Tag: Health and wellbeing

CHAS children take flight with Frozen favourites thanks to Loganair

Children with life-shortening conditions in Scotland and their families were invited to Edinburgh Airport for a special sightseeing flight where they were accompanied by some of Disney’s most popular characters. 

On Saturday, 15 children who receive care and support from the charity Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) were invited by Loganair to experience Scotland from the skies on a sightseeing flight from Edinburgh up the east coast of Scotland and back again.

In a bid to provide a truly magical experience, Loganair partnered with Wish Upon a Star Kingdom for the annual CHAS flight to bring Elsa and Anna on the journey with them for the ultimate Disney experience.

Additionally, Edinburgh Airport’s iconic mascot, EDI The Pilot was on hand to welcome the children to the airport, flanked by James Smith – a member of the security team – who volunteered his time to entertain the children and soar the skies with them as Batman.

Experiencing flying for the first time as a family were siblings Ruhee, Rayan and Khadijah Mahmood. Their dad Viqar said: “They’ve been looking forward to this for weeks and have been very excited today.

“The excitement reached new heights when Ruhee was able to soar the skies with Batman, and his sisters, who are big Frozen fans and regularly dress as Anna and Elsa at home, were able to join the princesses in the sky.”

In support of the day, British Airways provided access to its lounge in Edinburgh Airport, providing a VIP experience for the children and their families. There they experienced a meet and greet, storytelling and sing-a-longs with the Disney princesses and other characters before taking off to see Scotland from the skies – the first time some of them have experienced a flight. 

Reflecting on the day, Viqar said: “The amount of organisation that went into today was worth it when you see their faces.

“They’ve had the best time, thank you.”

Loganair and CHAS have a long-standing relationship having embarked on a partnership three years ago. In June 2024, the regional airline announced it would be adding a voluntary £2 donation option to all its online ticket bookings in a bid to bolster its commitment to the charity even further.

In addition to supporting with monetary donations, Loganair provides flights to CHAS at Home nurses, who support families in remote island communities.

This flight marks the third occasion of the annual Loganair flights for CHAS children and their families across Scotland, with previous flights at Glasgow and Aberdeen Airports. Employees also volunteer at Robin House, one of the charity’s two ‘home from home’ hospices in Balloch, tending to the garden throughout the year and decorating the hospice at Christmas time.

Luke Farajallah, Chief Executive Officer, Loganair said: “It is our upmost pleasure to provide a unique and captivating experience for the children and young people of CHAS – it means a huge amount to the families that take part in the trip.

“The CHAS partnership is something that we value hugely, and we are thrilled to play a part in the lives of these incredibly special young people.

“Every year we are committed to bringing joy and happiness to young people and while the sightseeing flight around Scotland is the icing on the cake, we were pleased to be able to partner with Wish Upon a Star Kingdom this year to make the experience as magical as possible.”

CHAS is a children’s palliative care charity which strives to reach and support children and their families across Scotland who are living with life-shortening conditions, offering much-needed respite and continual care. It is CHAS’ ambition to make sure that no one in Scotland has to face the death of their child alone.  

Through its partnership with CHAS, established in 2021, the airline has provided staff nurses and the family support team with flights for CHAS at Home services, offering specialist medical care, vital respite and practical support to families across the country within their own homes.

Nikki Corrigan, Service Manager for Outreach at CHAS said: “Our partnership with Loganair has been invaluable to CHAS in helping us be there for families where they need us most, which for many families is in the comfort of their own home.

“As well as the essential support Loganair provides in helping us reach families in more remote areas of the country, days like this give children and their families the opportunity to have an unforgettable experience together, making joyful memories that will last a lifetime. We can’t thank them enough!”

Loganair would like to extend its thanks to all its partners who have helped to make the special day happen, including Edinburgh Airport, Menzies Aviation and OCS.

Dementia-friendly events and opportunities in Edinburgh and the Lothians

The Scottish Government, in partnership with COSLA, recently launched a new campaign to challenge the stigma surrounding dementia. The drive encourages people to continue doing the things they always did with friends or relatives diagnosed with dementia, highlighting that these everyday activities can help them stay well for longer. 

Staying connected to communities can also play a key role in helping people with dementia remain socially active and engaged. Across Scotland, there are numerous services, groups and activities designed to provide enjoyment and support.

For people in Edinburgh and the Lothians, opportunities and events include:

  • Deepness Dementia-Friendly Arts Festival in Edinburgh – taking place from Monday 11 November to Thursday 14 November, the Dementia Arts Festival, will showcase the best of music, theatre, poetry and film, all produced by those diagnosed with dementia. For more information, visit: deepnessdementiaarts.co.uk/
  • Museum Socials at the National Museum of Scotland – each month a different museum theme is explored through interactive activities, including curator talks and creative crafts. For more information, visit: nms.ac.uk/events/museum-socials
  • The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Dementia Friendly Garden Social – monthly meetings in the purpose-built Garden of Tranquility with refreshments and activities provided. It’s an opportunity for guests to find out about how the garden works. For more information, visit: rbge.org.uk/whats-on/dementia-friendly-garden-social/57082
  • Festival Theatre Edinburgh, Brew & Blether – a free monthly social gathering for people living with dementia and their friends and family to come together for tea, biscuits and a chat. For more information, visit: capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/all-shows/dementia-friendly-a-brew-and-blether/2072
  • National Galleries Scotland, Gallery Socials – monthly sessions where attendees, led by artists, will have a chance to take part in a light-touch art activity and take a tour. In November, the event at the Portrait Gallery is a celebration of 40 years of Scotland’s Photography Collection. For more information, visit nationalgalleries.org/event/gallery-social-dementia-friendly-celebrating-40-years-of-scotlands-photography-collection
  • Dementia-friendly East Lothian –a community organisation which supports social groups and activities for people living with dementia including care-partners, families and friends. They hold regular workshops, activities and trainings. For more information, visit dfel.org.uk/
  • Singing For Health, Whitburn Bowling Club, West Lothian – fortnightly informal sing-a-long with refreshments as part of a partnership between Alzheimer Scotland and the Ageing Well project. For more information, visit: roseberycentre.org.uk/
  • The Heart Dementia Meeting Centre, Newhaven – a weekly social club on a Wednesday at 10.30am, for people living with mild to moderate dementia including those newly diagnosed or curious about cognitive decline. An opportunity to get creative whilst speaking to like-minded people. For more information, visit: heartofnewhaven.co.uk/The-Heart-Dementia-Meeting-Centre.php

This is just a selection of the creative opportunities and activities available. For more ideas of things to do or places to visit, search dementia friendly at aliss.org (A Local Information System for Scotland).

Dementia affects an estimated 90,000 people in Scotland and 3,000 of whom are under the age of 65. Created in collaboration with a National Dementia Lived Experience Panel, the Rethink Dementia campaign emphasises the importance of maintaining relationships with those living with dementia.

Research has shown that making this effort to stay in contact with individuals and include them in social activities can help alleviate symptoms of depression, agitation, sleep disturbance, anxiety and apathy that can often come with dementia.

Dr Tom Russ, an NHS Consultant Old Age Psychiatrist and Researcher at The University of Edinburgh, said, “Over the past 20 years, I’ve engaged with hundreds of people who have been diagnosed with dementia, and it’s often the case that those individuals will withdraw from social activities, which can negatively impact their overall wellbeing.

“If you know of a friend or relative who has been diagnosed with dementia, it’s really important to stay in touch and help your loved one to maintain their usual social activities, or even try something new together.

“The Rethink Dementia campaign is sharing such a crucial message around the importance of social connection and I hope it provides positive action steps for family and friends of those living with dementia.”

For more information around supporting someone with a dementia diagnosis, please visit NHSInform.scot/RethinkDementia.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

WHY SCREENING IS SO IMPORTANT

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, NHS Lothian spoke with Carrie Murdoch, Health Promotion Specialist for SE Scotland Breast Screening, to learn more about the vital role of breast screening and what to expect during a screening appointment:

Why is Breast screening so important?

In Scotland, breast screening saves around 130 lives each year.

Mammograms can detect tiny cancers when they are at an early stage, often when they are too small to see or feel. The earlier Breast Cancer is found the easier it is to treat.

How do you prepare for a Breast Screening Appointment?

It’s best to wear a skirt or trousers as you will be asked to undress from the waist up.

Please do not wear talcum powder or spray or deodorant before the screening as this can interfere with the image.

What happens during a Breast Screening Appointment?

Breast Screening uses x-rays called Mammograms to check your breasts for signs of cancer.

A female mammographer will position one breast at a time between two plates and the machine will take two x-rays of each.

Having your breast pressed between the plates can be uncomfortable, but it is only for a very short time. You can ask to stop at any point if you feel too much discomfort, and the mammographer will work with you to adjust your position.

The breast screening appointment usually takes around 10 minutes from start to finish and the mammogram x-ray itself takes barely a minute.

What age and when will you be invited for your breast screening appointment?

We screen women from 50-70 years old. Don’t worry if your appointment doesn’t arrive on your 50th birthday as each GP practice takes part in a screening programme every 3 years. Because of this you may not receive an invitation until you are 53.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy being able to connect to our clients and offer support to participate in the screening service. It’s rewarding to work with colleagues to promote breast screening and inform women about how they can look after their health. 

Clowndoctors assemble in Edinburgh!

  Hearts & Minds have welcomed to Edinburgh delegates to the General Assembly of the European Federation of Healthcare Clowning Organisations. The General Assembly was held at The Scottish Storytelling Centre in the heart of the historic city from 2 – 4 October.

The General Assembly is an annual meeting for Artistic Directors and Chief Executives and General Managers from the 20 healthcare clowning organisations across Europe.

The Assembly took place over three days and included presentations by member organisations, artistic workshops and discussion groups where efhco members shared what is happening within their own countries and discuss impacts and outcomes of healthcare clowning.

Healthcare clowning is not unique to Scotland. It is an internationally recognised performing arts in health practice. Healthcare clowns always bring great joy and laughter, and the health benefits they bring are significant too. Research shows that the person-centred emotional engagement they offer each person they visit lessens loneliness and isolation, relieves distress and worry, and supports healthcare staff and families too.

Sean Donnelly, CEO, of host organization Hearts & Minds commented: “I am thrilled to have welcomed our colleagues from healthcare clown organisations across Europe to Edinburgh for this annual assembly.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for us to discuss and compare our work and the challenges we face and support each other with new ideas and shared research. 

“We are also delighted that while in Edinburgh we will introduce them to the history of Edinburgh’s Old Town and there will be a ceilidh where a few whiskies will be enjoyed”

Groundbreaking research uncovers increasing rate of sexual violence against older people

Hourglass has teamed up with independent researcher Amanda Warburton-Wynn to publish her new research which reveals there were 274 allegations of staff sexually assaulting older patients recorded in just three years.

The research, which is available to read in full on the Hourglass website, follows a study produced in 2021, inspired by the case of Valerie Kneale who passed away due to injuries from a sexual assault in Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

It found that 75 cases of sexual abuse committed by staff were recorded from 2016 to 2021.

This new research, released today has revealed that in just three years, that number has more than tripled.

In comparison to findings from the previous period, even less cases were reported to police, with over a third not reported or closed as ‘No Further Action’.
 
The research also found that the majority of victims of this sexual violence were not referred to  a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) or specialist services, with a total of 127 victims not referred for support following the abuse.

The perpetrators of this abuse were most frequently found to be nurses or nursing assistants, the majority of victims were female and 85% of alleged perpetrators being male.

The research recommends that better reporting practices would result in improved justice outcomes, alongside a need for specific safeguarding training for staff to spot the signs of abuse, particularly when it comes to older victims.

Hourglass is the only UK-wide charity supporting older victims-survivors of abuse and neglect, operating a 24/7 helpline, unique casework service and specialist local support. The charity warns that the findings of this report is emblematic of the rising epidemic of abuse, which affects a reported 1 in 6 older people in the UK. 

Independent researcher Amanda Warburton-Wynn said: “Whilst I knew this was happening, I didn’t expect to see such a high number of incidents.

“The most surprising thing was the number of incidents being so much higher than last time although over a shorter period. It is a shocking number of incidents against a likely near zero criminal justice response.” 

Veronica Gray, Deputy CEO and Director of Policy of Hourglass said: “The extent of abuse revealed in this research and the lack of response from NHS trusts is shocking and deeply concerning.

“The findings show numerous systemic failures to protect older individuals in hospitals in the first place and even more in the failure to act once the incidents have taken place.

“It is deeply concerning to see so many older victim-survivors not referred to specialist support. Specialist services are a lifeline for older people who have experienced abuse and it’s essential that these services are available and accessible to all those who need them.” 

The charity is urging those keen to support the charity to donate by visiting visiting www.wearehourglass.org.uk/donate or Text SAFER to 70460 to donate £10.

Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS.

If you’d like to give £10 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text SAFERNOINFO to 70460.

Scottish Cycling launches Women & Girls Strategy

Scottish Cycling has launched its first Women & Girls Strategy to coincide with Scottish Women and Girls in Sport week.

The strategy, launched at West Lothian Cycle Circuit with the support of Sports Minister Ms. Maree Todd and double Paralympic champion Jenny Holl, aims to make a step change in female participation in cycle sport.

Despite making up over 50% of the population of Scotland, women are under-represented in cycling, a situation familiar to many sports, and whilst women’s participation is on the up, Scottish Cycling is determined to accelerate this process.

Whilst Scottish Cycling already implements a number of initiatives to make cycling a more female friendly sport, the strategy outlines how the whole organisation, and the Scottish Cycling community, can come together to make a tangible difference.

Speaking at the launch event, Ms Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, said: “Women & Girls in Sport Week is the highlight of my year every year, so to launch this strategy during this week is just fantastic.

“When we were discussing the UCI Cycling World Championships, which were held in Scotland last year, one of the opportunities we saw was to try and get more women cycling,

“Lots and lots of women would like to cycle, but very few of them do, and this strategy is about tackling that. I’m really keen that women and girls have the opportunity to participate in sport; that’s what this week is all about, and that’s what this strategy is about, and I’m absolutely certain it’ll have an impact.”

Scottish Cycling Chief Executive, Nick Rennie, commented: “The launch of our first Women & Girls Strategy is a huge moment for Scottish Cycling and our community, and follows on from our commitment last summer to shift the dial on female participation in our wonderful sport.

“Scottish Cycling already has a number of initiatives aimed at females, which are slowly starting to shift the gender balance, however that rate of progress isn’t quick enough for our liking, and so this strategy, and supporting action plan, aims to really accelerate our work in this area.”

Double Paralympic champion, Jenny Holl, added: “It’s really great to see Scottish Cycling stepping up and pushing for more diversity within the sport, particularly in the women and girl’s space.

“For me, now is the perfect time – having watched the Elite Women’s Road Race at the Glasgow ‘super worlds’ last year, it’s clear to see that there is the support and appetite for women’s cycling in Scotland, we just need to help people access it.”

After extensive consultation with the cycling community and key stakeholders earlier this year, Scottish Cycling refined its strategy to make its vision as clear as possible.

The strategy is broken down into five focus areas, the five Rs: Ride, Race, Role Models, Recognise and Relationships, which are all as important as the next if the organisations 2027 targets are to be achieved. These include a 30% increase in female members and event entries, a 10% increase in retention within the Performance Pathway, 20% more coaches, and a number of new partnerships with other organisations who can help support the fulfilment of these goals.

The strategy clearly outlines the vision, and steps that will be taken to get there, but sitting below this is an Action Plan, which goes into the detailed interventions, and sets annuals targets to keep Scottish Cycling on track to reach its 2027 goals.

You can read the Strategy here

Further detail can be found in the Action Plan here

Scottish Cycling can’t do this alone, so if you have thoughts on the strategy, action plan or want to show your support, please get in touch via: recreation@scottishcycling.org.uk

For partnership or commercial opportunities within the Women & Girls cycling space, please contact pete.matthews@scottischcycling.org.uk

Scots are far quicker to report a missing delivery than get possible cancer symptoms checked out

Radio presenter and resident ‘early bird’ Des Clarke took to Buchanan Street to share latest research from the Scottish Government with the people of Glasgow and get their thoughts.

People across Scotland are being urged to ‘Be the Early Bird’ as part of the Scottish Government’s awareness raising campaign to empower people with possible cancer symptoms to contact their GP practice.

In recent research conducted by the Scottish Government*, more than four in five people in Scotland (83%) said they would report an item missing from a delivery order within a day, but nearly a third (32%) of people in Scotland said they would wait days, weeks and even months to contact their GP practice about any unusual, persistent symptoms.

The research, which surveyed over 2,000 people in Scotland, also showed that 87% of people in Scotland say they would respond to an urgent text from a friend within an hour, as opposed to more than 2 in 5 (42%) who would take days, weeks or even months to contact their GP practice as soon as they experienced a persistent hoarse voice.

Another finding showed that nearly nine out of ten people in Scotland (86%) would contact their GP practice within two days if their child / a child in their care was ill, however, if they had a persistent cough that had lasted more than three weeks, just over one in five (21%) said they’d wait at least another week to get in touch with their GP practice.

The Scottish Government wants to tackle these issues with its ‘Be the Early Bird’ campaign, which aims to reinforce the benefits of finding cancer at an earlier stage when there’s more treatment options available, a greater likelihood of living well after treatment, and better news to tell the family.

Des Clarke, breakfast radio presenter, resident ‘early bird’ and advocate for the campaign, recently took to the streets of Glasgow to share the research with locals who confirmed the research’s findings – many people in Scotland would put off contacting their GP practice and are likely to help someone else before themselves.

Des Clarke, Radio Presenter said: “The Scottish Government’s ‘Be the Early Bird’ campaign is so important as cancer is something that affects many of us in some way. This research proves what we all know to be true anecdotally with many people placing greater importance on other things and allowing their health to slip down the priority list.

Video: https://we.tl/t-BteN4b4ZBo

“I encourage everyone in Scotland to make sure they contact their GP practice if they notice any persistent symptoms or issues that are out of the ordinary – your GP practice wants to know.”

Ross MacDuff, Joint National Clinical Lead for Earlier Cancer Diagnosis at the National Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD), said: “Finding cancer in its earliest stages is really key to maximising treatment options.

“That’s why it’s so important that anyone who is experiencing persistent symptoms that are unusual for them contacts their GP practice so they can be assessed as soon as possible and referred, if appropriate, to the correct specialist.

“Whether it is you that has possible symptoms, a family member or friend, please don’t put off making an appointment with your GP practice.  If cancer is confirmed earlier, a much wider range of treatment options can be available, and the body can respond better to treatment.”

Health Secretary, Neil Gray said: “Early detection is crucial in cancer care. So, I urge everyone to prioritise their health and make sure you contact your GP practice about any unusual, persistent symptoms.

“The sooner we act, the better the chances for treatment and recovery. So, let’s be vigilant – if something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait, get checked early.”

To see the reactions of the Scottish public when Des Clarke shared the research stats, please see link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Hyl_OL8a7g. 

For more information around how to be an ‘Early Bird’ and to use the symptom checker, please visit getcheckedearly.org.

* The research conducted included 2,001 respondents across Scotland (aged 16+).

Public health levy needed to stop alcohol deaths, says Scottish Greens

A public health levy on alcohol and tobacco retailers is a crucial step to supporting frontline recovery services, says Scottish Green MSP Lorna Slater.  

Ms Slater’s comments come as new Scottish Government stats show that 1,277 people in Scotland died in 2023 from alcohol misuse, with 163 of those deaths in the City of Edinburgh. 

In the Scottish Parliament Lorna Slater pushed Scottish Government Minister Jenni Minto to reconsider the reintroduction of this levy as a surcharge on the non-domestic rates for large retailers selling alcohol and tobacco.  

Currently retailers keep the additional revenue raised from minimum unit pricing. A recent report by the Fraser of Allander Institute for Alcohol Focus Scotland showed that a levy on retailers with a licence to sell alcohol and tobacco, set at 13p per pound, could raise £57 million a year for support services.  

The majority of the funds raised would come from big national supermarket chains, who they say would make up 86% of all revenues.    

The Scottish Government has committed to exploring the potential for the introduction of a levy as a result of budget negotiations with the Scottish Greens.  

Ms Slater said: “Every one of these lost lives is a tragedy, and there will be people missing them and mourning them. We clearly need to change Scotland’s relationship with alcohol.  

“We urgently need to tackle the root causes of alcohol misuse and ensure that we are funding recovery services to support people and communities that need it.  

“Minimum unit pricing has been an important step forward, but the money made from it is staying with the supermarkets rather than being used to support people and families who are on the frontline of the crisis.  

“If retailers are profiting from the sale of products that are damaging public health, like alcohol and tobacco, then they should also pay towards mitigating the health and social costs that they cause.  

“This is something that I hope MSPs from all parties can agree on and work together to deliver. With a budget due later this year, I hope that the Scottish Government will apply a public health levy to ensure that we are supporting frontline recovery services.” 

Improving palliative care

Consultation on reaching best possible standards

Views are being sought on a new strategy Palliative Care Matters for All.

Palliative care is holistic care that prevents and relieves suffering through the early identification, assessment and management of pain and other problems – whether physical, mental, social or spiritual.

An ageing population that is living longer, with more complex needs, means more people will need access to palliative care in the future. The draft strategy has been developed in collaboration with the palliative care community and people who have experience of palliative care.

The aim is to deliver the best possible standards of palliative care for adults and children, families, and carers wherever and whenever it is needed.

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Talking ­more openly about palliative care is the first step to understanding how and when it can benefit us – often at a much earlier stage and for longer than most people realise.

“We want to make sure that everyone who needs it can access well-coordinated, timely and high-quality palliative care along with care around dying and bereavement support.

“This consultation is important as many of us at some point in our lives will need to have conversations with people close to us about serious illness, death and loss.  We’re asking the public to share their views with us to help shape our new strategy, because palliative care matters to us all.”   

Scottish Government Palliative Care Clinical Lead and Chair of the Palliative Care Strategic Steering Group Dr Kirsty Boyd said: “I have seen first hand how timely, high quality palliative care can really make a difference to people and their families in supporting them to live their life to the full.

“Palliative care focuses on what matters to each adult or child and how we help them live as well as possible for however long that is. What counts when someone is dying is that they are well cared for, comfortable and with the people closest to them wherever they are.”

Palliative Care Strategy: Palliative Care Matters for All – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Palliative Care Matters for All: strategy consultation – Scottish Government consultations – Citizen Space