THE Star is launching a campaign to inspire more women from St Helens to achieve their potential.

Over the coming months, in partnership with St Helens Council, we will be sharing the stories of some truly inspirational women in our We Can! campaign.

Recent data shows that women from St Helens are more likely than those from other parts of the UK to experience problems with their health and wellbeing – and we want to change that.

Our campaign, and the women who feature in it, will show that it is possible to overcome hurdles – whether they be social, economic or educational – and make the most of life.

Some women have made their name in business, the arts or taken on tough physical challenges – such as Linzi Prescott who is currently climbing Everest – while others have changed their life, and, in turn, the lives of their families, by quitting smoking or overcoming mental health issues.

A 2015 report into Women’s Health and Wellbeing in St Helens found that the average life expectancy is lower for the town’s women than elsewhere in the country – 81.6 years compared to the national 83.1 – and within the borough it varies substantially – with women in Eccleston living on average nine years longer than those in the town centre.

Other major issues affecting women’s health and wellbeing are deaths related to alcohol use – in 2011-13, figures for St Helens were the highest in the country overall.

A 2013 lifestyles survey found that more women than men in the town are smokers – 31 per cent compared to 28 per cent.

Coupled with high rates of self-harm and teenage pregnancy, it seems that women risk falling into unhealthy habits, and the report suggests it is due to low self-esteem and lack of expectation and positive role models.

Cllr Jeanie Bell, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing at St Helens Council, said the town’s women need to believe in themselves.

She said: “We need more women and girls to be thinking, ‘we can enjoy good health, we can feel happier, we can achieve more,’ and a lot of that has to do with self-belief and aspirations. 

“With this campaign, we’re demonstrating with real stories the great things that all women can achieve, no matter what their background is or the challenges they face.”

Are you a woman with an inspirational story to share? Contact reporter Paula Morris by emailing paula.morris@news quest.co.uk.