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Autumn edition of Wirral Wel-Being Magazine Laura Seymour, Editor/Creator
Welcome to the Autumn edition of Wirral Well-Being Magazine. It's been a busy few months with the launch of our new podcast series "Wishing You Well Podcast with Laura Seymour" on YouTube, so if you haven't already, please like and subscribe for free to help keep our wellbeing journey going. I would be forever grateful. I want to say a huge thank you to Ste Devaney from H.D Creative Ltd, and The Content Room for helping to create and launch my next idea. I couldn't do it without him. He makes make the transition seamless and I can't recommend him enough.
I would also like to thank Lee O'Carroll from Umbrella, a business growth specialist, for his help expanding the podcast onto Spotify and Apple Podcasts after the success of his recent podcast, UNPACKED, alongside the lovely Lauren Jones. Don't forget to check that out, too; you won't be disappointed. I have to mention my amazing summer helpers, Olivia and Willow Ryan, who have loved learning about how a magazine is put together and
have made their own versions. I am very impressed. They even demonstrated some breathing exercises and yoga techniques they have been learning in school. Well done to primary schools for teaching these tools to kids from such an early age, another fantastic example of progressive development and innovation. Last but certainly not least, I am delighted to welcome a new member to our team, the wonderful Sophie Tibbs, as our proofreader. As some of you may know, I am dyslexic. I know, ironic, but true. There are typos and mistakes from time to time, time, which I don't get hung up on, as long as the publication continues to help showcase our local services, most people forgive my laura-isms. But it's a great comfort to know we now have a true professional at hand, and I am really looking forward to working alongside her. I hope you enjoy the read and don't forget to send me pictures of the magazine on your coffee tables or if you see it out and about. You may even get a mention in the next edition.
Sophie Tibbs
CELEBRATING 45 YEARS OF LEGAL SERVICE AT GREGORY ABRAMS DAVIDSON SOLICITORS
This year marks 45 years since Gregory Abrams Davidson Solicitors first opened its doors in Liverpool—a milestone that offers a moment to reflect on the people, values, and work that have shaped the firm over nearly half a century.
Since 1980, GAD has supported individuals, families, and businesses through many of life’s most important—and often complex—moments. Whether it’s helping someone buy their first home, guiding a family through the process of making a will, or advising a business through its next big move, the firm has remained a steady and trusted presence.
For many in Liverpool, GAD isn’t just a law firm—they’re the
people you call when you need someone in your corner. Their work in property law, wills and probate, personal injury, medical negligence, litigation and commercial law spans decades, but it’s their consistent, peoplefirst approach that’s earned lasting trust.
The firm’s commercial and business clients, too, know what it means to have advice that’s not only technically sound but also rooted in a real understanding of the pressures and decisions business owners face. That ability to combine professional insight with grounded, practical guidance has made GAD a longstanding legal partner to many.
Reflecting on the anniversary, CEO Gregory Abrams said: “What makes this milestone truly meaningful is the people behind it. We’re fortunate to have a team of highly skilled, deeply committed lawyers and support staff who not only know the law inside out, but also genuinely care about the people and businesses we serve. Their expertise and dedication are what drive the firm forward—and I couldn’t be prouder.”
West Kirby Office, Upper Floors 19-25
The Crescent, West Kirby, Wirral CH48 4HL
E: info@gadlegal.co.uk
T: 0151 625 0000
Of course, the legal landscape has changed dramatically since 1980—but GAD’s ethos hasn’t. The firm continues to evolve, taking on new challenges and adopting new ways of working, all while staying focused on what matters: clear advice, responsive service, and relationships built on trust.
Marking 45 years is no small achievement, but this isn’t just a look back. It’s also about the future—continuing to support clients with the same care, clarity, and commitment that’s defined GAD from the start.
CONTINUOUS CARE AND GENUINE COMPANIONSHIP, IN THE COMFORT AND FAMILIARITY OF YOUR OWN HOME
There’s something truly special about staying in the place you call home—the familiar surroundings, the memories, the sense of peace. At Apollo Care, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe, supported, and cherished right where they are.
Our NEW live-in care service offers more than just assistance—it brings heartfelt companionship, expert support, and everyday comfort, all tailored to your unique lifestyle. Whether it’s help with daily routines, cooking your favourite meals, or simply sharing a warm conversation, our caregivers are chosen not only for
their experience but for their kindness and genuine care.
Around the clock care and companionship, often a cheaper alternative to residential care, especially for couples. For those who see care not as a service, but as a relationship built on trust and understanding.
Visit www.apollocaresouthwirral.co.uk or call 0151 645 9411 to arrange a friendly, nopressure consultation.
A NEW HOLISTIC SANCTUARY ON THE MERSEY FLOWING RIVERS HOLISTIC SPA
Born from the meeting of two kindred spirits, Flowing Rivers Holistic Spa is ready to make waves on the Mersey— offering a truly soulful journey of wellness, healing, and connection.
Gill, Herbert is a holistic therapist with a deep passion for helping others discover balance, peace, and renewal. Her practice is rooted in the gentle magic of Reiki and crystal healing, enhanced by her own bespoke Indian Head Massage—crafted to create treatments that are as unique as they are soothing. Alongside these, Gill offers reflexology, facials, red light therapy, silent pedicures, and menopause treatments designed to restore harmony to body, mind, and spirit.
“One of my most treasured offerings is Meditations on the Mersey. With the river’s gentle flow as our backdrop, it’s a space for grounding, stillness, and connection—a chance for beautiful souls to come together and breathe.”
As a proud mum of four, Gill's holistic path has shaped not only her career but also her life. Along the journey, she was blessed to meet soul sister, Jodie. From the moment they connected, the universe guided them to create Flowing Rivers Holistic Spa—a sanctuary where healing flows as effortlessly as the river beside them.
“For me, this is more than a profession; it is a calling, a lifestyle, and a way of sharing love, light, and wholeness with every guest who steps through our doors.”
Meet Jodie Dawson
Jodie is a pioneering Japanese hair spa therapist with a deep passion for holistic wellbeing. With over a year of experience in this transformative field, she is proud to be the very first on the Wirral to offer this unique service.
A devoted mum of two, Jodie embraced her healing journey during lockdown, discovering the profound benefits of holistic practices. It was during a hair spa session that she and I met—and instantly, a soul connection was formed. From that bond, Flowing Rivers was born: a shared vision of love, healing, and self-care.
At the Zen Hair Spa, Jodie offers more than a treatment; she guides clients through a sensory experience that nurtures both hair and soul. With her warmth, dedication, and commitment to wellness, she invites you to discover the rejuvenating power of the Japanese hair spa here at Flowing Rivers Holistic Spa.
Together, they introduce you to Flowing River Holistic Spa, which offers a range of combined treatments designed to nurture your mind, body, and soul. Discover the rejuvenating power of holistic therapies that not only address the physical symptoms of health but also the emotional and spiritual aspects of your health. Whether you're looking to alleviate stress, improve your sleep, or enhance your inner peace, treatments can help your journey to Wellness.
Located in a serene setting on Woodside riverfront overlooking the Mersey and Liverpool. Flowing River holistic spa is a sanctuary for holistic healing and regeneration. They believe that true Wellness goes beyond just relaxation. They emphasise the use of organic and natural products and together provide a tranquil atmosphere infused with calming aromas and soothing sounds, which creates the perfect backdrop for deep relaxation and selfdiscovery in addition to signature treatments. Offering a variety of Wellness workshops, sound baths, and guided meditation sessions, which empower you to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace in your daily life.
To find out more about exciting workshops, holistic sleepovers, and all treatments they have to offer, find them on Facebook, visit them at one of the brightest buildings in Birkenhead with the Paul O’Grady and Lilly Savage artwork on the side.
Contact Gill on 07770 491810 or Jodie 07728 765429
THE BENEFITS OF QIGONG
Back in the nineteen eighties, I considered it necessary to begin articles with how to pronounce Tai Chi. We’ve come a long way since then, but Qigong (pronounced ‘chee gung’) still needs a little explanation. If you’ve attended (or watched videos of) Tai Chi classes, chances are, a lot of the exercises you’ve seen were actually Qigong, with a few Tai Chi forms thrown in.
Both forms of exercise are incredibly beneficial, but in my view, Qigong is friendlier for beginners because you get direct feedback from your body as you do each gesture or stretch, while Tai Chi’s benefits are subtler, noticeable only over the long term.
Regular exercise has been linked with improved mental health, and practise of Tai Chi and Qigong specifically can improve and maintain joint mobility, tendon strength, agility, balance and posture, as well as help with coordination and concentration.
The body is designed for movement. Our joints and muscles make it possible, and like a flowing stream, constant movement prevents stagnation.
So, how do you get started?
If you’re interested in joining in-person Qigong classes, I can help. I run two. One is specifically for those affected by cancer, part of the wonderful Maggie’s charity in Clatterbridge. This class has been going since before the pandemic and is always full. We have a laugh with the staff and volunteers, are made drinks and given cake and biscuits, and then, almost as a bonus, do a bit of exercise out in the picturesque garden. We’ve practised in rain, snow, during a storm, in a blazing heatwave, and we’ve learned to come prepared with sunglasses, factor fifty, a jacket, hat and gloves, just in case, though some people choose to do their sessions inside.
The other class is in West Kirby Concourse on Fridays, 7–8pm (upstairs in Studio 2). This class has been going since 1984 and began as an Aikido class that included elements of Qigong in the warmup and cooldown exercises. After lockdown, we rebranded as an adultonly (18+) Qigong class, as some of us are in our 70s or 80s now and don’t much fancy being thrown around the mat anymore but still value the stretching and gentle movements. The first class is free as a taster session, and thereafter, it’s £5 per class.
These classes are open to those of all abilities. There are chair-based variations you can do if you’re unable to stand for long, but the more you practise, the more you will improve. I regularly have people telling me how they can move better, or that their usual back or shoulder pain has subsided within a few months of regular classes. I will never claim these classes cure anything, but a lot of
people do benefit.
You don’t have to be good at it. Even imperfect movements engage most of the same joints, muscles and sinews, so it’s still worth doing.
And as my daughter says I always say: You get good at what you do.
- By Mike Tibbs
Dance with the rainbow...
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Pigmentation, dark spot on skin
After the summer months (and we did have some super weather this summer) you may notice areas of skin that remain darker. This is pigmentation that has been overstimulated in certain areas by a chemical reaction in the skin that is caused by UVA & UVB (sun light). There is plenty that can be done to treat the overstimulation of pigmentation and dark patches. In some case, just correct home care or professional facial treatments from IPL Laser, facial peels, to clinical diathermy.
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MEET THE LOCAL AUTHOR OF THIS INCREDIBLE BOOK… THE EMOTIONAL HUSTLE BY JULIE PERRIGO
Behind the mask of success, she was burning out. After a childhood of narcissistic abuse, bullying, and trauma— including the sudden loss of her mother—life became a hustle for approval, achievement, and survival. But real healing only began when she discovered the power of mindfulness.
In this honest and uplifting self-help guide, the author shares her journey from emotional exhaustion to conscious transformation. Drawing on insights from mindfulness, energy psychology, and the work of Tesla and Dr. David Hawkins, she reveals how emotional baggage lowers our energetic frequency—and how mindful awareness can set us free.
The Emotional Hustle is for anyone who feels stuck in stress, self-doubt, or fear. It offers a clear path to release limiting patterns, raise your vibration, and live a more joyful, authentic life—no matter where you're starting from. It’s never too late to rewrite your story.
Julie has written for Wirral Well-Being magazine for many years now. I have been privileged to attend her mindfulness retreats and am proud to call her my friend.
The Emotional Hustle, her new book, is certainly making waves, rated #1 on Amazon. I caught up with her at the book launch earlier this month, which has been a huge success, and wanted to share an insight into this inspirational read.
A Guide to Navigating Life Without Losing Your Mind (Or Your Humour)
What inspired you to write The Emotional Hustle in the first place?
I was so tired of striving and never being able to switch off. It left me feeling broken, but when I learnt about the human mind and neuroscience, everything dropped into place. I understood why life could feel difficult. I was relieved but also angry. Why aren’t we taught about how our emotions and thoughts work?
I wanted to share my story to let other women know that we’re all going through this stuff, and it's part of being human and how our minds are formed.
You open with very honest, often humorous stories. Why was it important to blend humour with vulnerability?
Some memories are very painful, but I can’t change them. Every incident, good or bad, has brought me to this point. Humour lightens the load a little and it’s definitely helped me navigate life’s adversities. My family is part Liverpudlian and part Irish; I think humour is in my genes.
The book follows Hawkins’ emotional scale. Why did you choose this structure?
I was looking for a way to explain my own journey and
when I came across Hawkin’s scale, it made a lot of sense to me. I could see how our fear-based patterns keep us trapped and how courage is required to break through them. But courage alone isn’t enough, particularly as our most damaging traits sit in our blind spots outside of our awareness. Hawkins identifies mindfulness as a transformational trait, so this gave me an opportunity to weave in my own experience of mindfulness.
Did you ever consider leaving certain chapters out because they felt ‘too much’ to share?
Absolutely! I was still carrying the shame of wetting myself in class and didn’t want to mention it in the book. But the truth is, I lived on my nerves and the teacher was a bully. I thought twice about my boyfriend story because he was also a bully, and people are surprised I put up with it. When our self-esteem is low, we seem to lose sight of our true worth. I know there are women out there who have experienced much worse. So, I felt it was important to be honest.
Who do you think will benefit most from The Emotional Hustle?
I think this is a book for women, particularly those who are striving with life, trying to do it all but not making the time to really experience their own joy.
Was the publishing process what you expected?
I expected the publishing process to be a lot more painful than it was. It was hard handing over something so personal, but it helped that the editor was also a writer herself and fully understood the nerves and apprehension. Thank you, Estelle, for your support and for simplifying everything.
What’s next for you as a writer and coach?
I run retreats that combine books with mindfulness and would love to work through my own book with women who feel it has something to offer them. As a coach, the book outlines my end-to-end journey, and now that it’s out in the open, I feel more compelled to work with people who have experienced the book and are seeking support for long-term change.
Edited Interview by Estelle Maher, TAUK publishing.
BTL EMSELLA AT ADORE YOU
SAY NO TO INCONTINENCE, LEAKY BLADDER, IMPROVE YOUR PELVIC FLOOR, AND EVEN ENHANCE INTIMACY!
Adore You Beauty and Wellness, run by Kath Hickey at 32 Hamilton Square in Birkenhead, offers cutting-edge pelvic floor therapy—including BTL EMSELLA—for treating pelvic floor weakness and urinary incontinence.
The clinic is discreet, beautiful and inviting as I am welcomed in by the wonderful Kath, who has asked me along to try this ground breaking treatment for myself to find out what it’s all about. She immediately puts me at ease. We discuss body ageing, childbirth and menopause while she explains how she enjoys helping women and some men improve the quality of their lives. We have all seen the bulgy pee pants ads on TV, and as a woman headed towards 50, I have a saying with some of my friends, “sneeze and squeeze” (if you know, you know, lol). Well, let me tell you something we should all know… you don’t have to suffer in silence anymore.
What is BTL EMSELLA?
BTL EMSELLA is a non-surgical, entirely non-invasive treatment that uses HIFEM patented technology energy to stimulate deep pelvic floor muscle contractions even while you’re fully clothed and seated comfortably. Each session delivers thousands of supramaximal contractions, equivalent to performing over 11,000 Kegel exercises—much more than what can usually be achieved manually.
How It Works
This is the only patented technology on the market, HighIntensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) waves, which penetrate deep into the pelvic floor, triggering involuntary yet powerful muscle contractions.
These contractions re-educate and strengthen the muscles, rebuilding neuromuscular control to support the bladder, bowel and pelvic organs.
What to Expect During Treatment
Each session lasts approximately 28 to 30 minutes.
You remain fully clothed and are encouraged to sit relaxed— reading, scrolling, or simply resting—during the treatment.
You may feel a gentle tingling or rhythmic contractions, comparable to performing Kegels—but far more intense.
No Downtime! You can leave immediately after each session and resume your normal daily activities.
Treatment Course & Effectiveness
Most clients are recommended six sessions, scheduled over
two to three weeks (e.g., twice weekly), for optimal results. Kath offers payment plans and effective treatments for all budgets.
Benefits:
Improved urinary incontinence control, especially stress and urge incontinence.
Enhanced neuromuscular control, strength, and support for pelvic organs.
Boosted sexual wellness—including better sensation, vaginal tightness, and orgasmic potential for women, as well as improved intimate comfort in men.
Why Choose EMSELLA Over Traditional Kegels (Pelvic floor exercises)?
Clinical data suggests HIFEM-driven EMSELLA contractions can be 7× more effective than standard Kegels.
Many patients struggle to correctly target pelvic muscles manually. EMSELLA removes this burden by delivering consistent, high-intensity contractions effortlessly.
No extensive exercise regimens, no undressing, no downtime— it’s an easy “sit-and-relax” solution, making it time-saving and non-invasive
Results:
Many clients notice improvements after just one or two sessions, with continuing progress across the course. I noticed a considerable improvement after my course and wake up in the mornings not desperate for the toilet as soon as I open my eyes. My pelvic floor muscles feel much stronger, and I am extremely pleased with my results.
Kath Hickey brings advanced diagnostics and personalised care to treatments like EMSELLA—helping clients confidently regain pelvic floor strength and quality of life.
Incontinence and pelvic floor weakness are common but treatable. This treatment is an innovative, non-invasive solution now available at Adore You in Hamilton Square.
For more information, contact Kath at adoreyourfloorwirralco.uk or email hello@adoreyourfloorwirral.co.uk
SHE RISING FROM THE ASHES
How one woman’s moment of devastation revealed the fierce, untouchable power of women to rise again
Wow—life doesn’t get much better than this.
The sun was setting over rural Scotland, painting everything gold. I was mesmerized by the rhythm of the farmers skillfully cutting silage. Working as one, the red harvester took center stage, spouting green nectar through its long funnel. A small army of trailers lay waiting their turn, moving with surgical precision—one would fill to capacity, exit, unburden itself at the sheds, and return to the convoy. A mechanical dance through the fields, a symphony of service and purpose.
Every few minutes, I broke my gaze to fulfill mothering duties, scanning the nearby barley field for signs of my children—settling instead for the sounds of their rustling and hidden mischief.
Then everything changed.
My phone rang. Expecting to hear my best friend’s voice, I instead heard her daughter-in-law. A soft giggle answered my usual greeting—“Hello, my beautiful friend.” Then silence. Jane took a deep breath and delivered the news that shattered the evening: “Toni, it’s Jane. I’m ringing to tell you that Peter has died… he’s taken his own life. Joanna can’t talk right now, but she wanted you to know.”
Panic took over my body.
I gathered my children and rushed down the pothole path back to the farmhouse. The golden evening light that once felt magical now felt hollow.
At 6:00 a.m., the roads were quiet as I packed my children into the car and began the long, joyless journey back to England. I dropped them off at their grandmother’s and drove the final five miles to Joanna’s house, praying for time to stretch.
The house was full. As the only non-family member, I felt like an intruder. I stood opposite the bedroom door, peeking through a two-inch gap. Inside, I saw Joanna, her hand gently stroked by a doctor as she instructed her son on administering sedatives to numb her grief. When the doctor left, I was called in.
I was speechless.
Joanna’s body was covered in angry, red bites—each nearly three inches wide. She had lain on the grass for two hours, unable to move. Midges had feasted on her as she lay paralyzed in grief. But the pain from the bites was nothing compared to the volcano of emotion erupting inside her.
Later that week, we sat side by side doing the unimaginable— planning Peter’s funeral. Joanna, a perfectionist and natural planner, refused to be defeated by this task. The eulogy was written. Then came the music.
When Dance With My Father by Luther Vandross played, she broke.
I’ve supported women through trauma for over twenty years, but I had never seen grief like this. Joanna collapsed in my arms, crying from the deepest well of sorrow. She sobbed like a child seeking the shape of her mother. I surrendered completely, letting her mould herself into me, letting my body be the cushion.
She shattered into a thousand pieces.
How would she ever put herself back together again? Was it even possible?
And then—something miraculous.
The front door opened. We both turned instinctively toward the
sound. Joanna sat up. She peeled herself away, picked up a fresh tissue, wiped her face, and took the biggest breath I’ve ever seen anyone take.
Her son Owen entered the room.
And like a chameleon, Joanna changed. Her eyes softened. Her voice became gentle.
“Hi, sweetheart. Are you okay?”
I was stunned. Just moments before, she was on the floor in a heap of despair—and now, a mother, reborn. Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, she reclaimed herself in real-time.
She stood not just as a woman, but as a warrior—one who had walked through fire and chose love anyway. A love so forceful, so fierce, that no shattering could match its power.
What are women made of?
The strength we carry is often hidden until crisis cracks us wide open. And even then—we rise.
And I wonder…
What if, like those farmers in the fields, we too waited in line— poised and ready—to be called upon? What if we took our turn, not just to carry our own loads, but to unburden one another, then return and do it again?
How different might the world be if women stood shoulder to shoulder, always ready to catch the next one who falls—knowing she’d do the same?
I have a vision.
A vision where every woman rises.
Where we stand side by side.
Where we cradle, hold, and hammock each other through the unimaginable.
And somehow… we still rise
Invitation
This story is more than a memory. It’s a call.
A call to remember the Phoenix within you.
A call to rise from your own ashes.
A call to stand side by side with your sisters, so none of us ever have to rise alone again.
If this resonates with you, I invite you to step into this vision with me — to join the Free to Be SHE movement, a space where women reconnect, realign, and rise.
Because your rising is not just for you. It’s for all of us. Freetobeshe.com Info@freetobeshe.com
And somehow… we still rise
IGNITE PADEL CHESHIRE OAKS OPENS
A brand-new padel centre with championship-level indoor courts opens on Monday 1st September at Cheshire Oaks. Ignite Padel will be open with five top-tier indoor courts and two outdoor courts, allowing play in all weathers.
Now the fastest growing racquet sport in the world, padel – which is a cross between tennis and squash - has become hugely popular in the UK.
Ignite Padel, a Liverpool-based company, opened its first site in the city in April 2025 with six floodlit outdoor courts which have since been fully booked all Summer.
The new centre, which is located just minutes from the M53, is the second site from Ignite Padel to open this year.
A spokesperson for Ignite Padel said “We’ll be opening from 8am to midnight initially, with plans to extend to 6am–midnight and then eventually move to 24-hour access, subject to staffing requirements.
Barista coffee will be served from 8am daily, with a fully licensed bar ready to launch within the next month. The bar will show all the action with live sports shown via Sky and TNT Sports.
The outdoor courts will soon also be covered, ensuring year-round play regardless of the weather. Upstairs, the viewing gallery offers a great spot to watch the games— perfect for tournaments with friends and family. Live sports will also be shown in this space, with table service available for added comfort and convenience. Downstairs, we’ll have a quieter, enclosed area with workstations available for those who need a flexible place to work during the day.”
Ignite Padel Cheshire Oaks will also contain a retail store where players can shop for racquets, balls and clothing in person rather than online and find exactly the right fit. Like Ignite Padel Liverpool, the new Cheshire Oaks club will offer expert coaching from beginner to more experienced level.
With the social side of the game so important, players can join Ignite Padel’s exclusive What’s App community – the largest padel group chat in the North West – making it easy to instantly pair, and to find other people who’ve got open matches and join them. Find out more: www.ignitepadel.co.uk/
There will be regular social tournaments where players of a similar standard – divided into bronze, silver or gold skill rankings – are able to compete to win personal points and have the opportunity to team up with different partners.
A spokesperson for Ignite Padel added:
“We have imported the courts from Spain and they are championship standard quality and LTA approved. Being able to create indoor padel courts was also a key factor in the company’s expansion plans.
Having the five indoor courts, and two outdoor, will give us greater flexibility in what we’re able to offer and allow us to host top-level tournaments.
It’s not just about being able to play in all weathers, the indoor game tends to attract more elite players because it is seen as a more pure form. It is a different experience to playing outdoors because there’s no wind so you get a truer trajectory on the ball.”
Ignite Padel Cheshire Oaks will be the company’s second club and they are aiming to open a total of five across the North West within 12 months.
www.ignitepadel.co.uk/
Boosting health with herbs:
Autumn Remedies
Autumn is the time of year when many plants are transitioning into the next phase of their life cycle. Most herbs are now at the end of their seed-making phase and are instead channelling energy back into their roots to create a store for the winter. There are plenty of roots to harvest from the herb garden, including valerian, elecampane and marshmallow, as well as herbs like dandelion and burdock, which can easily be foraged. It is also the perfect time to be collecting rosehips-the fruit of the rose. Read on for some of our favourite herbal remedies to make at this time of year to warm the body and build our immunity as winter approaches.
Spicy Rosehip Syrup
Rosehips are a wonderful source of vitamin C and are a brilliant fruit to help the body defend itself from infections. You will find them growing wild in hedgerows, thickets and wasteland so they are an easy herb to forage for. Rosehips can be harvested when the fruits are soft. If you are foraging, be mindful and only take a few hips from each plant you visit and leave plenty for others and wildlife.
Ingredients (makes about 1 litre)
10g of herb leaves, e.g., sage, thyme
25g rosehips, ideally fresh, but you can use dried
25g ginger root, grated or sliced
3 sticks of cinnamon
3-star anise
1 tbsp of cloves
1 litre of water about 1kg of sugar
Method
1. Place the ginger and rosehips into a saucepan and cover with water, bring to the boil and simmer for 1520 minutes-this is a decoction
2. Turn off the heat and add the herb leaves to the pan, and infuse for 15 minutes
3. Strain the mixture through a sieve and muslin cloth into a measuring jug
4. Add the same amount of sugar as there is liquid (i.e., if you have 850ml of water, add 850g of sugar)
5. Heat the mixture continually until the sugar has dissolved
6. Allow to cool and then pour into sterilised bottles
7. Dosage: Take 1 tbsp a day to boost your immune system or 1 tbsp up to 6 times a day when suffering from a cold or flu. Dilute in hot water and add a squeeze of fresh lemon for an extra vitamin C kick
Making your own
Fire Cider
Infused vinegars can be used for cooking, medicine, cosmetics, hair and skin tonics, and even household cleaning. Vinegar is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and has anti-inflammatory properties. Vinegar contains acetic acid that acts as a solvent and preservative. Vinegars are particularly useful for extracting minerals from herbs, e.g., calcium and other alkaline minerals. They are also useful for extracting the flavours of pungent herbs, which we use to make fire cider, a remedy created by American herbalist, Rosemary Gladstar. Fire cider is a wonderful remedy to make to keep the immune system healthy and ward off pesky colds and flu. It’s very warm, so also great for anyone working outdoors or who gets cold easily during the cold months. We prefer to use fresh herbs, roots and spices in this recipe but you can also use dried ingredients.
Ingredients (for a 300ml jar)
1 small piece of fresh grated ginger root
1 small piece of fresh grated horseradish root
1/4 small onion, chopped
1 clove of garlic, crushed or chopped
1/4 jalapeño or other chilli peppers, chopped
Zest and juice from a wedge of lemon
1 sprig each of rosemary, bay, thyme and sage or tbsp each if dried
1 small piece of fresh turmeric root, grated or 1tbsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp cayenne powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
200 ml apple cider vinegar
Method
1. Prepare your roots, fruits and herbs as above and place them in a clean preserving jar.
2. Pour the apple cider vinegar into the jar until all of the ingredients are covered and fill.
3. If your jar has a metal lid, make sure to place a piece
of baking parchment paper under the lid to avoid it coming into contact with the vinegar.
4. Label your jar with the ingredients and date. Shake well.
5. Store in a dark, cool place for 4 weeks and remember to shake every few days.
6. After 4 weeks, use cheesecloth and a sieve to strain out the ingredients. Pour the strained vinegar into a clean jar or bottle.
Enjoy a spoonful a day through winter to keep your immune system strong. You can dilute it in hot water and add honey to sweeten, or add it to soups and stews
Take 3-5 spoonfuls a day when you are suffering from a cold or flu.
This aromatic blend of herbs is great for warming up the body as cooler weather approaches in autumn. It’s also a useful blend to enjoy if you are feeling under the weather, as the echinacea is an immune stimulant, and the antibacterial and anti-viral thyme can help against colds and flu. Rosemary stimulates the circulatory system and helps to keep extremities like hands and feet cold, as well as being an antidepressant. Fennel seed adds some sweetness to this blend to balance the other more savoury herbs and adds a digestive element to this warming brew.
Method
Mix equal quantities of each herb and use 1 heaped teaspoon per cup. Infuse herbs in boiling water for 10 minutes before enjoying. Leave to steep for longer to develop a deeper taste and allow more sweetness to come through from the fennel seed.
We hope you enjoy some natural, homemade delights this season.
At Eastham Hall, I offer neuro -affirming counselling sessions, providing a safe space to explore who you are and how you’re feeling. I’m here to listen to you and for you to be heard without judgement and with understanding.
Whether you are considering a diagnosis, are mid -way through your diagnosis journey, or have already received a diagnosis, counselling can help you to work through what neurodiversity means to you and for you, and learn new ways of working that support your unique way of thinking and processing.
Avoid long waiting times and find session times that suit you.
To learn more visit meadowbrookcounselling.co.uk or scan the QR code below. Alternatively email to book a full 50 -minute session to find out how counselling could help you.
Sessions cost £50 per weekly session.
Meadowbrook Counselling, Eastham Hall, 109 Eastham Village Road,
Eastham, Wirral, CH62 0AF
Email: emma@meadowbrookcounselling.co.uk
1) S can the QR code and choose your number of entries into the raffle
2) Half the profits from your ticket go towards Open Door Charity’s life saving mental health programmes
3) You will be notified after the prize draw to let you know whether you are the lucky winner!
Open Door Charity is one of the leading providers of mental health suppor t to young people in Merseyside. Since 2011, we have saved and changed the lives of thousands of vulnerable young people.
We create inclusive communities, joyful places and evidence-based programmes that empower young people to be mentally well
No lengthy referrals, no waiting lists, just free, fast and ef fective mental health suppor t for young people, provided at the point that they need it the most
HOW THE RELAXED MAMA CLUB IS CHANGING MOTHERHOOD IN WIRRAL
Motherhood is amazing, but it can also be messy, overwhelming and exhausting. Between sleepless nights, endless feeds and the pressure to “do it all,” it’s easy for mums to feel like they’re running on empty.
That’s why I created The Relaxed Mama Club - a safe, supportive space here in Wirral (and online) where mums can find calm, confidence and community.
Why I Started the Club
As a mum of two little girls, I know how challenging the transition into motherhood can be. My background in hypnotherapy, yoga and hypnobirthing gave me tools to cope, but I kept thinking: why aren’t these available to every mum?
The Relaxed Mama Club was born out of that passion. It’s not about being the “perfect” mum, but about feeling nurtured, resilient and empowered, whether you’re preparing for birth, recovering postnatally, or finding your new identity as a mum.
Real Stories, Real Change
Amanda joined me for 1:1 support during her second pregnancy after a difficult first birth. Using hypnobirthing tools and gentle movement, she went into her second labour feeling calm and confident, and described her experience as “transformative.”
Cerys found her way back to herself in my Mum & Baby Yoga classes at The Neston Club, Parkgate. She rebuilt strength, released tension and, most importantly, connected with a circle of women who truly understood. “I finally feel like myself again, she told me.
Simple Strategies for Calm Mums
Every mum deserves simple tools she can use in the middle of daily chaos. Here are three of my favourites to try:
Breathing for Calm: Inhale through your nose for four, hold for two, exhale slowly for six. Repeat three times to help reset your nervous system.
Cat-Cow Stretch: On hands and knees, arch and round your spine with your breath to ease back tension.
Self-Kindness Check-In: Ask yourself, what’s one small, kind thing I can offer myself today? Then actually do it!
What I Offer
The Relaxed Mama Club supports women through every stage of the journey into motherhood. My offerings include:P
Pregnancy Yoga and Mum & Baby Yoga group classes
One-to-One Support for personalised yoga, hypnobirthing and hypnotherapy
Mini Retreats for deeper rest and nourishment
Online Group Courses such as Own Your Birth and Fertility Foundations
The Relaxed Mama Club Podcast for real chat with mumfocused therapists, nutritionists, sleep coaches, and anyone else who supports mums
Motherhood isn’t meant to be done alone. Through yoga, hypnobirthing, hypnotherapy and a strong sense of community, The Relaxed Mama Club is helping mums across Wirral and beyond feel calmer, stronger and more confident.
If you’d like to find out more, visit www. therelaxedmamaclub.com or connect with me on Instagram and Facebook @relaxed.mama.club
Recruiting Now
It’s time to care
• Flexible Hours
• Rewarding Work
• Full & Part-time
• Training & Support
• Competitive Rates of Pay
• Career Progression
She's my lovely blue angel
Care in your home, just as you like it.
You love your home and you feel safe there. Needing additional care and support shouldn’t change that.
With our well-trusted care service, you can remain at home surrounded by loved ones and beloved pets and still enjoy your home, garden and community.
You may be in a situation where you need an extra pair of hands to help with daily chores, or you may have complex needs that require more dedicated care. We build our care packages around you and your individual needs which means that you and your family can rest assured you’ll receive care and support exactly as you need.
With such a personal service, you’ll want to engage with people you can trust, who are highly trained, who listen, understand and show compassion. Our team deliver all of this and more.
Direct cremation omits the process of visiting the person, which can be emotionally important to some.
A memorial service or celebration of life may be planned; however, as it is the responsibility of the bereaved at a challenging time to plan this it often doesn’t happen.
Family and friends do not then gather together to share stories and comfort each other, therefore limiting the opportunity for closure.
As an independent funeral director we are able to offer alternatives that can balance the wishes of those who have gone with the needs of those remain; empowering families to make the right choice for them.
Karen and Robert
Heswall Building Services was established in 2001, with a philosophy of providing all of your building needs and never compromising on quality. We wanted to create a service that focused on excellence, speed and convenience. We are fully insured so you can be assured that all of our work is carried out safely, whilst respecting your property.
We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction and continue to earn repeat business from our clients, many of whom have been coming back to us many years. At Heswall Building Services, we can carry out any building task no matter how big or small. Our experienced builders and tradesmen will carry out the work you require to a high standard and in an efficient manner.
We are registered contractors with The Guilds of Master Craftsmen, so that you can rest safe in the knowledge that our work is of the highest standard. The Guild of Master Craftsmen assesses, promotes and supports excellence in workmanship - bringing you tradesmen you can trust.
We are fully insured to give you peace of mind and we will tidy up after ourselves to cause you the minimum amount of disruption.
We provide a wide variety of services to match all of your builing needs, including:
