National Care Service? Review of adult social care

Expert panel will report by January 2021

An independent review is to consider the idea of a national care service.

The review, a Programme for Government commitment, will aim to ensure Scotland provides consistently excellent support for people who use these services, as well as their carers and their families.

It will be chaired by Derek Feeley, former director general of Health and Social Care in the Scottish Government, and will report by January 2021.

Adult social care comprises a wide array of services and non-clinical support in a range of settings, involving care homes, care at home, day services, and community support for people with a range of needs.

Social care supports more than 200,000 people across Scotland – those with disabilities, older people, people with mental health problems and those with drug and alcohol problems.

The review will take into account the experiences of those supported by, and who work, in social care, as well as looking at funding, governance, administration and delivery.

The review will consider the needs, rights and preferences of people who use services, their families, and their carers.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “This will be a wide ranging review of all aspects of a service which supports and involves so many people across Scotland. I am looking forward to recommendations that help ensure high standards of service and support into the future.

“This independent review will examine how adult social care can be most effectively reformed to deliver a national approach to care and support services – and this will include consideration of a national care service.

“It will also build upon our existing commitments to improving provision – long standing issues in adult social care have been thrown into sharp relief during the pandemic, and they demand our attention.

“We owe it to those who use and work in adult social care services to acknowledge these challenges, to learn from them, and to consider carefully how we can most effective plan for the future.”

The chair of the review Derek Feeley, a former director general of Health and Social Care in the Scottish Government, is also a former Chief Executive of NHS Scotland and former Chief Executive and President of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

Derek Feeley said: “I am grateful to the Health Secretary for the invitation to chair this independent review and to the advisory panel for agreeing to bring their considerable expertise to our work to recommend improvements to adult social care in Scotland.

“I look forward to views of everyone involved in our social care system and, in particular, to hearing from service users about what it will take for us to better meet their needs, rights and preferences.

“We have a broad remit that touches on every part of the social care landscape; from the experience of those using and working in the system to how it should be funded and regulated. We will look at every option and opportunity to bring about the improvements that I know everyone working in the system aspires to achieve.”

The panel of experts for the review includes: Malcolm Chisholm, former Scottish Minister for Health and Community Care, Anna Dixon, chief executive of the Centre for Better Ageing, Caroline Gardner, Auditor General 2012-2020, Councillor Stuart Currie, Ian Welsh, chief executive of the Health and Social Care Alliance and Göran Henriks, Chief Executive of Learning and Innovation in Jönköping, Sweden.

The possible remit and structure of a potential national care service has not yet been set out. It could cover a range of organisational, funding and delivery options, which will be for the independent review to consider.

The review will also consider previous and ongoing work, including:

  • the programme for social care reform currently being taken forward by the Scottish Government and COSLA
  • progress with integration of health and social care in Scotland, including the outcomes of the recent review undertaken by the Scottish Government and COSLA
  • work undertaken by the Care Inspectorate to consider opportunities for improving adult social care provision
  • work undertaken by wider partners including the third sector to understand people’s experience of care and support improvement
  • scrutiny by Audit Scotland of social care and progress with integrating health and social care
  • scrutiny by the Health and Sport Committee of the Scottish Parliament of reform of social care to date and progress with integrating health and social care

September’s new reg plate heralds opportunity for in-car infotainment familiarisation

  • IAM RoadSmart calls for Government and vehicle manufacturers to enforce greater education and familiarisation of new in-car technology from car dealers
  • 1st September marks the arrival of the new 70 registration plate and new car owners should familiarise themselves with the infotainment system before they take delivery of their new vehicle
  • New car technology can help increase road safety but must be used correctly

Government and vehicle manufacturers should enforce greater education and familiarisation of new in-car technology before drivers leave the forecourts or take delivery of their new vehicle, claims IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s largest independent road-safety charity.

Its urgent call coincides with the arrival of the new 70 registration plate on 1st September which could give car dealers a welcome boost in sales as motorists search for the latest models with the new number plate.

And while most new in-car systems, including infotainment and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems – commonly known as ADAS – are designed to increase road safety, they need to be used correctly, reminds IAM RoadSmart.

Data from research commissioned by the road safety charity earlier this year revealed that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto significantly affect reaction times and increase stopping distances.

Disturbingly, the research shows that these systems can impair reaction times behind the wheel more than alcohol and cannabis use.

In fact, stopping distances, lane control and response to external stimuli were all negatively affected by the use of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Furthermore, the reaction times of drivers tested was significantly slower at motorway speeds than someone who had used cannabis and five times worse than someone driving at the legal limit of alcohol consumption.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart’s Director of Policy and Research, said: “Now is the perfect opportunity to highlight the importance of correctly using the latest in-car technology with the arrival of the new registration plate on 1st September.

“Swiping a screen is replacing the turn of a button or dial so it is vital that car dealers educate motorists on how to correctly use these new systems, so that they are a safety benefit and not a potentially dangerous distraction.”

Other findings from the IAM RoadSmart commissioned research found that using in-car touch screens resulted in reaction times that were even worse than texting while driving.

Neil said: “Driver distraction is estimated to be a factor in around a third of all road collisions in Europe each year.

“As the amount of in-car infotainment and ADAS features continues to increase, we believe car dealers have a responsibility to correctly educate their customers and ensure they are familiar with all the high-tech systems in their shiny new purchase before they leave the forecourt. It is also imperative that the Government and the vehicle manufacturers enforce and support this.

“We’re calling on industry and Government to openly test and approve such systems and develop consistent standards that genuinely help minimise driver distraction.

“Whether you’re buying a new car now or already own a vehicle with technology that is new to you, it is vital that you use it safely. Anything that distracts a driver’s eye or mind from the road is bad news for road safety.”

To find out more about the study commissioned earlier this year click here.

The majority of Scots don’t have a will, poll reveals

Almost 58% of people in Scotland do not have a will, a new survey has revealed.

A poll carried out by will-writing campaign Will Aid found that nationally 56% of the population did not have paperwork protecting their loved ones in the event of their death.

But the statistics demonstrated that in Scotland the problem was even greater.

Peter de Vena Franks, campaign director for Will Aid, said: “It can be very difficult for some people to have conversations about death and dying but with this comes a sense of peace because you are making important decisions that can protect your loved ones when you die.

“The last year has shown us how fragile life can be and the survey has revealed just how much of an impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the mindset of people. We have all had to learn lessons about how to protect ourselves better – with handwashing, mask-wearing and social distancing. A will is just an extension to this.

The study showed that coronavirus had prompted more than 55% of Britons to confront the inevitability of death and think about ways to protect their loved ones after they are gone by either writing a will or reviewing their existing will.

Fifteen per cent of those interviewed said they had written a will or made changes to their will this year as a result of the pandemic. A further 35% said they were actively looking to get a will drawn up this year or make changes to their existing paperwork as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Mr de Vena Franks said: “Will Aid provides the perfect opportunity for people to get their paperwork in order. Not only does it bring peace of mind, it also directly helps to fund the life-saving work of nine of the UK’s best-loved charities.”

Will Aid runs for the month of November. Solicitors volunteer their time to charity to write wills for members of the public. Instead of paying the usual fee for the will, the recipient is asked to make a voluntary donation to Will Aid.

The suggested voluntary donation for a basic Will Aid will is £100 for a single will and £180 for a pair of mirror wills.

Will Aid raises money for nine of the UK’s best-loved charities: ActionAid, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save The Children, Sightsavers, Age UK, SCIAF (Scotland) and Trocaire (Northern Ireland).

Mr de Vena Franks said: “There are still so many people in the UK who do not have a will and this does need to be addressed. After all, a will is the best way for a person to make an active choice about inheritance and estates, not to mention make decisions on the guardianship of underage children.”

According to the research, 56% of adults don’t have a will in the UK. More than half of all parents with children under the age of 18 also have no will which means, in the event of their death, a court would make decisions on the guardianship of their children.

Of those interviewed, twice as many people would make a will as a result of a health scare than they would as a result of having a child.

Those who wish to book an appointment with a solicitor to make a will in November can do so from September onwards via our website or by calling us on 0300 0309 558.

Will Aid solicitors will be following the most up-to-date government health advice to ensure that face-to-face meetings remain safe. Many firms will be able to write wills at a distance via a phone or online consultations. Some firms will only be offering their services remotely. Participating firms can be contacted directly for more information.

For more information www.willaid.co.uk.

Updated guidance for colleges and universities

Revised guidance for colleges, universities and student accommodation providers reflecting the latest public health advice has been published.

It builds on previous guidance and uses the most up-to-date evidence to support universities, colleges and accommodation providers plan for a safe return to campus in the new academic year. It includes:

  • a continuation of blended learning, with significantly reduced frequency and numbers of staff and students on campus compared to pre-COVID levels
  • a requirement to keep face-to-face teaching to small groups, generally less than 30 and supported by other infection prevention control measures. Group numbers of up to 50 students may be considered in some circumstances, but only where supported by a risk assessment
  • advice that face coverings should be worn in any area on campus where physical distancing cannot be guaranteed, on dedicated college and university transport and in student accommodation indoor communal areas such as toilets, common rooms and laundry rooms
  • a requirement for colleges and universities to give clear information on regulations and guidance to students arriving from outside Scotland, and to take steps to ensure international students and staff who need to quarantine comply with the law, including using appropriate disciplinary procedures

The start of the student year will be fundamentally different this year with significant change to the delivery of education and a need to dramatically curtail the socialising many would associate with this period. It is vital, for the protection of public health, that institutions ensure that the guidance is complied with.

Universities Scotland, Colleges Scotland, National Union of Students (NUS), trades unions and public health professionals were consulted on the guidance.

Further and Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Colleges and universities have been working extremely hard to ensure the safest possible environment for students and staff returning.

“Studying in Scotland is special no matter where you come from and, while this is an exciting time of year for new and returning students, it is not a resumption of normal life on campus.

“Remote learning will significantly reduce the number of people on campus at any one time, while everyone on campus or in student accommodation must follow the rules around quarantine, self-isolation, physical distancing and using face coverings.

“This guidance strengthens some of these issues and institutions must make students and staff aware of Scottish law and public health advice to keep themselves and others safe. For those people who need to quarantine on arrival, or self-isolate with COVID-19 symptoms, institutions will have a range of practical support in place.

“While we will keep the guidance under review, we believe this strikes the right balance of allowing young people to get on with their lives in a manner that is as safe as it can be for students, staff and society. I have no doubt that students will want to act responsibly and will follow the rules that we are asking them to observe.”

Professor Gerry McCormac, Convener of Universities Scotland, said: “Universities are looking forward to welcoming students back for the start of a new academic year.

“We have been working for months to plan a safe return that will support high quality learning and offer a rounded student experience while ensuring the safety of our students, staff and the wider community. It’s important that students have the opportunity to continue their studies; they’ve been through a lot and will benefit in many ways from a safe return to study.”

Shona Struthers, Chief Executive of Colleges Scotland, said: “The safety of our students and staff is the overarching priority, and this collaboration between the college and university sectors, NUS Scotland and the Scottish Government is an important element in helping everyone in the tertiary education system return to campuses with confidence in the measures which have been put in place.

“As well as following the latest advice from the Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland, colleges will continue to engage with student associations, staff, and trade unions to do everything possible to make the approach of blended online and onsite learning for students a success throughout this new academic year.

“Although the practical implications of COVID-19 certainly present challenges to the sector, colleges and their staff have shown remarkable resilience and flexibility in continuing to successfully deliver learning throughout the pandemic.”

Professor Marion Bain, Interim Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said: “University and college life in the midst of Covid19 will feel very different.  While learning will continue and students will enjoy spending time with friends, this must be done in a safe way. 

“It is vital that students and staff are aware of what they need to do and that they follow all the requirements.  These measures are essential in ensuring safety for students, staff and for all those around them.”

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance for universities, colleges and student accommodation providers

Information on what you can and cannot do under Scotland’s route map

Information and advice on COVID-19 is available on Student Information Scotland

Portugal and French Polynesia removed from exemption list

Travellers from Portugal and French Polynesia will be required to self-isolate at home, or another specified address, for 14 days on arrival in Scotland from 4am Saturday morning (5 September).

This is due to a significant rise in cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in these places, and in Portugal’s case the level of test positivity, which means that the risk of importation into Scotland by people who have visited is too high to ignore.

The Scottish Government has carefully examined the scope of applying measures, such as regional targeting, but consider a whole country approach for Portugal is required. While regional variations in the pattern of cases and level of risk can often be identified in different countries, the Scottish Government is not confident there is strong evidence of clear controls in place limiting travel between different areas. A regional approach will be explored for future application but in the interests of safeguarding public health a whole country approach will be applied at this time.   

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “We are in the midst of a global pandemic and the situation in many countries can change suddenly. Therefore, people should think very hard before committing to non-essential travel abroad.

“With Scotland’s relatively low infection rate, importation of new cases is a significant risk to public health. I would also encourage people who have returned to Scotland from Portugal or French Polynesia in the last few days to be particularly careful in their social contacts and to ensure they stick to the FACTS. I am also concerned by the level of infections in Gibraltar and we will be monitoring the situation there very carefully.

“Regular discussions continue with the other three governments in the UK. We continue to closely monitor the situation in all parts of the world and base the decisions we make on the scientific evidence available.

“It is a legal requirement to complete a Passenger Locator Form and provide it to Border Force, whether you have travelled from an exempt or non-exempt country. The requirement for travellers to quarantine for 14 days on arrival from a non-exempt country is vital to help prevent transmission of the virus and to suppress it – not doing so poses a significant risk to wider public health across Scotland.”

Health and well-being visits to care homes to resume

Safe and phased return of visitors who improve quality of life.

Professional health and social care services which improve and enrich the wellbeing of care home residents will be able to resume visits under new guidelines.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare services have continued to operate in care homes for pressing clinical reasons, however non-essential visits have been paused.

New guidance outlines how from 7 September care homes can resume face-to-face care from a wide range of health and social care professionals, including podiatrists, physiotherapists, optometrists, dentists, social workers and mental health and disability specialists. 

The guidance also makes recommendations for the safe resumption of activity in indoor communal areas – for example lounges and dining areas – as long as strict health and safety measures are in place.

The guidance recommends that enhanced visiting is only resumed in care homes where there are no active cases, have been free of COVID-19 for 28 days, and are actively participating in the care home worker testing programme. 

Care homes should update their visiting risk assessments to fully consider the safe resumption of visits by health and social care professionals, which will then be approved by the local Director of Public Health.

In addition, the guidance recommends these visits only for care homes which have sufficient PPE and hand hygiene facilities, infection prevention and control protocols, a visitor protocol and visitor log, and resident consent.

Care homes have been supporting residents to receive three outdoor visitors from no more than two households, provided their home meets strict criteria, since 10 August. 

Since 24 August providers can also safely allow one designated indoor visitor for residents within their homes, once their plans have been signed off by the relevant health board’s Director of Public Health.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said:

“This has been, and continues to be, a very challenging time for care home residents, their families and staff – but we are always aware that care homes are first and foremost people’s homes.

“The safe and phased resumption of visits will not only allow the residents of care homes to have access to a wide range of additional health services, but also experience more personal contact, face to face meetings and interactions which will enrich their daily lives.

“The importance of involving a wide range of professional and people in the life of the care home and the impact this has on the wellbeing of residents is well known – and many clinical health and care professionals who visit care homes have already provided support and care to residents in different ways during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are committed to reintroducing measures that allow residents to connect with not only with the full range of health and social care professionals, but also those who enhance and enrich the quality of life for those who live there.”

Volunteering Matters: The Massive Get Together

For the first time, 10 UK charities are uniting to respond against the impact that COVID-19 is having on the charity sector by staging The Massive Get Together – an online charity event comprising of celebrity entertainment, performance, prize draws and lots of laughs, in a bid to raise £500,000! 

This special collaborative, relaxed, and fun variety event, the brainchild of one of the UK’s leading charities Volunteering Matters, will be hosted live from London by TV and radio presenters Gaby Roslin and Amanda Byram. 

Streaming live and online on Thursday 17th September at 20:00 to an anticipated audience of more than 20,000, these 10 incredible charities are inviting us to ‘take the night off’ and relax with them to enjoy their fun online event which promises to have ‘something for everyone’ – including no 1 hits, comedy, and surprise special guest appearances. 

UK charities are facing over £12bn1 loss in income due to the COVID-19 restrictions as critical funding and crucial fundraising events ceased overnight. This means that the UK voluntary sector is expected to face a colossal funding shortfall by the end of the year. 

Chief Executive of Volunteering Matters and Founder of the Massive Get Together Paul Reddish said: “This year the nations’ charities have been critical to so many. They’ve been at the heart of much of the COVID-19 response – from delivering food to supporting those most isolated in every community throughout the UK.

“Their staff and volunteers continue to provide these vital services, such as end of life care and key support for the vulnerable, despite of the ongoing conditions created by this pandemic.”

Charities have seen demand rise, and the sector is expecting to see over £12bn loss over the course of 2020. One in 10 charities2 are at risk of closure if things continue as they are. Charities and organisations that do manage to survive will face major constrictions and capabilities to operate the way they once did. Even with the gentle easing of restrictions, large scale fundraising events will not be able to function for many months to come.” 

The unique aspect of this campaign is the cooperation and unity of all 10 charities who have seamlessly united together for a common goal of responding to the ongoing challenges and impact COVID-19 is having on their sector.

In the face of coronavirus, charities are #NeverMoreNeeded for the essential support they provide in crisis and beyond, and how they shape our society for the better. 

Paul continued: “We thought if leading members of the charity sector could come together and join forces, then collectively we could unite and help each other respond on mass to the impact of COVID-19. That’s the thinking behind the Massive Get Together – When charities unite, to entertain us all.”

https://www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/news/charities-are-facing-a-124bn-shortfall-in-income-for-the-year/

2 https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/one-in-ten-charities-at-risk-of-closure-within-six-months-due-to-coronavirus.html 

The Massive Get Together will provide an evening of entertainment and variety, surprise and intrigue, whilst fundamentally facilitating valuable fundraising for the 10 amazing charities involved – Marie Curie, The Children’s Trust, FareShare, St John Ambulance, Royal Voluntary Service, Love Your Neighbour, Crisis , The Conservation Volunteers, Thames Hospice and Volunteering Matters. 

For just £10 audiences will be supporting all 10 incredible UK charities, making a positive difference within action against homelessness and hunger, protecting the vulnerable, connecting communities, supporting end of life care and volunteer provision, as well as helping emergency and crisis response services. 

Tickets for The Massive Get Together go live today – people can access the event by donating just £10 to help 10 charities at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-massive-get-together. 

The Massive Get Together online event will be hosted live from London by TV & radio broadcasters Gaby Roslin and Amanda Byram.

Gaby Roslin said “The Massive Get Together is a really unique online event, with charities coming together to put on a fabulous variety show. The past few months have been challenging for everyone, and this evening will offer entertainment that people can enjoy from the comfort of their own home, whilst raising much-needed money for 10 vital charities.

“I’m grateful to have the opportunity to present The Massive Get Together with Amanda, and do my bit to help these charities, who have all been affected by the impact of COVID-19.” 

Amanda Byram said “We find ourselves living in extraordinary times and I think it’s incredible that charities are coming together in this way to support each other. It is such a feel-good event and I am so honoured to be a part of it and also over the moon to be working with the wonderful Gaby for this very special online evening.”

Annette will do Kiltwalk along Water of Leith to say thank you to sight loss charity

Undeterred by lockdown, the Edinburgh Kiltwalk is happening in virtual form this year, and still inviting people to raise funds for their favourite charity, money that will be topped up by a further 50 percent from Sir Tom Hunter’s Foundation.

Clearly, tartan-clad hordes can’t descend on the streets of the capital as in previous years. Instead, this September the Virtual Kiltwalk can be completed in your local area, keeping within social distancing guidelines. Over the weekend September 11-13th you simply don some tartan, go for a walk of any length, and raise funds for your chosen cause.

But if walking isn’t your thing the organisers invite you to create your own Kiltwalk challenge. You can skip a mile in tartan, do a kilted ‘trampoline-a-thon’, or even an all-day Highland fling!

Annette West is both walking and talking the walk. She will be raising much needed funds for sight loss charity RNIB Scotland, which is based in Edinburgh.

“I have experienced sight loss for over 30 years but have always been helped and supported by RNIB Scotland,” says Annette (60). “Since having two successful eye operations to restore my sight four years ago my life has changed again. I now feel that I want to give back something to RNIB Scotland by taking part in the Virtual Kiltwalk.”

Annette  aims to walk the Water of Leith on Sunday, September 13th, starting from Cannon Mills and finishing at Colinton, a distance of six miles.

“People can either join me at the start and do the whole walk to the finish, or join me anywhere along the route,” she says. “I was inspired by listening to Kings Church Sunday service on YouTube and they talked about walking along the Water of Leith. It was a light-bulb moment as I live in Leith and can invite a few of my friends to join me along different sections and make my way back home.

“The Water of Leith is beautiful and local so, taking into account social distancing and restrictions which may still be in place, I can do a mini walk.

“I decided to do the Virtual Kiltwalk after a conversation with a friend, Irene, who I have known and have worked with for many years but who is terminally ill with cancer. She suggested to me that I could get a piece of paper and write whatever came into my head relating to why I might want to do the virtual Kiltwalk.

“So I thought, firstly, this is my way of saying thank you to the RNIB Scotland for all the years that they have helped me on my sight loss journey. I want to help other people with sight loss by sharing my story, knowledge and experience. I want to help them feel confident about themselves in order to live happy, meaningful and purposeful daily lives.

“I also believe that staying mentally healthy is essential. During this period of lockdown we all have to take responsibility for our own mental state and this has given me something to focus on. I feel that a healthy mind and body go hand in hand. During lockdown, I have found it very difficult to take exercise and stay motivated. But since hearing about the Virtual Kiltwalk, I have become re-energised and it has rekindled my passion for walking.

“And as a radio presenter with the Heart Song Live station, I can appreciate the value of sharing my story and hope that it can help to inspire, encourage and help others to fully live their lives.”

To sponsor Annette, please donate to her page at 

https://edinburghkiltwalk2020.everydayhero.com/uk/netwalk2020

DIY SOS star Billy helps keep Edinburgh DIY enthusiasts safe

TV electrician helps to share SP Energy Networks’ electrifying safety advice

Popular TV electrician Billy Byrne is helping people in Edinburgh stay safe with a series of videos sharing his top tips for people turning to DIY at home and in the garden.

The 65-year-old, famous for his role on BBC television show DIY SOS, is working with SP Energy Networks to promote good practice when it comes to working near electricity.

The number of safety incidents involving electricity around homes and gardens has risen steeply since last year, with more people digging out the toolbox or paintbrush during lockdown.

Figures from SP Energy Networks show a surge in DIY garden projects led to a 24% increase in reported incidents across the UK – rising from 126 incidents from January to June 2019 to 161 incidents in the same period this year. This spike in domestic incidents involved activities such as digging up trees, cutting high hedges, hammering in fences and painting over electricity service positions.

Billy, who has witnessed his fair share of electrical disasters over the years, has worked with SP Energy Networks to develop straight talking advice to ensure people stay safe while working in the garden, in the home and near overhead power lines, which people can often forget about when they take on DIY.

Billy, who has starred on DIY SOS since 1999, said:“Most of us have spent more time at home over the last six months than we have in the last six years. For me, it was a chance to tackle the odd jobs I’ve been putting off. But before you get cracking, you need to stop and think about the risks.

“The guys at SP Energy Networks really are a go-to source for easy to understand advice that anyone thinking of undertaking DIY should check out before they get started. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Billy’s top tips are:

  • Electricity cables and power lines should always be treated as live. Check for overhead power lines when working with ladders, scaffold or when pruning and cutting trees in your garden.
  • Shut off the power. If you’re doing any work near electrical wiring or power supplies, where possible, shut off the power in your fuse box and use battery powered tools.
  • Use a cable detector to locate cables in your walls. A common DIY mistake is accidentally drilling, nailing or screwing things into cables hidden inside your walls.
  • Don’t assume that overhead lines on wooden poles are telephone wires – look for the “Danger of Death” sign as this tells you it’s an electricity pole. Touching anything with power lines can be deadly so remember you don’t have to make direct contact with an overhead line to receive a shock as electricity can jump gaps.
  • Underground cables don’t run in straight lines, they can change direction and depth. If your electricity is supplied by an underground cable and you’re planning digging work in your garden, please proceed with caution. If you are planning deep excavations, network plans are available from SP Energy Networks by calling 0141 614 0085.
  • In an emergency, dial 999 and let the emergency services know your location and that live electricity is involved. This can save lives.

SP Energy Networks’ safety campaign is designed to get people thinking about the dangers of electricity before attempting DIY.  

Guy Jefferson, Customer Service Director at SP Energy Networks, said: “Since the start of the year, there has been a sharp rise in safety incidents as people do more DIY around their homes and gardens where there are lots of hidden electrical hazards.

“It’s important to consider these risks and make sure you follow the advice Billy outlines in the videos to ensure you can carry out projects as safely as possible. We want to help people plan ahead so we’ve put together some top tips to avoid some of the mishaps Billy has witnessed over the years.”

SP Energy Networks provides free safety advice on its website for those who are planning to do work near powerlines and underground cables. 

For further information please visit www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/safety.aspx