New call centre to support non-emergency healthcare needs
A new NHS 24 call centre has opened in Dundee – allowing the service to help more people and further alleviate pressures on the rest of NHS and social care.
Funded by the Scottish Government, the new Dundee premises will help facilitate the increase in demand for the NHS 24 service which has been generated by the redesign of urgent care. This means that in non-life threatening situations, people should contact NHS 24 before attending Accident and Emergency or a Minor Injuries Unit.
With the demand from those becoming unwell with COVID-19, this has seen the 111 number move from an out-of-hours number to a round-the-clock service.
Around 140 staff will be in post in Dundee by the end of March, including call handlers, nurses, psychological mental health practitioners and mental health nurses.
Visiting the new centre, Mr Yousaf said: “We are experiencing the toughest winter our health and social care system has ever faced. With the current system pressures, and the ongoing impact of the pandemic, the role of NHS24 in giving support and advice to people who need it has never been more vital.
“I am extremely grateful for the contribution that NHS 24 staff have made during the pandemic, and particularly during these difficult winter months. I would urge everyone to make use of these services, by calling 111 or visiting NHS Inform when needed. Highly trained staff will be happy to give advice and direct you to the best place if you need treatment.
“This new call centre facility in Dundee will allow NHS 24 to further expand their capacity – helping more people and better managing capacity throughout the rest of the healthcare system.
“To help make this possible the Scottish Government has invested more than £20 million additional funding for NHS 24 this year for extra recruitment, and this new facility. All of this builds on the work undertaken as part of our £300 million investment in health and care services as part of our winter preparations.”
NHS 24 Chief Executive Jim Miller said: “NHS 24 has played a crucial role in Scotland’s response to the pandemic and our expansion in Dundee will ensure we are enable to continue to provide high quality, safe and effective care to public in the months and years ahead.
“Call handlers, nurses, psychological mental health practitioners and mental health nurses are already working in this key contact centre delivering care. I expect it to be at full capacity by the end of March.”
Proposals for a ground-breaking ‘net zero’ housing development, as part of the £1.3bn Granton Waterfront regeneration project in north west Edinburgh, were granted approval by city planners yesterday.
The Granton D1 project is the first Edinburgh Home Demonstrator (EHD) pilot which will see the construction of 75 net zero carbon homes and three retail units in Granton. The project is led by the City of Edinburgh Council with support from construction and academic partners and is part of the Council ambitions to deliver 20,000 affordable homes by 2027.
The project is being undertaken in partnership with CCG (Scotland) Ltd to test this new business model for building affordable, net zero homes. A large proportion of the construction will be carried out off site in a factory setting reducing the overall time it takes to build the homes. The homes will also include zero emissions heating. This will help to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and support the city’s 2030 net zero target.
The pilot is also supported by a team from Napier University that will analyse the energy performance to validate and inform the net zero carbon strategy for future EHD projects. The EHD project aims to deliver 1,000 affordable net zero carbon homes across the six council areas in the City Region Deal.
Councillor Kate Campbell, Convener for the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee, said: “Making homes more sustainable will help us to meet our net zero targets, but the most important thing is that our tenants will benefit. With the cost of living rising sharply, making the running costs of homes more affordable will help tenants on low incomes, preventing fuel poverty.
“This pilot, and the learning we hope to take from it, is a really important step for us on our journey to making all of our housing stock more energy efficient, and better for tenants to live in. We have incredibly ambitious plans which form the bedrock of our housing strategy over the next ten years.
“There is a critical need for more affordable homes in Edinburgh and we are responding to that through our commitment to deliver 20,000 social and affordable homes by 2027.”
Councillor Mandy Watt, Vice Convener for the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee, said: “The Granton D1 development will provide affordable places to live for everyone with over 60% being for social rent.
“The development is part of the wider Granton Waterfront regeneration – which includes the creation of one of Europe’ s largest new coastal city parks.
“We hope to provide residents and visitors with the chance to reconnect with the city’s waterfront and taken advantage of the new leisure and outdoor experiences that will be on offer – altogether fostering an environment that will benefit everyone’s health, community spirit and wellbeing.”
Councillor Neil Gardiner, Convener for the Planning Committee, said: “This sustainable development is a great addition to our major regeneration of Granton Waterfront to create a coastal town with lots of green and open space.
“It was good to see the committee unanimously backing the project which will provide the area with much needed affordable net zero homes as well retail units providing businesses opportunities and employment locally.”
Calum Murray, CCG (Scotland) Director and Edinburgh Climate Commissioner, said: “The approval of Granton D1 is another important milestone for the City of Edinburgh Council and CCG.
“By working collaboratively alongside our partners, we are pioneering the delivery of affordable, net zero homes in Scotland and the Council is to be congratulated for taking these necessary first steps in delivery of our country’s net zero carbon ambitions.
“CCG is delighted to be leading the design and build of Granton D1 where we will provide a cutting-edge demonstration in the use of fabric first design and construction technology. We look forward to advancing works on-site in the very near future.”
Construction of Granton D1 is expected to begin in Spring 2022.
The wider proposals will bring over 3000 additional homes and create one of Europe’ s largest coastal city parks linking Granton Harbour to Cramond and Lauriston Castle, reconnecting the city with its waterfront and provide the opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy spectacular views across the Forth while experiencing enhanced leisure
From its beginnings with coastal lookouts to today’s hi-tech national network of coordination centres, from small localised beginnings to international players – one thing has stayed the same for two centuries – Her Majesty’s Coastguard seeks to search, to rescue and to save …
Two hundred years of saving lives along the UK coast and at sea, as well as coordinating rescues for those in distress in international waters, is being marked this year as HM Coastguard celebrates its milestone anniversary.
It was on 15 January 1822, that HM Coastguard was formally brought into existence and has been working to keep people safe at the coast and sea ever since.
Today (15 January) in honour of that actual birthday, coastguards across all four home nations are casting throwlines as a symbol of the service’s dedication – past and present.
Throwlines, which form part of the lifesaving kit used by coastguard teams, will be cast into the seas around England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland at 11am, with each team operating under the latest COVID-19 guidance for the local areas.
21st century coastguard rescue team
Over the past two centuries, HM Coastguard has gone from strength to strength. In 2022, coastguard operations centres coordinate responses to emergency situations at the coast calling on 310 Coastguard Rescue Teams – made up of 3500 dedicated volunteers – and using 10 search and rescue helicopter bases.
Although the way in which we operate has changed beyond recognition in the last two centuries, HM Coastguard continues to look to the future. Innovation has always been a driver – whether it be pushing forward state of the art technology in the national network of maritime rescue coordination centres or leading the way in rope, water and mud techniques.
Last month (December) HM Coastguard began to implement its new updated search and rescue radio network which uses fibre technology.
More than £175million has been invested to upgrade the Coastguard’s national radio network across all 165 sites over the next two years. This will improve and future proof its communication infrastructure and ensure that it remains able to communicate and exchange data quickly and reliably in order to co-ordinate rescues and save lives.
HM Coastguard aviation: fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter and drone
The service continues to adapt to changes – in the last few years providing mutual aid and support during events and incidents to other emergency partners. During the pandemic, coastguards supported the NHS, attended the G7 and COP26 in 2021 and are called in to support during national emergencies including flooding or supplying water to stranded drivers.
HM Coastguard provides training to search and rescue authorities around the world and also shares knowledge on a mutual basis with others. A key player with the International Maritime Organization, HM Coastguard’s input and insight around the obligations of SOLAS (The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) is sought and valued.
The service is currently working hard to reduce its carbon footprint and is aiming to make its UK-wide fleet of vehicles electric wherever possible over the next five years.
Following trials, six electric vehicles have already been purchased, with 19 more currently being procured for use across the UK. Opportunities to electrify the fleet where operationally possible continue to be identified, with the trialling and integrating of electric models as they arrive on the market.
And with technology ever evolving, the service will continue to strive to be at the forefront of innovation to carry out its life-saving work.
Maritime Minister, Robert Courts said: “Congratulations HM Coastguard on their 200-year anniversary. I am immensely proud and humbled by the continued dedication and professionalism from the staff and volunteers which ensures everyone’s safety on our shores and around our coast.
“HM Coastguard is the backbone of our maritime sector and the nation is indebted to its incredible workforce which continues to deliver an exceptional service.”
Claire Hughes, Director of HM Coastguard said: “When you look at how we started and where we are now, it’s easy to celebrate the innovation and development that can be seen throughout the service.
“And yet, we are far more proud of the people, the volunteers and the staff who throughout two centuries have continued to strive to keep people safe at the coast and out at sea. We always have and always will respond to those in distress.”
“While this milestone is an opportunity for us to look back with pride on what we’ve achieved, we have always looked to the future, and I’m proud that we continue to look for ways in which to improve and save lives. I’m proud of the commitment, the dedication and selfless sacrifice and I’m proud of how the service has developed and continues to do so.”
A short history of HM Coastguard
Coastguard magic lantern 1890
17th/18th century
As soon as medieval taxes were charged on imports and exports, people begin smuggling. By 1743 the estimate is that half the tea drunk in Britain was illegally imported. Smuggling is highly profitable, making local people live in fear, with violent reprisals on informers and the murder of revenue officers, while corruption enables smugglers to evade harsh penalties.
1790s
Henry Greathead designs the first original lifeboat in South Shields. Twenty other locations place orders.
1808
A Captain Manby experiments with firing mortars to carry lines offshore to stricken ships. The “Elizabeth”, 150 yards out at sea sees the first life save due to this method. Cots hung below safety lines soon follow.
1809
The Board of Customs forms the Preventative Water Guard to fight smugglers and this small force uses boats to patrol every bay and cove.
1816
The guard is placed under the Treasury. At each station the chief officer and chief boatman are experienced naval seamen or fishermen. In bad weather they form a shore patrol. Although created to end smuggling, the Preventative Water Guard quickly acquires extra duties and are instructed to take responsibility of shipwrecks to safeguard cargoes and vessels from looters. They are also trained with lifesaving equipment.
1821
The Preventative Water Guard is recognised as a major force against smuggling and it is recommended that it is again controlled by the Board of Customs. In a minute dated 15 January 1822, the Treasury accept the proposal noting the new force will be called ‘Coast Guard’ which is, in effect, the birth certificate of HM Coastguard.
15th Jan 1822
The Coastguard was formed in 1822 by the amalgamation of three services set up to prevent smuggling:
More than 600 motorists were detected for drink drug drive offences during the annual festive drink drug drive campaign.
During the campaign, which ran between 1 December 2021 and 3 January 2022, Police Scotland officers carried out 2965 roadside tests. Overall, 628 drivers were detected for drink or drug driving offences.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams said: “It is really disappointing to see that some people are still willing to take the risk of driving after consuming alcohol or drugs.
“Our campaign was intelligence led, with a number of drivers reported to us by colleagues, friends or family. Please continue to alert us to concerning driving behaviour as drink/drug driving remains a priority for us throughout the year.
“Everyone has a part to play in reducing road casualties and your information helps our officers to act quickly to stop drivers who are selfishly putting lives at risk by driving after consuming alcohol or drugs.”
One hundred and fifty years to the day since Greyfriars Bobby died, Dogs Trust staff paid tribute to his memory.
The Skye terrier who passed away on 14th January 1872, aged 16, is renowned throughout the world for his loyalty and devotion to his owner John Gray by sitting by his Greyfriars Kirkyard grave for 14 years. Bobby was so loved by the people of the city, that following his death he too was buried in the Kirkyard close to his owner’s grave.
Today (Friday) in Greyfriars Kirkyard after Edinburgh’s one o’clock gun was fired, a Dogs Trust posy of flowers was laid on Greyfriars Bobby’s grave by pupils from George Heriot’s School followed by the solemn sound of bagpipes played to remember Bobby’s life.
Speaking at the ceremony Dogs Trust Regional Manager Jack Johnstone said: “As the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, it’s a privilege to be here today to pay our respects to Bobby, who symbolises everything that dogs can bring to the lives of humans, not only as pets but as members of family.
“His story resonates so strongly with the work that we do at Dogs Trust, to protect vulnerable dogs like Bobby.
“Our Rehoming Centres, like those nearby in West Calder and Glasgow, allow for vulnerable dogs who end up in our care through no fault of their own to experience another opportunity to live their lives to the fullest and find their forever homes.
“Dogs Trust was founded in 1891, 131 years ago and 19 years after Bobby was laid to rest. To this day, we continue to campaign for a better future for dogs like Bobby who was cared for so kindly in his years on the grave of his owner, and we will continue to do so for many years to come.”
Dogs Trust West Calder Rehoming Centre Manager Susan Tonner and Assistant Manager Kim McNeill attended the memorial event with French Bulldog Minnie.
The affectionate three-year-old loves a cuddle and is currently in Dogs Trust care awaiting her forever home.
Enterprises applauded for their work to balance people, planet and profit
Forward-thinking food-related businesses across Scotland are proving it is possible to face a pandemic, start a new enterprise and operate sustainably to help protect the planet.
And the best have just been named as the latest #FoodHeroScotchampions for their dedication to doing things differently, effecting positive change and promoting sustainability.
Nominated by the public, they include Edinburgh Food Social, Mossgiel Organic Farm in Ayrshire, Re:Store in Lossiemouth and Ethic Earth based in Fife.
Launched last year by Medialiciously and its partners, #FoodHeroScot is a visual story-telling campaign aimed at putting sustainability at the heart of Scotland’s recovering post-pandemic food and drink industry and creating a platform for the country’s hospitality businesses.
The non-profit campaign, which is supported by STV’s £1m Green Fund, awards its champions an in-kind support package, including marketing and PR, worth over £25,000 to highlight the sustainability efforts of the successful brands.
It includes ten powerful mini documentaries on businesses or social enterprises shared on the #FoodHeroScot website and spotlighted through a media campaign delivered by STV.
It is also supported by leading Scots business figures including: Alan Mahon, Founder of Brewgooder; Nick Nairn, Owner of Nairns Ltd; Carina Contini, Director at Victor & Carina Contini; Karis Gill, Co-Founder of Social Stories Club andLoral Quinn, CEO of Sustainably.
Commenting on the latest #FoodHeroScot awards, Lee Fitzpatrick, Managing Director of Medialiciously and key founder of #FoodHeroScot said: “It’s a real joy to see that there are so many inventive businesses determined to change the ways things are done and create a new, sustainable future.
“It’s never been more important to operate more ethically and responsibly and fantastic things are being achieved all over the country. Our latest winners illustrate how all sorts of businesses can contribute to the campaign.”
Edinburgh Food Socialis a social enterprise teaching young people and communities about local, seasonal food through hands-on cookery classes, workshops, school projects and community meals.
It focuses on improving the life chances of people facing poverty and their free meals are produced using food that would have otherwise gone to waste.
Kirsty Haigh, head of Edinburgh Food Social, said: “Winning this public vote is an honour for us but the truth is we never had any choice. We work in some of the communities who were worst hit by the pandemic and sitting back and letting people go hungry was never an option.
“We are determined to bring healthy, sustainable, delicious food to everyone who needs it in Edinburgh, and winning this award will help us continue to do that.”
Mossgiel Organic Farm, in Mauchline, Ayrshire, exists to be the sustainable choice in dairy and emblazons its vans with the motto: ‘Changing Dairy, for a sustainable future’
Bryce Cunningham from Mossgiel Organic Farm said: “We have an ambition to be net zero by December 2025 which we will be doing through the use of renewable technology, using organic grazing management for our cattle and, along with the farmers who supply us, regenerating our soils to sequestrate carbon into them.
“We have also been 100% single-use plastic free since January 2019 and we currently 50% of our delivery vehicles are 100% electric. Winning the support from this award will allow us to tell more people of our story, deliver more value to people in all areas of our supply chain whilst showing the world that Scottish Organic Dairy can be truly sustainable, natural and ethical.”
Re:Storein Lossiemouth is Moray’s zero wate refill shop, offering an alternative to supermarket shopping, and is owned by Alison Ruickbie.
Alison says: “I opened the shop as a result of not being able to find plastic/packaging free products locally. I carry out extensive research before stocking a product to ensure its sustainable and ethical.
“My suppliers and food producers all share my ethos and brand values. I use suppliers who operate a circular/loop system – when their 20 litre containers are empty, I send a pallet back to be refilled and reused. I believe there is no point in me saving a few 500ml bottles if I then must recycle a huge 20 litre one.
“No one individual can live a perfect zero waste life but if lots of people do a little bit toward reducing waste, we can make a huge difference together.”
Ethic Earth is a multi-cause ethical directory aimed at easily making available a wide range of ethical options to consumers who might otherwise invest in less ethical products, services or food. It also offers eco-conscious and humane companies globally the chance to showcase their businesses to the world.
Founder Mia Calder says: “We are a brand-new company and only launched in May 2021. I am currently funding the company out of my own pocket while working full-time and raising my daughter on my own.
“It is a very daunting task and I do not have the finances to market Ethic Earth to its full potential. Being seen and supported by established and respected platforms such as Food Hero Scot and its media partners will make a huge difference to let businesses and consumers alike become aware of what we are all about.”
To find out more about supporting the green recovery of the industry or for more details on how to nominate businesses in the food and drink sector, visit:
University works with Charles River Laboratories to develop short course
A new course launches at Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Applied Sciences on 24 January, offering students and recent graduates an opportunity to build key skills for a career in the expanding field of Advanced Therapies.
The five-day course has been developed by Edinburgh Napier, working closely with Charles River Laboratories.
It forms part of the UK’s Advanced Therapies Skills Training Network (ATSTN) and will teach Good Laboratory Practice – supplying participants with theoretical knowledge, including sterile manufacturing and the development and production of Advanced Therapies – and practical skills needed to enter the Advanced Therapies workforce.
These include cell culture and immunoassay techniques, and lab auditing, as well as learning about the quality and regulatory environment and Good Manufacturing Practice within an industrial setting.
ATSTN was launched in 2020 and operates through three centres, two in England and one in Scotland.
Edinburgh Napier is the only university in Scotland to be a member of ATSTN, and the School of Applied Sciences partners with RoslinCT, SULSA (the Scottish Universities Life Sciences Alliance), the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre, and Ayrshire College to deliver bespoke and highly targeted training to address the skills gaps identified in advanced therapy and vaccine manufacturing.
Dr Claire Garden, Associate Professor in the School of Applied Sciences, said: “Advanced Therapies offer enormous potential and promise to protect our society from current and future diseases, but when the UK government conducted research with companies in 2019, 83% were concerned about their ability to capitalise on emerging opportunities because skills anticipated to be essential were – at that time – missing.
“With our industry skills focus and partnership with key employers, recognised in our recent reaccreditation by the Royal Society of Biology, we have the track record to bring this training to a wide audience.”
Geoff Burns, General Manager of Charles River Edinburgh, is delighted to be working on this targeted project. He said: “Charles River are very pleased to be partnering with Edinburgh Napier University to provide an Advanced Therapy skills training course as part of the Advanced Therapies Skills Training Network.
“We are dedicated to supporting students both during and after their time at university, and this course will help ensure the scientists of the future are well-equipped for a career in the emerging industries of advanced therapies and vaccine manufacturing.
“There is no doubt that many exciting breakthroughs are to be had in the future for the long-term management and even cure of disease.”
Nathan Barnett, programme coordinator at SULSA, added: “This course is an exciting addition to the Advanced Therapies Skills Training Network in Scotland. It will give industry insight into some of the careers available in the fast-growing advanced therapies sector and provide practical skills relevant to roles in the industry.”
The bespoke course is being launched at a vital moment for the Scottish Life Sciences Industry and provides a brilliant opportunity for students and recent graduates interested in a career in Advanced Therapies.
It runs from 24-29 January at Edinburgh Napier University’s Sighthill campus and at Charles River Laboratories’ state-of-the-art facilities. The course will run twice more in 2022.
New staff joining the social care workforce are to have entry costs paid by the Scottish Government until the end of March.
Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) checks and Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) registration will now be funded to help encourage more staff into the profession and address winter staffing pressures.
The scheme starts today and will include staff taking up direct care posts in adult social care, along with comparable roles in children’s social care services and the justice sector.
It has been introduced following discussions with COSLA and will cover local authority, private and third sectors.
Social care minister Kevin Stewart said: “Care workers have been absolutely critical to our pandemic response, giving vulnerable people the care they need and avoiding further pressure falling on the NHS.
“This trial aims to assist easing winter pressures in this sector by removing any financial barriers that may stop people from applying for a rewarding career in care.
“There are significant pressures in social care due to high vacancy levels and increased demand. I hope this support will encourage those considering joining this vital workforce to go ahead and do so.
“We will continue to work closely with our partners to identify all possible ways we can assist the social care sector to aid recruitment and retention within the workforce at this critical time.”
Basic PVG checks cost £59. SSSC registration costs between £15 and £80 depending on the role.
Volunteer Edinburgh are pleased to announce that we have a new run of our popular Core Skills in Volunteer Management course available now that is being delivered over February and March.
This remote learning course will take place over four weeks. It consists of two blocks which can be booked independently:
CSVM 1: Involvement and Recruitment (from 7 February until 18 February)
CSVM 2: Support, Supervision and Training (from 28 February until 11 March)
Each block has several activities including self-study (reading) and forum discussions all of which can be done at your own pace on the Volunteer Edinburgh Academy.
There is also a weekly 1.5 hour, facilitated Zoom session each week to enable you to connect with other learners, reflect on your practice and learning, and share discussions.
Nine out of ten stroke survivors in Scotland would warn their younger self to change their lifestyle, according to Stroke Association survey
Nine out of ten stroke survivors would go back in time and urge their younger self to make lifestyle changes which may have prevented their stroke, a new UK-wide survey by the Stroke Association has revealed.
More than four out of five people surveyed in Scotland, say they hadn’t realised that they were at risk of a stroke.
But nine out of ten had since made lifestyle changes. This is important to the two in five people who may go on to have a second stroke.
The charity has released the findings to mark Stroke Prevention Day, on Friday 14 January, and is urging everyone to make one small change to reduce their own risk of stroke.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of adult disability and the fourth biggest cause of death in the UK. While some strokes are unavoidable, up to nine out of ten are linked to lifestyle and could be preventable if people are aware of the risks and able to make changes.
Alexander Mackenzie, 61, from Edinburgh had his stroke in Feb 2020. He was told the stroke had almost definitely been caused by high blood pressure.
He said: “The stroke affected the right hand side of my body. I couldn’t use my hand at all – it just ‘froze’, I couldn’t walk and my speech was slurred. I wasn’t able to write either. My speech gradually returned to normal within three to four months. It took two months before I could walk, but my sense of balance is still affected.
“I knew high blood pressure was something that needed to be watched, but I never suspected it was what had most likely caused my stroke.
“My lifestyle could have been better. Looking back, I drank too much – nearly every night. It interfered with my energy levels and mood – it wasn’t good at all. And now, having gone through the shock of a stroke, I have given up drinking completely and it’s had a major impact on my health.
“I sleep properly and make better use of my time. I am more optimistic about the future and believe there are exciting opportunities ahead.
“I regret the amount I drank. My lifestyle was getting in the way of a good life and in a sense, my body ‘gave up’.
“I wouldn’t wish a stroke on anyone. It plays havoc with your life. Knowing what I do now, I wish I’d known just how important managing your blood pressure is and taking steps to reduce your risk of stroke.”
The leading change survivors would urge their younger self to make, would be to reduce stress levels with 49% saying they would have done this. Other changes stroke survivors would have made include:
Monitor blood pressure – 42%
Exercise more – 34%
Eat more healthily – 32%
Lose a set amount of weight (for example one stone or ten kilograms) – 32%
Stop smoking – 24%
Drink less alcohol – 21 %
Reduce salt intake – 20%
Monitor high cholesterol – 19%
As a first step, the Stroke Association wants people to make one small change to reduce their risk of stroke, starting on Stroke Prevention Day.
Examples include:
Having your blood pressure, cholesterol and pulse checked regularly
Stopping smoking
Having a number of alcohol-free days each week
Changing your diet to include less salt or switching to a reduced sodium alternative such as LoSalt®
Eating more fruit and vegetables
Getting up and moving regularly during the day, especially if you’re working from home
Joining an online exercise or activity group, or better still, taking on the charity’s Stride for Stroke challenge – one step for each of the 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK.
John Watson, Associate Director Scotland at the Stroke Association said: “A stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. It can happen at any time and at any age and can be devastating.
“We know not all strokes are avoidable, but as many as nine out of ten strokes could be prevented as they are linked to things you can change or manage. Many people simply don’t realise they are at risk and that’s something that we as a charity desperately want to put right.
“The effects of a stroke can be life-changing for you and your family, so why not do all you can to avoid one yourself?
“However, we know that it isn’t always easy, so pick something that’s manageable for you. Aim to stick with it for an initial three months and, if you can do that, you’re more likely to form a regular habit.
“The good news from this research is that almost nine out of ten stroke survivors have already taken steps to reduce their risk of having another stroke.”
The charity’s campaign has been launched in partnership with LoSalt®.Almost a third of stroke survivors said they would exercise more and an ideal way to motivate yourself is to sign up for the Stride for Stroke challenge.
Find out about this and the other things you can do at www.stroke.org.uk/stroke-prevention-day. Money raised will help the charity’s work supporting stroke survivors and carers across the UK.
