Welcome to the Winter edition of Wirral Well-Being Magazine
Laura Seymour, Editor/Creator
It’s that time of year again… Welcome to our Christmas/ Winter edition! This issue is packed with fantastic new advertisers, heartfelt stories, and thoughtful advice highlighting the wonderful services in our local community.
A warm welcome to 174 Law, Tyres 4 U, Pennington Williams Accountants, Cook Legal Solicitors, and C. M. Triggs Fishmongers Ltd. - we’re delighted to have you with us. A huge thank you to all our advertisers, our brilliant writers, and to my designer, who works tirelessly to make every issue look its best.
It’s been an exciting, action-filled year, especially with the launch of our new Wishing You Well Podcast with Laura Seymour on YouTube and Spotify. This has given our wellbeing community a fresh digital platform and a whole new audience to reach. If you haven’t tuned in yet, please do -
the guests have been incredible.
A massive congratulations to Gregory Abrams of Gregory Abrams Solicitors on his well-deserved Liverpool Legacy Award at the Liverpool Chambers Innovation Business Awards. You can read more about his achievement inside.
I’m also thrilled to announce the upcoming Wirral WellBeing Awards next year - a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the inspirational people working across our industry. Keep an eye out for more details and start thinking about who you might like to nominate. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, and here’s to a positive, uplifting New Year ahead.
Best wishes, Laura
CELEBRATING A LEGACY: GREGORY ABRAMS HONOURED BY LIVERPOOL CHAMBER
Gregory Abrams Davidson Solicitors is proud to share that our founder and senior partner, Gregory Abrams, has been recognised by the Liverpool Chamber with the Liverpool Legacy (Honouring the Past) award at the Innovation in Business Awards 2025, celebrating his outstanding contribution to the city’s business and cultural life.
Held at the historic St George’s Hall, the ceremony brought together leading figures from across Liverpool’s business community. Gregory’s award recognises not only more than four decades of professional achievement since founding GAD in 1980, but also his instrumental role in the regeneration of Liverpool’s Cavern Quarter and wider city-centre revitalisation.
“I recognised early on that the practice would always have to change and adapt with the times,” Gregory remarked at the ceremony. “But its roots remain in the city, and I am proud to have played a key role in Liverpool’s economic and cultural renaissance.”
Gregory’s words encapsulate the ethos that defines GAD—a firm grounded in Liverpool’s history yet continually evolving to meet the needs of a changing world. Over more than four decades,
GAD has grown from its Liverpool base into a multi-office practice serving individuals, businesses and institutions with cross-border legal needs.
This recognition is more than a personal accolade. It reflects GAD’s enduring commitment to the communities we serve and to fostering enterprise in the Liverpool City Region. For our clients, it represents the reassurance of working with a firm that combines deep local understanding with the global perspective necessary for today’s business environment.
While this award celebrates the past, it also symbolises the next chapter of our firm’s journey. GAD remains dedicated to providing exceptional service across all departments, from property and private client work to corporate, litigation, medical negligence and personal injury, always with the personal touch that defines our approach.
We once again congratulate Gregory on this richly deserved honour and extend our thanks to the Liverpool Chamber and the local business community for their continued partnership and recognition.
West Kirby Office, Upper Floors 19-25
The Crescent, West Kirby, Wirral CH48 4HL
E: info@gadlegal.co.uk
T: 0151 625 0000
SAVOUR THE SEASON
Yes it's that time of year! Here is a recipe full of Christmas cheer... Ideas for Christmas sides - something a little different
Caramelised Butternut Squash with Feta, Walnuts & Cranberry-Honey Glaze
The way it perfumes your kitchen with that nutty sweetness, the soft golden cubes glistening from the oven, and the contrast of salty feta against the tart cranberry drizzle. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but couldn’t be simpler to make. Sweet, savoury, and a little tangy—it’s the perfect side dish that makes any dinner feel special. Honestly, it tastes like winter decided to show off. Let’s dive in and see why this recipe deserves a place at your festive table.
Ingredients
1 large butternut squash - (about 1kg peeled & cubed)
30ml olive oil
15ml honey (preferably local)
Salt & pepper to taste.
½tsp fresh rosemary or thyme (finely chopped)
50g feta cheese.
30g chopped walnuts, toasted
30g dried cranberries
For the Glaze
30ml honey (preferably local)
15ml balsamic vinegar
15g cranberry sauce or jam
Method
Step 1 - Preheat oven to 200 C/400°F/Gas Mark 6 and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
Step 2 - Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, and thyme or rosemary.
Step 3 - Spread evenly on the baking tray and roast for 25–30 mins, stirring halfway through, until golden and caramelised.
Step 4 - Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, and cranberry sauce.
Step 5 - Heat over low flame until slightly thickened, about 3–4 mins.
Step 6 - Transfer roasted squash to a serving dish.
Step 7 - Sprinkle with crumbled feta, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries.
Step 8 - Drizzle the warm cranberry-honey glaze over the top and serve immediately.
CALM AMIDST THE CHAOS THAT A CANCER DIAGNOSIS CAN BRING
For over 25 years, Maggie’s has been providing free cancer support and information in bespoke centres. Located and specially built adjacent to NHS cancer hospitals, each Maggie’s Centre offers a warm and welcoming space run by expert staff who help people live well with cancer. Maggie’s Wirral is a home-from-home, designed to reflect and respond to the needs of our local community. Unlike the cold, clinical corridors of a hospital, our centre is domestic, non-clinical, and full of life. There’s no reception desk, no signs on doors, and no clocks – because you can stay for as long as you need. Many rooms overlook open countryside, offering breathtaking views where visitors can pause, reflect, and find comfort in nature. This peaceful environment provides much-needed calm amidst the chaos that a cancer diagnosis can bring. Anyone can drop in, with no appointment or referral required, moments away from the hospital, yet a world apart.
At the heart of Maggie’s Wirral is a big kitchen table, the centrepiece where supportive relationships and friendships naturally form. Visitors, staff, and volunteers come together to share their experiences, fears, and hopes for the future. It’s a space where people truly understand one another. Because everyone’s needs are different, we work closely with each person to identify the support that best helps them cope and regain control. Our team provides expert information, psychological support, financial guidance, and nutrition advice, alongside support groups, workshops, exercise sessions, and activities that complement hospital care.
Maggie’s Wirral 2025 Highlights January – October
• Supporting 82% of the local cancer population.
• 17,705 total visits: 11,057 people with cancer.
• 6,274 carers.
• 25% increase in visits from 2024.
• 31% growth in visits from new cancer patients.
• Gender split: 11,656 women, 6,012 men.
• 374 visits from professionals & community members.
TENANCY DEPOSIT CLAIMS: WHAT THEY ARE, WHY THEY MATTER, AND HOW COOK LEGAL SOLICITORS CAN HELP
Most renters have no idea they are owed money. Not a refund, not a goodwill gesture, but legal compensation. At Cook Legal Solicitors, based in Irby on the Wirral, we deal with this every day. We are a specialist law firm that focuses almost entirely on tenancy deposit claims for tenants, and our job is simple: enforce your rights and make sure landlords follow the law.
Who we are:
Cook Legal Solicitors are a tenant-focused law firm built for one purpose; to help renters get the compensation the law entitles them to when their landlord mishandles their deposit. We aren’t generalists. We aren’t dabblers. We are one of the UK’s leading firms in this niche, handling claims nationwide from our base in Irby.
If a landlord has not followed the deposit rules, we act. Fast.
What the law says:
The rules are clear. Under the Housing Act 2004, every landlord who takes a deposit for an assured shorthold tenancy must do two things within 30 days of receiving it:
• Protect the deposit in one of the three governmentapproved schemes,
• Serve the tenant with the “prescribed information”, the written confirmation explaining how and where the deposit is protected. If they miss the deadline, protect it late, use the wrong name, fail to serve the paperwork, or never protect it at all, they have broken the law. When that happens, the tenant can claim one to three times the value of their deposit, plus the return of the deposit itself if it has been unfairly deducted.
Our website blog https://cooklegalsolicitors.co.uk/blog/ breaks down these issues in simple terms, because this is a system that many landlords still get wrong. The protection schemes are public record, making it easy for us to check exactly what happened with your deposit.
Why this matters for tenants:
Deposits are often the biggest upfront cost for renters. When landlords ignore the rules, tenants lose the protections Parliament put in place to stop unfair deductions. Many tenants only discover the problem at the end of the tenancy, when their deposit is withheld or a rogue landlord tries to charge for things that were never their responsibility. The compensation isn’t a technicality. It exists to stop landlords cutting corners and to level the playing field. When they fail to comply, the law backs the tenant, not the landlord.
What we do for you:
Cook Legal Solicitors handles the entire claim process:
• We check the deposit protection records,
• We analyse the tenancy documents,
• We confirm if the landlord has complied with the law,
• We calculate the true compensation owed,
• We pursue the landlord or agent directly,
• And if needed, we issue court proceedings to get you paid.
No jargon. No stress. You get a specialist solicitor who does this work day in, day out.
Why choose Cook Legal Solicitors
This area of law is tighter, more technical, and far more claimable than tenants realise. Having a firm that works exclusively in this field means your case is handled correctly from day one. We know the rules, the loopholes, the defences landlords try to run, and how courts deal with these claims.
How this protects your wellbeing
Renting can be stressful, especially if you have dealt with unfair deductions or uncertainty about your rights. A mishandled deposit often leaves people feeling powerless, anxious about money, and unsure what to do next.
This is exactly why we specialise in these claims. We take the stress out of the process, explain everything in plain language, and handle the legal work while you get on with your life. For many clients, resolving a deposit issue removes a major weight from their shoulders. It restores confidence, provides financial breathing room, and stops unfair landlords taking advantage.
Support for Wirral residents
Although we handle claims nationwide, our team is based in Irby on the Wirral and we are proud to support people in our own community. Whether you are in Heswall, Irby, Greasby, West Kirby, Bromborough, Birkenhead, or anywhere nearby, we can review your case quickly and tell you exactly where you stand.
You do not need to prepare anything complicated. Just contact us and we will check everything for you.
If
you are unsure, ask us
If you suspect your deposit was not protected properly, or even if you simply want to double-check, get in touch. A quick review could be worth thousands and gives real peace of mind.
WINTER VITALITY TIPS AND SELFCARE FOR THE COLD SEASON
Natural remedies for winter wellness include staying hydrated with warm drinks, getting plenty of rest, and using saltwater gargles or honey for sore throats.
To ease congestion, try a warm bath, steam inhalation, or nasal rinses, and eat immune-boosting foods like chicken soup or ginger.
For sore throats and coughs:
• Honey: Mix with warm water or tea to soothe a sore throat, thanks to its antibacterial properties.
• Saltwater gargle: Gargle with warm salt water to help eliminate bacteria and loosen secretions.
• Herbal teas: Drink warm herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint, or marshmallow root, which are traditionally used for sore throats.
• Ice chips: Sucking on ice or ice cream can provide quick relief and a numbing sensation.
For congestion and stuffiness:
• Steam inhalation: Take a hot bath or shower. Alternatively, lean over a bowl of hot water with a few drops of peppermint oil or a spoonful of VapoRub and drape a towel over your head.
• Nasal rinses: Use a saline nasal spray to help clear congestion and post-nasal drip.
• Nasal strips: Adhesive nasal strips can help open nasal passages to make breathing easier, especially at night.
• Warm liquids: Drink plenty of fluids like water, juice, clear broth, or warm lemon water with honey to loosen mucus.
For overall wellness and recovery:
• Rest: Get plenty of sleep and rest to allow your body to heal.
• Hydration: Drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration and thin mucus. Avoid alcohol, coffee, and sugary drinks, which can be dehydrating.
• Warm baths: A warm bath can help ease muscle aches and pains related to illness.
• Wrap up warm or keep cosy.
• Healthy foods: Include immune-boosting foods like chicken soup, ginger, and garlic in your diet.
FLOWING RIVERS HOLISTIC SPA A NEW SANCTUARY ON THE MERSEY
Flowing Rivers Holistic Spa was created by two kindred spirits, Gill and Jodie, who share a passion for healing, wellbeing, and soulful connection. Set on the peaceful Woodside riverfront overlooking the Mersey, the spa offers a calming haven where mind, body, and spirit are nurtured.
Meet Gill
Gill Herbert is a holistic therapist dedicated to helping others find balance and renewal. She specialises in Reiki, crystal healing, bespoke Indian Head Massage, reflexology, facials, red light therapy, silent pedicures, and menopause treatments.
“One of my most special offerings is Meditations on the Mersey—a beautiful space for grounding and stillness beside the river.”
A mum of four, Gill’s journey led her to meet her soul sister, Jodie, and together they created Flowing Rivers—a place where healing flows naturally.
Meet Jodie
Jodie Dawson is the Wirral’s first Japanese hair spa therapist. A mum of two, she discovered holistic wellness during lockdown, and a chance connection with Gill during a hair spa session sparked the partnership that formed Flowing Rivers.
At the Zen Hair Spa, Jodie offers a deeply sensory experience that revitalises both hair and soul.
At Flowing Rivers Holistic Spa, treatments are designed to support emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being— whether you're seeking stress relief, better sleep, or greater inner peace. The spa uses organic, natural products and provides a tranquil atmosphere filled with gentle aromas and soothing sounds.
You can also enjoy wellness workshops, sound baths, guided meditations, and holistic sleepovers to help bring mindfulness into everyday life.
Find Flowing Rivers on Facebook, visit their bright riverside location in Birkenhead (look for the Paul O’Grady and Lily Savage artwork), or contact Gill on 07770 491810 or Jodie on 07728 765429 for more information and hear all about our joint spa treatment offer and Christmas vouchers.
We look forward to guiding you into the new year with a new self-care plan, calmness and inner peace!
Divorce and separation can mark a profound turning point — a life-changing event that affects not just legal status but emotional, physical, and professional well-being. When approached with the right support, dignity and respect, it can also become a pathway to renewed wellness.
Recognising the event
Sadly, relationship breakdown is common: In the UK, around 42% of marriages ended in divorce as of 2022. Unfortunately, there are no statistics for the number of cohabiting relationship breakdowns, but this would certainly tip the scales in favour of a relationship being more likely to end than not! However, despite these numbers, relationship breakdown is consistently ranked among life’s most stressful crises.
Supporting with the right professionals
It is essential that you look after yourself during this transition and ensure to enlist the right skilled professionals — mediators, family lawyers, financial advisors, counsellors and child-specialist therapists. Such support helps maintain dignity and keeps conflict managed. It also helps to provide you with the right information at the appropriate time to help you make those life-changing decisions. It’s essential to prioritise collaboration over contest where possible, because how separation is handled matters hugely not only for yourself but also for your children.
Managing conflict, maintaining dignity & respect
Conflict during divorce can breed long-term damage — especially when children are exposed. Children whose parents are embroiled in destructive conflict — rather than the divorce itself — show greater risk of behavioural, emotional and social problems. Educational outcomes suffer too. Thus, for the children’s sake, reducing conflict is a major wellness priority.
Impact on work and absenteeism
Divorce doesn’t just affect the home — it spills into the workplace. Studies indicate that employees going through divorce often report lower job performance, increased
absenteeism and poorer health. One survey found that 90% of divorcing workers said their performance was affected, 95% said their mental health at work suffered, and in one report 73% of divorcing employees reported increased absenteeism. Employers and employees alike therefore need to recognise divorce as a potential vulnerability period and respond with flexibility, support and understanding. Check to see if your employer has a divorce and separation policy in place.
Stages of bereavement process and time
Research shows that divorce and separation mirrors the same emotional stages as grief:
1. Denial/shock – difficulty accepting that the relationship has ended or will end.
2. Anger/bargaining – feelings of injustice, “What if…?”, blame.
3. Sadness/mourning – loss of shared dreams, household routines, identity.
4. Acceptance/reorganisation – beginning to reshape life, identity, and future.
The time-frame will differ for each person; some find acceptance within months, others take years. Research on workplace recovery showed that many work-related outcomes (job performance, health, engagement) improve 12 months after divorce completion.
And whilst all of this is going on, you are being asked to make life-changing decisions such as where you are going to live and how you are going to survive on a day-to-day basis.
In conclusion
Wellness during divorce is anchored in: engaging the right support professionals, consciously managing conflict, preserving dignity and respect, honouring children’s needs and safeguarding work-life stability. When these are done mindfully, the separation can be not only an ending but a stepping-stone to a healthier, more mindful new chapter.
For over 150 years, the name Triggs has been woven into the fabric of Hoylake, West Kirby, and the coastal communities across the Wirral. From the early days of small wooden boats to today’s modern fleet, the Triggs family has lived and breathed the traditions of inshore fishing for six proud generations. Now, their story enters an exciting new chapter with the opening of C.M. Triggs Fishmongers on Market Street in Hoylake.
The new shop is more than a business venture - it’s a celebration of heritage, sustainability, and the enduring bond between a fishing family and its local community. As sixthgeneration fishermen, the Triggs family continues to do what they have always done best: head out on the water at dawn, harvest the freshest fish and seafood from local waters, and bring it straight back to shore. With their own retail space, customers can now enjoy a truly catch-to-counter experience.
“You can’t get any more local, fresh, or traceable,” the family explains - and they’re right. The fish you’ll find on their counters has often been landed that very morning by the Triggs boats. From shrimps and cockles to line-caught sea bass, plaice, and Dover sole, every product reflects generations of knowledge, respect for the sea, and a commitment to sustainable local fishing.
C.M. Triggs Fishmongers proudly supplies both home cooks and some of the region’s leading restaurants with seasonal fish and shellfish caught daily in Wirral waters. Quality isn’t just a promise - it’s a family tradition.
Yet while the heritage is deep-rooted, the shop itself is firmly modern. Designed for both efficiency and exceptional hygiene, it features a state-of-the-art walk-in cold room, continuous temperature monitoring, and strict separation procedures for raw and cooked products. It’s a 21st-century fishmongers built on centuries of experience.
With freshness, sustainability, and craftsmanship at its core, C.M. Triggs Fishmongers brings something uniquely special to Hoylake: the story of a family, a tradition, and the sea - now served daily to the community they’ve always called home.
They are open six days a week and Tim will be delighted to see you. 61 Market Street, Hoylake.
Order forms will be available in our shop for all your festive needs, so pop in, let our team know what you would like (Tim is always on hand with advice if required) and we’ll do the rest ready for collection on the day of your choice!
Fully stocked with our home-made fishcakes and Triggs Signature Fish Pie, jumbo sized fish fingers, Thai Salmon fishcakes, Mozzarella and Spring Onion fishcakes, salt & pepper squid, scampi, along with our own Triggs Potted Shrimps, Southport potted shrimp and our usual excellent choice of freezer produce.
Our Shelf and Display Boxes:
Pasta
Sauces
Fresh eggs
Pickles
THE REAL
MEANING OF XMAS. SOME HEARTFELT STORIES AND MEMORIES THAT READERS HAVE SHARED…
Catching Santa
One Christmas morning, my parents woke my siblings and me up and told us they had secretly videotaped Santa last night, and we just HAD to see it. At this point, we had started to question if Santa was real or not, but when we saw that video of Santa putting gifts under the tree and eating the cookies we left, any doubt we had was gone! Years later, we found out that my parents had found a Santa suit at the store and stayed up all night recording the video. We still talk about that video every year at Christmas, and it is definitely something I plan on doing with my kids!
Teachers Are the Best People
One year, my family was going through a really hard time. My school was aware of this, and during our middle school Christmas party, two of my teachers brought us clothes, food, and stockings. Our tree and counters were full. My mom was crying when we got home because she wasn't expecting us to have Christmas at all.
Time With Mum
I am one of seven children and have never had much alone time with my mum. Every Christmas, we would go down to my grandma's house around the corner for the huge family Christmas party on Christmas Eve. Mum was also one of seven, so I'd see my huge number of cousins and aunts and uncles and get presents and sing songs. It was such a warm, loving atmosphere, but one Christmas when I was little, I got quite sick with a fever. As a result, I couldn't go to the party and I was miserable. Mum stayed behind to look after me that Christmas. I remember laying on the couch under the Christmas tree, Mum playing carols quietly on the record player. It was just her and me, and she made me my own special dinner because I was ill and let me open one of my Christmas presents early. It was my first Ken doll. I had such a nice time with her.
The Forgotten Present I was about 8 years old, and it was a couple of days after
Christmas. My mother had found a present she had bought for me in her closet. Instead of just giving it to me, she snuck out on our back deck and threw it on the roof. My parents called me out and showed me this gift, and my dad got a ladder and spotted me while I got it down. I still remember the butterflies thinking. "Wow, he really came! Santa was up on this roof, and this fell out of the sleigh!" The gift was a pink Barbie camera. I'll never forget that feeling.
The Cabbage Patch Kid
I was 6 years old, my parents were getting a divorce, and my mom was pregnant with my little brother, so things were really rocky for us. On Christmas Eve my mom got a phone call, and the woman on the phone said they had heard we were having a tough time and asked if it would be OK if Santa came to visit. We lived in a tiny town so my mom wasn't too surprised that people knew what was going on. A little later, we heard bells and down the road came a horse-drawn carriage with a real-life Santa! He came in and gave me a Cabbage Patch Kid doll - it was the 80s. To this day, we still don't know who Santa was or who called my mom. Every year, I send a little thankyou by trying to do something special for someone else who needs it. They taught me what Christmas is really all about, and I never get tired of seeing other people's faces light up when I have been able to be their Santa.
Random Act of Kindness
I was about 10, and my family was really struggling financially. It was a few days before Christmas, and a stranger rang the doorbell and handed my dad a wrapped box. We all sat at the table, and my parents opened it to find an envelope full of cash, as well as gift cards for me and my three siblings. My parents asked around to try to find out who did it, but to this day, we still don't know. It's touching to know people do things like this, not for praise but out of the goodness of their hearts.
The Christmas Gift you really want!
Next generation CACI, lifting, sculpting, jowl, neck, eyes, relaxing treatment.
Serenity Clinics approach to anti-aging is still unique even after 28 years. For face or body, male or female we have the experience, know-how and a plethora of treatments, state of the art equipment, contouring, lift and sculpt from jaw line, neck, tops of arms, tummy, bottom and inner thighs.
Unsightly lesions
Skin Tags, Millia, warts, verruca’s, blood spots, can all be treated quickly and easily by clinical diathermy, freezing or laser. Our lead Therapist has over 28 years’ experience in removal of lesions.
10 Tips to maintain your mental health & wellbeing this festive period.
The holiday season can be emotionally challenging for many people, for many different reasons. Here are some strategies to help maintain mental health during Christmas:
1. Set Realistic Expectations
Let go of the pressure to create a “perfect” holiday, embrace imperfections and focus on meaningful moments, communicate with family and friends about what you can realistically commit to. We cannot pour from an empty cup, so protect your own energy levels.
2. Plan Ahead
Create a schedule for shopping, cooking, and socialising to avoid last-minute stress, budget carefully to avoid financial strain, focus on thoughtful, not expensive, gifts. Top tip buy everyone a lottery ticket, it could be the best present you ever give.
3. Prioritise Self-Care
Self-care isn’t selfish, take time to rest, and continue to follow the routes to wellness, like exercise, nutrition, mindfulness and sleep! Overindulgence can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion.
4. Manage Social Interactions
Spend time with supportive and uplifting people. Politely decline invitations that feel overwhelming, set boundaries with family or friends if past interactions have been stressful.
5. Acknowledge Your Feelings
It’s okay to feel sad, anxious, or lonely and we must allow ourselves to grieve if you’ve experienced a recent loss or change of family circumstances. Journaling or talking to a trusted friend or therapist can help process emotions.
6. Combat Loneliness
Reach out to friends, neighbours, or community groups, volunteering can provide connection and purpose, consider alternative celebrations, like virtual meetups or joining local holiday events.
7. Take Breaks
Step away from overwhelming environments, a quiet walk or a moment alone can be refreshing & schedule downtime to recharge, especially if you’re an introvert.
8. Focus on Gratitude and Joy
Reflect on what you’re thankful for, even if it’s small. Practising gratitude can shift your perspective, engage in activities you genuinely enjoy, like listening to music, crafting, or watching your favourite movies.
9. Seek Professional Support
If feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression become overwhelming, consider reaching out to a therapist or counsellor, many support lines and organisations like the Samaritans offer help during the holiday season, call 116 123.
10. Limit Overstimulation
Reduce exposure to stressful triggers like excessive social media scrolling, excessive alcohol consumption or generally excessive anything! Stick to a routine that includes time for rest and relaxation.
The key is to prioritise your well-being and create a holiday experience that feels good to you, rather than conforming to societal expectations, so from everyone at Kaizen Wirral Mindset CiC.
We wish you a merry Xmas, and a happy new year.
TYRES 4 U WIRRAL LTD: A FAMILY BUSINESS BUILT ON TRUST AND QUALITY
Tyres 4 U Wirral Ltd is a proud family-run business dedicated to delivering exceptional service and genuine care to customers across Wirral, Cheshire and Liverpool. Built on strong values and a passion for doing things the right way, the company strives to offer more than just tyre sales — it aims to redefine the customer experience with a friendly, honest, and customer-focused approach.
At the heart of the business is the Mearns family. Matthew Mearns oversees day-to-day operations, ensuring every customer receives the high standards the company is known for. Behind the scenes, Debbie runs the office and
business relationships, while their Mum supports and takes charge of the accounting.
Thanks to their dedication and personal touch, Tyres 4 U Wirral Ltd has become a highly recommended garage throughout Wirral. Much of their success stems from word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers who appreciate the team’s reliability, friendliness, and commitment to quality.
For the Mearns family, Tyres 4 U Wirral Ltd is more than a business, it’s a legacy built on trust, service, & community.
Available at our garage - Kelvin Road, Wallasey, CH44 7JW or for your convenience and flexibility we can come to you with our Mobile Tyre Fitting Facility
REDEFINING STRENGTH: HOW FITNESS BECAME MY JOURNEY TO SELF-LOVE
n 2025, while juggling the demands of my LPC and law masters, I founded FYOUFIT — a women’s gymwear brand born from a simple belief: every woman deserves to feel empowered, confident, and strong. For me, the first step toward that empowerment has always been putting on a gym set that makes you feel good. Clothes may seem like a small detail, but when you look in the mirror and feel ready to show up for yourself, it sets the tone for everything else. That feeling of self-improvement — of noticing yourself getting better and stronger — is unmatched. Each step is a win, and those wins add up.
My own fitness journey began during my first year of university, right in the middle of lockdown. Like many others, I felt stuck and uncertain. I didn’t really know how to train or what I was doing, but movement quickly became my escape. That first rush of dopamine after a workout — the feeling of doing something productive and good for myself — was something I didn’t know I needed. At first, I trained for aesthetics. I wanted to look a certain way, like so many young women do. But over time, something shifted. Fitness stopped being about changing my body and started being about appreciating it.
As I learned more about nutrition, I saw how putting good things into my body was an act of care. It wasn’t about restriction — it was about nourishment. Food became fuel instead of something to stress over. Training became my therapy, my grounding ritual, my way of reconnecting with myself.
Now, working full-time, I know how difficult it can be to balance everything. Some days, finding the time or energy to train feels impossible. But wellness doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing pursuit. Small, manageable adjustments make all the difference. It might be half an hour of intentional movement. It might be batch-cooking on a Sunday.
It might be choosing a protein-rich meal that keeps me energised. These little hacks keep my mind clear, my body grounded, and my routine sustainable.
One of my biggest motivations in building FYOUFIT was the desire to create a community — a space where confident, fearless women can connect, uplift each other, and grow together. For far too long, society has fed women impossible beauty standards and encouraged us to chase perfection. I wanted to shift the narrative. I wanted to build a brand that celebrates strength, celebrates individuality, and celebrates the journey.
Our motto, “Face Your Fierce,” is at the heart of everything we do. To me, it means tapping into that version of yourself that is bold, unapologetic, and powerful. It means embracing your inner fierce — the part of you that shows up even on the hard days — and letting it shine. FYOUFIT is about helping women feel fierce and fabulous, not because of how they look, but because of how they feel when they put themselves first.
We already recognise so many forms of self-care: getting our hair done, booking lash appointments, maintaining our nails and brows. These rituals make us feel good, and we prioritise them. But movement, nourishment, and mindfulness deserve that same level of importance. A 45-minute walk, a lifting session, or a home-cooked meal is just as much an act of self-love as any beauty appointment. These habits nurture the mind as much as the body. A strong and healthy mindset is everything. When we feel good within ourselves, we show up better in every area of life. FYOUFIT was built on that belief — it’s not just gymwear; it’s an invitation to step into your power. Empowerment begins with one small step. And each step, no matter how small, is a victory. Find us at www.fyoufit.co.uk.
At Eastham Hall, I offer neuro -affirming counselling sessions, providing a safe space to explore who you are and how you’re feeling. I’m here to listen to you and for you to be heard without judgement and with understanding.
Whether you are considering a diagnosis, are mid -way through your diagnosis journey, or have already received a diagnosis, counselling can help you to work through what neurodiversity means to you and for you, and learn new ways of working that support your unique way of thinking and processing.
Avoid long waiting times and find session times that suit you.
To learn more visit meadowbrookcounselling.co.uk or scan the QR code below. Alternatively email to book a full 50 -minute session to find out how counselling could help you.
Sessions cost £50 per weekly session.
Meadowbrook Counselling, Eastham Hall, 109 Eastham Village Road,
Eastham, Wirral, CH62 0AF
Email: emma@meadowbrookcounselling.co.uk
THE QUIET POWER OF BEING UNDERSTOOD: WHY NEURO-AFFIRMING THERAPY MATTERS
NOW MORE THAN EVER
In recent years, conversations around mental health have opened the doors for people to explore, identify and embrace neurodiversity, with a shift towards acceptance instead of scepticism. As a counsellor specialising in neuro-affirming therapy, I see every day how transformative it can be when someone is met with understanding rather than disbelief, and curiosity rather than judgement. For many neurodivergent adults, therapy can be the first place where they are encouraged not to mask, minimise themselves, or apologise for how their mind works.
My practice is grounded in an integrative approach that brings together Person-Centred Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and CBT. Each of these models offers something valuable, and combining them allows me to adapt to the person in front of me rather than expecting them to fit into a rigid method. This flexibility is essential when working with neurodivergent clients who have different needs, sensory profiles, histories, and communication styles. What works for one person might feel overwhelming for another; what feels grounding one week might need to be adjusted the next. That’s the beauty of an integrative approach: it can move with the client.
Many people come to me after years of feeling misunderstood in clinical, educational or personal settings.
Some describe previous therapy experiences where they felt the need to moderate what they disclose out of shame, or to push down traits that were core parts of who they are. Others have had experiences of being dismissed, disbelieved, or told they needed to “try harder.” These stories are painful, but they also emphasise why neuro-affirming therapy matters. My role is not to reshape anyone into a version of themselves that fits a norm; it’s to help them explore their inner world with compassion and uncover ways of living that feel sustainable and authentic.
Creating a sense of safety is central to this work, and the counselling space has been designed to be calm, sensory-friendly and predictable. For some people, weekly sessions work well; for others, longer but less frequent sessions allow space to follow their thoughts without feeling rushed. Counselling can help to put into words feelings that have previously been difficult to identify or express. Sometimes safety means making room for humour; at other times, it involves gently working through the impact of past invalidation or trauma. Whatever the route, the aim is always the same: to offer a therapeutic relationship where a person can feel deeply seen, heard, and respected.
A core part of my passion for this work comes from witnessing how life-changing it can be when someone starts to understand themselves on their own terms. Therapy can be a place not only for healing but for discovery, growth, and acceptance.
I believe every client deserves a space where they can feel safe to take off their mask and just be themselves. Whether someone is navigating overwhelm, exploring identity, or simply seeking a place where they do not have to hide, my commitment is to walk alongside them with empathy, professionalism, and genuine respect for their unique way of being.
Emma Bennett, BSc (Open) MBACP Meadowbrook Counselling
Recruiting Now
It’s time to care
• Flexible Hours
• Rewarding Work
• Full & Part-time
• Training & Support
• Competitive Rates of Pay
• Career Progression
She's my lovely blue angel
Care in your home, just as you like it.
You love your home and you feel safe there. Needing additional care and support shouldn’t change that.
With our well-trusted care service, you can remain at home surrounded by loved ones and beloved pets and still enjoy your home, garden and community.
You may be in a situation where you need an extra pair of hands to help with daily chores, or you may have complex needs that require more dedicated care. We build our care packages around you and your individual needs which means that you and your family can rest assured you’ll receive care and support exactly as you need.
With such a personal service, you’ll want to engage with people you can trust, who are highly trained, who listen, understand and show compassion. Our team deliver all of this and more.
ZEN MEDITATION WITH LOUISE
My journey with meditation began many years ago, long before I ever imagined guiding others. As a single mum juggling work, home life and the constant pressure of doing everything alone, meditation became my quiet refuge. I would squeeze it into any moment I could find—late at night, early in the morning or during rare pockets of silence. It wasn’t always easy, but those small moments helped me stay grounded when life felt overwhelming. Then one evening, as I listened to a guided meditation I’d heard countless times before, something shifted. The words washed over me, and out of nowhere came a strong, clear thought: I could create this—for myself and for others. It was as if a door opened inside me. That was the moment the idea was born.
From that spark, ZEN Meditation with Louise emerged. I trained and qualified as a Teacher of Meditation, and then I approached Calm Village in Irby with a vision to offer meditation that felt warm, accessible and real sessions designed for everyday people navigating everyday challenges. They welcomed the idea, and soon I was guiding my own classes, watching people arrive carrying the weight of their week and leave feeling lighter, calmer and more centred. It confirmed that I was exactly where I needed to be.
As my work expanded, so did the connections that shaped my journey. I met Louise from Reiki by Louise and Rebekah Cuthill of Simply Serene, two incredible women whose healing paths aligned beautifully with mine. Our shared passion for helping others brought us together, and what began as a collaboration soon became a friendship. With our combined skills—meditation, Reiki & holistic therapies—we created our Serenity Retreats, offering deeply nourishing, restorative experiences that allow people to completely switch off and reconnect with themselves.
Alongside the retreats, Reiki by Louise and I also developed
our Reiki & Meditation Evenings, blending calming guided meditation with gentle Reiki healing. These evenings have become a beautiful space for people to unwind and receive both stillness and energetic support. They are always filled with warmth, connection and a sense of community that continues to grow.
What amazes me most is how many parts of this journey I unknowingly manifested. At our first retreat back in May, I created a vision board. On it, I placed a picture representing Wirral Well-Being Magazine—a dream that felt far away at the time. I had no idea how it would happen, only that I felt drawn to it. And now, standing here, seeing this dream become reality is a reminder of how powerful intention and belief can be.
This week, I will be learning how to do Reiki too, another part of my vision I wanted to become a reality.
Meditation didn’t just help me find my calm—it helped me find my purpose. And today, sharing that peace with others, through classes, retreats, and healing evenings is one of the greatest gifts of my life.
I run weekly sessions at Calm Village, Irby and every other Sunday.
Our retreats are held across various locations. Our last one was at the beautiful Monks Cottage Sanctuary in Eastham.
I have gift vouchers available if anyone wants to give the gift of a beautiful relaxation for my guided meditation.
I am about to embark on my level 2 Practitioner of Reiki course.
All the information is on Facebook and Instagram, ZEN Meditation with Louise and our page Serenity Retreats. You can also contact me on 07720647221.
YOU HELD ME — WHILE MY BODY SWITCHED ITSELF OFF.
How Perimenopause, ADHD and PMDD silenced my body — and how I found my way back By Stephanie Cowdell — In collaboration with Laura Seymour
I didn’t realise my body was shutting down — I just knew something was deeply wrong. At 41, everything felt different: exhaustion I couldn’t shake, emotional overwhelm, and days where my body felt wired yet drained. I kept going back to the GP, but visit after visit, nothing joined together. Deep down, I knew something bigger was happening.
In early 2020, before lockdown, I took myself away for ten quiet days. No alcohol, early nights, proper rest. I returned feeling reset — but the calm didn’t last. By the end of the year, I met my partner, who unknowingly became the person who held me together through the hardest years of my life. He witnessed the inflammation, the mood swings, the shutdowns, and the days I barely recognised myself. He is now my fiancé — the one who held me up through it all, even on the days I didn’t want to leave the house because my skin felt inflamed and sunken. His patience never left me, even when he said it sometimes felt like he was on an emotional rollercoaster, too. We talked through everything, and he became my anchor.
By 2022, my symptoms escalated dramatically. I experienced headaches, blurred vision, and days where I needed a magnified mirror just to see clearly because my perception felt “off”, as though the world wasn’t lining up properly. Thankfully, this improved later, but at the time, it was frightening. I also developed light sensitivity, tinnitus, bladder issues, water retention, overwhelming fatigue, appetite swings and inflammation across my face and skin. I felt cold constantly. Holidays were spent asleep. My confidence disappeared. I felt disconnected from my own body.
One morning, I woke up unable to read my phone clearly.
A&E arranged a brain scan — “normal”. Yet nothing about how I felt was normal. In January 2023, I received my ADHD diagnosis. It explained the sensory overload, but not the hormonal crashes or two-week emotional spirals. Something deeper was still being missed.
By 2024, everything collapsed. I withdrew socially, stopped exercising and felt myself fading. GPs offered CBT but still didn’t check my hormones.
By December 2024, I reached the Manchester Menopause Hive. I was so low — physically, mentally and emotionally — and it was the first time someone truly listened. During a one-hour Zoom consultation, everything was tailored to my symptoms, and I finally began a proper treatment plan with a three-month review. My symptoms slowly began to ease, and it was the first sense of hope I’d felt in years. In March 2025, blood tests showed my testosterone was low. I began therapy soon after. Yet by June and July, many symptoms returned — fatigue, inflammation and low mood. A deeper review in August showed I wasn’t absorbing my testosterone gel properly. At the same time, I logged symptoms I’d never understood — leading to a diagnosis I’d never heard of: PMDD. Suddenly, everything made sense.
In September 2025, I began Slynd continuously to stabilise PMDD. My HRT was refined, my testosterone adjusted, and my deficiencies corrected. It wasn’t a magic wand, but I researched endlessly — especially around nutrition — and slowly learned how to support my body properly. Bit by bit, energy, stability and confidence returned. And the person who stood by me through every stage is still right beside me. I remain under the care of the Manchester Menopause Hive, with my next review and blood work due in December. They have supported me from day one — at a time when I honestly didn’t think I was going to make it through. If anyone reading this feels the same or needs support, please reach out — if I can help, I will.
My hormones collapsed, and it showed on my skin — redness, inflammation and breakouts in the March and April photos. Once my levels stabilised, everything improved. By late September my skin had calmed, and by October my natural fullness had returned — shown in the last picture. Didn’t want to leave the house, was so low.
A Magical Holiday Season at Babylicious: Your One-Stop Children's Emporium
As we enter the final months of 2025, there's a festive buzz in the air at Babylicious, where we've been helping families prepare for Christmas since the summer. With the holiday season fast approaching, our store is transformed into a wonderland of children's treasures, from practical essentials to magical toys that will light up little faces on Christmas morning.
Understanding that the holidays can strain family budgets, we've been offering Christmas payment plans since July. These flexible payment options, available through our social media channels on Facebook and Instagram, help parents spread the cost of their children's Christmas wishes. Haven't joined this year? Make a note to start early in 2026! We also offer year-round savings clubs and prepayment plans on our entire range of products, perfect for expectant parents who want to prepare ahead of their little one's arrival.
Our bestselling practical gifts include premium buggies, highchairs, and travel cots – perfect for those family visits during the festive season. Safety remains paramount, especially when it comes to car seats. We proudly stock leading brands including Maxi Cosi, Cybex, BeSafe, and Axkid, with expert fitting services available.
Step into our magical toy department and discover:
- Beautifully crafted dolls with their own prams, car seats, and wardrobes
- Classic wooden toys including shape sorters, puzzles, and imaginative play sets
- Enchanting playsets from space rockets to pirate ships and fairy-tale castles
- Electric cars, trains, and ride-on toys for little adventurers
- Modern favourites like Tonie boxes for interactive storytelling
Our collection extends far beyond toys. We offer complete nursery solutions with gorgeous furniture sets, including cot beds, wardrobes, and dressers. Cozy touches like beautiful blankets, bedding, and Grobags ensure your little ones sleep soundly. For daytime comfort, explore our selection of rocking chairs, bouncers, and swings.
While our website showcases many items, it can't capture our full range – there's simply too much to display online!
Visit our store to experience the full magic of Babylicious, where our knowledgeable staff can help you find exactly what you're looking for. From premium prams and travel systems to the perfect Christmas gift, we're here to make your shopping experience special.
Come and discover why our customers call us a true children's emporium. There's nothing quite like seeing our wonderful selection in person – we guarantee you'll be amazed by the choice!
