Litherland High School Mental Health Awareness Week

AT Litherland High School Mental Health Awareness Week is always a stand out date on the School calendar and this year wasn't going to be any different, well apart from being completely different! The worldwide pandemic has had a massive impact upon our mental health and most people will have experienced a wide range of emotions during the last couple of months. The staff at LHS know how important it is to look after their student's mental health and wellbeing as well as their academic needs and during the whole of lock down not only have they been looking out for their students but also for our staff, families and people in the local community. Marketing and Events' Manager, Alison Burns said:- "Mental Health Awareness Week is always a big occasion for us at LHS and this year it's been more important than ever. With a little bit of creative thinking we were able to devise a whole week of activities for our students and families 'from a distance'. We tried to involve as many people as we could, and we know from the engagement we had from our Livo Well Fair which was broadcast live on Facebook that we reached 1000s of people in our local community.' The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week was changed by the Mental Health Foundation to 'Kindness' to fit with the global situation and this became the focus for LHS's week. The School rebranded their newsletter to 'Livo Lifeline' with a focus on celebrating all of the positive things going on in School and the community and this is sent to all students and staff every 3 weeks to help keep everyone connected. The newsletter isn't the only thing to be posted through the School communities letterbox! Staff and students have received personalised cards, Poppy seeds to plant, poems, wellbeing tips and leaflets along with the latest treat, the School jigsaw. We had a customised jigsaw made with a photo of the front of our School which includes our amazing rainbow display. We built the jigsaw and then sent every student and member of staff a piece with a special card reminding them that they are an 'Essential piece' of our School community. The idea being that when we are finally all back together the jigsaw will once again be complete."

Throughout the week the School ran whole host of events including daily challenges with the focus of kindness and wellbeing, the launch of an amazing video created by Year 9 and 10 students about mental health based on their winning performance at the NOW Festival and culminating in a Facebook Live broadcast by the Principal, David Yates. The focus on Mental Health and Wellbeing at LHS is already a big feature in the School. "Each week we have 'Wellbeing Wednesday sessions with 2 specialists who come in to School and work with our students in a number of ways. Students can access support every week in School when they need it. We run various groups in School ranging from grief support to anxiety workshops and drop in sessions for staff and students which has been an amazing success." explained Kelly McAnally, Vice Principal.

Principal, David Yates said:- "I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the support everyone has shown as we work with each other during this challenging time. The kindness, respect and dedication from our entire community has been something truly special. As a School we have been working tirelessly to support our community as much as possible not only with our Mental Health Awareness Week but in other ways as well. We have been working with some amazing organisations including Everton in the Community, Radio City's Cash for Kids, Hickory's Smokehouse, Sefton Pantry and so many more. We have been able to deliver hampers of food, fantastic meals from Hickorys and vouchers and support to those of our families who need it most. I know that as a School and community, we will come through this stronger than ever and as always we are here to educate, help and support our students. Our #LivoFamily is stronger than ever."

Here are some comments from our families:-

"Only just watched this video being in work myself absolutely brilliant take my hat off to the staff who are doing a fantastic job with our children at home under these circumstances to everyone at LHS all Stay Safe x"

"An absolutely amazing School with an important message. This is brilliant and I am enjoying watching it. Well done Litherland! Everton in the Community"

Literally wouldn't change our School or teachers for anything...

"What a fabulous team you are . How Blessed the children of Litherland High School are .. Stay safe!'"

"Well done to Mr Yates and to all the staff involved, your doing a fantastic job continuing to support all the children and families xx."

"Thank you for your support, dedication, enthusiasm and all round fabness! I know my boys are safe and in the best hands every day so Blue heartPurple heart Thank you!"

"Would like to thank all of the staff and teachers Litherland High for their countless efforts and support they give, not just throughout this pandemic, but each and every normal day. You're all...."

For more information about what Litherland High School has been doing please visit:- LitherlandHigh.Com or check out their social media pages on:- Facebook, Twitter and on Istagram.

Southport M&S colleague  returns to help NHS after recovering COVID-19

AFTER contracting Covid-19 and being Hospitalised for over a week, a Southport M&S colleague and NHS volunteer Sue has made a full recovery and returned to work at her local Hospital this week.  Sue has been volunteering in the Pharmacy department at Southport Hospital since August and is currently on furlough from her role in the Clothing and Home department at M&S Southport. Sue's role is to help deliver vital medication to wards and other departments in the Hospital; a service which facilitates quicker discharges for patients and frees up much needed time for the Pharmacists and other staff. In the face of the Coronavirus pandemic, Sue realised her support at the Hospital was more vital than ever; which is why in mid-March she asked M&S if she could work her contracted hours at the Hospital instead of in the store. This was before the Government announced its Coronavirus job retention scheme. However, on 1 April 2020, Sue began to feel unwell, and after her paramedic friend insisted on checking up on her, Sue ended up being taken into Hospital and was diagnosed with Covid-19. Sue, M&S Southport colleague, and Southport Hospital volunteer, said:- "I'm so grateful to my friend for checking up on me. Without him I probably would have just soldiered on as I told myself I was fine, but really, I wasn't. I'm just relieved to have made a full recovery; sadly so many others haven't been so lucky."

Sue resumed her volunteer role on Tuesday last week; something she's been looking forward to for many weeks during her recovery at home. Sue added:- "I've been itching to get back to the Hospital over the past month. I thoroughly enjoy being able to support the Hospital at this really challenging time. It's so important that people and businesses like M&S give back where they can and help our vital NHS fight Coronavirus."

And Sue's Hospital Colleagues are glad to have her back. The Hospital relies on volunteers, but unfortunately with many of them being over 70, it has lost 75% of its volunteer workforce due to the Government's self isolating guidelines, so the NHS team has been more grateful than ever for Sue's contributions. Irene Gardner, Volunteer Services Manager at NHS Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust, said:- "Our Pharmacy Team look upon Sue; or 'Sudafed' as she has been affectionately nicknamed by staff; as an essential member of the team. She's an inspiration to us all and we're so glad she's made a full recovery and is back with us. We missed her a lot. Everyone she meets on her travels throughout the Hospital is greeted with her cheery smile, enthusiasm and optimism. A massive thank you from myself and all of the staff at Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust!"

Watch the video on YouTube to find out more about Sue's role at NHS Southport. For further information or interview opportunities, please contact Grayling at:- GraylingNorth@Grayling.Com. For information on how M&S is supporting its customers, communities and colleagues, please visit:- MarksAndSpencer.Com.