Sefton volunteers donate ₤81,000 worth of time to Covid19 vaccination programme

NHS teams in Sefton are celebrating the outstanding contribution from volunteers across the local Covid19 vaccination programme, during Volunteer's Week 2021. The volunteer programme, set up in partnership with NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), NHS Southport and Formby CCG and Sefton Council for Voluntary Service (CVS), has been a great success with over 250 people applying to help. As of 26 May 2021, an estimated 6,182 volunteer hours were completed across the 4 local vaccination sites in Sefton, totalling an equivalent estimated wage value of ₤81,417.

Volunteers provided support in 4 local Vaccination Centres, in Sefton, which were run by Sefton GP Practices working together in groups; known as Primary Care Networks. The CCGs in Sefton and Sefton CVS are taking the opportunity to applaud the hard work and dedication of these vaccination teams during Volunteer's Week; an annual event that ran from 1 June to 7 June 2021, celebrating volunteers and thanking them for the contributions they make across the UK. Certificates were awarded to volunteers across the local vaccination sites to commend their efforts, and celebrations to thank the teams have been taking place in the form of:- custom baked cakes, pizza deliveries and more.

Fiona Taylor, Chief Officer of NHS South Sefton CCG and NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said:- "We would like to wholeheartedly thank the generous and selfless volunteers who have given their time and energy to the Covid19 vaccination programme in Sefton. We are truly grateful for your support and every hour volunteered is greatly appreciated. This is the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history and what we have achieved together is nothing short of outstanding. Our clinical teams would not have been able to deliver the Vaccine programme so far, at such a successful rate, without the support of the volunteers on site to keep everything running smoothly and efficiently."

Angela White OBE, Chief Executive of Sefton CVS added:- "Throughout the COVID19 Pandemic, Sefton's vibrant and resilient voluntary sector has continued to provide frontline services and valuable support to local residents, and volunteers continue to play a key role in the ongoing vaccination programme across the borough. As part of national Volunteers Week, Sefton CVS would like to thank everyone who has made a difference in their communities through volunteering and working together to meet the needs of local residents during this difficult time."

Adele Cartwright, a volunteer at a local vaccination site said:- "Volunteering has helped me so much with my confidence. I am very much a people's person and I love helping others, especially when I know that NHS teams are already under so much pressure from the Coronavirus Pandemic."

More than 170,000 people in Sefton have so far received their 1st dose of a Covid19 Vaccine and over 111,000 people have been fully vaccinated with 2 doses.

Following the Government guidance on priority groups, NHS staff are continuing to vaccinate Sefton residents and anyone aged 30 and over can now book their jab through the national booking system.

There are several vaccination centres across Merseyside that anyone eligible can make appointments with, including:- 9 Pharmacies in Sefton, based in:- Ainsdale, Bootle, Formby, Litherland, Seaforth, Southport and Waterloo.

When invited, people in Sefton will be able to book their 1st or 2nd doses by calling:- 119 or visiting the national booking service website:- NHS.UK/Conditions/Coronavirus-Covid19.
 

Ormskirk charity helping disadvantaged individuals to improve their 'power of speech!'

ENGLISH Speaking Board (International), an Ormskirk charitable awarding organisation offering Speech and Language qualifications, is celebrating its 70th Anniversary, in 2023. Since 1953, ESB has been an innovator in the field of oracy. Its founder, Christabel Burniston MBE, was a true pioneer in oral communication, championing the importance of spoken English as a vital life skill and believing that true development of personality and security in social relationships could only grow through the confidence of speaking and listening.

To honour this special milestone, ESB is launching its 70/70 Campaign, which will make access to ESB's suite of speech and language qualifications more available to groups and organisations with limited finances which are seeking to close the disadvantage gap. This could be:- Schools, Colleges, community groups, youth groups and charities.

ESB believes that good communication skills lie at the heart of social mobility and its aim is to create a future where class background is no barrier to what can be achieved. Under the umbrella of its 70/70 campaign, ESB hopes to support hundreds of young people to gain the English language and Oracy skills needed to achieve their aspirations.

ESB's Chief Executive Tina Renshaw, says:- "This campaign is not the 1st time that we have provided financial support to grant learners access to our qualifications. The Christabel Burniston Fund, a support fund to celebrate the legacy of our founder, has supported more than 40 organisations over the last three academic years. The 70/70 Campaign provides an expansion on the support we already offer and aims to give confidence to learners providing them with a clear advantage as they progress through their education and beyond."

If you are involved in bettering the lives of disadvantaged learners and would like to be a part of this ambitious and worthwhile campaign, please contact ESB's Chief Executive, Tina Renshaw via email at:- Tina.Renshaw@ESBUK.Org or get further information by visiting English Speaking Board's website:- ESBUK.Org.
 

Bill Esterson MP praises Formby High School and Chesterfield High School Tes School Awards Nominations

SEFTON Central MP Bill Esterson has praised 2 local schools after they were announced as finalists for 3 Tes School Awards. Formby High School has been shortlisted by the TES for Creative School of the year and Secondary School, while Chesterfield High School in Crosby has been shortlisted for the wellbeing and mental health. The winners will be announced at a ceremony, on Friday, 25 June 2021. Commenting, MP for Sefton Central Bill Esterson said:- "Sefton is 1 of the best places in the country to live, work and send your children to School. I want a 1st class education for all of the children in my constituency and Formby High School and Chesterfield high School are excellent examples of that. I am thrilled they are receiving the recognition they so richly deserve. Not only has Formby High School been shortlisted for most creative School, but it is also a finalist for best Secondary School of 2021. And the nomination for Chesterfield High School for wellbeing and mental health award is very significant given the challenges faced by students and staff during the crisis and the challenges of having to do lessons remotely, of exams being cancelled and of the isolation of not being with friends. I am confident that the parents, pupils and teachers, at Formby High School and Chesterfield High School, will be immensely proud no matter the outcome, and both Schools will continue to have my full support. Congratulations to Mr McKenzie and Mr Sexton, their fantastic staff and all of the children at Formby and at Chesterfield High Schools on being short listed for these prestigious awards. Good luck to both schools for the final!"