, some people may also find it hard to keep track of their alcohol use. This can have long-term last impacts. It is important to follow low-risk drinking guidelines, as acute binge drinking, and alcohol dependency can compromise our immunity and increase our chance of poor health.  

For individuals struggling with or receiving support for our alcohol and substance use prior to the outbreak, support systems may feel reduced. Self-isolation and social distancing measures are essential but may increase feelings of isolation and loneliness.  Support and help is still available and there are lots of great options online or over the phone.  

It is important to seek specialised advice before you stop drinking if you have physical withdrawal symptoms including shaking and sweating. It can be dangerous to stop drinking without support.  

Is there any local support available in Sefton? 

The Ambition Sefton integrated service delivers psychosocial and pharmacological interventions for individuals using drugs or experiencing alcohol dependency. It is an open-access service that offers a wide-range of support, including community detoxification, needle syringe exchange and blood borne virus screening.

The service is available to all residents of Sefton aged 18+. Individuals can be referred in by multiple professionals or can self-refer for support. For services in the Bootle area call 0151 944 5334 or in Southport call 01704 534 759.  

We Are With You deliver a support service for young people in Sefton (under 18) worried about their own drug or alcohol use, or someone else’s. Individuals can refer themselves to the service for support via telephone on 0151 318 2804 or online chat facility. 

I would rather use national support services; do you have any information about these?  

One You Drink Less offers information about reducing alcohol use safely. It contains helpful tips and links to download a 'drink free days' app. 

The Drink Aware website provides interactive support, including an alcohol self-assessment tool and online drink tracker. It also has a Drinkchat tool that allows you to speak to professionals from the Drinkline national alcohol support service. Visit the website for more details or call 03001231110 to speak to a trained advisor about your alcohol use.  

Friday/Monday provides information for gay and bisexual men on sex and drugs. 

UK Smart Recovery are providing online meetings.

Alcoholics Anonymous offer support which can be found at their website or via the national helpline on 0800 917 7650. 

Narcotics Anonymous online meetings are taking place daily at 11am and 7.30pm. For information about how to join the meetings and the support available visit the website.   

I am worried about a family member or friend's alcohol or substance use. Is there anywhere I can access support and information? 

Al-Anon is a family group support service for those affected by someone else's drinking. To access a virtual group, contact the helpline at 0800 0086 811. 

DrugFAM offers support for families, friends and parents affected by a significant other's use of drugs or alcohol. During the covid-19 outbreak, they are offering virtual one-to-one support and support groups for those affected. Further information can be found online or via their helpline at 0300 888 3853 

The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACOA) have a helpline that is available Monday to Saturday from 2pm to 7pm on 0800 358 3456. The website also contains useful resources for those affected by a parent's alcohol use.   

The coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak has brought unexpected change to our daily lives, routines and living arrangements, whilst also increasing general feelings of worry, stress and anxiety. During this period, some of us may experience new challenges in our relationships with partners, family and friends. It will take time for many relationships to adapt to these changes, for example being in constant close proximity to other members of the household.  

Where can I get support with maintaining healthy relationships? 

Relate is a national charity with trained counsellors. They are currently providing telephone and webcam counselling, as well as live chat services and advice and tips for keeping relationships healthy.

The FamilyLine service provides intermediate and long-term support for family members over the age of 18 with practical and emotional information on parenting and more complex family issues. To access the service visit the website or call 0808 802 6666 

The YoungMinds website contains useful information on how to support children and young people during the Covid-19 outbreak. Visit the website for tips on improving communication, or for more information about their helpline for parents. The phone line is available Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm, and 6pm to 9pm at 0808 802 6666. 

Gingerbread provides information and support for single parents families. They have produced a FAQ page with answers to common questions especially helpful to single parents and have a single parent helpline that provides practical information on a range of topics, from dealing with a break-up to child maintenance, benefits or tax issues. Visit the website or call 0808 802 0925.  

What support is available for victims of domestic abuse? 

If you feel uncomfortable, pressured, threatened or unsafe in your home, support is available.

This is a challenging time for everyone, and can be particularly frightening for those experiencing abuse. Domestic abuse can be emotional, economic, sexual or physical and it can happen to anyone.

Merseyside Police, local authorities and providers of domestic abuse support across Merseyside will continue working together to maintain essential services and contacts for anyone affected by domestic abuse.  

If you or anyone in your family is at immediate risk of harm, you should contact the police on 999 or use the silent solution system when using a mobile phone and call 999 and then press 55 when prompted. 

If you are not at immediate risk of harm, you could call the Sefton Independent Domestic Violence Advocates Service (IDVA) on 0151 934 5142. The team can offer practical advice and support for crisis. They will support whether you remain in your relationship or leave. 

Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid are also available at 0151 922 8606 or you could visit the website for more information. They provide free practical and emotional support for women, young people and children experiencing domestic abuse.   

Worst Kept Secret provides a listening ear to everybody and anybody affected by domestic abuse, including family and friends. You can call their helpline on 0800 028 3398 or visit the website. 

For more information and local services visit the Sefton Directory at www.sefton.gov.uk/behindcloseddoors 

Is there any national support for domestic abuse available? 

Refuge provides guidance and support for women and children that are the victims of domestic abuse. Visit the website for more information and to access online chat support. It also runs the free 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 20000 247.  

Men’s Advice Line provides support and information for male domestic abuse survivors. You can visit their website or call them at 0808 801 0327.  

Galop provides the National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline and supports people by telephone, email, text and WhatsApp. The helpline can be accessed at 0800 999 5428, or by visiting the website. 

Is there any support available on safe internet use for children and young people? 

Children and young people will be spending more time online during the Covid-19 outbreak due to social distancing and school closures. For many children and young people this is really important to keep in touch with peers and take part in new opportunities for fun and learning, however it can also expose them to new and different risks including increased social media and online pressure, online bullying and online exploitation.  

There are lots of online resources available to support young people and children to stay safe online. 

Internet Matters offer a wide-range of internet safety resources. The website contains information about topics from cyberbullying, self-harm, sexting, online grooming, inappropriate content and identity theft.  

Think U Know contains information and advice for parents worried about online abuse and exploitation, relationships and behaviour.   

UK Safer Internet Centre provide online safety activities that you can do from home with children and young people. The activities are age appropriate and contain different ways to engage and have conversations with your children about internet safety. 

The Anti-Bullying Alliance website can provide you with support around bullying and cyberbullying. Visit the website or call the parents and carers family lives helpline at 0808 800 222 or the under 18 Childline at 0800 11 11. 

Many people may be experiencing financial worries or difficulties as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. People may feel anxious for themselves, their business, their job or for someone they care about. Changes in working arrangements and could also impact and cause money-worries.  

It is important that people know that there is support in Sefton and beyond for those struggling with financial problems during this time of economic uncertainty.  

What help is available to me in Sefton?  

The Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB) run a project called Better Off Finance. This can support people with money challenges by improving financial resilience to cope with changes in circumstances.  It also offers support for job searching and training, or information and guidance for self-employed individuals. For more information, about personal finance call 0151 282 5650 or for self-employed people call 0151 958 9784 or email selfemployed@seftoncab.org.uk. 

Adviceline provides general advice on topics ranging from employment and housing to benefits and debt. They can be contacted on 0344 493 0012 between 9.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday.  

The Money Advice Team offer telephone advice Monday-Friday on financial issues, including debt. To get in contact you can leave a message on 0151 318 6407 and someone will respond within 48 hours.  

The CAB Help to Claim Service can help you through the process of claiming for Universal Credit. They can provide support in the early stages of a Universal Credit claim, from the online application, through to support with an application before the first full payment. They can be contacted by telephone on 0800 1448 444. 

Living Well Sefton offer benefits and debt advice to people in Sefton. For more information contact them by telephone on 0300 323 0181. 

Is there any national support available to me?  

The Money Advice Service offers  free, impartial advice on financial issues  with specific guidance on what COVID-19 could mean for your finance. 

Step Change is a debt charity now offering specific guidance for people experiencing economic difficulties during COVID-19. Visit their website at www.stepchange.org for additional information.  

Advice 

People with existing mental health conditions should take extra care to manage their condition and try to focus on maintaining good mental wellbeing.

Resources

MIND have produced a comprehensive guide for managing mental health and maintaining good mental wellbeing during this time. It details practical advice and support.

Advice

People living with a visual/hearing impairment may potentially find this period more difficult than those with no sensory impairment.

The support services available to those with a sensory impairment may have changed, reduced or ceased due to COVID-19.

It is therefore vital to look after your mental health and wellbeing during this time.

Resources  

The NHS provide information in British Sign Language.

The Deaf Health Charity provide daily updates in BSL 

Deaf Blind offer support and accessible information for those who need it.

Merseyside Society for Deaf People  offer support during the Coronavirus situation

Galloways in Southport will operate during the Coronavirus situation, offering full information in audible format and help and  support. 

Advice

People living with autism may find this period more challenging than others.

Support services available to those with autism may have changed, reduced or ceased due to COVID-19

It is therefore vital to look after your mental health and wellbeing during this time.

Specific top tips for autistic adults can be found at the National Autistic Society website.

Resources

National Autistic Society is a charity which amongst its many functions advises around Autism Spectrum conditions.  You can find Sefton specific services through the National Autistic Society and advice on coronavirus. 

Autistica offer tips and advice on how to cope during the Coronavirus lockdown. 

Advice

People living with a learning disability may find this period more challenging than others.

Support services available to those with a learning disability may have changed, reduced or ceased due to COVID-19.

It is therefore vital to look after your mental health and wellbeing during this time.

Skills for Care have a comprehensive list of top tips for mental health and people with a learning disability. 

Resources

Mencap offer help and advice if you have a learning disability or care for someone who does. They also offer a dedicated helpline and an online community. 

People First Merseyside is a self-advocacy organisation for people with learning disabilities. 

LCR guidance on Keeping Well at Home

Older People- Keeping Well at Home

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