n Welcome to Sefton’s Guide

This publication provides details of organisations who can provide help and support. We have also developed an on-line directory of local services, The Sefton Directory, which provides details of organisations and opportunities in the local community to help keep people active, healthy and well!

The directory can be accessed at www.sefton.gov.uk/ seftondirectory

Getting healthier is one of the easiest things you can do to make your life better: • You will be able to do more for yourself • You can meet more people and build your social network by making new friends • You can improve your wellbeing.

Living Well Sefton is a range of activities that support adults to manage their own wellbeing. The types of activity vary from information and advice to drop-in sessions or a regular weekly programme. The programmes encourage people to learn skills in coping and self-care. Research shows that reading improves mental wellbeing. Mood-boosting books are aimed at adults, older people and teenagers, particularly those who might have experienced mild to moderate mental-health conditions linked to stress, anxiety and depression.

If you are feeling stressed, depressed or just want a bit of a pick me-up, boost your mood with a good book.

The Active Lifestyles, Relax and Revive – mental wellbeing and Living Well Sefton Programmes are well established in Sefton and demonstrate an increase in overall wellbeing. A positive sense of wellbeing has encouraged participants to change some of their other habits such as reducing smoking and taking up new interest such as volunteering. If you, or someone you know, could benefit from these programmes then contact the team on 0300 323 0181.

Alternatively, for further information you can visit the Active Sefton website on: www.sefton.gov.uk/ activesefton or the Living Well Sefton website on: www.livingwellsefton.org.uk

Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect.

Dignity Campaign is about winning the hearts and minds, changing the culture of care services and placing greater emphasis on the quality of care services in, for example, care homes, home care services and hospitals.

High quality services that respect people’s dignity should: • Have a zero tolerance of all forms of abuse • Support people with the same respect you would want for yourself or a member of your family • Treat each person as an individual by offering a personalised service • Enable people to maintain the maximum possible level of independence, choice and control • Respect people’s right to privacy • Ensure people feel able to complain without fear of retribution • Engage with family members and carers as a care partners • Assist people to maintain confidence and a positive self-esteem • Act to alleviate people’s loneliness and isolation

If you live in Sefton and don’t think you, or someone you know, is being treated with dignity and respect you can contact one of the services below to discuss your concerns:

Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 218 2333 or Healthwatch on 0151 920 0726 Ext: 214

Everyone has a right to complain if they think they are not being helped appropriately. If you have an adult social care complaint contact the Health and Social Care Complaints Officer on Tel: 0151 934 3166

Sefton meets its statutory obligations, as determined within the Care Act, relating to the safeguarding of adults at risk. A copy of the multi agency framework can be found at Sefton Council website: www.sefton.gov.uk

From 1st July 2007 it became illegal to smoke in virtually all public places. The Council needs to ensure steps are taken to minimise the risks associated with second hand smoke when staff visit private homes and residential accommodation. If you are receiving care, you will be asked not to smoke when staff are visiting you. For more information contact: 0345 140 0845.

We are committed to equality and social inclusion. The Council has signed up to the Equality Standard for Local Government which commits us to take into consideration gender, race, disability, age, sexuality, religion or faith, transgender and intersex into all council policies. This ensures equality of opportunities for all.

NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (SSCCG) and NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (SFCCG) are the bodies responsible for ensuring that Sefton residents have the right health services for their needs, which are effective, efficient and of the highest possible quality and safety.

They are made up of doctors, nurses, practice staff and members of the public from Sefton, who are best placed to know the health needs and views of people living in the area.

Their membership brings together all doctors’ surgeries in Sefton, stretching from Churchtown in the north, Bootle in the south and Melling and Lydiate to the east, and which serve around 280,000 people.

SSCCG and SFCCG are working closely with a wide range of partners - including local people, Sefton Council, hospitals and community and voluntary organisations to make sure that health and health services across the borough continue to improve in the future.

You can find out more about their work, how you can get involved, or to sign up to their e-newsletter by visiting their websites: www.southseftonccg.org.uk and www.southportformbyccg.org.uk