Life Rooms, a service run by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, supports people in dealing with social factors that can impact their health and is available in the borough’s five libraries (from Tuesday 30 August).

Whatever issue you might be facing; from housing and employment to lifestyle or exercise, Life Rooms can help you to take your next steps towards a healthier life.

The friendly Life Rooms team offers face-to-face support and can signpost users to further help and support.

Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Cabinet Member for Health, said: “Many people will experience some low level mental health problems at some point in their lives, such as stress, worry, and anxiety.

“Good mental health and wellbeing helps us to build resilience to cope with life’s ups and downs, so I’m delighted Knowsley residents who may be struggling will now be able to access practical, face-to-face support in Knowsley’s libraries from Life Rooms.”

Cllr Jayne Aston, Knowsley Cabinet Member for Resources, added: “Our libraries are welcoming and accessible community facilities, providing a gateway to a wide range of council and other services, information and opportunities for all. The launch of Life Rooms will be a valuable addition to the mental health and wellbeing support which can be accessed through the libraries.”

Life Rooms will be available in Knowsley’s libraries, during usual branch opening hours on the following days, from 10am to 4pm:

• Halewood Library: Mondays
• Huyton Library: Tuesdays
• Prescot Library: Wednesdays
• Stockbridge Village Library: Thursdays
• Kirkby Library: Fridays

Visit Life Rooms’ website for more information about their support.

The programme is expected to start in early September and run through to December. Residents are advised that boosters will only be available via a booked appointment and those eligible should wait to be contacted and invited by the NHS.

Each of the following cohorts will be eligible for an autumn booster (no less than 3 months after their previous dose):

• Residents and staff in a care homes
• Frontline health and social care workers
• All adults aged 50 years and over
• People aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group
• People aged 5 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
• People aged 16 to 49 years who are carers

Residents should not attend any of the vaccination clinics for an autumn booster until invited to do so as they will not be able to get a vaccination.

Further information will be available in due course.

Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Health, said: “With life being back to normal and media coverage reduced, it is easy to think that COVID-19 has gone away. However, that is not the case.

“Ahead of the colder months, it is very important that those in high-risk groups and carers boost their protection against virus. Vaccination remains the best way for us to protect ourselves and those around us.”

The Blue Badge scheme is for people who have a disability or hidden disability to make it easier for them to travel.

All Knowsley Libraries are now offering a free digital photograph service for Blue Badge applicants who have no access to provide a digital image.

No appointment is necessary, you just need to bring proof of ID such as a valid driving licence, passport, or current Council Tax/utility bill.

Find your nearest library and view opening hours on the Knowsley Council website.

If you need more support to complete a Blue Badge application, you can contact the council in a number of ways. You can:

• Chat to an Online Advisor – start a chat at knowsley.gov.uk/online-services. Advisors are available Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm, except on Wednesdays, when the hours are 9am until 4pm.
• Telephone – call 0151 489 6000. Our Customer Services Team is available Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm with the exception of Wednesday which is 9am until 4pm.
• Face to face –please call 0151 489 6000 to discuss arranging an appointment.

Find out more about how to apply for a Blue Badge on the Knowsley Council website.

The Met Office has warned of heatwave temperatures between Tuesday 9 August and Saturday 13 August, so Knowsley’s Public Health team is reminding us that extreme hot weather can increase the health risks to vulnerable people, particularly at the moment whilst Covid-19 is still in circulation.

There are lots of things we can all do to keep ourselves – and those around us – safe during the hot weather:

• Keep out of the sun between 11.00am and 3.00pm.
• Wear at least factor 30 sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and remember to apply 30 minutes before going out in the sun. Reapply every couple of hours.  Always follow manufacturer’s instructions.
• Wear a hat or head covering whilst outside.
• Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes.
• Ensure everyone has plenty of cold drinks to keep hydrated (avoiding caffeine, alcohol or sugary drinks).
• It is advisable to eat cold foods, particularly washed salads and fruit with a high water content.
• Keep the environment cool by keeping windows that are exposed to the sun closed or shaded – electric fans will help too and ensure a flow of air.
• DO NOT use an electric fan if anyone in the home is unwell with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19).
• Ensure there are shaded areas in the play areas.
• Don’t leave vulnerable people alone especially in cars or rooms which get very warm such as conservatories.
• Monitor children and vulnerable adults with health conditions.
• Ensure that medication is kept below 25C.
• Take extra care when planning outdoor activities such as barbecues, which involve prolonged time spent outdoors as well as posing an additional fire risk.
• Don’t jump into cold water (dams etc) to cool down. Extreme caution should be taken if entering, playing or swimming in open water.

In the meantime, if you are worried about what to do, either for yourself or somebody you know who you think might be at risk, telephone NHS 111 or visit your local chemist.

More information and advice can be found on the Met Office website.

One Knowsley, the infrastructure body for the third sector in Knowsley, has worked tirelessly in the borough throughout the pandemic, with the company putting on more events in July to boost community spirit, health, well-being and employment throughout areas including Prescot, Halewood and Kirkby.

Working in partnership with Knowsley Council, One Knowsley has worked within communities to promote vaccine uptake and address inequality across the borough, but also to provide training and education for some of the Liverpool City Region’s most poorly resourced areas.

Having recruited over 100 Community Champions throughout 2022, One Knowsley has announced its full programme of events for the upcoming weeks, with many involving the local groups it already works with, including Evolving Mindset, Beautiful New Beginnings, 12 Million Minds and YARS, with volunteers continuing to provide clear and accessible information regarding the importance and benefits of vaccination to our communities.

Racheal Jones, chief executive, One Knowsley, said: 

“Our programme has directly addressed the issues that are being faced within our communities, and through the fantastic work carried out by our Community Champions, we have empowered many to work towards a brighter future, both physically and mentally.

“The events that have been put on on a daily and weekly basis have already helped change the lives of many, and with many more in the diary for the rest of July, I look forward to seeing more smiles on faces in the borough, with One Knowsley, Knowsley Council and our volunteers continuing to go above and beyond for our local communities.”

Events include:

• Rebound will be holding five classes a week encapsulating yoga, dance and health up until July 31
• 12 Million Minds will be continuing to hold their mindfulness and coffee mornings every Tuesday
• Apollo Sports Group will be hosting sports classes for a wide range of disabilities and ages every Thursday
• Starting Over Ent will continue with their Mental Health walks
• Knowsley Food Bank is operational and handing out all the local information as usual regarding the programme, after feeding over 1,300 people in June
• Centre 63 will continue to hold their weekly sessions of the Social Supermarket until July 27 (every Wednesday from 10am – 2pm)
• YES Project running until July 27 – Tuesday & Wednesday afternoon Youth  Club
• YES Project Employability Programme until 28th July (Thursday)

To become a Community Vaccine Champion, email communitychampions@oneknowsley.org – a voluntary role, Champions will have all travel expenses reimbursed when carrying out One Knowsley work.