MC Magazine - Autumn 2022

YOUR COMPLIMENTARY COPY

SPEAKING OUT

FKA twigs – combating illness, calling out abuse

AUTUMN 2022

Hope After Long COVID

Doin’ it for the Kids

Be a Savvy Shopper

MC

INSIDE...

3 WELCOME

20

AMAZING GRACE

4 HOPE AFTER LONG COVID

Cruise ship entertainer Grace Pennington turned to yoga to combat anxiety. Now she’s on a journey to share her passion.

6 SPORT WAS MY LIFE 8 VIRTUAL CARE 11 DOIN’ IT FOR THE KIDS

14 IT’S UP

TO YOU

14 IT’S UP TO YOU

06

SPORT WAS MY LIFE

Eric lives with Long COVID, but with expert help he’s getting back on track.

17 WHY WE NEED VALERIE’S LAW 18 ALL RISE 20 AMAZING GRACE

Why we all need to stand up and be counted when it comes to racism.

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22 EAT WELL ON A BUDGET

ONE TEXT IS ALL IT TAKES

26 GET INTO YOUR GROOVE 28 PICK A PODCAST

Got a worry you just can’t share? If you’re 11 to 19 in Sefton you can text your school nurse.

MC magazine team: Managing Editor: Steve Murphy.

Editor: Jackie Rankin.

Contributors: James Blandy, Sophie Brown, Jo Henwood, Rachel Robinson Editorial: Julie Crompton, Shae Fowlis.

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30 FRESHERS FUN 32 ASK A GP Photography: Joel Goodman, Freepik.com.

Design: Jo Hadfield.

You can contact us at: communications@merseycare.nhs.uk MerseyCareNHSFoundationTrust @Mersey_Care @MerseyCareNHSFT

33 LET’S TALK ABOUT TEXT 34 I DIDN’T KNOW I WANTED TO BE A NURSE 35 MEET YOUR GOVERNOR

MEMBERSHIP AND GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION The GDPR is the General Data Protection Regulation, a European-wide law, which governs how organisations can collect, use and transfer personal data. It came into force on 25 May 2018 alongside the new Data Protection Act 2018. As a Foundation Trust, Mersey Care has a statutory requirement to develop and maintain a membership and it is necessary for us to process our members’ personal data to perform this task. Our members are drawn from the public, people who use our services or care for people who use our services and staff. We request and securely hold data on our members, which they provide when joining our membership.

The data we hold on our members enables us to show that we are representative of the community we provide services for, to keep members updated through our quarterly MC magazine via email or post and to invite all members to the Annual General meeting. We also engage with all members advising when the election for governors will be taking place, giving members the opportunity to nominate themselves to become a governor and to vote in elections for the council of governors. Should you no longer wish to be a member of Mersey Care please email membership@merseycare.nhs.uk with your details or call 0151 471 2303 asking that your details be removed.

WELCOM A

fter the heat of the summer, it’s often good to reset and (dare we say look forward) to the glorious colour that autumn brings. Simple pleasures like walking through woods as the leaves drop may sound a bit mushy, but it’s the sensory stuff that is, in fact, a type of meditation.

In this issue we meet Ray, the 66 year old who is well and truly into his groove and leading dance sessions for all. We hear from another entertainer, Grace Pennington who is taking her brand of yoga and meditation to communities who might not otherwise get the chance to feel the benefits.

Even health conditions can’t stop the most determined – with a little help of course.

Colette is in heart failure but thanks to a ‘virtual ward’ programme and some special nurses and doctors, her days are no longer consumed by hospital appointments – instead she’s making a model village!

Everyone is learning together and it’s making a difference.

When the symptoms of COVID carry on – or new ones come – how do you cope? A team of specialists in Sefton is offering a dedicated support service to people with what patients themselves have termed ‘Long COVID’. Everyone is learning together and it’s making a difference.

Ray uses dance to lift spirits.

Steve Addingadoo urges us all to take a stand against racism.

As part of our Black History Month celebrations, physiotherapist and NHS senior leader Steve Addingadoo talks frankly to Rachel Robinson about how we can all be more kind to each other.

Steve’s is a good message as we move into a period of uncertainty. Let’s support each other in any way we can.

Enjoy autumn

The MC Magazine Team.

3

SPECIAL FEATURE

We aim to help patients regain a normal life.

HOPE AFTER

LONG COVID

By Jo Henwood

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 there have been more than 23 million cases of the disease in the UK*. For most of us symptoms disappear within a month and life goes back to normal.

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coronavirus.data.gov.uk

*

r Hai s s o L

te or Tas Smell r Change Loss o

Shortness of Breath

F

or some though, recovery takes much longer. Symptoms don’t go away, new ones develop. The struggle to hold down jobs, exercise or live a normal life, can become a challenge.

Figures released recently estimate that two million people are now living with a condition known as Long COVID*, a term Sarah Thwaites from Healthwatch reveals was coined by patients (read Sarah’s story of her own Long COVID journey – link on page 7).

Dr Phil Cumberlidge is a member of Mersey Care’s newly created Long COVID service, designed to help people who still have symptoms more than three months after their initial infection. Founded in November 2021, the launch was ironically delayed when Phil himself contracted the virus.

Long COVID, like COVID-19 itself, is new, and Phil humbly admits to still learning. His experience in rheumatology and in chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia clinics helps, as some symptoms are similar. The most common he has encountered are fatigue, pain, brain fog, shortness of breath, inability to exercise and headaches – but the list is endless.

Phil had learned that colleagues were also seeing an increased incidence of POTS (Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) – which can cause dizziness, rashes and clotting disorders. At his first clinic, more than half of patients displayed symptoms of POTS. The team now includes tests for POTS. Doctors have many theories as to why people get Long COVID – viral persistence, where the virus remains in specific cells, clotting disorders, an abnormal autoimmune response, or MAST Cell Activation Syndrome when too much histamine is released. His colleague, matron Yvonne Marsden says many patients are in their 40s and 50s with a full working life still ahead. *

[ONS 4 June 2022]

Headache es culti n i on i t a centr

Diffi Con

n

essio

Depr

nia

om Ins

Dr Phill Cumberlidge

Phil says: “We don’t really know why people get Long COVID and any of these theories could be right. Our focus is on rehabilitation and support. We aim to help patients regain a normal life.”

Medication currently offered includes antihistamine and anti-inflammatory treatments and blood thinners. But the clinic also offers physiotherapy, especially pulmonary rehabilitation, psychology services, and occupational therapy. People are also able to talk with a wellbeing advisor or be prescribed a social activity or course to improve their lifestyle.

Helen Reynolds is a social prescriber at The Life Rooms in Walton. She and her team give people a chance to discuss the wider implications of having Long COVID and help them find the right support.

“Someone with Long COVID may have been off work for some time, which can affect their ability to look after their families. This may lead to anxiety because of worry about the future. Other people we see have been unable to socialise and have lost their confidence.

“Many people say they leave us with a sense of hope. One person told me that having someone listen has made all the difference.”

The service may be new with much still to discover about Long COVID, but Phil Cumberlidge is emphatic. “We are here to make a real difference to people’s lives.”

SYMPTOMS OF LONG COVID •

fatigue

•

breathlessness

•

anxiety and depression

•

palpitations

•

chest pains

•

joint or muscle pain

•

not being able to think straight or focus (‘brain fog’)

•

dizziness

•

persistent cough

•

loss of taste or sense of smell.

LONG COVID? Government guidelines suggest that you may have Long COVID if you still have symptoms 12 weeks after your initial COVID infection, which are not caused by any other condition.

If you think this is the case, contact your GP. For more information visit yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk

HAVE YOUR SAY If you have had Long COVID, Healthwatch Liverpool want to hear from you. Take their survey at healthwatchliverpool.co.uk/ long-covid-survey

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SPORT WAS

MY LIFE

6

SPECIAL FEATURE

Football, basketball, hockey, rugby, volleyball – you name it, Eric Morris has played it. And wife Jean supported from the sidelines.

Now Eric has Long COVID, Jean has stepped up to full time carer, coach and as Eric puts it ‘The Colonel’.

E

ric trained as a PE teacher, becoming head of a primary school in Sefton.

A car accident in 1996 left him with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and he had to retire due to ill health two years later. He admits ‘sport was my life.’

Since the accident Eric has been diagnosed with multiple health conditions.

The couple were active, fundraising for charity and hosting community events, however Eric was classed as vulnerable during the pandemic, so they shielded.

It felt like a really bad dose of the ‘flu.

It took the legs from under me.

“One of our sons was still living with us but we didn’t see our daughter and other son properly for almost two years”, said Jean. “The only contact with our three granddaughters was when we were helping teach them online during home schooling.”

Eric had avoided COVID until last January.

He was invited for a routine cataract operation and tested positive a day after returning home. His symptoms were a high temperature, a cough, headache, sore throat and lethargy.

“I just flopped,” said Eric. “It felt like a really bad dose of the ‘flu. It took the legs from under me.”

Jean takes over the talking as Eric’s breathing becomes laboured. She describes how after he tested negative, he wasn’t eating or drinking well and couldn’t walk any distance without gasping for breath. Eric can’t remember much from this time – brain fog is a symptom of Long COVID.

a chest X-ray. Eric continued to deteriorate and one night Jean called an ambulance fearing he had suffered a heart attack.

Eventually Eric was referred to the new Long COVID service and, following assessments, has now been offered pulmonary rehabilitation.

Physiotherapist Lara Grant explains: “COVID can affect all systems and breathing can become less effective, so we retrain the patient to breath properly.”

Eric demonstrates breathing down in his diaphragm as he praises the team who are helping him on the slow road to recovery.

He is hoping for help to improve his mobility and get him stronger. “I am wobbly on my feet,” he says. “COVID has really affected my balance.”

He has been tested for POTS and is awaiting an appointment with a social prescriber, who will help the couple apply for benefits now that Jean has become Eric’s full time carer.

“It’s impacted our whole family life,” says Jean. “Every day the kids are checking in asking ‘how’s dad?’”

SARAH’S STORY Sarah Thwaite from Healthwatch is a member of the Long COVID partnership. She’s also suffered with the condition. Sarah fell ill with COVID-19 in March 2020. Mysterious symptoms, extreme fatigue, and the end of her daily routine became the ‘norm’.

Read Sarah’s blog about her attempts to rebuild her life and strength at: liverpoolexpress.co.uk/ tag/sarah-thwaites/

Jean eventually convinced him to speak to his GP and he was sent for blood tests and

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People in hospital often yearn for the normality and comfort of home.

8

SPECIAL FEATURE

VIRTUAL CARE

By Jackie Rankin

Patients in heart failure can spend a large part of their lives in hospital.

Now a revolutionary new approach is giving them the same care, treatment, and support at home as they’d receive on a hospital ward.

We meet the nurse at the forefront - and a woman whose life has been changed since she went onto the ‘virtual ward’.

We can do everything that would happen in a ward.

N

isha Jose (pictured) has 20 years of experience as a coronary care nurse. She’s seen the impact on patients and families of having to stay in hospital many times while their symptoms are stabilised. It may be a simple tweak of medications, but admissions mount up. In some cases someone’s total stay could be up to 60 days a year.

The situation can be distressing for both patients and staff, says Nisha, clinical team leader at Mersey Care’s Clinical Telehealth Hub. “People yearn for normality and the comfort of home, yet when they get home, they may become worried. It’s heartbreaking to watch.”

When health services became remote during the COVID-19 pandemic, a different way of supporting these vulnerable patients was needed.

Mersey Care was already at the forefront of using Telehealth – remote monitoring of people in their own homes, by specialist nurses at a clinical hub.

The service, developed in partnership with Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and digital health company Docobo, allows patients to record vital signs, such as oxygen levels and blood pressure, onto the Docobo secure monitoring system via a device provided by the NHS, or the patient’s own smart phone. The system uses the data provided to identify any deterioration of symptoms and complications.

It was already being used to enable patients with other chronic health conditions and those hospitalised with COVID, to be treated at home. Nisha says offering that to heart failure patients was a ‘lightbulb moment’.

“We knew we had the platform and the clinical expertise, so we were excited. But we were also very clear - the system had to improve quality of life for people who had already spent so much of their lives in hospital.”

Mersey Care’s team worked closely with coronary care experts from the Royal and Aintree Hospitals to develop the programme and invite people in their care to take part (see Colette’s story on page 10).

Patients are trained to use a handheld device that enables observations – normally carried out in the ward – to be taken remotely and sent electronically to specialist nurses. They review results and will contact the person to advise of any concerns. Results are also reviewed by a cardiologist during a daily virtual ‘ward round’.

She says the Telehealth vision is to replicate a ward setting, striving for perfect care and operating 24 hours, seven days a week.

“We can do everything that would happen on a ward,” says Nisha. “We take observations every six hours, like staff on a ward, to identify any issues. We can even carry out ECGs at the patient’s home.

“We may not be standing beside the person when we are caring for them, but we have the clinical skills to identify the early signs of deterioration, and we’re there when they need us – it’s like pressing a buzzer on the ward.”

FIND OUT MORE

about Telehealth at: merseycare.nhs.uk/telehealth

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REAL LIFE STORY

I’VE GOT MY LIFE BACK Colette Melia is excited about the model village her husband John is building in their back garden. It’s a work in progress – he’s dug out the railway line that will run through the village and she’s spent the summer watching it spring into life.

T

his time last year the 66 year old was making regular trips to hospital. A former university law lecturer, she had already been forced into early retirement by Crohn’s Disease, a condition which affects the digestive system.

Last January, after nine years of unexplained breathlessness, she was diagnosed with heart failure. Although she was relieved to have a diagnosis, constant hospital visits and admissions left Colette despondent.

“I had great treatment from the cardiac team, including heart failure nurses and cardiologists and community nurses, but never knowing if I’d need to go to hospital was a strain for me. Because of the Crohn’s

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disease I need to be close to a loo so I was always anxious.”

When she was invited to join the Virtual Ward programme in March, Colette didn’t hesitate. A technician delivered the equipment to her home, including a smart device, blood pressure monitor, an oximeter (for measuring oxygen in the blood), scales, a thermometer and a pedometer.

Colette was given training so she can now record vital signs and symptoms daily and enter them into a device, which then sends them to the Telehealth Clinical Hub. The Docobo system displays the observations on screen at the hub and alerts the attention of the nursing team if any reading or symptom is abnormal.

“I was apprehensive about using the equipment”, says Colette, “but it’s simple.

It’s just like being on a ward, you’ll get an immediate response which is very reassuring.

They have a virtual ward round just like in hospital, so I know my readings can be reviewed by a cardiologist as if I was on an actual ward.”

Colette enjoys a good relationship with the team.

“It’s perfect. You know they’re there, watching your readings, which gives you the confidence to get on with your life. I was so worried before, I couldn’t concentrate on anything.

I feel like I’ve got my life back.”

By Jackie Rankin

SPECIAL FEATURE

DOIN’ IT FOR

THE KIDS

By Jo Henwood

P

aying rent and fuel bills, putting a meal on the table and keeping the children clothed are basic life necessities.

But rising costs in food and fuel, National Insurance contribution increases and council tax hikes are just some of the reasons more and more people are really struggling to make ends meet.

Which is why Pathways Advisors at The Life Rooms in Liverpool have upped sticks and headed out into Children’s Centres in the community to offer life saving help to vulnerable families.

One such adviser, Jude Crabb (left), works full time in centres across Liverpool to help people find jobs, sort out issues like rent arrears and benefits, claim refunds and access financial support. It is not just practical help that Jude offers – she also talks to mums and dads about their wellbeing.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

DO YOU

NEED HELP? If you are struggling and would like to speak to a Life Rooms Pathways Advisor about any practical or social issue you can access them in many ways.

Drop in appointments are available at The Life Rooms in Walton, Bootle, Southport and Lee Valley and there are sessions available at libraries and One Stop Shops in Liverpool including Norris Green, Central, Kensington, Toxteth, Garston and Parklands Library and Kirkdale One Stop Shop.

I am going to be a warrior for these people.

Pathways Advisers are also at the following Children’s Centres on different days of the week: Belle Vale, Childwall and Woolton, County, Garston, Kensington, Picton, Tuebrook and Wavertree.

Pathways Advisor Jude Crabb, pictured right with client Joaquina.

Continued from page 11.

Jude’s natural empathy for the plight of families stems from her first job at the Alder Centre where she was the first point of call for distressed parents following the death of a child.

After a change of career to administration while her four children were growing up, she rejoined the NHS six years ago in a secretarial role.

It was when Jude’s daughters were considering studying nursing that she toyed with a career change.

“I was with one of them at an open day at Edge Hill university and I thought: ‘I wish I could do something worthwhile’.”

It was then that a job came up as a Pathways Advisor and Jude says she put ‘a real effort’ into her application form which paid off.

It is clear that there is no case too difficult for Jude and her determination to improve people’s lives means she is always prepared to go the extra mile.

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Her current caseload includes a dad with epilepsy who is trying desperately to resume contact with his profoundly autistic daughter, a man who is seeking work after looking after his children while his wife was in prison, and a single mum who wants to improve life for herself and her daughter.

“I am going to be a warrior for these people,” says Jude who, fittingly, is named after the patron saint of hope and impossible causes.

People are having to wait for a bath because there’s no hot water.

Mark Bell, Early Years Lead at The Life Rooms, said: “Taking our service to the community and not waiting for people to find us, is about prevention. Reaching people before their social and practical issues have hit crisis point can prevent them from becoming even more unwell.”

County Road Children’s Centre manager Joanne Smith is delighted with the support of the Pathways Advisors.

For more information and a timetable visit: liferooms.org

She said: “The past two years have been such a challenging time for families because of the pandemic. Children’s speech and language development has been delayed because they have spent so much time in isolation and our absolute priority now is to get those children ‘school ready’.

“Having this additional support in place to help mums and dads, is indispensable.

“Fuel poverty means we hear about people having to wait to have a bath because there is no hot water. We have had an increase in demand for food vouchers and we have an increasing number of refugees coming into the area who need help with things like housing and vaccination. We have never been busier.

“The Life Rooms Pathways Advisers are so dynamic and have so much knowledge, it is an enormous benefit.”

REAL LIFE STORY

SHE

HELPS ME

Interview: Jo Henwood Joaquina had a university education in her homeland and is taking English lessons to improve her chance of employment.

Single mum Joaquina has been living in Liverpool for two years with her four year old daughter. Originally from East Timor in South East Asia, she first arrived in the UK six years ago.

A

proud woman with a youthful countenance that belies her 34 years, she is full of energy with an infectious smile.

We meet at County Road Children’s Centre before she heads off for her English lessons – something she is committed to in order to improve her employment chances.

Joaquina was first referred to the Centre when it was noticed that her daughter had some delays in her speech and language development.

When it became clear that she had ongoing issues around housing, paying her bills, Child Benefit and finding a job, she secured an appointment with Jude who has since been working with Joaquina on a regular basis.

“They are great here,” she says smiling.

“There is always someone to support you.

My daughter goes to the playgroup and enjoys the soft play and Jude has been so helpful.”

Joaquina, who had a university education in her homeland and office experience in accounting and finance, has found a job working eight hours a week as a catering assistant but is keen to get more hours.

There is always someone to support you.

“I have been offered work which starts at 6am. At the moment I can’t do that because of my daughter, but Jude is helping me access childcare.

“She helps me with everything.”

Joaquina has had issues accessing her Child Benefit which is being paid to her former partner.

Jude says: “Joaquina had applied to have this changed but had heard nothing. I was able to get in touch with the DWP on her

behalf and chase up her application but it appeared it had not been received.

“I helped Joaquina reapply and showed her how to get proof of postage from the Post Office so that she can follow it up if she needs to.

“She is really proactive – she applies for lots of jobs and gets the interviews – I have been able to signpost her to services that will help her understand how many hours she can work, claiming tax credits and understanding what she is entitled to.”

Joaquina knows it’s a further five weeks to hear back from the DWP but knows that she is not alone in her battle to make the most of her life in the UK and give her daughter the best possible start.

NEED HELP? Find a Children’s Centre near you: gov.uk Life Rooms: liferooms.org Citizens Advice: citizensadvice.org.uk

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TO 14

FOCUS ON... BLACK HISTORY MONTH

It’s important to celebrate the contribution made by black people in the past and now.

Rachel Robinson

To mark Black History month Rachel Robinson talks to a physiotherapist about how changing the future is up to us all.

S

teve Addingadoo (pictured left) wants Black History month 2022 to change hearts and minds forever.

IT’S UP

YOU

whole organisations, not just in pockets from individuals.

Gently spoken and humble, Steve says it’s important to celebrate the contribution made by black people in the past and now – but we should step up and stamp out racism all year round.

He often feels obliged to explain his ethnicity as justification for challenging someone’s views. “I get the feeling they’re thinking ‘you’re not black, what’s it got to do with you’? I want to say, ‘look at my name!”

“Black History Month is a great opportunity to celebrate everything our black colleagues, as the minority, provide in all aspects of society. But we can challenge racism in our daily lives.

Steve’s hope has always been for a greater, more honest acknowledgement within workplaces of the challenges being faced by colleagues from ethnic minorities.

“Don’t assume or stereotype. Treat someone as if they were a new neighbour.

Go and meet them, find out a bit about them, ask them where they’re from, learn about their culture. Then support them if they need it.”

So has anything changed at Mersey Care since last Black History month?

Steve, 35, is a senior leader within Mersey Care’s mental health service. He describes himself as mixed race.

“My dad is from Mauritius; my mum’s Welsh and I was born in Burnley – it’s a proper mix!“ he says.

“Since I joined the NHS as a nursing assistant in 2007, I’ve always practiced what I preached. Now, as a senior leader, I feel I can have a greater influence than I’ve ever had, but we need action from

“We’ve seen frank and honest conversations and forums among the board, executives and staff, and the creation of the Anti Racism Perfect Care goal. Things have shifted in the right direction, but now the challenge is to set up more systems and processes that are sensitive to when people are not being supported.

“I’d love to see a higher percentage of colleagues from ethnic monitories at all levels and parity with white colleagues.

That alone would bring greater understanding of how anti racism can be upheld.”

Continued on page 16.

Don’t assume or stereotype.

Treat someone as if they were a new neighbour – get to know them.

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PLAYGROUND

TAUNTS STAY

WITH ME

Steve has encountered racism throughout his life and says the impact of childhood racist abuse can come back to haunt as an adult in the workplace.

I’d get into fights over racist abuse at primary school. When I was in my final year my older brother became a teacher. He changed his name from Addingadoo to Addington because he thought it would be easier for teaching.

“My mum and dad decided to change my name when I went to high school, but when everyone from your primary school knows, word gets round, and the abuse carried on.

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“I changed my name back when I got married, but now, when someone makes fun of my name, or my kids tell me of similar experiences, it takes me right back to that playground and it reminds me – racism is still here.”

“I’ve made it my duty to make a stamp on what I think should be happening – that’s how I’ve always rolled, and I still do now. If we accept that racial abuse happens – even what may seem the smallest of comments – it can become the ‘norm’ to think the person is being oversensitive. When I talk to my colleagues they say, ‘it’s still not ok’.

That shouldn’t be happening.

“It’s not enough to be not racist. We need to start being anti racist, to learn to identify and talk openly about it without feeling uncomfortable, to feel able to challenge and act when we see and hear things.

“If it doesn’t sit right say something, do something, don’t just let it happen. Take someone aside and say ‘do you know how that feels? Would you have said it to a white person? If you identify racism, have the courage to talk about it and challenge it, that’s you being anti racist.

It’s within your gift to be anti racist. Let’s do it now.

“Until we stop thinking ‘it’s not my issue to raise’ we won’t change hearts and minds. It’s within your gift to be anti racist. Let’s do it now.”

How will we know when society has done enough? Steve smiles. “I’d say it will only be enough when we’re not talking about it anymore.”

WANT TO KNOW

MORE?

Black History Month: blackhistorymonth.org.uk

REAL LIFE STORY

pictures curtesy of Sama Kai, kaicapture.com

VALERIE’S LAW

HISTORY IN THE MAKING Campaigners, led by the charity Sistah Space, are calling for the introduction of ‘Valerie’s Law’ which would bring about mandatory training to help police officers and others dealing with victims of domestic violence and abuse to better understand the needs of women of African heritage.

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f taken up ‘Valerie’s Law’ – named in memory of Valerie Forde who was murdered by her ex-partner in 2014 – could see what Ngozi Fulani, the Chief Executive of Sistah Space, has described as, “history in the making”.

The campaign attracted an impressive 106,000 signatures to its official petition and triggered a debate in parliament at which Labour MP Abena Oppong-Asare spoke in support of the case for a new law. Reporting on the debate BBC News quotes the MP as saying that “black women did not receive the same level of support as white women due to the way bruises can be masked by dark skin, as well as racism”; and that Government Minister Rachel Maclean ‘stopped short’ of making any training compulsory but did pledge more support for black victims.

Well I can’t see any bruises on you.

Met police officer to a domestic violence victim.

BBC News goes on to mention that after the debate, Djanomi Headley of Sistah Space, said the group was delighted to have “made history” by getting the campaign for Valerie’s Law heard by government. “There is optimism and room for hope,” she said. “We’ll be able to discuss future plans with the chiefs of policing.”

AFRICAN/CARIBBEAN HERITAGE WOMEN IN UK

86%

have either been directly a victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse or know a family member who has been assaulted

RACISM AND

RACIST HATE CRIME If you have been the victim of racism, the following organisations may be able to help.

Stop Hate UK: is one of the leading national organisations working to challenge all forms of hate crime and discrimination, based on any aspect of an individual’s identity. stophateuk.org Call us 0113 293 5100 The National Bullying Helpline: can provide free, confidential help and support if you are being bullied at work, at home, in the community or in education.

Call: 0300 323 0169 (9am to 5pm daily) or visit the nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk

NEED HELP? If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, you can call the 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247, or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk Sistah Space: Get Help sistahspace.org Tel: 0207 846 8350

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SPECIAL FEATURE

ALL RISE Sometimes standing up for yourself is messy

By Steve Murphy

She’s the first Black female and the youngest ever winner of the NME’s much coveted ‘Godlike Genius’ award. She’s been nominated for a Grammy and her videos and songs have been viewed and streamed millions of times.

So you could be forgiven for thinking that life’s been easy for the visionary artist and singer FKA twigs – but you’d be wrong.

I

t’s fair to say that since bursting onto the music scene 10 years ago the British born 34 year old has been through some truly testing times.

When she was dating teen heart throb Robert Pattinson, fans of the ‘Twilight’ film franchise targeted her with hurtful racial abuse; she’s undergone surgery to remove painful fibroids; and she’s set to take her ex-partner, actor and film maker, Shia LaBeouf, to court accusing him of physical, emotional and mental abuse that she says has left her with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Commenting earlier this year on her NME award she remains upbeat, saying in a statement: “I am so proud to be the first black female artist to have been honoured, still baby-faced, and inspired as hell. Here’s to the next decade of making art and music.” But her spell binding career isn’t all she’s focused on.

Even though she describes herself as a

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private person she has opened up about things that matter to her.

Speaking on a recent edition of Louis Theroux’s ‘Grounded’ podcast twigs told of how she was targeted with vile racist abuse during her three year relationship with Robert Pattinson – the couple were engaged until their split in 2017 – saying that ‘people just called me the most hurtful and ignorant and horrible names on the planet.’

“He was their white Prince Charming and they considered he should be with someone white and blonde,” said twigs, “It’s essentially bullying and it does affect you psychologically.”

Similarly, as reported by the BBC, she’s spoken of her fear when she had six fibroid – non cancerous tumours removed from her womb via laparoscopic surgery saying she was “so scared”, and that her “confidence as a woman was knocked”.

She posted on Instagram that “the tumours were the size of two apples, three kiwis and a couple of strawberries – a fruit bowl of pain every day. The nurse said that the weight and size was like being six months pregnant.” In her post she paid tribute to others with the condition, labelling them “amazing warriors” who are “not alone”.

Her relationship with LaBeouf began the year after she beat her illness and it lasted just over a year. Twigs claims that during this time LaBeouf abused her physically, emotionally and mentally.

For his part LeBeouf claims that “many of these allegations are not true”, but twigs is pursuing legal action against him and the case is set to be heard before a court next spring. Explaining why she made her allegations public,

the New York Times quotes twigs as saying that she’d, “like to be able to raise awareness on the tactics that abusers use to control you and take away your agency.”

And she told GQ Magazine that, “I just didn’t want anyone else to get hurt, and that trumped any way that I felt about what people may think about me now, positively or negatively. If I ever have children, I want them to know that I stood up for myself, and that’s important. And sometimes, standing up for yourself is messy.

“Sometimes it can cause more trauma, and sometimes it can be dividing. People don’t expect you to stand up for yourself, but I did and I’m proud of it, and what happened to me wasn’t right.”

And twigs has done more than just speak out against abuse; she has given her celebrity backing to ‘Sistah Space’ a charity that works with African heritage women and girls who’ve experienced domestic or sexual abuse or who have lost someone they loved to domestic violence. (See page 17).

Djanomi Headley, operations manager for Sistah Space is reported as saying that twigs’s endorsement has “created a huge snowball effect and gained us the necessary exposure to ensure that the voice and perspective of black women affected by domestic abuse were seen and heard”.

People don’t expect you to stand up for yourself, but I did and I’m proud of it.

19

AMAZING

GRACE

20

Grace says yoga can be whatever you want it to be.

STAY WELL FEEL GREAT If you have a preconceived idea about what yoga looks like, it might be a good idea to read on.

MC magazine’s Sophie Brown met Grace Pennington, the 33 year old changing the way we think about yoga – and discovered that all you need to meditate is a quiet space and some plants!

A

s a cruise entertainment officer Grace Pennington’s lifestyle was one of long hectic days and evenings spent in the crew bar, as that was the only place to socialise.

Underneath what seemed to be a fun existence, Grace developed anxiety. After she began having panic attacks her brother suggested apps he’d used for meditation.

The impact was massive and immediate.

Grace recalls sitting on the back of a bus listening to a meditation for the first time.

“I remember this feeling of the stress just leaving my body and melting away.”

The former dancer embarked on what seemed a natural path to becoming a yogi. She visited Goa, India to complete her training. “I was feeling like I’d found my practice, it was magical. I thought ‘I’ve got to share this with everyone, it’s just so healing’.”

Today she runs classes for people of all ages, with a philosophy that all you need is to listen to your body.

“I encourage people not to get caught up with the idea of how yoga should look. We see posts on social media of people arranging their bodies in crazy shapes and it can put people off, but anyone can practice yoga. If you’re taking 10 minutes out of your day for yourself, and focusing on your mind, body and breath, that’s yoga.”

Her own routine varies depending on how she feels. “Sometimes I’ll do 10 minutes meditation or 20 minutes yoga. Other times I will sit in stillness and gaze at my plants.

It’s about finding what works for you.”

She describes yoga as ‘the ultimate self care’ and advocates involving children from a young age.

“It’s a safe space where they can learn about their mind and their bodies so that when they’re older they’ll have an awareness of mindfulness. Family yoga is a wonderful way for families to come together and strengthen bonds, where everyone is equal.”

Grace still enjoys a party, but believes strong bonds are forged through yoga. “I think you’re more present and you can have deeper, meaningful conversations.”

I remember this feeling of the stress just leaving my body and melting away.

FIND OUT MORE

about Grace’s classes on Instagram: Adult yoga: @innerbliss_yoga Toddler, kids and teen yoga: @blissfulbees2022 To find a yoga class near you, enter your postcode on The British Wheel of Yoga website: bwy.org.uk

Yoga is ‘the ultimate self care.’

21

© BBC

Jack Monroe

A WEEKLY SHOP FOR

UNDER £20

Food campaigner Jack Monroe told social media how she compiles a strict ‘stock take’ shopping list before she sets out to shop in order to avoid duplication and buying things that she doesn’t need.

I get an A4 sheet of lined paper and divide it into four vertical columns: proteins, carbohydrates, fruit and veg, and the end column is split into two, flavours and snacks. Then I go through the fridge, freezer and cupboard and note down every single thing I have in.” Doing this she says means that, “my shopping list for the week is made up of ‘gap filling’ – so if I’m running low on fruit and veg, I’ll prioritise that. If I’m short on whole grains, I’ll pick up some brown rice.”

Jack took to Twitter to explain the process to achieve a family food shop for under £20.

HERE’S HOW IT’S DONE...

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Store receipts prove how to buy a weekly shop for under £20.

STAY WELL FEEL GREAT

On her ‘Cooking on a Bootstrap’ website Jack writes that: “This burger is where the media storm began for me and, dubbed ‘the 9p burger’ because of the low cost of the ingredients used to make it in 2012, it’s one of my most popular recipes. A can of value range red kidney beans is a cheap but excellent source of protein. When my then-toddler asked me for burgers for tea, I made him these, and they became a firm staple in my household.

Picture for illustration only.

CARROT, CUMIN & KIDNEY BEAN

METHOD •

BURGER

Drain the kidney beans and rinse in cold water to wash away the ‘tinned’ taste. Put into a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 minutes to soften.

•

Put the onion, carrot, cumin and coriander into a medium sauté pan.

Add the splash of oil and cook on a low heat to soften.

MAKES: 4 BURGERS

•

When the kidney beans have softened, drain and add to the carrots and onions. Take off the heat and mash together until you have a smoothish purée (like mashed potato consistency). Stir in the flour.

INGREDIENTS

•

Heat the 2 tablespoons of oil in a frying pan on a medium heat. With floured hands, take a quarter of the burger mixture and roll it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball.

•

Make three more balls with the remaining mixture. Place one in the oil and flatten gently with a fork to make the burger shape. Depending on the size of your pan, you may be able to cook all the burgers at once or need to do them in batches – unless you’re freezing some of the uncooked patties.

•

Cook for a few minutes on one side, before turning. The burgers need to be handled with care as they can be quite fragile!

•

When cooked on both sides, remove from the pan and serve – eating them hot.

1 400g tin of kidney beans 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped 1 carrot, grated 1 teaspoon ground cumin A handful of fresh coriander, finely chopped A splash of sunflower or vegetable oil plus 2 tablespoons to fry the burgers 1 heaped teaspoon flour, plus extra to shape the burgers

Recipe courtesy of cookingonabootstrap.com

23

©BBC

STAY WELL FEEL GREAT

SAVVY SHOPPER BE A

Getting the best from your supermarket shop.

I

f you’re concerned at the rising cost of living issues in the news lately, you can get help to manage your budget.

We looked at what some experts say we can do to make our funds go further.

CROUCHING SHOPPER – HIDDEN BARGAIN Oli Townsend and Georgia-May Collings from Money Saving Expert say they’ve found, “the cheapest non-branded items tucked away on the bottom shelf.” They caution that “this won’t be true for every store or shelf – but from the large and medium-sized supermarkets we visited, we found this tactic to be widespread.”

For more tools and tricks to slash food bills visit moneysavingexpert.com

DITCH THE LOYALTY Tom Church, of LatestDeals.co.uk, says he gets the best prices by going to different stores. He told national newspapers that he saves: “about £200 a month on my family’s shopping by comparing prices and going to the cheapest supermarket whenever possible for each item.” Compare prices online by using Trolley.co.uk

Former Gavin and Stacey star Joanna Page helps people

24

change they way they shop in BBC’s Shop Well For Less.

STAY WELL FEEL GREAT

FIND THE BEST BARGAINS Try to do your shopping later in the day (ideally an hour or so before closing time, or at about 7pm in 24 hour stores).

SHOP ONLINE Doing your food shopping online is one of the best ways to cut your spending by reducing those impulse buys.

OWN BRAND Search out own brand products.

Set yourself a bit of a challenge, and next time you go shopping, only buy the supermarket’s own name brands.

You could save a chunk of money.

BE WARY OF BAD SUPERMARKET DEALS

TOP TIPS from food and drink writer and Jem Collins

It really pays off to stay on your toes and do the maths on so called “special offers”.

Don’t just trust the brightly coloured discount signs that are designed to make you think you’ve found a bargain – it may not add up.

PLAN AHEAD Making a weekly meal plan before going food shopping and writing out all the ingredients you need could help you cut the costs of your shopping.

LAST MINUTE DEALS Always check the reduced section you may find more there than just food that’s approaching its best before date.

BECOME A FLEXITARIAN. Ditching the meat for just a few days every week can save you money. There are loads of great veggie recipes out there to try, it’s just a matter of mixing things up a bit.

Vegetarian Society: vegsoc.org

FOR CUPBOARD STAPLES LIKE RICE, SPICES AND SAUCES head to the world food aisle to save up to 75 per cent compared to better known but more expensive brands.

NEVER SHOP FOR FOOD WHEN YOU’RE HUNGRY

BUY IN SEASON Buy seasonal fruit and vegetables when planning your meals for the week, have a think about what food is in season.

ONLINE HELP Compare prices online by using Trolley.co.uk For tools and tricks to slash food bills visit: moneysavingexpert.com HELP WITH DEBT:

You’ve probably heard this one a zillion times before, but how often have you broken the golden rule and ended up spending an arm and a leg on tempting snacks?

Source: savethestudent.org

Citizens Advice: citizensadvice.org.uk Step Change: stepchange.org

25

You don’t have to remember the steps as long as you keep moving.

GET YOUR

GROOVE ON

By Jo Henwood

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Ray McNulty is bringing a touch of the Fred Astaire to his new role as a Life Rooms learning facilitator.

If you are having difficulty finding your groove, it might be time to meet Ray McNulty.

A

t the age of 66, when many people are considering retirement, Ray has just taken on a full time job as a learning facilitator at The Life Rooms.

One of the many tasks on his To Do list is to encourage everyone to Get Your Groove On. Ray left school with no qualifications but has since had a remarkable portfolio career which includes entertainer, adult education teacher and creator of training manuals for accountants.

“I believe in people’s potential,” says the father of four.

“I have met challenges all through my life but I believe in simple hard work. I was never very good at anything naturally but I became a good footballer through hard work, I got my teaching qualifications through hard work.

If my kids ever say to me: ‘Dad you can’t do that,’ they know I will definitely give it a go.”

Ray admits to having depression following the breakdown of a relationship more than a decade ago and that it was dance that got him back on track.

“I had no job, no money and I was lacking confidence so I got myself a voluntary job at the Joseph Lappin Centre and I started to turn my life around.

“I knew that I wanted to get fit so I joined a Zumba class at my local sports centre. I was the only man in a room full of women. I did a few sessions – it was really tough and physically demanding. I found I couldn’t keep up and realised that a lot of people were in the same boat.”

Ray came up with the idea of a Sway with Ray class, targeting people who had social isolation and he still teaches at the Joseph Lappin Centre.

His new role draws on both his entertainment and teaching roots and his Get Your Groove On classes at The Life Rooms are open to all, regardless of age, ability or mobility.

“It’s got to be fun,” says Ray. “You don’t have to keep up with me, you don’t have to remember the steps as long as you keep moving. You can sit down, you can stand up – it’s easy to follow.

“I say to people: ‘If you go out of here feeling better than when you came in, I haven’t charged you enough!’”. The classes at The Life Rooms are free.

Music lovers will appreciate his choice of tracks – from T Rex to Dire Straits, Elton John to Ed Sheeran there is something for everyone.

The physical and mental health benefits are obvious. Margaret Oakes said: “I left the class smiling and on such a high that I ended up walking the two and half miles home.”

Sarah Mulcahy added: “It’s so relaxing, giving you time for yourself.”

Ray’s sunny personality and get up and go attitude rubs off on everyone.

Aina Olanrewaju said: “The class makes me feel happy, smile and laugh. And Ray laughs with us.”

Charley Jenkins is accompanied to the class by members of the Mersey Care team. She said: “Your health improves week by week.

Meeting people and communicating with each other also improves my mental health.

“When I say I want to go, the team end up fighting about who’s going to take me!”

I left the class smiling and on such a high that I ended up walking the two and half miles home.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RAY’S DANCE CLASSES Get Your Groove On The Life Rooms Evered Avenue Liverpool L9 2AF 0151 478 6556 Visit: liferooms.org/learning Classes are free Sway with Ray Joseph Lappin Centre 42 Mill Lane Old Swan Liverpool L13 5TF 0151 222 3507 Visit: thejosephlappincentre.com Classes are £3 each

27

LISTEN

UP Turn the clock back a decade or so ago and if you wanted to listen to your favourite sounds away from home you had to rely on a car radio or portable CD player.

F

urther back, lucky listeners may have owned a device like a Walkman or Discman -– but when the batteries ran down so did our patience.

With the advent of Spotify streaming services to mobiles there came something quite different – the podcast.

Not heard of them? Listen up and read on.

Our brain is designed to tune into human voices and that sound can be very soothing.

WHAT IS A PODCAST? A podcast is an informal, familiar way to share information on almost anything. Millions of us now walk the dog, drive to work or fall asleep listening to comedians, music makers, historians or actors talk about anything from health, sport, bringing up kids and relationships, to Romans and Vikings.

28

WHY DO WE LOVE THEM? Smart Wellness guru Dr Julia Jones, known as ‘Dr Rock’, who uses music and sound as a brain tool to improve health, says we’re comforted by hearing people talk.

“Our brain is designed to tune into human voices and that sound can be very soothing, without triggering emotion which music can sometimes do.

“For millions of years we have talked around the campfire. The most popular podcasts often feature people just chatting about life. That voice in your ear is engaging, calming and distracts from what is going on around you.”

That voice in your ear is engaging, calming and distracts you from what is going on around you.

STAY WELL FEEL GREAT

Dr Rock, Julia Jones (right) with television presenter Steph McGovern.

FIND OUT MORE

‘Dr Rock’, uses music and sound as a brain tool to improve health.

A LISTENING EAR A new series from The Life Rooms covers topics from depression and anxiety to improving your physical health. Each 30 minute episode features special guests talking about their own experiences.

Life Rooms Pathways Advisor Emma Seasman has seen first hand the positive impact of a podcast. She told MC magazine: “I recently saw a lady who had been struggling with isolation and low mood for a long time but was too anxious to come to Life Rooms. She’d listened to Mary’s story

on our podcast series and said Mary’s words had motivated her to find help and a community where she could feel safe, heard and supported.”

HOW DO I FIND A PODCAST? The easiest way is via a Smartphone or computer. Search online or there are plenty of free apps which will give you access. There are guides to the best podcasts, but the best recommendation is often word of mouth – if a friend suggests a podcast, take the tip!

The Life Rooms podcast Nine podcasts on a range of subjects from anxiety to improving your health. liferooms.org/about-us/life-rooms-podcast The ZSA Life Matters podcast A series of podcasts called Life Matters aimed at breaking down stigma around mental health and suicide. Hear from people affected by suicide, and creative ways to help people open up. zerosuicidealliance.com/life-matters Mick Coyle’s Mental Health Monday More than 250 podcasts on all things mental health from money and mental health to exam stress, body image and anxiety. audioboom.com/channel/mentalhealthmonday BBC Sounds has podcasts on a huge range of subjects, including a book club. bbc.co.uk/sounds/podcasts

The Life Rooms team produces podcasts on health related topics.

29

FRESHERS FUN

SIX THINGS EVERY FRESHER SHOULD KNOW

Ex-student Sophie Brown offers freshers tips.

I

t’s finally here. That moment you’ve worked for your whole academic life. The start of university. The beginning of your potential career.

University life can be overwhelming to say the least. It’s probably the first time you’re doing something completely alone. No childhood friends by your side or parents on hand to guide you through every day; it’s a scary thought.

But it’s also an exciting moment. It’s your time to shine, to enjoy, to make new friends, to take up new hobbies, to truly come into your own.

Give yourself days off – guilt free – no-one expects you to work like a robot.

Book that event you’ve been dying to go to, you don’t need to be working 24/7 and missing out on social opportunities to get the best grades.

Give yourself time to find your feet and take the pressure off – you’ll get to where you want to be.

30

Be as sociable as you can – most new students, if not all, are looking to make new friends, so put yourself out there, join some clubs, and don’t be afraid to talk to new people. Who knows, you could make some lifelong friends.

Just enjoy the moment – be as present as you can.

Try to remember, while university can be the best years of your life, the pressure of your workload can flare up on occasions, and it’s totally normal to feel a little anxious.

Take time out, reset, maybe reach out to support within your university, or if you need additional support, Mersey Care has services that can help you.

•

KNOW YOUR BANK BALANCE Being aware of how much you spend will go a long way to learning to buget

•

YOU CAN CREATE YOUR OWN SOCIETY Don’t fancy any of the societies, start your own!

•

IT’S PERFECTLY NORMAL TO FEEL HOMESICK Moving away from family and friends is a shock for everyone. Remember it’ll soon feel like home

•

ALWAYS ASK IF THERE’S A STUDENT DISCOUNT Make the most of student discounts and freebies. Your student card could get you 10% off!

•

REMEMBER TO ENROL This may seem absurd, but after the chaos of freshers events you may want to keep an eye on actually letting your uni know you’ve arrived

•

YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO A BURSARY. Check with your university once you arrive.

Good luck, you’ve got this!

NEED HELP? contact your local mental health services.

National Union of Students: nus.org.uk Your university website will have freshers information.

Source: theuniguide.co.uk

STAY WELL FEEL GREAT

Feeling Anxious?

Talk to us

STUDENT

Need help with stress, anxiety or depression?

We can help.

SUPPORT With looming deadlines and heavy workloads, it’s not abnormal for university students to be anxious and stressed from time to time. In fact, the shared struggle is sometimes what bonds us to our classmates even more.

B

ut how do we know when to step in? How do we know when it’s time to take action? How do we know when someone is suicidal?

The Samaritans report that ‘suicide is the biggest killer of 16 to 24 year old people’ (Samaritans, 2019) and only 1 in 4 (who take their own life) had been in contact with mental health services (Office for Students, 2021).

These heart wrenching facts are what motivated The Zero Suicide Alliance to work alongside students to produce a specially tailored module, helping young people to spot the signs and reach out to those who they suspect may be suicidal. They have one simple belief – that suicide is preventable.

The 20 minute module offers a better understanding of suicidal behaviours and encourages students to spot the signs, ask outright ‘are you suicidal or

You can refer yourself are you considering taking your own life’, and provides signposting support.

Nujhat, Student Content Creator, talks of her involvement in this ‘invaluable experience’: ‘It definitely makes me happy knowing we are able to reach so many students across the UK that will benefit from this project. I would definitely encourage anyone struggling with mental health to reach out and seek help whenever and wherever possible. You are not alone in this, you are wanted and loved and you deserve to be helped.”

online by visiting talkliverpool.nhs.uk or calling 0151 228 2300, alternatively you can be referred by your GP or another health professional.

Take the training, give yourself the skills to save someone’s life.

FIND OUT MORE Zero Suicide Alliance: zerosuicidealliance.com Mind: mind.org.uk

31

ASK A GP

BBC Breakfast GP Dr Fari Ahmad.

Ear infections and earache can be quite common, particularly in children. Whilst they can be troublesome you do not always need to see a GP for treatment as they often get better on their own within a few days.

BBC Breakfast GP Dr Fari Ahmad answers questions patients often ask about their ears and offers advice on keeping your ears healthy.

LISTEN UP –

EAR INFECTIONS AND EARACHE

WHAT IS EAR WAX? We don’t tend to talk about ear wax in polite company, but it plays an important role. Ear wax helps to form a protective, waterproofing coating inside the ear and has antimicrobial properties that help to prevent infections. It lubricates so your ears don’t feel itchy and dry.

SHOULD I CLEAN INSIDE MY EARS? Ears are self cleaning and your body has an inbuilt system for creating wax and pushing it out. Pushing things into your ear may push back the wax and clog the ear canal, leading to complications such as hearing loss, injury and infection.

SHOULD I USE COTTON BUDS OR EAR CANDLES? In short no. Buds may strip away the ear’s natural oils, potentially causing hearing loss, pain, itchiness, infections, tinnitus, and even balance problems. Ear candles are also potently harmful – you run the risk of burning your ear, and studies suggest they don’t appear to work.

32

SHOULD I KEEP MY EARS DRY? Too much moisture can lead to a build up of bacteria. Gently towel dry your ears after showering or swimming. If that doesn’t work, try tilting your head to the side and let gravity do the work.

Swimmers’ earplugs prevent water from

CHECK IF IT’S AN EAR INFECTION Symptoms usually start quickly and include: •

Pain, being sick and lack of energy

entering the ear canal.

•

A high temperature

IS WAX BUILD-UP COMMON AND WHAT SHOULD I DO?

•

Difficulty hearing

•

Discharge running out of the ear

Ear wax normally falls out on its own, however if it is blocking your ears, a pharmacist can advise and suggest treatments. They may recommend medicines to dissolve the earwax. Some high street opticians and other providers offer ear wax removal for a charge. If the problem

•

A feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear

•

Itching and irritation or scaly skin in and around the ear.

persists, seek help from your doctor.

It may be painful and dangerous to travel in an airplane with some ear infections. If you suspect you have one, speak with your pharmacist, GP or 111 for further advice. For more information visit: nhs.uk/conditions/earache

Young children and babies may also: •

Rub or pull their ear

•

Have a fever

•

Not react to some sounds

•

Be irritable or restless and off their food

•

Keep losing their balance.

Most ear infections clear up within three days, although sometimes symptoms can last up to a week.

STAY WELL FEEL GREAT

LET’S TALK

ABOUT TEXT

Life can feel tough – but when you’re young talking about it can be even tougher. A new text service in Sefton, Merseyside, means anyone aged from 11 to 19 who has a concern or needs support can text their school nurse anonymously.

P

aula Lawrenson, team manager at Mersey Care’s school nurse service, (above) explains why the text service will make it easier for people to discuss difficult issues.

“Young people are used to going into chat rooms and texting, it’s their way of communicating.

Boys are unlikely to pick up a phone, but they will text. It’s also much easier to discuss something personal or embarrassing by text.

“If they don’t feel able to share their thoughts and feelings, they become anxious, or they might go to a website or blog and get misleading information which creates further distress.”

What happens when someone texts?

“They’ll get an automated message right away and a nurse will text them within 24 hours, in reality it’s much sooner.” Paula stresses that the text line is not an emergency service and anyone in crisis should use the services in the panel on this page.

What do people text about?

“Mental health issues are by far the most common topic discussed, with growing numbers of young people telling nurses that they are having thoughts of self harm.

Managing friendships and learning how to make and keep friends is a big issue for some pupils. COVID has affected young people quite badly and exam times are stressful.

“No question is too silly or embarrassing.

We’re here to make sure you get help for things that can be hard to talk about”, said Paula.

Text messaging is available Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) from 9am to 4.30pm on 07312 263 291.

You will receive an automated message straight away and a nurse will reply within 24 hours.

No question is too silly or embarrassing.

Who can text?

•

Anyone in Sefton aged 11 to 19 – even if they have left school – can use the service which is powered by messaging platform, ChatHealth

•

If you need urgent help visit an NHS Walk in centre or call 111 •

In an emergency, dial 999 or go to A&E (Emergency Department).

The automated message will also signpost you to these services.

33

WE ARE MERSEY CARE

I DIDN’T KNOW

I WANTED TO BE A NURSE At 17, James Savage was clear about his career choice – politics was his first love and he’d applied to study the subject at university. But events took him down a very different route.

I’d enjoyed politics at high school in County Down, Northern Ireland. I was involved with programmes to tackle anti social behaviour and worked with the First Minister during work experience. I thought my future would be in driving forward policy.”

I love talking to people and fixing problems.

James is a natural problem solver. “I’m neurodiverse, I have dyslexia and dyspraxia, so I wanted a more practical career. I love talking to people and fixing problems.”

He was working as carer in a nursing home to gain points for his university portfolio when he discovered his career may lie in a different direction.

34

I was passionate about improving the quality of care.

“I found myself drawn to helping dementia patients and their families, I was passionate about improving the quality of care”, said James.

Serendipity stepped in when he was contacted

by Liverpool John Moores University after declining several offers to study politics. “I told them my reason and they offered me a place on their nursing course!”

James is now on a ward supporting people with acute mental health issues and hoping to progress to a role in healthcare policy.

He’s pursuing his love affair with politics representing North West student nurses

within the Royal College of Nursing.

He’s also supporting new nurses within Health Education England’s quality improvement programmes.

Why did he choose Mersey Care? “This Trust is so far ahead of the game in how we treat patients. There are such innovative pathways, especially in trauma informed care.

Does he think about going home?

“Sometimes, but I love my job here, Mersey Care is so varied. I don’t think people realise the diversity of our organisation – there are so many roles – whether it’s practical, research, patient facing or in an office, we have room for everyone.”

FIND OUT MORE about how to develop your career at Mersey Care visit: merseycare.nhs.uk/current-vacancies

GOVERNOR PROFILE

I’ve spent most of my working life as a paramedic.

I’d briefly been an apprentice with Pilkington’s, the glass empire, but I realised after I joined the NHS that I’m better with people than machines!

I

t’s a privileged role. You get to see new life – I’ve delivered a couple of babies in my time – and you can help someone die with dignity. When families are going through such difficult times they need someone with both compassion and composure.

I truly enjoyed my role, but I got to 60 and realised finding the endurance needed for the front line was becoming a challenge. I wanted to better myself so I became a magistrate. I’m still serving in the family courts on Merseyside. I try to help children who are often affected in disputes between parents.

IAN

THOMSON Public governor

Although I’m now a ‘young’ man of 68 I feel age shouldn’t exclude you from involvement in life, you can still utilise your skills. I’ve

become a befriender with Mersey Care. I would visit one young man in Ashworth Hospital who didn’t feel very good about himself. When the pandemic came, I’d write him letters, encouraging him to stay strong. He was so pleased.

I applied to be a governor because I believe we should all try to come out of our comfort zone. It’s not easy to come into a new role, but I was more than pleased that people had put their trust in me.

I’d like to be thought of as a critical friend. It’s important to give people hope and make new relationships. I compare it to my bowling team; win or lose we always have a cup of tea and a biscuit together afterwards.

We’re all here to play our part.

To learn more about our Council of Governors, go to merseycare.nhs.uk

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 29 September 2022, 10.45am to 12.10pm

COME AND

JOIN US

The Annual General Meeting is a great opportunity for you to find out more about our Trust, including our achievements and challenges. Also our Annual Report and Accounts from last year. All our members will receive details of the event. If you would like to attend the Annual General Meeting, please confirm via email to AGM2022@merseycare.nhs.uk or call 07977 401 384 Find out more about our membership and governors at: merseycare.nhs.uk.

Tel: 0151 471 2303 or 0151 473 2778 Email: membership@merseycare.nhs.uk Write to: Alison Bacon, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, V7 Building, Kings Business Park, Prescot, Liverpool L34 1PJ

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WE’RE HIRING!

HELP BUILD MERSEY CARE’S FUTURE JOIN US NOW With hundreds of positions in all areas across the North West and relocation expenses up to £15,000 in secure and specialist learning disability services. Visit our vacancies page at merseycare.nhs.uk/current-vacancies and help build a better future for you and Mersey Care. merseycare.nhs.uk/current-vacancies

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Contact us at the following address.

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MC MAGAZINE is published by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust and produced by the communications team, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, V7 Building, Kings Business Park, Prescot, Merseyside L34 1PJ T: 0151 473 0303 E: communications@merseycare.nhs.uk W: merseycare.nhs.uk. MC MAGAZINE is available in other formats on request.