Fire Fighters Charity held car wash at Southport Community Fire Station

THE Fire Fighters Charity have again been trying to wash as many cars as possible to raise money for our Charity, as part of its National Car Wash event.

Nationally this fundraising exercise has been raising funds for a wide variety of community services and charities. The event that was held on:- Saturday, 18 May 2024, at Merseyside Fire and Rescue's Southport Community Fire Station, was raising money for both The Fire Fighters Charity and Presfield School, a local state Special School for boys and girls.

We are told that the Fire Fighters National Car Wash 2024 was sponsored by Autoglym, who provide their shampoo for all the fire stations throughout the UK that have been taking part.

You can see a few more photos of the event on the School's Facebook Page.

Beat cabin fever with a daily walk

DO you feel restless after staying home all day..? You could be suffering from:- 'cabin fever?'

A new survey that was commissioned by Living Streets to coincide with this years Mental Health Awareness Week (13 May to 19 May 2024) has found that 22% of people either spend no time, or spend less than 20 minutes a day walking. The survey also found that when people who walk didn't leave the house, 37% reported feeling:- "restless," 37% reported feeling:- "less fit" and 28% said they felt:- "irritable."

Dame Jane Roberts, Doctor and Psychiatrist said:- "It may sound made up, but cabin fever is very real. Rather than being a mental illness, it's a common condition that arises from the feelings of being alone and cooped up a confined space. Once we start to feel stuck, our mind latches onto other negative emotions to make us feel that things will only get worse."

How do you know if you're experiencing cabin fever? According to Dr Jane, a telltale sign is when you become irritable or anxious over small things that wouldn't normally trouble you. Other signs may include fatigue or tiredness, sleeplessness, boredom, restlessness, a wandering mind, and difficulty focusing.

The good news is that regularly getting out of the house; ideally every day; will help you shake off cabin fever. This May, Living Streets is encouraging people to walk for 20 minutes every day as part of their National Walking Month. Even a 20-minute walk increases our mental alertness, energy and positive mood, according to research.

Getting out for a walk or another form of exercise can also increase self esteem and reduce stress and anxiety. It also plays a role in preventing the development of mental health problems and in improving the quality of life of people experiencing mental health problems.

Furthermore, while the positive impact of dog companionship on both mental and physical health were felt across all age groups, the nationwide outlook showed that older age groups were the most impacted, with a The Kennel Club studdy finding:- 82% of those aged:- 45 to 54, and 80% of those over 55, claim their dog help them with their mental health by keeping them active.

And it's not just the physical benefits of dog walks that owners credit with improving their mental health, with research showing 76% of dog owners in the North West acknowledge that their dog helps their mental health by giving them a routine.

Sarah Bowyer, from Cheshire, knows 1st hand how motivational and beneficial dogs can be for providing an active routine, and how this can positively impact mental health. Sarah's Labrador Eric came into her life following a traumatic period; a ruptured ectopic pregnancy followed by the news that she wouldn't be able to conceive naturally again. Despite arriving after such a difficult time, Eric's had an overwhelming positive impact on her life. The pair took up agility, a fast paced and energetic activity that owners and dogs can take part in together, and their shared hobby has taken them all over the UK to compete, as well as success at Crufts.

Speaking of their relationship, Sarah said:- "Eric has completed our family and we no longer feel something is missing. He's certainly been my rock and helped us through lots of tough times over the last few years and I don't know where we would be without his unconditional love and mind reading capabilities, knowing exactly where to be and when. The agility journey we have been on so far has brought some amazing people into our lives and also giving me the best network of friends."

Beyond exercise, research by the The Kennel Club has shown that dogs prove to be a tonic for all aspects of our wellbeing:-

• 82% of owners in the North West say their dog provides unconditional love and comfort.
  

• 77% in the Region find that their dog helps to relieve feelings of loneliness.
  

• And 75% agree their dog helps to relieve feelings of anxiety.

Bill Lambert, spokesperson for The Kennel Club said:- "While we know how invaluable the companionship provided by our four-legged friends is, this research shows just how much dogs can enrich our lives, not only through providing unconditional love and solace through tough times, but also through keeping us active, which in turn provides a wealth of benefits for our mental health. There are plenty of opportunities to keep moving with our canine companions, which isn't limited to just regular daily walks. From the fast paced agility, to learning a heelwork to music routine, there are different activities to suit all ages and abilities."

To find out more about the UK's everyday walking charity, visit:- LivingStreets.Org.UK or search social media with the hashtags:- #Try20 and #MagicOfWalking  Also for even more information on getting involved in physical activities with your dog can be found by visiting:- TheKennelClub.Org.UK/Activities.