Every spring is the only spring, a perpetual ASTONISHMENT
Ellis Peters
Welcome
We live in uncertain times but when we see the first hardy snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils push their way through hardened ground, we know for certain that spring has sprung.
Change in our lives can sometimes be a challenge and now is the time to think afresh about how we do things.
A
Olympian Sir Steve Redgrave has lived well with diabetes for almost 30 years and our specialists give advice on how you too can go for gold (page 20).
We look at how learning a musical instrument together for the first time helps a couple cope after a difficult diagnosis (page 10) or finding unexpected sources of support (page 18).
The nights are getting lighter and longer, so it’s imperative we keep our kids safe on the streets. We delve into a campaign to protect them from people who are keen to exploit their naivety and wonder (page 4).
Find out more about how you can help yourself and others get the very best out of Mersey Care services by being part of a new data based project. And never forget petal power – the effect flowers can have on our mental health is just blooming marvellous.
Enjoy this issue and find a new spring in your step!
The MC Magazine team.
School nurses on the front line to keep our kids safe.
dementia support group keeps couples in tune.
in the Line of duty
Children and young people are being preyed on by gangs to traffic drugs around the UK. We find out about the role school nurses play in a new campaign to combat this exploitation and warning signs we all need to look out for.
Aparent’s worst nightmare – criminals preying on your child to sell drugs. Less likely to attract attention and easy to control, young people across the country are being groomed by drug gangs.
According to The Children’s Society, at least 46,000 children throughout England are thought to be involved in ‘county lines’ –portrayed powerfully in the recent ITV drama Out There
Eyes Open is a new campaign to raise awareness and encourage people to report any suspicions.
Offering designer clothes, bikes and even takeaways as gifts, gang members manipulate children to gain their trust.
Once the youngster starts delivering drugs or moving cash, they become trapped – forced to continue by intimidation and physical or sexual abuse by gang members. Children are exploited locally but hundreds more go missing every year, trafficked away from their family and friends, becoming isolated and controlled.
Mersey Care’s School Health Team is on the frontline in this battle to keep children safe. Working with social workers, police, youth and education services, they identify and help young people at risk from criminal exploitation.
Sue Barratt, Specialist Nurse for Child Exploitation at Mersey Care, explains how sharing information is crucial.
“Children often don’t see themselves as victims or realise they have been groomed.”
“The School Health Team is trained to recognise signs that a child could be being exploited and we’re in a unique position to build trusting relationships with them to find out what support they need. Concerns may be about a child missing from lessons or behaving differently and we’ll work closely with the child, school and organisations that can help.”
County lines refers to networks used by gangs to distribute drugs from cities to smaller towns and rural areas.
Mersey Care’s School Health Team is on the front line in the battle against drug gangs.
Jimmy Belmar is the Senior Investigating Officer for Project Medusa, Merseyside Police’s response to tackling county lines drug dealing and child criminal exploitation. He said, “Keeping young people safe from these predatory gangs is our priority and we treat any young person involved in county lines as a potential victim.
Trust your instincts and speak up
“We’re actively pursuing those responsible for these heinous crimes, but we need the public’s help too. Trust your instincts and speak up if you think something is wrong – it could save a child’s life.”
Signs your child might be in danger
Frequently absent from school.
Having unexplained money and buying new things.
Going missing from home, staying out late and travelling for unexplained reasons.
Having a new or second phone.
To find out more about the Eyes Open campaign, visit: eyes-open. co.uk or scan the QR code.
In a relationship or hanging out with someone older than them or with a new group of friends.
Unexplained injuries and refusing to seek medical help.
If you are concerned about a child’s welfare, contact:
Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111 anonymously or via their anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org
NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@NSPCC.org.uk nspcc.org.uk
Call 999 if you’re worried a child is in immediate danger. get help
Contact your local school health service or local children’s social care team.
Catch22 catch-22.org.uk
Ivison Trust ivisontrust.org.uk
Eyes Wide Open
a school nurse's story
“*Jenny, a school nurse in the Liverpool area, describes how her team helped a young person caught up in a county lines gang.
*Olivia was 15 when I first started working with her. She had started missing school and teachers were concerned. She was spending hours online with friends she had met on Snapchat.
When she began to travel out of the area to meet up with them, I knew there was a risk that these new ‘friends’ had targeted and exploited her. I met her regularly to try to support her - she’d confided that she was sexually active and had been around alcohol and drugs.
“I was a trusted, familiar face, she felt able to open up to me.”
But although she would listen, she was finding it difficult to take advice on board. My job is to help protect children’s health and wellbeing and it was difficult to see her struggling, yet refusing help.
Despite interventions from social workers and school as well as our support, there were more and more concerns for her safety.
Something drastic had to happen to protect her – moving away from her home town was the only way to break the ties with the people putting her at risk. Together we found a therapeutic residential home in another part of the country where she is thriving.”
*Names have been changed
In the ITV drama Out There, Martin Clunes played a father whose son became involved in county lines.
A chance to
thrive whatever the weather
Atreasured garden, which has become a haven for people recovering from a mental health crisis, can be a nurturing oasis all year round now – thanks to the support of Mersey Cares, our Mersey Care NHS Charity.
A heated polytunnel at Peasley Cross Hospital funded by the charity means flowers, fruit and vegetables can be grown and cared for even in the coldest months – which means the world to the patients in the Recovery Team Gardening Group.
A spud you like!
How to grow your own potatoes
Potatoes are one of the best veg to plant in early spring – traditionally done on Good Friday to avoid frosts which can damage plants.
Julian Hanley, who runs the group with Jacqueline Campbell, explains why the garden is so important for people’s wellbeing.
“Gardening brings people joy and tranquillity,” he said. “When you grow something from seed, there’s a huge sense of achievement and we’re especially looking forward to seeing the flowers blooming and harvesting the vegetables we’ve planted.
You will need:
A large pot or container at least 12” wide with drainage holes at the bottom
Small amount of stones to help with drainage
“Physical work in the fresh air often helps you sleep better and the social side of gardening is just as important as the end result.”
Julian added, “Service users have made lasting friendships here – it’s somewhere safe they can talk and it helps people understand they’re not alone.
“A warm place for us to meet up every week and work together means people get the benefit of this haven, come rain or shine.”
Peat free, multi purpose compost
*Make sure you use seed potatoes for growing at home. Seed potatoes are specifically sold for planting, rather than cooking and eating.
Seed potatoes. (Don’t use any that look damp or mouldy)
See page 8 for Rick’s tips for planting potatoes to grow yourself.
Straw
Rick Bramma is a member of the Recovery Team Gardening Group (pictured right).
how to grow your own potatoes
Fill the pot with the compost and place three to five seed potatoes a hand width apart, on the surface. If you want to chit the potatoes in advance to encourage them to sprout, keep them in an old egg box in a cool, dry place for a few weeks before planting.
Make sure any sprouts are pointing upwards.
Gareth now runs regularly and says getting involved has changed his life.
Gift giving
Cover with straw or an extra 10cm of compost to prevent frost damage.
Water well and keep watering regularly. Harvest your potatoes when the flowers are in full bloom.
Doing something to help others can be good for the soul and three fundraisers for Mersey Cares have found their efforts have had a profound effect on their own wellbeing. MC Magazine finds out why stepping up can benefit everyone.
What could you achieve?
Sign up for one of Mersey Cares’ fundraising challenge events in 2025 –visit merseycares.org
Running wild
“The
training has turned my life around. I’m amazed how it’s benefited me.”
When Gareth Kinnair signed up for his first 10k run last year, he wanted to help the Mersey Cares charity in appreciation of the care received by a member of his family. He didn’t expect it to be the first step into a whole new way of life.
“I just thought I’d raise some money,” said Gareth. “I didn’t realise how much getting involved would help me.
New heights
As a consultant psychiatrist for Mersey Care’s Early Intervention Team, Nismen Lathif knows how important it is to feel happy. He says being part of the team tackling the charity’s Snowdon Challenge and Liverpool Cathedral abseil was an enriching experience.
He said, “Learning new skills brings its own rewards and working together towards a common goal is always time well spent. It warmed my heart to be helping a worthy cause and to see people enjoying themselves.”
“It was a huge personal challenge – I wasn’t athletic at all. I’d get tired running upstairs! But the training has turned my life around. I’ve never been in such good health and since then I’ve started running halfmarathons!” Nismen abseiled down Liverpool Cathedral.
Sense of achievement
Raising money for the charity was one of the reasons Rosie Kaur was determined to allow herself time to train for the Three Peaks Challenge. But Mersey Care’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer saw the psychological benefits too.
“I wanted to prove if you get your head down, you can do anything.
“I wanted to overcome something I didn’t think I could do,” she said.
“I’m not an athlete - I’m a middle aged mother of two boys. I wanted to be a role model for them and prove there are times in your life when things will be difficult but if you get your head down, you can do anything.”
Rosie Kaur completed the Three Peaks Challenge
Making new memories
Tom, Marion and their dog Ollie. Marion’s forget-me-not tattoo represents the memory loss associated with Tom’s condition
A dementia diagnosis can come as a shock, altering people’s sense of identity and future. Things that once came easy to them are now a real challenge.
Young onset dementia refers to anyone diagnosed with the condition before the age of 65. This can place immense emotional and practical strain on those diagnosed and their loved ones as they navigate the challenges of a condition typically associated with older adults.
A Mersey Care group for people with young onset dementia provides a safe space for service users and their carers.
Set up three years ago by nurse Cherylnn Harper, the group meets once a month, hears from guest speakers from relevant organisations and takes part in activities, such as quizzes, memory and mobility games.
“Everyone’s battling a different storm and for those affected by Young Onset Dementia, there isn’t a lot of support out there.
“We invite service users along to the group after they receive their diagnosis and are referred to our dementia service.
“The group brings people together and offers a space where they can share their experiences and gain support from one another.”
Key to the success of the group are dementia care navigators, often described as ‘life lines’, who help service users and their carers get the right support. They play a crucial role in helping them
manage the condition, navigate the health care system and deal with any queries they may have.
Tom, now 63, was diagnosed with young onset dementia seven years ago.
“I was a Petty Officer in the Royal Navy. I became really emotional and isolated myself from colleagues. I was crying all the time and was severely depressed.”
His wife, Marion, explains how his personality completely changed, which impacted their relationship as he became childlike and aggressive.
“Tom’s condition took over our lives, it’s all we thought and talked about.”
After Tom’s diagnosis, he and his wife Marion found support at the Young Onset Dementia group.
living well with dementia
“I’d blame Marion if I couldn’t find something or if things went wrong,” explains Tom.
“Once I had my diagnosis, I was relieved – I knew what was wrong and that something could be done about it.”
Tom and Marion joined the group 18 months ago.
Tom explains, “I’ve tried other groups before but they’re aimed at older people. I couldn’t connect to them and felt like I was looking at my future. That’s why I’m so grateful for this group – I’ve made great friends and feel less alone.”
“Our relationship has also improved, we’ve become much closer,” says Marion. “We’d drifted apart because of Tom’s aggression, there was a time I didn’t know how long I could put up with it for.”
Seven years later, the couple still go on holidays and Tom cleans in a pub.
“You
tend only to see only people dying with dementia but after seven years Tom is proof you can not only live with it but live well with it.”
Check out this video of service user, Tommy Dunne BEM, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2012. He remains a keen golfer and works closely with groups to ensure those newly diagnosed don’t regard it as the end of their lives.
How you can offer support
Become a Dementia Friend to raise awareness and help eradicate the stigma surrounding dementia: dementiafriends.org.uk
Meryl (left) and Dawn started learning to play musical instruments on the advice of a dementia specialist.
Resources for carers
Admiral Nurses work with families and carers of people with dementia to help them cope with the pressures of caring for someone with dementia.
TIDE (Together in Dementia Everyday) connects and enables carers of people with dementia to use their experience to influence change: tide.uk.net
Our new Normal
Dawn, aged 56, was diagnosed with posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), a rare type of dementia, last February. Only two per cent of the population share this diagnosis which impacts Dawn’s sight and spatial awareness.
The diagnosis hit Dawn and her wife, Meryl, hard. Meryl shares, “I’ve gone from being a wife to being seen as a carer – you suddenly become a different person. Everyday things that we took for granted have become difficult for Dawn and she relies on me a lot.”
Cherylnn explains how getting an accurate diagnosis can take longer for a younger person. She said, “Symptoms may be put down to other things such as menopause or work related stress.”
It was during Dawn’s treatment for breast cancer that the couple began to notice signs something else was wrong when she began struggling to tell the time. They hoped this could be due to her medication and a few months later, Dawn requested an Occupational Health assessment at work. But her symptoms were missed. Dawn recalls, “The consultant said, ‘This is menopause – welcome to the new you’.”
They joined the group in April 2024. Meryl said, “It hit home that the diagnosis was real. It’s only been a year and we’re still trying to come to terms with our new normal but I look forward to coming and chatting with the others.”
Dawn is now treated and supported by a Mersey Care psychiatrist specialising in dementia care, who encouraged her to learn something new. “Dawn has started playing the trombone, and I’m learning the trumpet which we play with friends in a band. When we’re playing music together, it’s a chance to just be ourselves and the world feels normal again.”
Support available
Memory concerns is often the first symptom of dementia. If you have worries about symptoms you or a loved one may be having, contact your GP.
Information about our dementia services and what to expect from a neuropsychological assessment can be found on our website merseycare.nhs.uk/ dementia-services.
To find out more about support groups available near you after a diagnosis, speak to your health care professional.
Celebrities diagnosed with young onset dementia
Celebrities have shared their diagnosis to raise awareness of the condition and to show the many faces of dementia.
Actress Pauline Quirke MBE was diagnosed with the condition in 2021 aged 61. Best known for playing Sharon in the hit comedy Birds of a Feather, Pauline stepped back from public life in January this year.
Those diagnosed with young onset dementia don’t often fit the typical image of the condition. These common misconceptions can make those who are diagnosed feel isolated.
Last year the Young Onset Dementia group was photographed as part of Dementia Action Week for a display at Sefton Park Palm House. Including Fran and Jeanette’s photographs (below), The Faces of Dementia exhibition challenged the misconception, ‘You don’t look like you have dementia’. To see more visit alanjonesphoto.co.uk
The late Sir Terry Pratchett, beloved author of fantasy novels, shared his diagnosis of posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) in 2007. Sir Terry was 59 at the time.
Word of mouth
She’s brightened up breakfast for millions but DJ Zoe Ball recently revealed the pain behind her smile.
Shortly before stepping down as host of Radio 2’s Breakfast Show, Zoe described on Instagram how her life has been affected by an agonising jaw condition called temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
Affecting one in 15 people in the UK*, TMJ can cause pain around the face, shoulders and even lead to back problems. In her Instagram post Zoe, who was on air by 6.30am, explained,
“I have TMJ and wake most days with awful headaches from tension and jaw clenching.”
Many of her 745k followers empathised.
The condition can restrict movement, making it difficult to chew or yawn, sometimes even causing the jaw to lock. More common in women, stress can make symptoms worse. The pain it causes can make it hard to sleep and many people are forced to adjust their lifestyle.
Helen Sayer, Dental Clinical Director for Mersey Care, explains that the condition is often a result of tension in the jaw muscles. “The jaw is a complicated part of the body.
“Stress induced behaviour like chewing pens, biting your nails and clenching your teeth, particularly in your sleep, can cause problems.
“Dentists can treat patients with a mouth guard to stop teeth grinding at night or by adjusting their ‘bite’ (the way someone’s teeth meet). Relaxation techniques or physiotherapy can also help.”
Mersey Care dental nurse Paula Taylor knows how TMJ can impact day to day life.
“I’ve lived with a ‘clicky jaw’ since I was 14. When I had a stressful job, I know I clenched my jaw in my sleep and at its worst I could only open my mouth a couple of centimetres wide. Going out for a meal was a nightmare – I was so self conscious and it got me down. Physio helped, I was determined that TMJ wouldn’t beat me.”
symptoms of TMJ
• Pain around your jaw, ear and temple
• Clicking, popping or grinding noises when you move your jaw
• Headaches
• Difficulty opening your mouth fully
• Your jaw locking when you open your mouth.
How is TMJ treated?
TMJ can be treated at home; the NHS recommends:
• Eating soft food like pasta, omelettes and soup
• Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Holding an ice pack or heat pack wrapped in a tea towel to the jaw
* Source - The Royal College of Surgeons
• Massaging the painful jaw muscles
• Finding ways to relax.
Dental nurse Paula Taylor has the same condition as Zoe Ball.
How to get help
Speak to your dentist to check if a mouthguard would help. Ask for an urgent GP appointment if you are unable to eat or drink, you have difficulty opening your mouth fully or if your jaw locks when you do.
If you experience noises when you move your jaw, pain around your jaw or at the side of your head, severe headaches or have vision problems, call 111 or get help from 111 online.
What is your temporomandibular joint (TMJ)?
The joint which connects your jawbone to your skull on each side of your face. It allows your jawbone to move from side to side, backwards and forwards, and to open and close your mouth.
Breathing space
Jeanette Murray knows the healing power of nature.
As work continues on Mersey Care’s new Mossley Hill mental health care facility due to open this autumn, MC Magazine meets Jeanette Murray, whose experiences have helped shape a better place for service users to rest and recover.
After a family tragedy, Jeanette has personal experience of how surroundings can impact recovery from a mental health crisis.
“I had a breakdown and was in and out of hospital for a few years,” she said.
“At first, I was on a ward with six other patients, just with curtains around our beds for privacy. If you’re constantly surrounded by other people in distress, you can’t recover. You can’t sleep. You are never away from the noise and bustle and there’s no time or space to relax.”
Jeanette also struggled with the restricted outdoor space. “I felt locked in and confined. It was like not being able to breathe properly – I just needed some peace.”
Engagement with service users, stakeholders and the wider public started years before the old site was cleared and they have been involved every step of the way since.
By keeping service users and staff at the heart of the design process, the new building is not only state of the art but also welcoming, homely, peaceful and healing.
Every service user at the new 80 bed facility will have their own ensuite room with access to tree lined gardens and professional on site services including psychology, psychiatry, speech and language and occupational therapy, a pharmacy and urgent care.
For Jeanette, the light and airy therapeutic spaces which have been created for activities, socialising and eating together are just as important for recovery. “It means people have freedom – you have the privacy and dignity of your own room but you can choose to be with others if you need company.”
Jeanette, together with other service users, has been involved in every conversation with the architects and doctors to give a service user’s perspective on the way the whole building is designedfrom the garden layout to the colours on the walls.
“The new facility is beautiful, especially
the outdoor spaces. It
gives
everyone a chance to get closer to nature in a relaxing, peaceful place. We all need to be able to do that.”
Rob Collins, Mersey Care’s Chief Finance Officer, is clear that working with Jeanette and other service users with lived experience of mental health has been key to the project’s success.
He said, “Mossley Hill is the latest in a series of new builds by Mersey Care across Merseyside and what we learnt from other projects helped raise the standards even higher.
“Our team is looking forward to moving into the most modern facility of its kind in the NHS and being able to care for service users in a setting which properly reflects their professional skills.
“By involving service users, staff and local residents from the very beginning, we’ve been able to create a therapeutic environment which I believe will help people recover more quickly than usual.”
Jeanette is excited for the day the new Mossley Hill opens its doors. “I feel humble and blessed to be involved because I like to give people hope. This will be a place people can recover.”
Jeanette's been involved in every step of the build.
Artist’s impression of the new Mossley Hill, due to open later this year.
Lesley’s passion for sewing helps her to relax.
Lesley O’Hara has lived with arthritis since the age of 27, enduring multiple operations and chronic pain. Shortly after a knee replacement operation, she began to experience severe hip pain and an x-ray revealed arthritis in both hips.
Resignedly Lesley, now 67, thought this was just another pain she had to learn to cope with.
Invited to a musculoskeletal community appointment day, a Mersey Care community initiative to help those with joint and muscle pain, Lesley was assessed and offered support and exercises to manage her pain more effectively.
The team includes physiotherapists, advanced musculoskeletal practitioners, therapy assistants and psychologists.
Stephanie Hewitt, an advanced musculoskeletal practitioner, said, “The beauty about a community appointment day is that patients see many clinicians and community services and receive assessments, treatments and support all in one.”
Physiotherapist Cameron Taylor said, “We gave tips and ways of modifying pain, how to manage at home and general advice on how to live a healthier life.”
Lesley was surprised at how much she learnt. A carer for her sister Jan, who has multiple health issues, she was delighted
when at the marketplace style community village she was offered information about support for carers.
“I don’t define myself as a carer,” she said, although she moved in with Jan a few years ago to help her manage medical appointments and support her with day to day needs.
“Jan and I have always been close. She’s had health problems from an early age and I’ve always felt protective of her.”
The sisters enjoy travel and try to go on one cruise a year while Lesley has a passion for fashion design and sewing. She enjoys upcycling clothes, which helps her relax.
Find out more about the service, which we provide in Knowsley and St Helens: merseycare.nhs.uk/msk
“When Jan went into hospital after having a stroke, I was up until three o’clock in the morning sewing – it’s my release.”
Reflecting on the day, Lesley said, “I didn’t know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. Everyone was so helpful and I appreciate the support I was given by the NHS and the Carers Centre. I will continue to prioritise my exercises and improve the strength in my hip.”
Associate Director Integration, Transformation and Partnerships at Mersey Care, Tim McPhee said, “This is the future of the NHS. We need to focus on prevention and help patients manage their whole health and wellbeing.”
Watch the appointment day on BBC North West Tonight here:
Keep fit and healthy
An active lifestyle is an essential part of good mental and physical health and wellbeing. Being inactive can lead to health problems including diabetes, obesity and musculoskeletal disorders.
ways to move more:
• Gentle walking or cycling
• If you get public transport, get on a stop later or off a stop earlier
• Set regular reminders to stand up and take a one to two minute walk to get water or a cup of tea
• If you drive, park a bit further away from your destination and walk the rest.
Find out more: merseycare. nhs.uk/joint-muscle-pain/ lifestyle-advice
Lesley (seated) pictured with sister Jan.
One of Britain’s most successful athletes and the world’s greatest rower, Sir Steve Redgrave got his skates on for his latest challenge as a contestant on ITV’s Dancing on Ice
Yet one of Sir Steve’s biggest triumphs has to be his determination to power through to Olympic gold after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes 28 years ago. Often associated with obesity, Sir Steve admitted that his diagnosis was a ‘devastating blow’. But with grit and determination he adjusted his training to keep his diabetes in check.
“I decided very early on that diabetes was going to live with me, not me live with diabetes.”
The glory of his fifth and final gold medal in Sydney 2000, three years after his diagnosis, cemented his status as an Olympic legend and proved to the world that having diabetes doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams.
Now an ambassador for Diabetes UK, Sir Steve wants to encourage the three million adults in the UK living with the condition to get the information they need to make sure diabetes doesn’t hold them back.
greatest rower.
Sir Steve (second from right) is officially the world’s
“The more information you can equip yourself with about diabetes, the better life you can have. Your health is largely in your own hands. Get educated and act on what you know.” *
Now Steve pays careful attention to keep his diabetes under control and says his health has never been better. But one symptom of the condition – tingling, pain or a loss of sensation in the feet - made his ice venture even more challenging.
Speaking on This Morning he said, “I’ve been diabetic for 28 years and lost some sensation in my feet. When I had the skates on, it made it difficult to find my footing on the ice. But being on the show was an amazing experience.”
No matter what the Dancing on Ice judges said about his performance, Steve is inspiring people to take steps in the right direction.
*healthawareness.co.uk
stay well feel great
Making changes
Mersey Care’s Community Diabetes Service supports people to manage their condition. Diabetes specialist nurse Anthony Boland (pictured) explains, “Eating healthily and regular exercise can have a big impact on how people can live well with both Type 1 and 2 diabetes.
“Making different food choices and cutting down on portion sizes can be key. Having alcohol free days and stopping smoking are also really important.”
“Try to choose food that your body digests more slowly to avoid your blood sugar rising quickly. Examples include granary or seeded bread, porridge, sweet potatoes, pasta, long grain rice (basmati or brown rice is best), couscous, vegetables and fruit.
“Space your meals regularly throughout the day and watch your portion sizes. Ideally aim for a dinner plate that’s only quarter full of carbohydrates (carbs), quarter full of protein and half full of vegetables.”
Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes
• Feeling thirsty
• Urinating more than usual, often at night
• Feeling very tired
What is diabetes?
A lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high.
Type 1 diabetes is an auto immune condition meaning your body cannot make a hormone caused insulin.
Type 2 diabetes affects 90 per cent of people diagnosed and it can be treated by improving diet and exercise as well as medication.
• Losing weight without trying
• Itching around the genital area
• Cuts or wounds that heal slowly
• Blurred vision.
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your GP.
Portion
size – what’s the right amount?
Carbs - (fist size amount) six to eight times per day.
Sugar - seven teaspoons per day maximum (remember to include the sugar in any drinks and processed food).
Fruit - five a day (ideal portion size is a handful of fresh or one tablespoon of dried fruit). Tinned and frozen fruit counts too.
Top tips
Reduce salt
Try a maximum of 6g (one teaspoonful) of salt a day. Eating lots of salt can cause high blood pressure which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Eat less red and processed meat
Replace with fish, chicken or turkey, pulses (such as beans and lentils) or eggs.
Cut down on sugar
Swap sugary drinks, energy drinks and fruit juices for water, milk or tea and coffee without sugar.
More fruit and veg
Natural sugar in fruit and veg is different to the sugar added to chocolate, biscuits and cakes. Eat throughout the day rather than one bigger portion.
Be snack smart
Choose yoghurts, unsalted nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables instead of crisps, chips, biscuits and chocolates.
Drink alcohol sensibly
Alcohol is high in calories. Try to keep to a maximum of 14 units a week. Avoid binge drinking and go several days a week without alcohol.
Avoid so called ‘diabetic food’
There is no evidence that these products are better than a healthy diet.
Keep moving
Being more physically active increases the amount of glucose used by your muscles and helps the body use insulin more efficiently.
Type 2 diabetes carbohydrates
bit.ly/Type2-Carbohydrates
Watch these videos for more advice and information from Mersey Care dietitians
Type 2 diabetes - cholesterol, blood pressure and alcohol
bit.ly/Type2-Cholesterol
Type 2 diabetes and healthy eating
bit.ly/Type2-HealthyEating Source diabetes.org.uk
I was living through my darkest days
my NEw
chapter
A drama course at The Life Rooms has played a big part in Graham’s recovery.
As the cold and frost of winter thaws, we can look forward to the beauty, colours and promise of spring. It’s a lovely reminder of how wonderful change can be.
After suffering from a mental breakdown last year, Graham felt at a loss. He spent 28 days as an inpatient on a ward.
“I was living through my darkest days,” he said. “My confidence was completely knocked. I had so much guilt for what had happened and the effect it had on my family – I even felt guilty for feeling happy.”
With support from his wife Ruth, he took the leap and attended The Life Rooms in Walton which has played a crucial role in his recovery through the support offered and courses available.
A few months on, Graham is now a regular and has tried out courses in drama, poetry, nutrition and health.
“My new mantra is, ‘you don’t know until you try’.”
Finding his niche in drama and writing, Graham says he is now a different person.
“I developed a stutter after my breakdown but when I’m performing it goes completely.”
“I don’t know where I’d be without The Life Rooms.
Graham explains how he couldn’t see a future when he was in hospital but he’s now excited about each day. “I feel like the old me again but with new values and morals.”
A former driving instructor, Graham felt he prioritised his pupils’ learning and developing their confidence over his own health and wellbeing.
“If my pupils made a mistake, I used to say, ‘It’s only a mistake if you don’t learn from it’.”
Graham is now taking his own advice as he starts his new chapter.
For information about the support The Life Rooms offer, visit their website: liferooms.org/ support
After winter darkness, the promise of lighter nights and warmer days can feel like a big hug – like the world is coming out of hibernation, encouraging us to get out of the house and back into nature.
get back into nature
This year, the MC Magazine team has started a wish list of things we would like to do this spring. Here are some of our top choices:
Try a ‘signs of spring’ walk – immerse yourself in nature as you experience it through your senses. Look out for beautiful flowers, listen to the sounds of birds, smell the freshly cut grass and feel your boots walking across the field.
Pop along to a local market – as well as fresh produce, it’s a great way to connect to your local community and try something new.
Be a tourist in your own town – do you know about the history of your local area? Visit historical landmarks to find out more about where you live.
Visit your local Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) site –great for families, couples and those with accessibility needs.
Go with the flow and enjoy the beauty of a scenic route – it’s peaceful to walk by water and enjoy the wildlife. Routes are often traffic free, taking you away from the city and into the countryside. You could
Are you an early bird or a night owl? No matter your preference, catch the sunrise or sunset at the beach, a field or a lake.
Mental health nurse Nicci finds floristry helps her relax
Bloomin’ marvellous
Flowers are the perfect way to let someone know you’re thinking of them – to celebrate, comfort and even apologise without needing to say a word. But the real flower power could be the striking effect they have on our mental health.
A vase of beautiful blooms does more than lift spirits and brighten our day - it can reduce stress, anxiety and even physical pain. Bright colours and distinctive scents stimulate our brain’s ‘happiness chemicals’ like dopamine and serotonin which trigger feelings of joy and contentment – one reason why we traditionally bring bouquets to people who are unwell. Even the process of creating floral displays and arrangements can be a powerful way to enhance mental wellbeing.
Service users on Mersey Care’s female Sheridan Ward in Warrington know the benefits of floral therapy. As they recover from acute mental health conditions, the sight, smell and textures of flowers help them feel calmer and more positive.
Acting ward manager Sophie Atkins explains, “We focus a lot on crafts and activity to support recovery.
“Connecting to nature is known to enhance feelings of wellbeing. the calm, repetitive rhythm of arranging flowers helps people to physically slow down and relax.
“Concentrating on something beautiful reduces feelings of anxiety and agitation and there’s a real sense of achievement to share your creation with others. It’s a moment of mindfulness and beauty for the service users and the staff.”
Spread some joy
Leave flowers and a kind message for someone - you will make their day!
Boost your own feel good factor - keep a vase of flowers near where you spend most of your time at home or work.
Flowers are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.
Nicci’s top tip
Keep your cut flowers beautiful for as long as possible - change the water every two days.
Flower Power
Mental health nurse and team leader, Nicci Drew, took up flower arranging as a hobby to help her relax outside work – and she’s now a qualified florist creating stunning displays in her spare time. “Working with natural products is so therapeutic and having the chance to be creative helps me feel calm.
“Sharing
flowers with people creates such positive emotional bonds too – it’s a beautiful way to let someone know you care.”
Colour coding –how different colours of flowers make us feel
- calm and serene
or orange - energetic and passionate
and joyful
Blue
Red
Yellow – happy
White – relaxed and uplifted
Purple –comforted Pink – loved and cherished.
Nurses Helen and Chloe lead floral therapy sessions on Sheridan Ward
Stanley with podiatrist Megan
P feet first
odiatrists help keep us mobile and active but their skills can also save lives and limbs.
Experts at early diagnosis, podiatrists provide essential support for people with conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease and musculoskeletal pain. Trained to interpret X-rays and blood tests, they play a crucial role in wound management, prevention of blood clots and avoidable amputations. Podiatrists can train to prescribe and advance into specialisms like surgery and biomechanics.
Originally planning a career on the stage, Mersey Care podiatrist Megan Clifford chose to work in health care because she wants to make a difference to people’s lives.
“It’s all about caring for people. Podiatrists get the chance to build trusting relationships with patients and see how their treatment is helping.”
The service has made a huge difference to Stanley Nicholson from St Helens. Despite an ulcer on his foot, he is still able to get out and about.
“It’s so important to stay active and not be stuck at home. The team is really professional and the treatment is second to none. I always go away knowing I am well cared for.”
Megan is looking to the future and wants to train as an advanced clinical practitioner.
“I have saved lives by recognising symptoms which may not have been picked up. I’d love to develop my skills further and community podiatry is a great foot in the door.”
Mersey Care is the largest provider of podiatry services in the North West. Find out about training opportunities: merseycare. nhs.uk/podiatry-jobs
Foot Notes
A Levels in Drama, Languages and History
2016 to 2019
Studied Pharmacology in Liverpool
2020 to 2021
Worked at COVID testing and vaccination centres
2021 to 2024
MSC Podiatry at Salford
2024
Started work at Mersey
If you have diabetes, ask a health care professional to check your feet as part of your annual diabetes review.
Raw Nerve
Like Sir Steve Redgrave, some people with diabetes notice nerve damage and numbness in their feet (see page 20).
Stay well feel great
Good health starts from the feet up. Visit your GP or podiatrist for advice if you notice any of the following:
• A wound or open sore that won’t heal - this may signal an increased risk of diabetes
• Changes in colour - blue toenails or feet which are always cold can be a sign of poor circulation
• Thick, yellow toenails could be a fungal infection
Best foot forward
• Wash and moisturise your feet daily. Clean and dry between your toes thoroughly and wear fresh socks every day
• Choose shoes that offer good arch and heel support and try not to wear the same pair every day. Avoid going barefoot outdoors
• Check for any rough seams inside socks that could harm the skin. Turning your socks inside out can help
• Discomfort or pain - persistent numbness and tingling in your feet may be a sign of nerve damage
• Stiff joints - a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis which often starts in the smaller joints of the hands and feet.
• Prevent ingrown toenails by trimming your nails along their natural curve and avoid cutting down the sides
• Never treat ingrown toenails, corns or calluses yourself. Visit your GP or podiatrist
• Don’t smoke and avoid sitting cross legged - both reduce circulation to your feet.
Care as a podiatrist For more information visit: merseycare.nhs.uk/podiatry-service
Fast food that’s CHOP! CHOP good for you
Callum Clarke has always had a passion for cooking and wants his own children to grow up loving fresh food and new flavours. Like all working parents, his time is precious and this nutritious, filling dish can be cooked in minutes.
Former head chef at Mersey Care’s Whalley site, Callum is now Deputy Catering Manager at Ashworth Hospital and his professional skills in the kitchen help him save time and money at home.
“Cooking helps me unwind and it’s a great way to bring family and friends together. I often batch cook to make more meals out of the same ingredients.
“I also try to use up leftovers which is good if you’re working within a budget.”
Callum says, “This vegetable chow mein is one of my favourites – it’s full of flavour, fresh vegetables and is easy to adapt to your own taste.”
Recipe ingredients to serve 4
• Vegetable oil (rather than olive oil – its strong flavour can overpower the dish)
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 100g carrot
• 120g pak choi
• 100g peppers (any colour)
• 150g baby corn
• 120g mushrooms (I like to use mixed mushrooms like shiitake, oyster and chestnut but you can use any)
• 100g beansprouts
• 90g water chestnuts
• 50g spring onion
• 10g ginger
• 1 medium sized chilli deseeded chilli (optional)
• 600g egg noodles.
To make the chow mein sauce
• 6 tbsp light soy sauce
• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 4 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tsp cornflour.
Deputy catering manager
Callum loves to cook chow mein for his family.
Top Tip
Carrots can take longer to cook than other vegetables. Try using a potato peeler – this gives very thin slices which reduce cooking time and look beautiful on your plate.
HOW TO Stir fry
Fry food quickly while stirring briskly with a wooden spoon. A wok is the perfect pan to use but a large frying pan or saucepan will work just as well.
Do it your way
Substitute or include your favourite veg (or any that need using up!) Add chillis for spiciness or oyster sauce for a punch. You can also add chicken, pork or prawn for extra protein – cook this first and then add to the pan with the noodles. To make vegan friendly, use egg free noodles and tofu.
Method
1. Slice the vegetables as thinly as you can – this will help them cook quickly. To save time, do this the day before and store in the fridge.
2. Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and whisk. Set aside.
3. Boil the dried noodles for three to four minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, coat in a little sesame oil and set aside. (If you’re using fresh egg noodles, you can skip this step).
4. Drizzle two to three tbsp of vegetable oil into a wok or large pan and put on a medium to high heat.
5. Add onions and garlic and stir fry for a few seconds – don’t allow them to burn.
6. Add fresh ginger, the rest of the vegetables and water chestnuts and stir fry for a further minute.
7. Add the noodles to the vegetables and toss. Pour in the sauce mixture.
8. Bring the heat to high and stir fry for one to two minutes or until the sauce dries out.
9. Add the bean sprouts and spring onions. Toss everything well.
10. Transfer to a plate and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Storage and leftovers
Making food in advance saves you time and money. Callum’s tips for safe ways to cool, store and reheat:
Refrigeration: allow the chow mein to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheating: place the chow mein in a microwave safe dish and cover. Heat for two minutes, stir and then continue reheating in 30 to 60 second intervals (stirring inbetween) until heated through. Or reheat in a hot wok or pan, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent the noodles from drying out.
Dr Oladayo Bifarin says data is key to providing people with the best care.
Counting on Change for
mental health
services
A new research system aims to give Mersey Care service users, past and present, a chance to make services better for everyone.
Count Me In gives people the opportunity to share data about themselves and learn about research opportunities relevant to their health condition, up to five years after being a service user. There is no need to opt in to the scheme as information is provided about it in appointment letters, posters and leaflets in waiting areas. There’s an opportunity to opt out if you don’t wish to take part.
Dr Oladayo Bifarin is the Research Effectiveness Lead for the scheme. A mental health nurse by background, he is keen to encourage NHS staff and service users to get involved. “I meet people all the time whose lives are affected by their mental health and I want them to have the best care,” he said. “In today’s world, one of the most valuable tools available to develop services is data - information about people and their conditions - so we can see the big picture.
Focus on Technology
Feel safe:
• Only authorised Mersey Care staff will inform you of potential research activities
• Your data is protected and secure, safeguarded by data protection laws, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, May 2018) and by the duty of confidentiality of our health care professionals.
Staff will also have the chance to get involved through clinical trials, use of new technologies and evaluation of techniques and service improvements.
“Without your support, our vision isn’t as clear. Just being included in Count Me In means you’re giving hope to us, other service users and yourself.”
Michelle Harvey, programme manager at Informatics Merseyside, is co-leading the project and explains why everyone’s opinion counts. “Everyone who’s used mental health services has valuable
If you change your mind, you can opt out (or opt back in) by:
• Visiting merseycare.nhs.uk/ count-me-in to complete the online form
• Calling 0151 351 8476 (lines open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) if you need assistance to complete the online form
• Speaking with your care team.
What is health data?
Information on people and their health to improve treatments and services. Data could include age, gender and types of health conditions.
Why have Count Me In?
In the past, Mersey Care has relied on health care workers such as doctors and nurses to approach people individually to take part in research. Now this single, secure database, governed by strict confidentiality and privacy rules, identifies and invites people to take part –unless they choose to opt out. This means more people will:
• Be informed about research
• Take part in research
• Receive better health and social care.
experiences to share. We want to deliver world class research and innovation in health and wellbeing. And we’re determined to shorten the time it takes for effective treatment and interventions to reach those patients and service users who would benefit.
“By staying opted into Count Me In, you may be contacted about a research opportunity relevant to you. However, there’s no pressure to take part – it’s
completely your choice and you can opt out at any time.
“A huge thank you to everyone supporting our research and improvement activities - together we can make a difference for service users, patients and health care delivery, now and in the future.”
Find out more at: merseycare.nhs. uk/count-me-in
A gift Future for the
Kelly Burrows’ two passions in life are her daughter and her work as a volunteer mental health researcher.
The second was born from struggling to get a diagnosis for her own mental health issues - and a gritty determination to make things better for others. Kelly’s challenges began as a teenager and continued into young adulthood. “I struggled for years but I didn’t know what was wrong and neither did the professionals.
“My mum and dad tried to get help but I was in and out of hospitals. I was angry at missing out on a time when I should have been out enjoying life.”
Kelly’s lowest point came when she was 21 and pregnant with Lola, now eight. “I remember the ambulance coming to my house and seeing my mum so upset. It was hard for me thinking about my unborn baby but it must have
been hell for her watching her baby in such distress.”
Kelly was finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Eight years on she’s in recovery, enjoying family life and volunteering. As a member of an expert patient panel, she advises clinicians and the Trust Board of Directors from a patient perspective.
“I wanted to make a difference for the people who came after me.
“Things have improved a lot but sharing my experiences can keep improving them.” Kelly is a huge advocate for Count Me In. “It gives everyone a chance to be part of planning better services. We’re all on the database so we can provide really important information. Only someone who has experienced or cared for someone in mental health services can truly say what it’s like for the patient. Our data and our stories will be the key to changing things for the future.”
Kelly and her daughter Lola.
BiggeR
A Picture
s well as his role as staff governor, Gary has worked for Mersey Care as a bank health care assistant since 2016 alongside his full time job in HR. He also volunteers as a school governor and a magistrate. He explains to MC Magazine how these different roles give him a unique perspective.
“My passion is helping people to be the best they can be. I mentor and coach people as part of my HR role but it’s also why I love working as a health care assistant for Mersey Care – being able to support patients to help themselves and go on to lead fulfilling lives.
Working on the wards means I get to see how the strategic aims we discuss as governors feel for
staff and patients. Being on the Board means we can challenge things in a constructive way. The governing board is so inclusive – involving staff, service users, patients and people in the community – and this gives a 360° view of what’s going well and what needs to be improved. I’ve not worked anywhere before where they actively encourage people to speak up.
Working with the Trust adds extra perspective to my role as a magistrate. I haven’t experienced poor mental health or crime but that doesn’t mean I never will.
Gary Rowland, staff Governor.
I try to use my experiences to understand each person, what they’re dealing with and why they made certain decisions.
Mersey Care has big ambitions and I’m interested to see what the future holds. There’s a massive recruitment challenge in every sector and we need to think more about future planning and recognising the talent, skills and potential we already have in the organisation.
It’s about creating an environment where people can flourishencouraging people to believe in themselves and being their cheerleader when they need it. Seeing people grow and develop is a real privilege - I love it.”
Our service users, carers, staff and members of the public have the opportunity to influence the way your health services are run by becoming Governors for Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust. Voting in our Governor elections closes on 24 April 2025. If you are already a member, look out for your email or letter with details of how you can have your say and vote for your governor representative. More details (including how to become a member) can be found at merseycare.nhs.uk/council-governors
