News reports located on this page = 2.

There's never been a better time to quit smoking

THIS week is Mental Health Awareness Week and this year in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, the theme couldn't be more appropriate; kindness. That's why the Quit Squad at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust are encouraging smokers to Quit for COVID. So many people are taking part in acts of kindness but within the stresses of the global pandemic, it's easy to forget to be kind to yourself. Not only does stopping smoking help in protecting others against the harms of 2nd hand smoke, but the benefits to you can include a reduction in tension and anxiety and a cut to costs at a time of financial worry and healthier lungs, helping fight the Coronavirus infection should you be exposed to it. The world is also at a unique time with social distancing firmly in place so those who smoke socially can be an extra boost to finally give up the habit.

Stopping smoking doesn't just improve physical health, but also your mental health. Mental health problems can affect anyone, at any time and in Lancashire, 24% of adults with long term mental health conditions are smokers. People with mental health problems are just as likely to want to stop smoking as those without but some continue to smoke as they feel it helps relieve stress and anxiety. Long term, giving up is linked to reduced depression, anxiety, and stress, improved positive mood as well as reducing your risk of premature death. Long term, it is linked to reduced depression, anxiety, and stress, improved positive mood as well as reducing your risk of premature death.

Tracy Sutton, Quit Squad Manager at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust said:- "Smoking is the single largest cause of the 10 to 20 year gap in life expectancy between people with a mental health problem and the general population. Quit Squad is still open and are encouraging smokers to contact the service for free help and telephone support as you are up to 3 times more likely to quit with the help of stop smoking products combined with our support, than if you try to quit on your own. Even if you have tried before and didn't manage, don't give up on quitting because you can do it. Many smokers try several times before they succeed."

Once smoke free, there are very real health benefits:-

► After 8 hours carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by more than half and oxygen levels return to normal.

► After 48 hours carbon monoxide is eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris.

► After 72 hours breathing becomes easier as bronchial tubes begin to relax.

► After 2 to 12 weeks lung function and blood circulation starts to improve, making physical activity like walking and running easier.

► After 3 to 9 months any coughs, wheezing or breathing problems will be improving as your lung function increases further
There is also digital online support through the My Quit Route app which can be downloaded via the App store or from Google Play.

The Quit Squad is a service delivered by Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust and funded by Lancashire County Council. You can access the service by calling:- 0800 3286297 or visiting:- QuitsQuad.NHS.UK. You can find them on Twitter, where you can also use the hashtag:- '#QuitForCovid.'  You can also find out more on both the services Instagram account:- @lancsquitsquad and on Facebook by searching:- 'Quit Squad.'

Titanic tribute to Liverpool's key workers

LIVERPOOL'S most famous ship has been given a stunning multi coloured makeover as a special salute to all those heroic key workers who are helping the City through the Coronavirus outbreak. For the past 8 years, the sculpture of the Titanic has sat at the junction of Mill Street and the A561; 1 of the major gateways into the City, but in recent years the replica of the iconic liner has begun to look a bit tired and in need of a bit of TLC. Liverpool City Council's street cleansing and public space partner Liverpool Streetscene Services Ltd (LSSL) had plans to bring the artwork back to its former glory before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Community artist Alan Murray, who created the piece, was commissioned by the Mayor's Neighbourhood Fund and the Riverside Ward Councillors to go back and raise the Titanic to its very best. With the onset of the lockdown, Alan took the opportunity to give the pride of the White Star Line a bold new colour scheme reflecting the rainbow of gratitude that we all feel to those on the front line in the battle against Coronavirus. Alan has worked in isolation on the piece over recent days and now it stands resplendent once more; complete with a new flag giving thanks to all the:- 'heroes.' Since being unveiled, the ship has brought pleasure to both pedestrians and passing motorists alike.

Artist Alan Murray said:- "The piece was originally created to commemorate the 100 years since the sinking of the Titanic. The Council asked me to give it a touch up and I thought it was a good opportunity to use it as thanks to all those health workers, Care Workers, Council staff and others who have been working hard through the pandemic. We are all being affected by COVID and hopefully if you are a doctor or care worker on your way into the City this will give you a little boost. It's also has a connection with our City's maritime past. The rainbow has become a symbol of this pandemic and I used the colours so it would resonate with people and send the message that we all need to stick together."

Speaking on behalf of the Riverside ward Councillors, Cllr Steve Munby, said:- "The sculpture of the Titanic is a well-loved landmark in the Dingle, but it's not been looking its best lately. We've planned a refresh for a few months, but its great Alan's gone out and done it this way. It's really cheered people up and has had a fantastic response from local residents. So many people are working hard to keep people safe and well. It's really touching to see a tribute like this. Nice 1 mate!"

Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Highways, Cllr Sharon Connor, said:- "This is a fantastic tribute to our key workers and has brought a much needed touch of colour to the lives of everyone who sees it as they go past. Our City has a rich artistic heritage and of course a world famous maritime history. Alan has done a fantastic job in bringing these 2 elements together to create a stunning new celebration of our City's other prized asset… Its people."

Watch the video about the project on:- Vimeo.Com.