BLOG: “We have to invest in tackling health inequalities”

Public Health Liverpool banner

With the announcement of the Public Health Grant, Cllr Frazer Lake, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet member for Health and Social Care, explains how this funding is used. “There’s been a lot of talk recently about the Council’s finances and how the budget is managed. One of the key elements in how we support residents, and … Read more

Blog: “We need to get serious about our relationship with alcohol – individually and collectively”

Beers in Fridge

With latest data revealing that Liverpool has high rates of alcohol dependency, Director of Public Health, Professor Matthew Ashton talks about alcohol harm, the support available for those struggling and how society needs to get serious about our relationship with alcohol. “It’s clear that alcohol plays a significant role in the lives of people in … Read more

Blog: “The chemicals in cigarette smoke is also causing damage to our brains”

Smoking doubles risk of dementia

As part of No Smoking Day (8 March) Advanced Public Health Practitioner, and the Smoking Cessation lead for Liverpool, Ian Canning shares the latest research, and how stopping smoking not only reduces the risk of developing illnesses like heart disease and cancer – but will reduce the risk of developing dementia. “Many people will already … Read more

New ‘This Girl Can’ campaign launches in Liverpool

This Girl Can Campaign Image

This Girl Can, Sport England’s award-winning campaign to help women get active, has turned its attention to tackling the exercise Enjoyment Gap, with a launch event in Liverpool kick-starting efforts to get more women exercising regularly and enjoying sport. A recent study from Sport England found 2.4 million fewer women than men strongly agree they … Read more

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

Staying safe around dogs

Staying safe around dogs

Liverpool’s Public Health Team is working with animal behaviour experts at the University of Liverpool to develop public awareness on how to interact with dogs safely and reduce harm. People and dogs are usually a great combination – but situations can easily become overwhelming for dogs, leaving them scared and anxious – with sometimes devastating … Read more

Kensington takeaway fined for food safety breaches

A picture showing a dirty and greasy food preparation surface

The owner of a Chinese takeaway in Liverpool has had to pay more than £6k after pleading guilty to 20 breaches of food and safety hygiene regulations The Director of Kensington Takeaway, Mr Keihan Nikseresht Somehsaraei, has been fined £5,200, plus costs of £750 and £190 victim surcharge, in a case that was heard at … 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

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