Health survey launches for LGBTQ+ communities

Liverpool City Council is working with local charity Sahir House and a range of partners to undertake a health needs assessment with LGBTQ+ communities to better understand their experiences and the health inequalities they face. To coincide with LGBTQ+ history month, Liverpool is launching its first dedicated health needs assessment (survey) for local LGBTQ+ people. … Read more

Nitrous oxide is no ‘laughing’ matter

Liverpool City Council is working to tackle the issue of Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) misuse after links to anti-social behaviour and littering in the city – alongside a growing impact to health and the environment. Nitrous oxide is traditionally used for pain relief in medical settings, but the gas is also widely available to purchase … Read more

Blog: ‘Getting connected is truly one of the best things we can do to boost our wellbeing’

Family using a computer together

This week is Children’s Mental Health Week (6 – 12 February) and this year’s theme is all about connecting. Advanced Public Health Practitioner for Mental Health, Jayne Cook explains how encouraging children, young people (and the adults around them) to make meaningful connections is essential to supporting mental health and wellbeing. “Children and Young People’s … Read more

Blog: “Be part of the generation that stops HIV”

I test - because HIV can affect anyone

As part of National HIV testing week (6-12 February 2023) Advanced Public Health Practitioner, James Woolgar explains more about the annual campaign and how fighting stigma and providing better access to testing and treatment will see us eliminate HIV within the next decade. “This year, the national HIV testing campaign returns with a new strapline, … Read more

Cervical screening – are you up to date?

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week

Cervical cancer can be treatable if caught early, yet 1 in 3 people in Liverpool don’t attend for their cervical screening (Smear test) when invited. As part of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, Liverpool’s Public Health team is reminding people to book an appointment if their smear test is due – alongside asking friends and family … Read more

BLOG: We have cows to thank for vaccination – and that’s no bull!

Vaccination: "Dr Jenner performing his first vaccination, 1796". Oil painting by Ernest Board.

On the 200th anniversary of the death of Edward Jenner – the pioneer of the world’s first vaccine, Director of Public Health, Professor Matthew Ashton reflects on Jenner’s legacy and how life-threatening diseases like measles haven’t gone away – but are being kept at bay through immunisation. “Edward Jenner (17 May 1749 – 26 January 1823) was … Read more

Liverpool’s young people to deliver a campaign on consent and healthy relationships

Young Advisors Consent poster

Young people in Liverpool have developed resources for local teenagers to increase awareness of healthy relationships. Liverpool Young Advisors have worked with Liverpool’s Safeguarding Children Partnership and the NSPCC to raise awareness on issues surrounding consent, sexting, healthy relationships and sexual abuse. Following months of consultation with young people across Liverpool, the Young Advisors – … Read more

Liverpool’s vaccination stories get a new home

Museum of Liverpool

‘Good News Stories’ telling the personal experiences of people from Liverpool who overcame barriers to getting the Covid vaccine, are being showcased at the Museum of Liverpool’s atrium screens until 31 January. Part of the Liverpool Vaccine Equity project – the ‘Good News Stories’ exhibition evolved from the work of innovative teams in the heart … Read more

Blog: “Emergency planning is a real partnership approach – which includes understanding the needs of the public.”

Merseyside Emergency Services

In the middle of an already difficult winter – which has seen soaring energy costs and severe weather alongside increasing pressures on our health services – Ian Voce, Business Manager for the Merseyside Resilience Forum (MRF) shares his experience of how the region prepares for emergencies and why he wants to hear from residents. “I … Read more

Know where to go for healthcare this Christmas

help us to help you - stay well this winter

The local NHS is reminding people not to forget about their health during their Christmas preparations. Although no one likes the thought of getting ill over Christmas, it’s really important to know what to do if you or a loved one needs urgent health advice and treatment during the festive period – as well as … Read more

Only call 999 for life-threatening emergencies on days of strike action

North west ambulance strike day

The North West Ambulance Service is asking the public to call 999 only in life-threatening situations on days affected by industrial action. Ambulances will still be available to respond, although they will be prioritised for life-threatening injuries and illnesses on Wednesday 21 and Wednesday 28 December. Typical emergencies include cardiac arrest, loss of consciousness, fits … Read more

Parent Champion project praised

A Liverpool City Council-led project has been praised as an example of best practice in a national report. The National Child Mortality Database Programme Thematic Report, published earlier this month, is the first report that analyses all sudden and unexpected deaths of children and young people, from birth up to their 18th birthday, and covers … Read more

Common winter infections in children

Child unwell

A message from Director of Public Health, Professor Matthew Ashton has been sent to Liverpool parents and carers via their child’s school, which shares information about how to protect your child from common winter infections, and when you should seek medical attention. To prevent your child picking up or spreading infection, please encourage your child … Read more

Don’t risk ill health this Christmas – 6 Tips for Staying Well

help us to help you - stay well this winter

The local NHS in Liverpool is urging people to do whatever they can to help themselves stay well and avoid unnecessary illnesses this December – particularly with many health services already so stretched this winter. No one wants to get ill, especially over Christmas – but with the colder weather now here and people spending … Read more

Public Health in Focus!

Public Health team and Chris Whitty

It’s been another eventful few days for Liverpool’s Public Health team – but thankfully it’s been more celebrate than outbreak! First up, Director of Public Health, Matt Ashton accepted a national award from the ADPH (Association of Directors of Public Health) at their annual conference in London – followed by a visit from Chief Medical … Read more

Christmas shoppers reminded to wash their hands to help prevent the spread of bacteria

Hand washing

Health chiefs are warning Christmas shoppers to massively step up their hand hygiene after a public health study identified thousands of bacteria lurking on self-service screens and handrails. With the festive shopping period in full swing and time-poor consumers opting for speedy self-service checkouts, public health chiefs are calling on people to take extra care … Read more

Libraries to offer a warm welcome this winter

Central Library

Liverpool City Council is offering a warm welcome in their libraries this winter, with free access to books, wi-fi and public computers – with additional activities planned throughout the winter period. The council will continue to explore how council buildings could be used (if needed) – but will continue to focus on making sure people … Read more

BLOG: Liverpool unites to mark World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day 2022

Each year, people around the globe come together to commemorate World AIDS Day on 1 December. Advanced Public Health Practitioner (Sexual Health and HIV lead), James Woolgar explains how Liverpool is once again uniting to show support for people living with HIV, the progress being made to eradicate the virus and how we’re remembering those … Read more