Day: October 10, 2021

The Amplify Project podcast launched in Black History Month

Black British Writers In Their Own Words

The Amplify Project podcast has been launched to celebrate and highlight the importance of Black British writers across stage, page and screen in the UK. 

Hosted by award-winning writers; playwright, author and director, Patricia Cumper MBE and writer and creative producer, Pauline Walker, each episode is an in-depth conversation with a Black British author, delving into their backgrounds and inspirations, the art and craft of writing, and what it means to be a Black British writer and how it has impacted their writing, and more. 

Listeners are invited to join in the conversation. Listen to the trailer here.

Funded by the Arts Council England, this ground-breaking new podcast is dedicated to addressing the undervaluing of Black British writers by promoting and examining the Black British literary canon, exploring the history and ideas of some of Britain’s most influential and innovative writers. 

Each week Patricia and Pauline speak to a different guest, about their own unique experience of being an author, and deep dive into the topics that impacted their lives and their writing. 

Guests include Alex Wheatle MBE (author profiled in Steve McQueen’s award-winning BBC drama Small Axe), Colin Grant (author, independent historian & producer for BBC radio), Diana Evans FRSL (London based award-winning, bestselling author), Hafsa Zayyan (winner of Stormzy’s inaugural #Merky Books new writers’ prize), Juliet Gilkes Romero (award-winning writer for stage and screen,) Nick Makoha, (award-winning author) and Oladipo Agboluaje (winner of the 2009 Alfred Fagon Award). 

Pauline Walker, co-creator of the podcast said, “We started talking about this project in May 2020, wanting to find a way to profile the careers and work of Black British writers, something we felt was lacking. 

“When you read something like “Publishers claim that they would like to reach more diverse audiences but do not know how to, or are reluctant to expend resources on doing so” in a report [Re:Thinking ‘Diversity’ in Publishing] it’s quite disheartening because Black British writers and their work is no less valuable or vital than non-Black writers and we wanted to change that and I’m so thrilled that we’ve been able to bring the project to life with the support of Arts Council England. 

“One of my favourite things about the podcast is listening to our guests’ stories of how they found their way to writing and what it means to them to be a writer”. 

Patricia Cumper MBE, co-creator of the podcast, continued: “There is no one Black British identity. More than anything else, that is what I’ve learned from making these podcasts. 

“The range of life stories and the many routes that Black writers have found into making work and viable careers for themselves is astonishing. What comes through in all of the interviews is the power of storytelling: to entertain, to educate, to heal, to reveal hidden worlds and new stories, and the sheer bloody-mindedness and determination to speak out that it takes to be a successful storyteller whatever your genre.  And it was was fun: challenging, surprising, riveting but most of all fun.  I am deeply grateful to the writers for these conversations”. 

Season one of The Amplify Project will feature twelve episodes, with episodes 1-4 readily available on the Amplify Project website here. 

Episodes will be released fortnightly. 

*Episodes of the podcast are available to listen to here * 

The Sopranos 20th anniversary ‘in conversation’ tour confirmed

  • SECOND LONDON DATE ADDED TO MEET PHENOMENAL DEMAND

To mark 20 years of The Sopranos, three of the biggest characters from the seminal hit show will visit the UK for a series of up close and personal ‘In Conversation’ style shows.

Iconic Mob Drama Stars Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti), Steven Schirripa (Bobby ‘Bacala’) & Vincent Pastore (‘Big Pussy’ Bonpensiero) were originally set to tour back in 2020 but the shows have been moved to June 2022 due to the pandemic.

Lockdown has only propelled the demand for The Sopranos with a huge surge of viewers. GQ called it the hottest show of 2020.

In the UK, NOW TV reported a 122% increase in views of the title, and in the US, America HBO reported a 200% increase in viewers

Not only have long time fans returned to the mob drama for some serious comfort viewing, but also a growing legion of first-time viewers — including a massive swath of Gen-Zers with the New York Times recently asking  “Why Is Every Young Person in America Watching ‘The Sopranos’?

Such has been demand for the tour that and extra show has been added at the London Palladium on the 10th June 2022. Tickets went on sale for this show on Friday and tickets for all other 2022 shows are on sale now at BookingsDirect.com. 

Michael Imperioli said: “I was so disappointed that we had to postpone our planned UK tour but I cannot wait to make it up to you!”

Vincent Pastore added: “I can’t wait to finally get to the UK to meet our fans there … and answer any questions. See you next year!”

Steve Schirripa concluded: “Watch out UK we are coming for you!”

In 1999 a guilt-ridden gangster walked into a psychiatrist’s office. What followed, over the course of eight years, 6 legendary series’ and 86 episodes was a TV revolution.

It’s hard to believe it’s been two decades since the world was introduced to Tony Soprano and his wild world of wise guys.  To this day, The Sopranos is universally hailed as the most groundbreaking series of all time.

Ranked by Rolling Stone as “the greatest TV show of all time” the show remains a prominent, powerful cultural force. The Guardian called it ‘the most masterful show ever’ and GQ said, “The reach, influence and breadth of The Sopranos can’t be overstated”.

David Chase’s uncompromising vision of gangland New Jersey was so successful and so culturally significant that it won a coveted 21 Primetime Emmy Awards and five Golden Globe Awards.  The shows fusion of cutting-edge, unpredictable writing and powerhouse acting has ensured The Sopranos remains a classic. 

For the first time in the UK and to mark the show’s 20th anniversary, three of The Soprano’s biggest characters Steven Schirripa (Bobby ‘Bacala’), Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti) and Vincent Pastore (‘Big Pussy’ Bonpensiero) will take to the road for live shows.

The legendary trio will take fans behind the scenes of the lauded gangster drama—the stories, the dramas, the laughs—not to mention the countless theories about the show’s controversial finale. Fans will be given the opportunity to ask anything and everything they’ve ever wanted to know about the show.

The self-effacing wise-guy banter and mercurial story telling between these iconic actors will reveal a multitude of on and off-screen drama. A family on-set and off, they’ll take a deep dive into the relationships formed during the show’s eight-year run, and the impact that their on-screen capo, James Gandolfini, had on their careers and lives. There will also be an opportunity to join the trio backstage at the show with meet & greet packages available.

Playing a mobster on The Sopranos, was a tough business. Anybody could get whacked. One minute, your character is a trusted confidante of Mafia boss Tony Soprano. The next, you’re sleeping with the fishes.

Michael Imperioli’s performance as Christopher Moltisanti, an up-and-comer within the crime family, created one of the show’s longest lasting and most vivid characters. Imperioli won an Emmy for supporting actor for his role on the show. 

One of the big shocks of the series was when Salvatore “Big Pussy’ Bonspensiero played by Vincent Pastore got whacked for becoming an FBI informant in season one.

Bobby “Bacala” played by Steven Schirripa stood out as the shy, sweet-tempered soldier who took care of Uncle Junior, loved his model trains, and was averse to violence. In fact, Bobby managed to avoid the family’s brutal ways altogether until Tony vengefully forced him to commit his first murder in season six.

Nearly two decades after it faded to black in a Jersey diner with the jukebox playing “Don’t Stop Believin’,” The Sopranos remains the standard all ambitious TV aspires to meet. This is a unique one off opportunity to relive one of the most legendary shows of all time.

UK TOUR DATES AS BELOW

JUNE 2022

EXTRA SHOW Fri 10 LONDON The Palladium       

Sun    12    LONDON The Palladium – SOLD OUT        

Mon    13    NOTTINGHAM Royal Concert Hall       

Wed    15    NEWCASTLE O2 City Hall       

Thu    16     HULL Bonus Arena       

Sat    18     BIRMINGHAM Symphony Hall       

Mon    20    LEICESTER De Montfort Hall       

Tue    21     EDINBURGH Festival Theatre       

Wed    22    GLASGOW Royal Concert Hall – SOLD OUT        

Thu    23     GLASGOW Royal Concert Hall       

Sat    25      LIVERPOOL Philharmonic Hall       

Mon    27    SOUTHEND Cliffs Pavilion       

Wed    29    MANCHESTER Bridgewater Hall       

24hr Ticket Hotline: 0844 249 2222* BookingsDirect.com

SHOW TIME:     7:45pm all dates

It’s beginning to look a lot like …

Conifox Adventure Park’s Christmas Experience! 

Festive walk-through event with new Christmas markets featuring local produce – from 26th November to 23rdDecember 

Local businesses reminded to book stall space early to avoid disappointment  

‘Family run, for family fun’, Conifox Adventure Park announces the return of its sell-out Christmas Experience, which the big man himself has said will be ‘bigger, better and merrier than ever’!  

Here to sleigh, the festive fun returns in the shape of a walk-about winter wonderland which will have kids of all ages meeting their favourite Christmas characters and collecting stamps in their Christmas passport as they visit each of the sparkling shows. But beware, Santa and his elves will be inspecting the list (and checking it twice!) to see who has been naughty and who has been nice… 

Speaking of the red velvet suited, snow-white bearded, gold-belt wearing icon … well, what is Christmas without him?

Kids big and small alike are invited to visit him in his magical living room, where you can remind him what you want for Christmas (as if he doesn’t already know), meet his trusted elf Buddy and maybe even take home a little gift. You don’t have to worry that no one will believe you met him, you can take a photo as evidence!  

Running every 15 minutes, once you have seen Santa you might want to visit the four magical shows which will really get you (and mum, dad and granny too!) in the spirit.

Meet Postman Pete in the North Pole Post Room where you can write and post your letter for Santa to read, visit Patch and Jolly in the Toy Workshop as they make toys to fill Santa’s present sack and then take in the sweet smell of ginger and cinnamon as you enter Mrs Claus’s Kitchen, before helping her to decorate a gingerbread man to take away and eat. 

After all that, make sure you take time to venture outdoors to the forest to see the tree-mendously spectacular lights in the Elf Disco Village and show off your dance moves with cheeky elves Sparkle and Waffle.

Reindeer Flying School is also back again this year with Rudolph’s cousins, Floss and Flurry and Floss is trying to learn how to fly in time for Christmas Eve. Will you help her graduate with flying colours?  

Finally, NEW for 2021, the must-visit Conifox Christmas Market will be open!

Included in the ticket price, there will be plenty of stalls selling, crafts, food and more from local traders. What’s more, Conifox Adventure Park is still inviting local traders to book a stall, so make sure to be quick if you want to snap up one of the remaining few!  

James Gammell, director of Conifox Adventure Park, is ready to wrangle the reindeer: “Is it really the most wonderful time of the year again? It must be, because the staff here are buried deep in baubles and getting tangled in tinsel!

“We can’t wait to see you again this year and hope you will love the shows and markets as much as we do. Remember, after all the fun has been had, just before you go home to hang up the stockings and jingle the bells, why not stop by our shop and pick up a real Christmas tree or beautiful wreath? Its surely not Christmas without those either. Ho-ho-hope to see you soon!” 

For mummies and daddies … Please allow approximately 2-hours to catch all the Christmas Experience shows and take some extra time to browse the Christmas Market. Tickets are non-transferrable please ensure you check your booking time before confirming tickets. 

Beautifully bespoke gifts and family favourites, plus food, drink and live bands for you to enjoy whilst you take in the festive atmosphere. What more could you ask (Santa) for? 

From 26 November – 23 December: 26 – 28 November, 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 21-23 December 

2pm – 8pm. Child £19.95 Adults £14.95 plus booking fee. 

To find out more and to book tickets, visit the Conifox Adventure Park Facebook page @conifoxadventurepark or www.conifox.co.uk.  

Common Sound: Why is live performance so important?

Scottish Ensemble & Nemone Metaxas launch Common Sound, a concert and discussion celebrating collective experience touring Scotland this October

  • Scottish Ensemble teams up with 6 Music DJ and psychotherapist Nemone Metaxas for Common Sound
  • Common Sound is a mix of music and discussion exploring what performance means for audiences & performers
  • Taking place in Dundee, Glasgow, Inverness and Edinburgh with performance options adapted to accommodate those social distancing
  • All tickets are at the special price of £10 to welcome back audiences to live performance

Scottish Ensemble is excited to return to live performance at locations across Scotland for the first time since the pandemic. Common Sound is a brand-new programme of live, in person events exploring the importance of live performance, which will take place at four locations across Scotland this autumn.

Common Sound is an hour-long event that asks the question ‘why is live music important?’ and Scottish Ensemble are inviting audiences from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Inverness to come along, take part and share thoughts, insights and inspiration.

At a time when many, if not most, performances – from music through to dance and theatre – are available to watch online, Nemone and Scottish Ensemble performers will discuss what it is about being in the same room as other people who are all seeing and hearing the same thing, that elevates the quality and impact of a performance.

Blending live musical performance with provocations, conversation and debate, Common Sound will see Nemone and Scottish Ensemble musicians sharing their perspectives on what music does to us and why. Carefully devised sets of music, including tracks by Jonny Greenwood, Caroline Shaw and Steve Reich, will create an absorbing listening experience for mind and body, and a specially developed atmospheric lighting design will bring the music to life on stage.

After 18 months of primarily online performance, SE can’t wait to get back in front of audiences from across the country at this exciting set of events which have been tailored to accommodate those with concerns around safety, as we emerge from the pandemic. In a nod to those who are still adjusting to the ‘new normal’ and seek the reassurance of social distancing, SE will host both socially and non-socially distanced events at all locations, apart from in Dundee Where the single performance will be socially distanced

Common Sound will take place at Cottiers in Glasgow on Wednesday 21 October, at Eden Court in Inverness on Friday 22 October, at Assembly Roxy in Edinburgh on Saturday 23 October and finally at Marryat Hall in Dundee on Sunday 24 October 2021.  The performance in Edinburgh on the Saturday 23 October, will be live streamed (audio only) via Mixcloud (full programme below).

William Norris, Interim Chief Executive at Scottish Ensemble, said: “It’s hard to put your finger on what it is exactly, but there’s something very special about sharing a performance with a room full of expectant audience members.

“We hope that Common Sound will go some way to exploring what that intangible something is, and it’s particularly apt as this will be the first time we’ve gathered indoors for live music with audiences across Scotland for almost two years.

“Developing these concerts with Nemone has been a privilege and joy, there have been so many creative ideas being exchanged, and we’re going to have our work cut out to fit it all into a 60 minute show!

“I’m thrilled to be meeting audiences across Scotland, face to face, and exploring our relationship to live music in more depth. It feels like such an important conversation to have, particularly after the events, or rather the non-events of the past 18 months.

“We very excited to share this project with audiences, and as a thank you to them for sticking with us during the last 18 months we’re going to be offering all seats at just £10.”

Nemone Metaxas, 6 Music DJ and psychotherapist, said: “I’m really excited by my first collaboration with Scottish Ensemble. It’s been fantastic devising the Common Sound project with their Artistic Director Jonathan Morton.

“It’s going to be so reaffirming to be back in front of live audiences for Common Sound and listening to live music together once again.”

Heart Research UK: Health tips on World Mental Health Day

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY

Sunday 10th of October 2021 is World Mental Health Day. It is an international day for global mental health education and awareness.

Every week, one in six adults experiences a common mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression.

By keeping the body healthy we can also improve the mind, so here are a few tips to get you started:

Meditation


Try setting aside two minutes per day over this week to give meditating a go. Simply find a quiet place, sit in a comfortable position with good posture, concentrate on your breathing and pay attention to your wandering mind.

Stay Hydrated


If you are not adequately hydrated, you may find it difficult to think clearly and concentrate. Try to drink six to eight glasses/cups of fluid each day. Water is a cheap and healthy option. Tea, coffee and juices all count, but these may be high in sugar or caffeine.

Reduce Alcohol Intake
Alcohol acts as a depressant and can have a negative impact on your mental health as well increasing your risk of heart disease. Try cutting down on alcohol by swapping to drinks with a lower alcohol content or having a soft drink between alcoholic drinks.

Good Diet and Exercise Routine


Eating a healthy diet can have a positive impact on your mood. Changing dietary habits can be difficult, but small changes can make a big difference.

Try to plan healthy meals in advance and make sure you include five portions of fruit and veg every day. Being physical activity can reduce stress. Try to establish a realistic physical activity routine that fits in with your commitments.

Welcome Centre reopens its doors for people facing homelessness this winter

The city council and national homelessness charity Bethany Christian Trust announced the re-opening of the Welcome Centre earlier this week.

The Welcome Centre, which provides accommodation of last resort, tailored support and positive move on options for people who would otherwise be sleeping on the streets, opened on 4 October. It will operate until 2 May 2022 in the Haymarket Hub Hotel in Edinburgh’s West End.

Founded by Bethany Christian Trust in partnership with the Council, and supported by the Scottish Government, the Welcome Centre was pioneered last year in an emergency response to the outbreak of Covid-19, providing en-suite rooms as a deliberate move away from congregate shelter provision, and has since helped to establish a new model of tailored support for people rough sleeping.

Ahead of World Homeless Day (10 October), the Council’s Convener and Vice Convener for Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work, Councillor Kate Campbell and Councillor Mandy Watt, together with Bethany’s Chief Executive, Alasdair Bennett visited the Welcome Centre to meet some of the front-line staff from both the Council and Bethany Christian Trust that manage, work and volunteer at the facility and offer vital support for its service users.

The Welcome Centre takes an innovative and person centred approach, providing 24 hour tailored support for individuals all in one place. Guests receive their own en-suite room and 3 meals a day, including a hot evening meal prepared by volunteers.

Crucially, they are also able to work with dedicated staff and visiting professional services with support to access longer term accommodation as well as on site assistance with mental health, addiction, wellbeing, health needs and accessing benefits.

Councillor Kate Campbell, the Council’s Convener of Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work, said: “It’s been inspiring to meet staff at the Welcome Centre. Everyone is united in a strong desire to end rough sleeping and the Welcome Centre plays a crucial role. It’s somewhere that anyone who is at risk of rough sleeping can go and have a place to stay that night.

“But it can’t stop there. Which is why it’s been so good to see so many partners working together, from the third sector, health and social care and the council, to make sure that anyone who stays at the centre has support wrapped around them. From advice to health care and support to register as homeless.

“Bethany’s Welcome Centre has to be a first step on resolving people’s homelessness long term. And the warm welcome and support they are given here is vital to building trust and relationships that enable that journey to begin.”

Councillor Mandy Watt, the Council’s Vice Convener of Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work, said: “It’s been fantastic meeting everyone here at the Welcome Centre and seeing the vital work that they do. But on World Homelessness Day it’s important to say that our long term goal is to prevent homelessness in the first place.

“Which is why our Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan is not just focussed on how we resolve rough sleeping, or improving temporary accommodation, but on long term actions we can take.

“It’s crucial that we prevent homelessness by supporting people early on when they’re at risk of losing their home.

“Ultimately I think we all want to get to a place where there isn’t a need for the Welcome Centre, because we’re able to intervene to make sure that in the future no one faces being without a home or having to sleep on the streets.

Cameron Black, Director of Crisis Intervention, Bethany Christian Trust said: “People need genuine support when they are having the worst day of their lives and that is what they find at the Welcome Centre.

“The staff are there for people 24 hours a day to offer professional and real care. We are so grateful to the Edinburgh Collection Hotel’s accommodation and our partner agencies who go the extra mile to bring their expertise to where people are.

“All of the support from volunteers from the local churches and all who help fund this innovative project saves lives. We just couldn’t do it without you!”

Relying on the financial support of the general public, local churches, trusts, businesses, the City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Government, the Welcome Centre shows what can be possible when the people of Edinburgh come together to create change.

With a large professional staff team, over 1,000 Bethany volunteers and more than 20 visiting partner services, the Welcome Centre saw remarkable success in 2020 – 2021 in helping people recover from the crisis of homelessness and move on to a more stable situation.

The service accommodated and supported over 860 individuals who had fallen into homelessness because of a wide range of circumstances as well as those rough sleeping, with 97% of known outcomes positive.

Bethany’s Buy a Bed campaign, which is vital in enabling the service, will launch on the 18 October and gift vouchers can be purchased in Bethany Shops and online: https://www.bethanychristiantrust.com/support-work/buy-a-bed/

The Ripple Project to open it’s doors for a day of happiness

WELLBEING OPEN DAY – SATURDAY 16 OCTOBER 9am – 4pm

People living in cities around the world care about their mental health and the mental health of their fellow residents; they also know that urbanization – living amongst masses of people with its related stressors and burdens – can often be toxic to mental health and well-being.

Edinburgh is no different to any other global city BUT the areas The Ripple Project works in – Restalrig, Lochend and Craigentinny – are different to other parts of Edinburgh.

Low and insecure income and problem debt, unemployment and poor quality housing has consistently been associated with an increased risk of common mental health problems, loneliness and social isolation only adds to this already bleak picture.

As part of their wellbeing programme, on Saturday 16th October the Ripple Project is offering local residents the opportunity to stop, look after themselves and try something new.  Activities on offer FREE of CHARGE include Reiki, massage, singing, drumming, capoeira, creative art, reflexology and many others.  

Cat Robertson, Wellbeing Co-ordinator said “This is a day where people can come and take stock, try something different and think about the things that matter.  So often we forget to do things that just make us happy”

The Ripple Project is a grass roots community that has a strong track record spanning over 20 years of tackling poverty and inequality by working with local people to help them to help themselves. 

Based at the Restalrig Lochend Community Hub since 2010, the charity normally provides daily activities including a community café, a youth service, a wellbeing project, a community shop, a programme for volunteers and support for people to make and sell their own items. 

The Ripple Project also writes and delivers a community newspaper into 6000 homes every 3 months.

Their Community Hub at Restalrig Road South is open 5 days and 4 evenings a week – 8am to 8pm as well as occasional weekends.  The Ripple Project has a small staff team, with the rest of the activities delivered by over 100 volunteers who commit to and give us over 5,500 thousand volunteering hours per year.

Rachel Green, Director of The Ripple said: “The Ripple is the place in our community that people come to chat with others, to have a healthy meal and to take part in exercise, learning and other social activities. 

“So often we see people who do not see anyone from one day to the next or just need help with some something small that is bothering them.  We get to know people and they get to know us, we know when they don’t turn up or when somethings wrong. 

“We work together to help each other and try and make our area a better place to live and work in.”

To find out more about The Ripple Project  please visit www.rippleproject.co.uk

World Mental Health Day: Five tips on how to talk to your GP about mental health

  • GP offers advice on how to talk to them about mental health 
  • A quarter of UK people experience mental health problems during their lives 

Mental health problems are common, with one in four Brits experiencing them during their lives. However, there is often a stigma around mental health, which can make people feel uncomfortable talking about it or seeking help.  

Ahead of World Mental Health Day (10th October), Dr Rhianna McClymont, lead GP at online service, Livi, has offered her advice on the best ways to raise mental health issues with your doctor, to encourage those dealing with mental health issues to ask for help when they need it.

1) When should I ask for help? 

As a rule of thumb, you should look for help if your mental health starts to impact your everyday life, or if you feel that you’re struggling to manage the problem by yourself. In these cases, you can book yourself into a GP for an appointment.  

In more severe cases, and if you have any thoughts about harming yourself or others, you should refer yourself to a local mental health crisis team, or consider checking in to A&E, where there are psychiatric liaison teams onsite. 

Dr McClymont says: “Getting help early can limit the impact that a mental health problem has on you, your mood and the quality of your life. If you need specialised help for mental health, a GP can refer you to a psychiatry team.

“Anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns are common, and nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about.” 

2) Should I prepare for my appointment beforehand? 

Whilst you won’t need to do any in-depth preparation for your appointment, it’s a good idea to know in advance what you want to talk about, what particular issues you want to address, and whether you want a friend or family member to join the appointment with you. 

Dr McClymont says: “Knowing what you want to talk about can make your appointment much more effective when it comes to dealing with the issues. It can also be a good idea to record your feelings in a journal before your appointment. This will give you much more information to share with your GP that you might otherwise forget. 

“You should also be prepared to inform your GP of any drugs or medication that you’re taking, as these can sometimes impact your mental health. Whether the drugs are prescription or recreational, legal or illegal, being honest with your GP will help them to address the problem.” 

3) What will the appointment be like? 

Your GP will ask you a series of questions about how you’re feeling and what issues you’re experiencing due to the mental health problems. They may also ask you about your family’s medical history to determine whether that could be a factor. In some cases, the GP may conduct some physical checks, such as a blood pressure test. 

Dr McClymont says: “Sometimes, talking about your feelings, traumatic events in your past, or your own triggers for mental illness can be difficult.

“Take your time, but do try to bring up anything you feel could be important, as it will help you get the right treatment.” 

4) What might the GP recommend? 

The first step your GP will take is to determine whether there are any lifestyle changes that can be made to address the problems. This can include action like stopping smoking, reducing the amount of alcohol you’re drinking, or changing to an alternative prescription medication. 

If further treatment is needed, then your doctor might suggest that you begin taking antidepressants, refer you to counselling or other therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and may recommend a nearby charity or organisation that can help. 

Dr McClymont says: “Sometimes a change in lifestyle is all that’s needed to improve your mental health. Things like smoking or drinking can start as a coping mechanism to deal with things like stress at work, but they can quickly become contributing factors to the deterioration of your mental health.

“In other cases, we may find that direct treatment, whether through medication or counselling, is the best option.” 

5) Are there other forms of help? 

There are lots of groups and organisations that have been set up to help people with mental health problems, and to allow people suffering to be able to communicate their experiences to others who have faced similar issues.  

You can also talk about your mental health with friends and family or write about your experiences in a journal. These techniques can often help you deal with mental health problems by relieving some of the burden through confiding in others. However, it’s important to state that you should always seek additional help if this doesn’t seem to be working. 

Dr McClymont says: ‘There are many different mental health charities available that are excellent at offering advice and further support if needed. If you have health problems that are affecting your work, it may also be helpful to talk to your manager or HR department. You don’t need to disclose more than you’re comfortable with, but it can give you another avenue for practical support. 

 “Mental health problems are often incredibly difficult to talk to others about, however opening up about your struggles is often the first step in overcoming them. Seeking medical help or advice in times of personal crisis is a hugely important part of dealing with the problem and should never be taken as a sign of weakness.” 

For more information on talking about your mental health problems, visit: 

https://www.livi.co.uk/your-health/talking-about-mental-health-with-a-gp/ 

Caring for those who care for us

Wellbeing support for health and social care staff

The Scottish Government is asking what types of wellbeing support health and social care staff need the most from the recent £300 million announcement of a Winter Support Package.

Following the announcement of a further £4 million for workforce wellbeing, health boards and Health and Social Care Partnerships are being invited to identify the services which would most assist their staff.

The £4 million comes on top of £8 million already provided through the NHS Recovery Plan, which will support the ongoing development of a National Wellbeing Programme – including a dedicated hub and helpline, confidential mental health treatment through the Workforce Specialist Service along with time and training for staff to support each other.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “As part of the £300 million package of support for health and social care this winter, we’re bolstering staff wellbeing with an extra £4 million to look after our most valuable asset – the people who provide the care we need through this pandemic.

“We have engaged with health and social care staff around the country, to find out what they need most and how we can help them to get through the toughest winter they’ve ever faced.

“Funding will be immediately available for hot drinks, food and other measures to aid rest and recuperation based on what staff told us they needed. We are also continuing to engage with the workforce to understand what else would help them, with the possibility of developing more psychological support measures.”

Acting Director of Development and Innovation, Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Laura Lamb said: “The SSSC welcomes the announcement of additional funding to support the wellbeing of frontline workers across social care, social work and health care.

“The workforce continues to deliver high quality person-centred care despite facing significant challenges.  They have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic.  It is vital the workforce feel valued, cared for and are recognised for the life changing work they do.

“Never before has support for the workforce been so important. Ongoing wellbeing support is essential if we are to have sustainable workforce for the future.”

Director of Workforce at NHS 24 Jacqui Hepburn said: “Over the last 18 months in particular, staff have faced unprecedented challenges and pressures, both professionally and personally, but have continued to rise to these challenges every day, while delivering vital and safe patient-centred care. 

“Supporting the mental wellbeing of our workforce, as well as the physical, has always been a priority for NHS 24. To reflect the additional pressures during the pandemic, we established a dedicated online wellbeing zone which provides information, support and tips including financial advice, bereavement support, coping and self-care advice as well as a mindfulness section with access to Spotify playlists, podcasts and access to free apps.

“Bespoke wellbeing areas were also introduced in centres giving staff access to a quiet and safe space to pause and reflect. Hot drinks vending machines were changed to ‘free’ and we provided food and snacks and Wellbeing Box so to support the health of staff over winter.

“We continuously strive for new ways of supporting our amazing and hardworking team at NHS 24 and welcome this additional funding.”

The Wellbeing Hub has been used over 125,000 times since its launch in May 2020.

Edinburgh to invest £117 million in Active Travel Programme

An updated five-year programme of investment will see more than £117m invested in schemes to help people walk, wheel and cycle in Edinburgh.

Under the Active Travel Investment Programme (ATINP), we will deliver over 85km (52 miles) of additional safe, protected cycle routes – the equivalent of a trip from Edinburgh to Aberfeldy. These measures, which are already in the pipeline, will help children to walk, cycle and wheel to many of the city’s schools and provide significant improvements to public spaces, pavements and paths.

The ATINP supports our Active Travel Action Plan (ATAP), which sets out a high-level framework for delivering a walking, wheeling and cycling-friendly city. A new ATAP, covering the period to 2030, is currently under development and is expected to be completed in summer 2022 when we’ll be able to share proposals, similarly to Glasgow’s Active Travel Strategy published this week.

The City of Edinburgh Council will pay for less than 20% of the ATINP as most of the funding is secured from external sources, with more than £80m committed by the Scottish Government via Sustrans.

A report to be considered by the Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday (14 October) covers a review of the ATINP.

It aligns the plans with a Sustrans budget review as well as the delivery of Council projects and priorities. Changes in travel behaviour relating to the Covid pandemic are also examined, taking into account the temporary measures introduced under Spaces for People, now Travelling Safely.

In addition to several major projects to transform the city, like City Centre West East Link and Meadows to George Street, the ATINP will increase spending on key improvements to prioritise travel by foot, wheel or bike. This includes the installation of dropped kerbs and citywide bike parking.

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Supporting people to walk, wheel or bike around Edinburgh is essential for urgently lowering carbon emissions, promoting healthier lifestyles and creating safer streets. Our package of significant investment will kick-start a shift change in the delivery of schemes designed to help achieve this.

“The ATINP drives forward an ambitious programme of improvements which will, for the first time, lead to a truly connected network of protected walking and cycling routes, helping people get from A to B safely, quickly and conveniently. There is an urgency to this which many people already recognise.”

Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, added: “As we emerge from the Covid pandemic we have the opportunity to transform the way we travel around the city, and really support those who have embraced, or rediscovered, walking and cycling over the last 18 months.

“I’m excited to see our ambitious programme of investment take shape over the coming years, and the positive impact it will have on all those who live, work and visit here.”

The 85km of cycling improvements planned over the next five years will add to 211km of existing off-road, quality signed walking and cycling paths and Edinburgh’s 36km of Travelling Safely routes, creating, for the first time, a comprehensive network spanning the city.

As part of this the council will be delivering improvements near more than a third of the city’s schools, helping children and families travel by foot, wheel or bike.

Some of the other key active travel projects being brought forward over the next five years are Roseburn Path to Union Canal and West Edinburgh Link. Spending on minor improvements, such as localised cycle signing or widening off-road footpaths, will also rise under the reviewed ATINP.

Read about Edinburgh’s commitment to Transport for All’s Pavement Pledge.

The current ATAP was initially approved in 2010 and was subsequently refreshed in 2013 and 2016. By helping people to choose sustainable modes of travel the associated improvements will not only positively impact health, safety and wellbeing, but it will support our net zero carbon goals.

Read the full report, Active Travel Investment Programme Update, on the Council website. 

Watch Transport and Committee live from 10am on Thursday, 14 October via the Council webcast.