New mental health service for families to open in East Lothian

A new pilot service which aims to tackle the mental health crisis facing children and young people in Scotland is to be launched from September in East Lothian.

Developed by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC), ‘The Haven’ wellbeing and resilience service will open tomorrow (Monday 18 September) at The Fraser Centre in Tranent and is open to families living within the catchment area of Ross High School.

It aims to support families with children struggling with their mental health and prevent problems escalating to the point where professional intervention is needed.

The Haven will be open to any child or young person with a mental health concern, and any member of their family, including parents, carers, siblings and grandparents. It will offer support in a relaxed and informal setting and provide interventions including family support groups, signposting, fun activities and a drop-in service for those who may just need a cup of tea and a listening ear.

Every family will have their own ‘Pal’; a trained team member who can support them along their child’s mental health journey. At its best, The Haven may negate a family’s need for future access to medical support, alleviating the pressures on Scotland’s CAMHS.

Sara Fairgrieve from East Lothian is the parent of a child who is currently receiving mental health support. She is backing ECHC’s new service and will attend The Haven with her child once it is open.

Sara said: “This new service is definitely needed and will be very welcome in the community. For any parent who has children struggling with their mental health, just having somewhere to go where you can relax, escape for a little while and meet like-minded parents with similar issues who understand will be so beneficial.

“We’re lucky in that we’re managing for now, but I know there are parents out there who are despairing, stuck on a waiting list and feel they have nowhere to turn to get the help they need now.

“Being able to speak to non-judgmental professionals who can provide the right support and guidance – as families will be able to do at The Haven – will really help to take the stress and strain off parents, and the kids themselves.”

The Haven will be piloted in Tranent for two years to ascertain the scale of demand. It is modelled on the charity’s existing Hospital Hub, which delivers very similar interventions to children and families visiting Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP).

The service is a response to ECHC’s research which found that over half (59%) of Scottish families have a child who has experienced a mental health concern. Once proven, it will be scaled and delivered in community settings and available to all children struggling with their mental health, and their families, across Scotland.

Roslyn Neely, CEO of ECHC, said: “When it comes to tackling the mental health crisis facing children and young people in Scotland, there is no time to wait.

“In developing this service, we spoke to many families who feel they just don’t know where to get the support and advice that they so desperately need. We asked them what was missing, and overwhelmingly we found families just needed somewhere to go for a bit of help while they’re waiting, or if they know professional help isn’t an option for them.

“The development of The Haven has been led completely by children, young people and families.  What they asked for was a wellbeing service like that already provided at the children’s hospital. Somewhere the whole family can go and do everything from take part in fun activities, to having a complementary therapy or just a hot cup of tea and the chance to offload.

“Together we have an opportunity to help our children with earlier support for good mental health to improve their wellbeing and avert a potential mental health crisis. We hope The Haven will be part of the solution.”

Paul McLennan, MSP for East Lothian added: “I’m delighted to see Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity launch their new mental health pilot in Tranent. 

“I’ve met the team on a number of occasions – this is a groundbreaking initiative and I look forward to working with them closely in the months ahead.” 

If you live within the catchment area of Ross High School and/or are registered with Tranent Medical Practice and need support, please get in touch at thehaven@echcharity.org or call 0131 202 9212.

Steady Steps secures additional funding

FALLS PREVENTION PROGRAMME WELCOMES 5000th REFERRAL

With Falls Awareness Week taking place from 18-22 September 2023, Steady Steps, a community-based falls prevention programme which supports local people in Edinburgh to improve their strength and balance and maintain their independence through physical activity, is celebrating its 5,000th referral.

Delivered by the Active Communities team at Edinburgh Leisure and supported by the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB), Steady Steps is a 16-week physical activity referral programme which has been going since 2014 and supports participants to reduce their risk of falling. It has recently received additional funding from the EIJB.

Physical activity can contribute to a reduction in the number of falls, fractures, hospital admissions and bed days because of a fall. This reduces the cost to NHS Lothian, and offers vulnerable, older adults an opportunity to engage in physical and social activities, sustaining and improving confidence and ability to live independently.  

Edinburgh Leisure delivers 32 Steady Steps classes each week in Edinburgh Leisure and community venues across the city. Participants attend weekly physical activity sessions, which last 1.5 hours each week and are followed by a coffee and chat. 

Participants are also encouraged to complete home based exercises twice a week for the duration of the 16-week programme. As a result of participating in these balance exercise sessions, participants have said that they are more able to complete tasks in and out of the house more easily (e.g., housework and doing the shopping), that they felt more confident, and they had an improved social life.

Amy Fastier, Health Development Officer (Falls Prevention) said: “Continued funding from the EIJB will mean that we can continue delivering this important service creating a positive impact on the health, and crucially the confidence, of our participants. Research shows falls are preventable and do not have to be an inevitable part of aging.

However, once a fall does happen, the chances of another fall are dramatically increased. Sadly, this can really knock the confidence out of some adults, deterring them from going out and socialising. The methods used by Steady Steps are known to reduce falls by up to 35%, as well as having a hugely positive effect on the overall physical, mental, and social wellbeing of participants.” 

Retired primary school depute headteacher, Katherine Bates, has experienced the project as both a participant and a volunteer, training as a volunteer after completing the 16-week programme in 2017.

Initially referred by her physiotherapist because of several falls, as well as having osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal issues, she found the programme helped to improve her strength and balance and particularly liked that the exercises in class were designed to be incorporated into daily life. 

On completion of the course, and with the encouragement of her instructor, Michael, she completed the volunteer training and now volunteers at a Steady Steps class at Gracemount Leisure Centre. 

Katherine’s role involves setting up the room, welcoming people into the class, and carrying out assessments so that Michael can focus on delivering the class without distractions. As Katherine explains: “Some people need a bit of extra support, and I can help them without disrupting the class or drawing attention to them.

“Volunteering has been such a positive experience for me and it’s helped that I have experienced Steady Steps as a participant as well.  It’s helped me to understand the challenges participants face and what it’s like to go through the programme.

“Some participants live very rich lives, others have lost their confidence and have become socially isolated because of their falling.  It’s wonderful to see them out, enjoying themselves, and making social connections as well as improving their balance and mobility.”

For more information about Steady Steps please contact Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities team – active@edinburghleisure.co.uk or 0131 458 2260.

Steady Steps Case Study

Katherine Bates – Volunteer and former participant 

Edinburgh Leisure’s Steady Steps project is a falls prevention programme for older adults in Edinburgh. Retired Primary School Depute Headteacher Katherine Bates, 63, has experienced the project as both a participant and a volunteer, having decided to train as a volunteer after completing the 16-week programme in 2017.

Katherine was initially referred to the Steady Steps class at the Royal Commonwealth Pool by her physiotherapist. While she was young compared to most Steady Steps participants and still active, walking 7 miles a day, she has osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal issues and has had several falls. She found the programme helped her improve her strength and balance and particularly liked that the exercises in class were designed to be incorporated into daily life. 

As she came to the end of her 16-week programme, she expressed an interest in continuing as a volunteer. With the encouragement of her Instructor, Michael, she undertook volunteer training and now volunteers at the Friday lunch time class at Gracemount Leisure Centre. 

Katherine’s role involves setting up the room, welcoming people into the class and carrying out their assessments so that Michael can focus on delivering the class without distractions. Some people need a bit of extra support and she can help them without disrupting the class or drawing attention to them. 

She says that while some participants lead very rich lives, others have lost their confidence and have become socially isolated as a result of their fear of falling. It’s wonderful to see them out, enjoying themselves and making social connections as well as improving their balance and mobility. 

She says that being a Steady Steps volunteer has been a very positive experience and that she is always made to feel welcome and appreciated by Michael and the staff at Gracemount Leisure Centre. She enjoyed attending Edinburgh Leisure’s volunteer celebration event at the Botanic Gardens last year and is looking forward to attending a similar event again this year! 

Katherine admits that she found PE challenging at school and had never even considered attending any fitness classes. Participating in Steady Steps gave her the confidence to join a couple of weekly fitness classes. As one of these takes place at Gracemount Leisure Centre immediately before the Steady Steps session she helps with, it makes it easier for her to keep up the habit of attending it.  

Katherine has found it interesting experiencing Steady Steps from both sides. She feels that her understanding of the challenges participants face and her first-hand experience of what it’s like to go through the programme make it easier for her and the people she helps to relate to one another.

Stretched to the Limit!

Following our 2022 report on the impact of the cost of living crisis on individuals, ‘Disabled people, unpaid carers and the cost of living crisis: Impacts, responses and long term solutions‘, the ALLIANCE have published a second report on how the crisis is affecting Scotland’s third sector.

Stretched to the Limit: Scotland’s Third Sector and the cost of living crisis‘ brings together findings from a survey of the ALLIANCE’s organisational membership in the spring, a detailed case study from one of our members, and a workshop at our annual conference. Taken together, these paint a picture of a sector which is under intense stress.

Amongst the findings of our survey were that 84% of member organisations responding had experienced increased demand for services, yet 61% reported reduction in funding via grants, 76% were facing higher bills, and 48% were unable to give their employees pay uplifts.

Despite these challenges the third sector continues to be a lifeline for many people across Scotland, responding flexibly to the changing needs of the people it supports.

With 88% of organisations saying that they would benefit from longer-term funding arrangements, and funding arising as the focus for discussion at our conference workshop, fair funding tops our list of recommendations, which include:

  • Progressing commitments to fair funding for the third sector, in line with the SCVO definition this link will take you away from The Alliance website
  • Ensuring the Fair Work agenda goes beyond funding the Real Living Wage, and instead to pay that is comparable to equivalent statutory sector roles
  • Tailored support for organisations operating in rural Scotland
  • Targeted support for energy bills, and in the longer term lower energy tariff arrangements for the third sector
  • Adopting a human rights based approach to procurement and grant funding
  • Investing in services that reduce demand for acute interventions from the public and third sectors

The HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE ALLIANCE SCOTLAND is the national third sector intermediary for a range of health and social care organisations. We have a growing membership of over 3,000 national and local third sector organisations, associates in the statutory and private sectors, disabled people, people living with long term conditions and unpaid carers.

Unique university-approved course kicks off in Edinburgh

 Novel holistic courses to enrich Capitals students 

A DISTINCTIVE course is set to start in Edinburgh to give students the unique opportunity of gaining rare qualifications in complementary therapy. 

The Complementary Therapy School is the first and sole private training provider authorised to offer University endorsed Clinical Reflexology and Swedish Massage Therapy qualifications.  

The courses undergo a rigorous and thorough process of quality assurance, which is overseen by the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) and underpinned by the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) principles. 

The two unique part-time courses offer students the highest possible qualification levels in the UK through its credit rating partnership with the University of the West of Scotland, with students able to achieve qualifications at SCQF level 8. 

The course has been spearheaded by one of the best-known names in the complementary therapy industry. Melanie Bell founded The Complementary Therapy School in 2006 and has since opened seven branches across the UK, training up therapists from Inverness to London. 

Melanie said: “This a huge milestone for us and all of our trainers at The Complementary Therapy School. Teaching unique, valuable skills as part of the high-quality course across the UK is certainly a rewarding feeling. 

“We’re very passionate about what we do here, and we not only want to offer students the opportunity to learn this skill but also the opportunity to follow a new career pathway at the highest level.

“People from across the country are due to start the course in September and we see a mix of backgrounds on our courses – with students like full-time athletes, nurses and lawyers looking towards a career in complementary therapy. 

“The partnership with the University of the West of Scotland is extremely exciting and highlights the powerful nature of holistic treatments and how much they are growing across the UK.” 

The Complementary Therapy School has been delivering university credit rated courses for 11 years, and now has credit rated provision endorsed by the University of the West of Scotland.  

Complementary therapies take a holistic approach to care, and look at supporting patients as a whole person, incorporating physical, emotional and spiritual needs. 

With an extensive 28-year background as a qualified massage therapist and 26 years as a reflexology practitioner, Melanie is a multi-award winning teacher who brings a wealth of expertise to the classroom. 

University-educated in Biomedical Science, Melanie’s unique blend of skills and insights sets a new standard for holistic therapy education.  

Designed to cater to anyone with an interest in Clinical Reflexology or Swedish Massage, the courses encompass not only the core therapies but essential subjects like Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology. 

The courses span one academic year, and are designed to accommodate a range of schedules and preferences.  

The Complementary Therapy School has six trainers working across the UK, with venues as far north as Inverness and as far south as London. 

Founded in 2006, The Complementary Therapy School also provides courses in Indian Head Massage, Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, Sport and Remedial Massage and Diploma in Complementary Therapies.  

For enrolment details, course information, and more, please visit:

https://www.thects.co.uk/ 

Auditor General: Access to mental health services ‘slow and complicated’

Accessing adult mental health services in Scotland remains slow and complicated for many people. In particular, ethnic minority groups, people living in rural areas and those in poverty all face additional barriers.

There have been big funding increases for services since 2017, but a lack of data makes it hard for the Scottish Government to see the impact of that spending. Waiting times for psychological therapies have improved. But ministers do not measure the quality of wider mental healthcare services, or whether they are improving people’s health.

The mental healthcare system is fragmented. The Scottish Government, NHS boards, councils, Integration Joint Boards, Health and Social Care Partnerships and the third sector are all involved in funding, planning or providing services. This makes accountability complex. And it causes complications and delays in developing care focused on the needs of individuals.

The Scottish Government plans to increase its Mental Health Directorate budget by 25 per cent and ensure that ten per cent of the front-line NHS budget is spent on mental health by 2026.

They have also committed to giving all GP practices access to community based mental health and wellbeing services. These commitments are essential to improving access to services and relieving pressure on the mental health workforce. But ministers’ plans are not on track.

Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: “The Scottish Government needs much more information to understand the difference its investment in mental health services is making, from specialist services to community-based support.

“That planning must include moving beyond using waiting times as the sole measure of whether services are improving the lives of those in need. And it needs to include a costed delivery plan for the care that people can expect in their communities.”

Ronnie Hinds, Interim Chair of the Accounts Commission, said: “Councils and Integration Joint Boards have a vital role to play in improving the availability
and quality of data needed to plan services and get the right levels of staffing in place.

“They also need urgently to develop shared goals and targets to improve how housing, welfare and other services work together in order to address and prevent the root causes of poor mental health.”

Healthy Heart Tip: Do you know your numbers?

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: Do you know your numbers?

This week is Know Your Numbers Week which encourages everyone to take ownership of their heart health numbers.

Cholesterol levels and blood pressure are two key markers to understanding your risk of heart disease. In this week’s healthy tip, we explain what these two markers are, give you the healthy ranges you should be aiming for and explain how you can get yours tested.

Cholesterol

There are two main types of cholesterol, LDL, sometimes called ‘bad’ cholesterol, and HDL, sometimes called ‘good cholesterol’. We need some of both types of cholesterol, but the incorrect balance can be harmful.

When LDL cholesterol builds up in the arteries, it can contribute to plaque formation, whilst HDL cholesterol removes harmful cholesterol from the bloodstream. Simply consuming more fibre can have a positive impact on your cholesterol reading.

See our previous healthytip for more ways to reduce bad cholesterol.

Blood pressure

Blood pressure is the measure of the force that your heart uses to pump blood around your body. It is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is given as two figures: 1) Systolic pressure – the pressure when your heart pumps blood out, 2) Diastolic pressure – the pressure when your heart is at rest, between pumps.

Systolic pressure is always shown on top, and diastolic pressure is always shown on the bottom. A simple lifestyle step like reducing your salt intake can help reduce your blood pressure.

Get a test

The only way to know if your blood pressure or cholesterol is high is to have it checked. Checks are quick and easy, and it could be lifesaving. Adults aged 40 years or over should aim to have their blood pressure checked at least every five years.

You can ask your GP to check your blood pressure, or you may be able to have your blood pressure checked with your local pharmacy or gym.

You could also consider investing in a home blood pressure monitor to keep track of your numbers – check out our ‘How to take your Bp video’ for a guide on measuring your blood pressure at home.

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at

www.heartresearch.org.uk/health-tips.

Green light for Safer Drug Consumption pilot?

Minister welcomes statement from Lord Advocate

An announcement by the Lord Advocate, that it would not be in the public interest for people using a pilot Safer Drug Consumption room to face prosecution for possession within the facility, has been welcomed by the Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whitham.

Dorothy Bain KC’s indication that she would issue a public statement of prosecution policy removes an obstacle to establishing the first official Safer Drug Consumption Facility in the UK.

It follows her independent consideration of a detailed proposal for a pilot developed by Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and Police Scotland, facilitated by the Scottish Government.

Today’s news means Glasgow HSCP can take plans to establish the facility to the Glasgow City Integration Joint Board for approval.

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whitham said: “I welcome the position the Lord Advocate has taken.

“Glasgow authorities may now progress their proposal to set up a facility which can operate within the existing legal framework. While the service would still be limited to some extent, due to the reserved Misuse of Drugs Act, we are confident it would save lives.

“This is not a silver bullet. But we know from evidence from more than 100 facilities worldwide that Safer Drug Consumption Facilities work. It is now time to see this approach piloted in Scotland.

“It’s vital this pilot has the full confidence of the general public as well as those who use the facility, and the leadership of Glasgow and Police Scotland will help ensure it is introduced as quickly as possible.

“Through our £250 million National Mission, we are doing everything within our powers to tackle drug deaths in Scotland. However, the number of deaths is still too high and we must use every means at our disposal as we face future challenges, including the increasing threat from synthetic opioids.”

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: “Police Scotland is committed to working in partnership to reduce the harm associated with problematic substance use and addiction.

“Our approach to any initiative aimed at tackling these harms will be to establish how best policing can support it within the confines of the law.

“It is important to note that existing legislation will not be changing and, while we may take an overall supportive policing approach, police officers will still be bound by their legal duty to uphold the law and will not be able to simply ignore acts of criminality which they see occurring.” 

Susanne Millar, Chief Officer for Glasgow’s Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We welcome the position from the Lord Advocate and the positive response on plans for a Safer Drug Consumption Facility to operate in Glasgow. 

“A large body of evidence already exists from around the world which demonstrates that Safer Drug Consumption Facilities can save lives, as well as reducing the spread of blood-borne viruses and cutting levels of publicly discarded injecting equipment.”

Big Hearts break records as they raise £21,115 at annual fundraising Gala

Big Hearts, the official charity of Heart of Midlothian FC, raised £21,115 at the Big Hearts Gala at Tynecastle on Saturday 9 September. 

The Big Hearts Gala is one of the biggest fundraising events in the charity’s calendar, and this year they have raised more than ever before, with all money going towards helping them to support people in their community. 

The amount raised at this year’s Gala is double the amount of than last year.

Guests at the glittering event got a valuable insight into Big Hearts’ vital work across the community. 

They learned about the That’s Me! group, which aims to make a positive impact on teenagers and young adults, aged 12 to 18, who could benefit from wellbeing support.

On top of this, guests were in the presence of legends as Paul HartleyDarren Barr and Mark de Vries were all present in the Gorgie Suite as guest speakers.

The Big Hearts Gala is a celebration of the power of the club’s badge in changing lives in communities across south west Edinburgh. 

As well as the funds raised from over 250 tickets sold, there were live and silent auctions, in which signed Hearts shirts, golf days and hotel stays were auctioned. 

Craig Wilson, CEO at Big Hearts, said: “We are over the moon to have raised £21,115 at the Big Hearts Gala this year.

“It is one of our biggest fundraising efforts and I’m grateful to everyone who bought tickets and took part in our auctions. 

“The money raised will go a long way in our mission to help improve the lives of people in our community.” 

Fans at the Gala were delighted to meet three Hearts legends. Brian Chapman shared shared his excitement after hearing some of their stories. 

“I am too young to have seen Mark de Vries play, but I was lucky enough to see Paul Hartley play. It was a really good moment to get a picture with him and actually see him in-front of my own eyes.

 “I took part in the Hampden to Tynecastle charity walk and, along with three friends, raised £2500 for Big Hearts. I am here tonight to continue to show support after that.

“The charity does a lot of good work, and as we’ve heard tonight, poverty in Gorgie is among the highest in Edinburgh.”

Mark de Vries is fondly remembered by Hearts fans for his four goals on his debut against Hibs. He was glad to be back in Gorgie. 

“It has been great to be back in Edinburgh and back at Tynecastle” he said.

“I loved my time here, so it has been an honour to come back as a guest of Big Hearts. 

“I have been made to feel so welcome and it has been amazing to learn about the work of Big Hearts.”

Big Hearts is the only non-profit organisation based at the home of Heart of Midlothian FC. 

The charity delivers free activities for adults and children to improve outcomes around mental health, social isolation and promote equal opportunities.

It costs Big Hearts over £600,000 each year to build and deliver programmes and services to the communities living in the surroundings of Tynecastle Park, one of the most disadvantaged wards of Edinburgh.

MoonWalk Scotland lights up the night-time streets of Edinburgh

The MoonWalk Scotland returned to the streets of Edinburgh in a blaze of colour last night (Sat 9th Sept).

Women, men and young people wearing brightly decorated bras or colourful “bra t-shirts” set off from Holyrood Park in balmy, late summer temperatures at 11pm, to walk a half or full marathon through the capital. 

Organised by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, the first MoonWalk Scotland was staged in 2006. Since then, walkers have raised almost £22 million, which is granted across Scotland to help support those living with cancer. 

Walk the Walk recently awarded £50,000 to the charity Cancer Support Scotland, to help reduce the waiting list for Scottish cancer patients and their families, who are in desperate need of emotional and wellbeing support.

Many buildings and landmarks across Edinburgh lit up pink throughout the night in honour of Walk the Walk’s amazing walkers and volunteers.

These included Edinburgh Castle; Camera Obscura, Lloyds on the Mound; Royal Society; Edinburgh; Victoria Quay, Leith, Radisson Blu Hotel, St. Andrew’s House, Prestonfield House Hotel; Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

Rachel Groves (59) from Edinburgh completed the 26.2 miles Full Moon. Rachel was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2023, having battled for almost a year to be examined in person by her GP.

Rachel said; “I’m chuffed to bits to have completed The MoonWalk with my daughter, sister, nieces and closest friend.

“It was quite an incredible experience: amazing volunteers, very non-traditional Edinburgh weather and a cause we all truly believe in.

“For me, personally, it was particularly humbling to be fundraising knowing that MoonWalk organisers breast cancer charity Walk the Walk funded the unit which treated me at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.

“And here I am, less than five months after a mastectomy, walking the walk!“

Fiona Watson, (56) from Elgin, took part in her first Moonwalk, completing the 13.1 miles Half Moon. Fiona has been on constant treatment for secondary breast cancer since 2014.

She said: “Our team thoroughly enjoyed completing the Half Moon. It was uplifting and challenging, amongst many other emotions, and there was a tremendous feeling of unity throughout the night – the organisers and the volunteers were first class from start to finish.

“The warmth we experienced from the city of Edinburgh was immeasurable and we are also quite overwhelmed and humbled by the generosity of all our sponsors.

“By taking part in The MoonWalk, I hope I’ve raised awareness that it is possible for anyone newly diagnosed with breast cancer (or indeed secondary breast cancer) to still lead a relatively normal life.”

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk, said: “What an incredible night! It was wonderful to see so many people taking part, including a large number who were totally new to MoonWalking.

“Together, everyone was uniting not only to raise awareness of breast cancer, but also valuable funds which will help improve the lives of people across Scotland living with the disease.

“The collective pink hug from so many iconic buildings across Edinburgh which had lit up pink for the occasion was such a huge boost for our Walkers and Volunteers, as was the unseasonably warm weather!

“Keep helping us make a difference by signing up for The MoonWalk Scotland 2024!” 

Entries are already open for The MoonWalk Scotland on Saturday 7th September 2024. Sign up now www.walkthewalk.org