Archive for August, 2015

Disadvantaged 2 year olds in Sefton can get free early learning and childcare support through Sefton Council’s School Readiness Service. This support is vital to make sure these children learn at the same rate as their peers and are school ready when they reach 5 years of age.

A free place can be at a setting of parents (or carers) choosing, which must have an Ofsted rating of ‘Good’ or better. It consists of 570 hours, broken down to 15hrs per week, across 38 weeks. Children don’t have to receive all 15hrs but must receive at least 2 days support per week, for between 2.5 – 10 hours.

You can apply for free early learning and childcare and find out if a child can get this support at the dedicated Two Year Old Offer web page or contact the School Readiness Service on or by emailing 

On Tuesday 15 September health commissioners are inviting Southport and Formby residents to come to their ‘Annual Review meets Big Chat’ event and have their say about the future of services in their local communities.

This year, NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is combing its annual review meeting with one of its ‘Big Chat’ style events. So, as well as hearing about the CCG’s performance and achievements over the past 12 months, residents will also be invited to take part in workshop sessions, where they will be invited to give their views to influence  how services in their local communities develop and improve in the future.

Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of the CCG, said: “We would like as many people as possible to come along and get involved with our discussions around shaping future services. On the day there will be short presentations as well as the opportunity for those who attend to join in and give their ideas of how we can develop our plans further.”

Copies of the CCG’s annual report and accounts for 2014-2015 will also be available for people to take away.

The event is being held from 1pm – 3.30pm at the Royal Clifton Hotel, Promenade, Southport, PR8 1RB.  A light lunch will be served at 12.30pm.

Anyone who would like to come along is asked to confirm their attendance, along with any special requirements they may have, by calling or by emailing

The latest patient experience report from local consumer champion, Healthwatch Sefton, focuses on Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust.

As an independent body, Healthwatch Sefton actively seeks people’s views to highlight issues and trends within health and social care so they can be raised at a higher level and, as a result, seek to influence and improve services.

See the full report and find out how you can give your views and experiences of local healthcare.

A charity that supports older people in Crosby has just taken delivery of a brand new minibus thanks to funding from a local grant scheme.

Age Concern Crosby received £50,000 to replace its old vehicle from the NHS South Sefton CCG and NHS Southport and Formby CCG Voluntary Community and Faith Fund, which is run by Sefton CVS.

The fund was established to finance projects by voluntary organisations which support the CCGs’ key objectives which are to provide high-quality and integrated care services, and improve the health and wellbeing of all Sefton residents.

Age Concern Crosby – which has operated in the town for more than 50 years – provides a wide range of support services for older residents.

The minibus is used to bring housebound people to the charity’s luncheon clubs and other activities, as well as to take members on the organisation’s regular day trips and holidays.

The vehicle certainly helps to make a difference to the quality of life of members like Joan Forshaw, who commented: “I have been coming here for more than ten years now and I like the company, meeting people and the days out.

“The people who run the activities here are so caring and helpful,” she added.

Another member, John Coleman, has been involved with Age Concern Crosby for a year, after being in his house alone for 19 weeks before he discovered what was available for him locally.

John said: “It is smashing to come to the charity’s Housebound Club because it is really nice to get out of the house and mix with people.”

Age Concern Crosby Chairman, Chris Dale, said: “We’re exceptionally grateful to NHS South Sefton CCG and NHS Southport and Formby CCG for giving us this grant.

“The new minibus will help us to improve the quality of life of large numbers of older people in Crosby for many years to come.”

Fiona Clark, Chief Officer of both CCGs, added: “Age Concern Crosby does great work and we’re delighted we have been able to support the charity in securing a new minibus, which will help them continue to keep our residents connected.

“We are fortunate in Sefton to have such vibrant voluntary, community and faith organisations that are providing fantastic services for our residents. Our grant scheme is about recognising the important role organisations like Age Concern Crosby are playing in supporting and improving people’s health and wellbeing.