Citizens Advice Scotland has launched our Big Energy Saving Winter campaign, which encourages people to get advice amid soaring energy prices (writes CAS Chief Executive DEREK MITCHELL).
It comes after months of turmoil in the energy market, with Bulb being the biggest supplier so far to go out of business. The spike in global gas prices saw suppliers sell energy at unsustainable losses and that has led to a shrinking of the market, meaning not only less consumer choice but also bigger bills.
In October the energy price cap, put in place to protect consumers, rose by a record amount, just as people faced a perfect storm of rising inflation and falling incomes due to things like the reduction of Universal Credit by £20 per week.
As we reveal, this all adds up to more than 1 in 3 of us finding bills unaffordable.
In polling for CAS by YouGov, people blamed rising energy prices and the cost of living, but also hard to heat homes and low incomes. Given there’s likely to be another rise in the Spring which on average will add around another £500 to bills, this situation will only get worse.
When we speak about energy bills in the winter, and Scotland’s unacceptable levels of fuel poverty, you’ll often see the cliché around “heating or eating”. But what feels like a cliché in the pages of a newspaper is the reality for too many people. 1 in 4 households were in fuel poverty before the pandemic, and as the snow begins to fall in parts of Scotland they face an incredibly rough winter.
In previous years this campaign would have encouraged people to “switch and save”. But due to the crisis in the market, the official advice is not to switch as many people will end up on a higher tariff.
Our campaign is about offering people solutions. Because that’s the good news: there is real help available. We want to ensure that people know they don’t have to feel powerless in the face of soaring bills.
There are various ways we can help them save energy, that’ll have the benefit of saving the planet as well – something to consider with COP 26 fresh in our minds.
CABs can also unlock money for people through things like social security, employment entitlements and debt reductions. In fact during the pandemic our network unlocked around £147m for people in Scotland.
So our campaign is all about making people aware of this help so they can access it.
You’ll possibly see your local CAB out in your community in the next few weeks, pushing the same message. Hopefully we’ll manage to provide some relief to at least some of the people who are suffering the cold.
So please help spread the message of our campaign. Tell your friends and family about it, re-tweet us (@citadvicescot), and if you’re in a position to amplify it in any other way, please do.
In the longer term, we need policies ensure consumers are protected and bills don’t eat up as much of people’s household income.
Until then the CAB network is here to help, as we have for over 80 years.
A leading insurance comparison firm is revealing the top winter driving hacks that could help motorists avoid higher premiums and retain those all-important No Claims Bonuses.
Quotezone.co.uk says many motorists overlook the winter conditions and can make unnecessary mistakes that will hit them hard in the pocket.
The firm, one of the UK’s leading car insurance comparison websites, says even minor adjustments in behaviour could save hundreds of pounds. Here they lay out some of the pitfalls motorists can find themselves in this winter:
Defrosting – It is tempting to leave the engine running while the windscreen unfreezes, and the car warms up. However, if an opportunistic thief takes the vehicle, many insurance companies will not cover the loss.
Leaving engines running is also an offence under section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Doing this is known as ‘idling’,and is bad for the environment as it increases the amount of dangerous gases emitted into the air from the car’s exhaust.
Don’t use boiling water on windscreens – Glass can crack when it experiences a sudden change in temperature, and windscreen damage isn’t always covered by a standard car insurance policy.
Simply using a frost guard, a defogger or even homemade de-icer – lukewarm water mixed with rubbing alcohol.
Clear your windscreen before you set-off – Windscreens with inhibited views can land owners with a £1,000 fine and three points on a driving licence. So any leaves, snow, ice, mud or even condensation, needs to be fully cleared before setting out.
Check tyres – Motorists can be fined an eye-watering £2,500 for each faulty tyre and receive three points on their driving licence. If the police see another tyre falling short, it doubles to £5,000 and six points. Four faulty tyres could even see the maximum 12 points – resulting in the loss of a driving licence.
Commercial vehicle drivers, where the car or van is owned by their employer – could land firms with penalties of up to £20,000.
Numberplate – Excess mud and grit on the roads this time of year can make your car dirty very quickly, and if the numberplate isn’t clearly visible, drivers could face a fine of £1,000.
Floods – Some car insurance policies include clauses advising policyholders not to drive through flooded roads, and may specifically exclude cover for any water damage to the car if the motorist goes against this advice.
Avoid puddles – Soaking pedestrians by deliberately driving through large puddles can results in a £100 fine and three penalty points.
Greg Wilson, Founder of car insurance comparison site Quotezone.co.uk said: “As winter approaches, it’s not just the fines that motorists should worry about, points on a driving licence are noted by insurers as a sign of how safe a driver is and what the risk of a claim might be when calculating premiums.
“Three points on a licence can add 5% to premiums every year until the points are spent after four years. Six points pushes premiums up by as much as 25%, and let’s not forget No Claims Bonuses and what they might be worth if they’ve been built up over time and now have to be accrued again from scratch.
“Careful, considerate and patient drivers who plan for the winter weather and adjust their behaviour to meet the conditions give themselves the best chance of avoiding points and keeping their premiums low.”
Five ways to prepare your pets for below zero temperatures
With icy weather warnings predicted to sweep across the UK this weekend, a national vet charity is urging pet owners to take extra precautions to protect furry friends from the cold.
PDSA Vet Lynne James said: “Winter can be a dangerous time for all animals, but fine coated, poorly, young or elderly pets are at higher risk of hypothermia in freezing temperatures. Thankfully, there are simple steps we can all take to keep our precious furry family members safe, warm and healthy as the mercury drops.
Extra layers
“Use a well-fitting, fully lined, non-restrictive waterproof coat to help keep your pooch warm and dry when on walks if they are very young, old or have thin fur. Try to avoid walking your furry family member in freezing cold weather if they are poorly – instead, encourage them to go to the toilet in the garden, then bring them straight back into the warmth.
Slippery surfaces
“Ice and snow can be painful for large and small pets alike if it gets stuck between their paws, so try to keep hair in between their pads trimmed and check their paws when they come back inside. Using a paw butter can help prevent sore cracked pads.
Shelter for small pets
“When the temperature hits below zero, move outdoor rabbits and guinea pigs to a warm and sheltered area, such as a shed or car-free garage, making sure they’re protected from drafts and exhaust fumes. They should still have access to natural light, plenty of room and be given regular access to an outside run so that they can exercise when the temperatures are slightly milder.
Curfew for cats
“Your puss may want to stay indoors more when it gets cold – give them toys to play with to keep them occupied and a litter tray so they don’t have to brave the elements if they don’t want to. If they still prefer to go outside, make sure they can easily get back inside or have access to a warm, sheltered area when the temperature plummets.
Snuggle up
“All furry friends should have extra bedding over winter, and small pets will love piles of extra hay to snuggle up to. Your puss will really appreciate a few extra comfy spaces to curl up in around the house, too – igloo beds are ideal, as they help furry friends get really cosy. You can even place a safely wrapped, animal-safe heat pad under their bedding for extra warmth.”
Vet charity PDSA provides free and low-cost vet care for those who struggle to pay treatment costs for their sick and injured pets. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn.
Since the first UK lockdown began, PDSA’s dedicated vet teams carried out more than one million phone consultations.
With 388,000 pets treated in 2020, by keeping their 48 Pet Hospitals open, PDSA can support the thousands of pets that need help across the UK every day.
Every pet deserves a fighting chance. Please donate today and help save pets’ lives – www.pdsa.org.uk/pdsa-chance.
As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging online shoppers in Scotland to avoid being hit with unexpected customs charges.
Changes introduced on 1 January 2021 means that consumers who previously had to pay charges when buying certain items from non-EU sellers may now also need to do the same when buying goods from the EU.
Katherine Green and Sophie Dean, Directors General, Borders and Trade, HMRC, said:“With Christmas rapidly approaching, we don’t want shoppers to be caught out by unexpected charges which will take the fun out of their shopping experience.
“There are now a number of factors that people will need to consider when purchasing goods from the EU, so shoppers are being advised to check guidance to ensure they know what they will owe.”
HMRC recommends people look at the seven top tips below to determine whether there will be charges on their goods.
If there are charges to pay, shoppers may also need to pay a “handling fee” to the courier company before their goods are released.
Be aware of where you, the recipient, are based.
Shoppers based in Northern Ireland won’t be affected by these changes due to the Northern Ireland Protocol, however those in Great Britain should be prepared for potential changes.
2. Check whether your order contains excise goods, such as tobacco, alcohol or perfume.
Unlike other items, there is no lower threshold for customs charges when it comes to excise goods, so there will be charges due no matter the value or origin of your goods.
Shoppers buying excise goods will need to pay import VAT and excise duty. They may also need to pay customs duty (see tip 7 for more info).
Check whether your order is worth more than £135, before extra costs, such as shipping and insurance are applied.
Shoppers buying stocking fillers or small value items, not including excise goods, don’t need to worry as goods sent in consignments worth less than £135 should not attract additional charges, as UK VAT is collected by the seller on behalf of HMRC at the point of sale. This also applies to goods being purchased from non-EU countries.
Anyone buying a more expensive product from abroad – over £135 – will now need to pay import VAT and may need to pay customs duty. The amount due will depend on a range of factors, including shipping and insurance costs so, to avoid surprises, consumers should consult their seller.
Shoppers who already know they will need to pay import VAT should make sure their seller does not charge them VAT, otherwise they may be charged twice (see tip 5 for more info).
Be mindful of new charges when sending or receiving gifts from an individual based overseas.
If you’re lucky enough to receive a gift from someone based in the EU and it is valued at less than £39 and it does not contain excise goods, it will be exempt from import VAT and customs duty. Above the £39 threshold, import VAT will be due and once the value of the gift reaches £135, customs duty will also be payable. You could also get charged a “handling fee” (see tip 5 for more info).
If you are planning on sending a gift to someone based overseas, you should check guidance published by the relevant customs authority to check their specific rules and charges.
5. Be aware of how and when you could be notified of charges.
Anyone needing to pay customs charges will be contacted by the courier company and asked to pay the charges before they can receive their goods. Alternatively, the seller may arrange to pay any charges upfront on your behalf, but you should check with the seller to avoid any unwelcome surprises.
6. Check the guidance available to you.
To help shoppers navigate these changes, HMRC has produced diagrams outlining three fictional scenarios about buying goods from the EU and has published a simple guide on GOV.UK, which also contains essential information on how to dispute a charge, return unwanted goods and to get a refund on the charges paid.
7. Check with the seller whether the goods originated in the EU and whether they qualify for a “zero tariff”.
Customs duty won’t be due on goods if they meet criteria set out in the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and a “zero tariff” can be correctly applied.
The “Rules of Origin” requirements mean that even if your parcel is valued above £135, if the goods you are buying originate in – or have been sufficiently worked or processed within – the EU, the seller confirms this and the zero tariff is claimed on the customs declaration, you will not need to pay any customs duties although import VAT will still be due.
If customs duty is due, the rate – or the Tariff – for each item can be found within the trade tariff tool but it’s recommended you check with your seller to find out exactly what you will owe.
For more information on the changes as well as finding crucial information about how to return goods and get a refund on charges go to GOV.UK
Last year saw a year on year increase of 170% in dog thefts across the UK. With this in mind the insurance experts at Protectivity give their top five tips on how best to prevent dog theft.
It should come as first nature to dog walkers and owners but leaving dogs unattended in public spaces increases the chance of you falling foul to thieves dramatically.
That includes leaving dogs tied up outside shops or other businesses, inside a parked car or at the park.
The less time a dog is out of your sight, the less chance there is for the dog to be stolen.
2. Ensure your setting is secure
If your business involves keeping dogs on your premises, or even if you are visiting those of your clients, making sure they are secure is hugely important.
We all know dogs can sometimes take off of their own accord, so it’s worth checking that fences and property boundaries will keep even the most inquisitive dog inside.
By keeping your dogs inside, you can also keep potential thieves out.
3. Watch what you post on social media
Social media can be a great place to showcase your business to potential clients but it also comes with potential risks.
Posting your walks, daily activities or generally marketing your business is good, however there’s also the chance it’ll tell potential thieves where and when there’s an opportunity to steal a dog.
If you must post daily about your dog walks, it’s worth mixing things up to avoid a regular routine that can set you up for the risk of dog napping.
4. Ask that your clients’ dogs have good recall
Letting dogs off the lead when out on a walk obviously gives them an opportunity for a good run to burn off some steam, but it’s always worth ensuring they come back when called.
Should they fail to return on demand it increases the chances of them being snatched by thieves.
Whether you train the dogs yourself, or ask the owners to make an effort to teach dogs good recall, it can increase the safety of the pooches in your care.
5. Invest in a dog GPS system
It might seem an extreme investment, but with the value of certain dog breeds in the thousands, the outlay of a dog GPS system might be money well spent.
There are a number of options on the market, starting from around £50, so if you’ve got a lot of different animals in your care it can be a wise investment.
Should they take off, or worse still, be stolen, a tracker will allow you and the owner to see exactly where they go.
Dress for the weather by wearing reflective or bright-coloured clothing so other road users can see you when it’s dark or visibility is poor
If you are walking home late at night, make sure someone knows where you’re going and when
Vehicles can take up to ten times longer to stop on slippery road surfaces so take extra care crossing the road
Stick to pedestrian crossings
If there are no crossings nearby, find a place with a clear view and wait for long gaps in the traffic before crossing the road
Don’t cross the road between parked vehicles, unless it can’t be avoided then take extra care (look out for vehicles that suddenly pull out or reverse)
Never cross the road behind a bus
If there is no pavement, keep to the right hand side of the road so you can see traffic coming towards you.
Advice for cyclists
Advice to consider if you are cycling during winter:
Make sure your bike can be seen by people on the road
Use a good set of front and rear lights (white at the front, red at the back)
Wear clothes that help you be seen on your bike, such as bright and light reflective items
Pay attention to road signs, markings and particularly red lights
Do not cycle on the pavements, they may be slippery and can also endanger pedestrians
Be mindful of the effects poor weather can have on other road users
Make sure you know about the dangers around you
Cars can take twice as long to stop in wet weather
Braking can be unpredictable in ice and snow.
Advice for drivers
Advice for drivers during winter:
Make sure your car is ready for winter
Check that your tyres, brakes, windscreens, wiper blades and windows are free from defects and clean
Drive to the road conditions. Road conditions can change without warning, stopping distances will be affected by the weather
Make sure your windows are clean and aren’t misted up
Make sure there is no snow and ice on your windows before you drive
When the roads are icy, drive at a slow speed in a high gear
Accelerate and brake very gently
Driving distracted (for example, using a Sat Nav) can cause additional stress. It is dangerous to yourself, passengers and other road users.
Action for Sugar holds a national Sugar Awareness Week each year, highlighting the dangers associated with too much sugar in the diet and this year is held between 8th-14th November 2021.
Here are some healthy heart tips to ensure you are keeping an eye on your sugar intake.
Sugar Recommendations
Consuming too much sugar in your diet can lead to weight gain and becoming overweight or obese.
‘Free sugars’ are sugars that are added to foods as a flavour enhancement or to act as a preservative (increasing shelf-life of products). This is the type of sugars that adults and children in the UK need to cut down on.
The government recommends that free sugars should not make up more than 5% of the energy you get from food and drink each day.
This means:
Age
Maximum free sugar/day
4 – 6 years
19g
7 – 10 years
24g
Adults
30g
Tips to reduce sugar intake
Choose products that are labelled ‘no added sugar’ or ‘no sugars’.
Reduce consumption of sweets treats such as cakes, biscuits, and sweets.
Swap out canned fruit in syrup for fresh fruit.
Switch sugary breakfast cereals for unsweetened cereal and add fresh fruit for sweetness.
Swap sugary drinks for water, sugar-free or diet alternatives.
Limit fruit juices and smoothies to 150ml a day.
Cut down on sugar in hot drinks or try adding sweetener instead.
Checking Labels
Nutritional labels can help you reduce your intake of free sugars.
The “of which sugars” figure on the nutrition labels (part of the carbohydrate information) will help you understand the amount of sugar. Labels on the front of the packaging use a traffic light system to distinguish the amount of sugar in a product:
– Red = high (more than 22.5g of total sugars per 100g) – Amber = medium (more than 5g but less than or equal to 22.5g of sugars per 100g) – Green = low (less than or equal to 5g of sugar per 100g).
Ingredient list:
Watch out for these names which may suggest there are added free sugars: • Glucose • Xylose • Treacle • Honey • Dextrose • Sucrose • Sugar (palm, raw, beet, brown) • Cane juice • Fructose
Being aware of the amount of sugar in different foods & drinks and following these healthy tips can reduce your sugar intake and consequently, lower your risk of developing health complications such as heart disease!
To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website:
Powerful film released by INTIMINA sees children give a voice to people that waited eight years or more for an endometriosis diagnosis
One in 10 women have endometriosis, but it takes an average of eight years to get a diagnosis.
Groundbreaking new film ‘The Wait’ sees eight-year-old children use their age to symbolise the eight-year delay and to tell the stories of British women who had the disease, yet felt like they were not being heard.
The film includes the story of Aisha Belsaria who suffered in pain for 15 years before she was correctly diagnosed.
Campaign created by INTIMINA to empower and inform people experiencing similar painful symptoms, who also feel unheard or ignored.
One in 10 women worldwide have endometriosis1, yet despite the seriousness of this disease, it takes an average of eight years just to get a diagnosis2. That’s eight long years of enduring terrible pain and the feeling of not being heard.
Today, to give a voice to those suffering from the condition, intimate wellness brand INTIMINA has released a powerful film that features eight-year-old children whose age symbolises the damning eight-year wait statistic – with each of the youngsters having been alive for as long as it takes to be diagnosed with endometriosis*.
Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
What’s more, with this devastating disease commonly starting in adolescence (and sometimes before) any of the eight-year-olds in the film – and across the world – could develop endometriosis in the near future and face the eight year delay themselves if nothing is done to shorten the time to a diagnosis.
In the film, the children speak the actual words of real adult women who spent years of their lives waiting and fighting for an endometriosis diagnosis. While the average wait for a diagnosis is eight years, several of the women that shared their stories experienced delays of much longer.
In one instance, it took a shocking 30 years for a woman to finally be told she had endometriosis.
Selected cases from UK-based women that faced ‘the wait’ and whose accounts are spoken by eight-year-old children in the film:
Katie Beales (waited nine years) “Waiting years for a diagnosis made me question my own sanity. At points, I started to believe that it was all in my head. I had so much ambition and this condition took so much away from me. The pain was so bad I couldn’t leave my bed, I would vomit and I couldn’t eat. I became a shell of myself. Endometriosis is lonely. It changed my identity.”
Nadine Lewis (waited 12 years): It took me five years to get my stage four diagnosis and a further seven years to be diagnosed with thoracic endometriosis. I often feel trapped inside my body which is constantly under attack. I have had countless A&E admissions, investigations and surgeries and been medically gaslighted. I had three diagnostic laparoscopies with no endometriosis removed. Endometriosis has affected my mental health, fertility, bowel and respiratory health. No one should have to go through this. It should not take this long to be taken seriously.”
Aisha Balesaria (waited 15 years): At 15 I had started experiencing dreadful pain during menstruation – pain which grew worse as the years went on. It was tremendously difficult waking up in pain and going to bed in pain and doing the same thing all over again the next day. The pain was so intense, it left me confined to my bed. At some points I felt I couldn’t carry on living with the excruciating pain. The pain I was experiencing was dismissed as ‘bad periods’. I felt completely helpless and hopeless. It was extremely challenging waiting for someone to believe me and over time my symptoms worsened. It would be many years later before I’d receive the correct diagnosis. I felt there was little empathy towards my suffering during the years I tried to get help, and my symptoms were downplayed nearly all of the time.”
INTIMINA created ‘The Wait’ film as part of its ongoing Seen + Heard period positivity campaign.
Seen + Heard aims to increase the visibility of menstrual wellbeing across the world, normalise conversations about menstrual health, tackle stigma and bias and raise awareness of conditions like endometriosis – which see millions of people suffering in pain while their voices go unheard.
The Wait follows ‘Period’: a collaboration in 2020 between INTIMINA and Pantone that saw the creation of a shade of red emblematic of a healthy menstrual flow.
Marcella Zanchi, Spokesperson for INTIMINA, commented: “We hope this film, in which the age of the eight-year-olds symbolises the eight-year wait for a diagnosis, can create much-needed conversations about endometriosis and inspire change. Because it is unacceptable that people have to wait eight years just to get help. And it’s important to remember that is only an average: some people wait many more years, even decades of their lives in pain.
Ms Zanchi continued: “Endometriosis isn’t a rare disease – it affects one in every 10 women. That’s hundreds of millions of people across the world potentially suffering for years. The fact the eight-year statistic hasn’t changed in over a decade is further proof, if it were needed, that we must end the wait for those with endometriosis.
“As a global society we have to be more aware of endometriosis, more sympathetic towards those that have it, to speak up and do everything in our collective power to close the gender health gap and to break the taboos and biases that are not just attached to endometriosis, but to menstrual wellbeing in general.”
A UK All Party Parliamentary Group Endometriosis inquiry into the disease surveyed over 10,000 people with endometriosis and found that over half (58%) visited their GP more than 10 times after presenting symptoms, but still no diagnosis was made3.
Further commenting on reasons behind the eight-year wait, INTIMINA UK Expert Gynaecologist Dr Shree Datta said: “Healthcare professionals may assume painful periods are normal, if they are unclear on its severity and whether pain relief is required.
“What’s more, it can be especially difficult examining young teenagers for endometriosis as the findings are not specific and the disease presents differently from person-to-person.
“As such it may take longer to refer people to the correct specialist for further investigation and treatment. From a patient perspective it can also be uncomfortable taking that first step and speaking to a doctor about issues such as pain during sex – or challenging to describe the symptoms they have.”
Shree continued: “The reasons behind the delay are wide-ranging, but nevertheless every possible action needs to be taken to drive down the wait time for people suffering with endometriosis, and education and awareness is vital to make a commitment to ensure this happens.”
To help people experiencing symptoms of endometriosis get the help they need sooner, Dr Shree Datta shares her advice. More information and resources can be found here:
It can be difficult to describe all of your symptoms and diagnose endometriosis as the symptoms vary, so keep a pain and symptom diary before you see your GP. Specifically, note down when you experience symptoms in relation to your periods, whether they are getting worse and how they affect your daily activities.
A referral to a Gynaecologist may also help explore your symptoms further – by requesting an ultrasound, for example. With this information, discussing the risks and benefits of medication and an operation may help you to decide what’s right to you.
It may be worth trying to treat your symptoms initially with simple measures such as heat, gentle exercise, pain relief or hormonal medication, before considering more invasive options such as surgery.
Common symptoms which suggest endometriosis include cyclical pelvic pain, pain on intercourse or pain leading up to and during your periods. You may also experience a change in bowel habits, tiredness and difficulty conceiving, so seek medical advice early.
Think about your diet – there is some evidence which suggests that drinking lots of alcohol and eating lots of red meat can increase some of the symptoms of endometriosis, such as painful periods. Fish oil supplements and Vitamin B12 can help endometriosis associated pain. A healthy balanced lifestyle with regular sleep patterns may also influence your symptoms.
If you’re thinking about getting pregnant and you are known to have endometriosis, consult a Gynaecologist early. Start taking pregnancy supplements three months before you wish to conceive and make sure you have sex regularly when trying to conceive. Most people have no problems conceiving, but it’s worth seeking expert help early.
For those looking to find out more about endometriosis or get support, please visit:
Vet charity warn fearful pets face fireworks misery
As Bonfire Night approaches, pet owners may find themselves more stressed than excited by the prospect.
Vet charity PDSA is urging owners to take preventive action – especially those who took on a pet during the pandemic – in a bid to reduce the extreme distress and suffering that fireworks can cause for many of our four-legged friends.
Our pets’ enhanced senses mean they can find the loud noises and bright flashes from fireworks overwhelming, which can lead to severe anxiety and trauma.
PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing said: “The firework season may be an especially difficult time for pups who were raised during lockdown – our 2021 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report* shows that 15 per cent of UK dogs (139,000) obtained during the pandemic are showing signs of fear.
“One well recognised fear in dogs is noise phobias, and our previous research reports that 40% of dogs are afraid of fireworks. Of those dogs owned before the pandemic, our research revealed 3% of dogs (260,000) were reported as showing signs of fear, so it’s unknown what the impact will be come November.
“Thankfully, there are simple steps to reduce distress in our furry family members – the sooner you can start preparing the better. While some pets who are very affected by fireworks can take months of training to make them more comfortable with the bangs and flashes, there are still plenty of things you can do now to help. PDSA has produced a free guide to help owners lessen the impact of this stressful period.”
PDSA’s top tips on tackling fireworks phobias include:
Start early
The earlier you can start your pre-fireworks prep, the better – aim to start getting them used to the bangs and whistles at least six weeks prior to Bonfire Night or other big occasions. Play firework noises quietly throughout the house and pair these with their favourite treat. If they show any signs of stress, stop the noises, and try again at a lower volume when they are not reacting. Continue to do this all year round, so your pet builds up positive associations with these sounds.
Secure your garden
Secure your home and garden in advance, as fearful furry friends may panic and scarper. Ensure any ‘escape routes’ – such as holes in fences – are inaccessible.
Set up a hideaway
Create a ‘den’ in a quiet room or cupboard, which your pet can use as a safe space to hide in. It’s important that your pet already views this space as a safe place that they can escape to. Make it extra cosy with blankets and their favourite toys and treats, and add pillows or cushions to help absorb the loud noises – you can also do the same to hutches for smaller four-legged friends, who may also appreciate some extra bedding to hide away in.
Create calm vibes
Using pheromone products can help anxious pets, as the scents they release provide a calming effect to relax a stressed pooch or puss. You can even prepare a calming playlist, as music with a repetitive beat might help to disguise the loud bangs from fireworks and may keep your furry friend relaxed.
Speak to your vet
If you’re concerned your pet has a severe phobia of fireworks, it’s best to speak to an expert. Your vet can advise you on measures to improve the phobia, such as professional behaviour therapy or prescribe medications to help.
For more information on how to prepare your pet for Bonfire Night and to download PDSA’s free Firework Guide, please visit:
Most people recover from coronavirus within 4 weeks, but for some people symptoms can last longer, or new ones can develop. Symptoms can also change over time and can affect anywhere in the body. This is often referred to as long COVID and can include breathlessness, a cough, aches and pains, insomnia and low mood or anxiety.
The information on NHSinform.scot includes the most common symptoms, how a patient is assessed and how to manage ongoing symptoms.
NHS 24’s Medical Director, Dr Laura Ryan, says: “Coronavirus can vary from person to person, and sometimes recovery can take longer than we would like. The important thing is not to compare with others and to take the time to look after ourselves.
“The information on NHS inform can really help with managing ongoing symptoms until they do naturally fade away. Of course, you should contact your GP practice if you’re worried about the severity or persistence of your symptoms or they’re getting worse.”
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “It is important that people with long COVID symptoms get the right advice and having all the information in one place will hopefully make it easier for them. The information and support available at NHS inform has been designed to help people with their recovery.
“The Long COVID Support Fund was established with £10m last month and was designed to maximise and improve the co-ordination of a broad range of existing services across the health and social care system and Third Sector in response to the condition.”
