Tag: Health and wellbeing

Charity expert Marie to lead inspirational innovator awards

An inspirational design competition has a new cheerleader after a charity expert was appointed to help drive as many entries as possible.

Highly experienced Marie McQuade will now devote herself to raising awareness of the Blackwood Design Awards, which aim to transform the lives of those who need support to live independently.

The Dragon’s Den style competition has helped uncover a host of innovations to help people with disabilities or age-related conditions – but was put on hold for two years during the pandemic.

Now it is hoped Marie’s appointment will help relaunch the refreshed competition which typically attracts innovation and design breakthroughs from all over the world.

She said: “In Blackwood’s 50th year, it is more important than ever to celebrate and showcase the amazing inventions that have the potential to accelerate the industry and provide significant benefits to peoples’ lives.

“Every year individuals and organisations from around the world send in their thoughtful designs and we are really looking forward to seeing who will submit what and from where.

“This opportunity is hugely exciting and I am really looking forward to organising this unique and highly impactful competition that will see new designs, technologies and adaptations come to life.”

Marie joins Blackwood with over 25 years’ experience in the charity sector, having worked in diverse roles, supporting causes including Victim Support Scotland and the Scottish International Development Alliance. 

She previously held a senior role at THINK Consulting Solutions, an International fundraising specialist which has worked with charities all over the world, developing fresh, innovative solutions to boost not for profit funds in a competitive landscape.

She has also supported Third Sector Organisations to grow their insights, income and impact at charities such as Changing Faces UK, Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres and Mencap, where she gained a wealth of knowledge in fundraising, events and communications.

Colin Foskett, Blackwood’s Head of Innovation, who kickstarted the Design Awards, said: “Marie comes with a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge in the charity and fundraising sector and is perfectly equipped to deliver the Design Awards to the highest standard.

“She has already thrown herself into the jobs at hand and we are both really looking forward to welcoming this year’s wonderful selection of up-and-coming innovators.”

Marie’s work will see her approaching universities, innovation hubs, tech incubators and other organisations with a stake in design, engineering and technology to encourage them to enter the awards.

She will also play an instrumental role in organising the event, including attracting sponsorship and recruiting members of the judging panel for the Dragon’s Den style competition, which will see entries evaluated on their ability transform lives.

Previous winners have included an app that helps make living spaces safer for people with dementia and inventor Grant Douglas’ “spill proof” spoon – the S’up Spoon – designed for those affected by conditions which cause them to shake. 

Key categories include Best Collaborative Project, Best New Concept and Best New Aids, Equipment or Accessible Technology. 

Groups or individuals can apply for the Blackwood Design Awards which are open to both seasoned professionals and gifted amateurs, meaning that both technologically advanced and those simpler, yet often most successful designs, are equally welcome.

The awards will mark Blackwood’s 50th Anniversary, since the it was founded by Dr Margaret Blackwood, a respected campaigner for improvement to help people with disabilities to live more independently.

Blackwood now operates more than 1500 properties across 29 local authorities, and invests in innovation and technology to help people live life to the full.

The charity has already built two developments of tech-smart ‘Blackwood Homes’ in Glasgow and Dundee which use a “CleverCogs” digital system to make life easier for older people and people with disabilities.

For more information or to enter the awards, please visit www.bespoken.me or e-mail bespoken@blackwoodgroup.org.uk. 

People looking to join can find more information at:

www.blackwoodgroup.org.uk/peoplehood 

or by messaging: getinvolved@blackwoodgroup.org.uk

For more information, please visit: https://www.blackwoodgroup.org.uk

Brighter Journeys:Waverley flower installation to boost mental health

A sensory flower installation is to be unveiled at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station in a bid to make the station feel ‘lighter and happier’ for passengers returning to rail travel following the lifting of Covid restrictions.

From tomorrow, passengers are being encouraged to take a moment to view the installation situated on the station’s concourse. It has been organised by Network Rail and the charity, Chasing the Stigma.

The unveiling of the installation coincides with data from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, which revealed that nearly three quarters of UK adults (70%) say their mental health has been negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Patrick Henry, station manager at Edinburgh Waverley, said, “Life since the pandemic is difficult for many people, with many challenges yet to be overcome and Mental Health Awareness Week is a timely reminder of the need to take care of ourselves and each other.

“That’s why we’re supporting Brighter Journeys and encouraging passengers who may be struggling, to share and download the Hub of Hope app.”

Jake Mills, founder of Chasing the Stigma and Hub of Hope app, added, “It is great to be working with Network Rail on the Brighter Journey’s campaign. Nature is really important for mental health, so we hope commuters enjoy seeing these floral installations and they puts a smile on people’s faces.

“We also hope that this acts as a reminder that no one is ever alone, and mental health support is available at any time, you don’t have to be in crisis to get help. If anyone is struggling or knows someone who needs help, please download the Hub of Hope app.”

It’s Bookbug Week!

All aboard for Bookbug’s Big Journey

Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, will host Bookbug Week from Monday 16 May – Sunday 22 May.

This year’s theme is Bookbug’s Big Journey, and Bookbug jumped on a vintage bus with families at the Riverside Museum to mark the occasion.

Bookbug Week will focus on all kinds of journeys, whether it’s the excitement of riding on the bus or a train, strolls through the park, an adventure to outer space or even just a trip out in a buggy. Scottish Book Trust is also reminding families that wee ones love hearing stories and songs when they’re out and about.

Bookbug Week is an annual celebration of Scotland’s national book-gifting programme and Song and Rhyme Sessions.

This year, Scottish Book Trust ran a competition for a new Bookbug Week illustration, and the winner was Dylan Gibson.

He illustrates picture books and illustrated stories for older children and reluctant readers and has produced artwork for dozens of books and covers. Dylan will run an online event showing children how they can draw their very own Bookbug Week picture.

Award winning illustrator Nick Sharratt and author Katrina Charman will host a live online event jam-packed with rhyming fun. They will be sharing book readings of their book, Car, Car, Truck, Jeep and The Whales on the Bus, with a fun draw-along to take part in too.

Many Bookbug Sessions will return in person – check Scottish Book Trust’s website to find a Session near you. The popular live Bookbug Session on Facebook will run on Friday 20 May at 10am.

Bookbug has recently launched their very own Instagram, and members of the public can join in the fun by sharing their own #BookbugWeek pictures and stories.

Families can access Bookbug’s Song and Rhyme library, via Scottish Book Trust’s  website, or on the free Bookbug app. There are also fun activities for children available on Scottish Book Trust’s Home Activities Hub.

An exciting Bookbug Week competition will run across Bookbug social media from Monday 16 May, and you could be in with a chance of winning a bundle of books and some transport goodies.

Clare Haughey, Minister for Children and Young People said: “I am very excited for Bookbug Week 2022 ‘Bookbug’s Big Journey’, knowing families will be able to enjoy sessions in libraries and community settings.

“Bookbug helps to encourage an early love of books among children while also providing great opportunities for parents and their wee ones to spend time together, having fun and learning.

“I am very proud that we have a universal national programme in Scotland, which supports all families to enjoy reading with their children from the earliest opportunity.  As well as laying the foundations of early literacy, the Bookbug sessions help to promote positive interactions and attachment for families, which we know is key to children’s health and wellbeing in the long term.

“I’m delighted that the Scottish Government are able to provide increased funding for 2022/23 of £1.7m for the continuation of the fabulous Bookbug programme.”

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “It’s wonderful to welcome families back to libraries and community groups for Bookbug Week and Bookbug Sessions.

“Our thanks to Dylan Gibson for designing this year’s wonderful Bookbug Week illustration. We hope everyone enjoys their Bookbug Week journey, and we look forward to seeing people across Scotland joining us in person and online.”

Hay fever: Doctor reveals everything you need to know about spotting the signs and treatments 

  • Doctor shares tips on how to manage hay fever symptoms over spring and summer
  • Giving your dog a bath could help minimise irritation!  

Now that it’s spring, the blooming flowers and warmer weather means that we’re officially in hay fever season.  

To support those who suffer from a reaction to pollen, Dr Rhianna McClymont lead GP at digital healthcare provider, Livi, shares tips on how to spot the signs and manage the symptoms so you can make the most of the British summer.  

What is hay fever? 

Hay fever is a type of allergic rhinitis – irritation and inflammation mainly in the nose and eyes as a response to something that triggers the immune system. In the case of hay fever, it’s an allergy to pollen in the air – tree pollen, grass pollen, and other plants can cause problems. 

When we have an allergic reaction, our body naturally releases chemicals called histamines as part of a natural protective response. Sometimes when we’re exposed to an allergen, like pollen, our body’s response is excessive and makes us feel unwell. Some people are more susceptible to these kinds of allergic response than others – this seems to be down to a combination of lifestyle, genetic and environmental factors. 

Common signs of hay fever: 

Hay fever can make you feel quite unwell and can mimic the symptoms of other related allergies. 

Some of the most common signs of hay fever include: 

  • Sneezing 
  • Runny nose 
  • Swollen, red and sore eyes 
  • A sore throat 
  • Itching 
  • Feeling very tired and generally unwell 
  • Poor sleep 

Some people also find that they get headaches and earaches, and hay fever can even affect your sense of taste and smell. 

When is it hay fever season? 

Hay fever season is usually between around March and September, when plants release pollen as trillions of microscopic particles. 

However, depending on the type of pollen, some people may start showing signs of hay fever as early as February.  

  • Grass pollen: This is the most common trigger for hay fever and is usually particularly active from May to July in the UK. 
  • Tree pollen: This affects people a little earlier in the year, between February and mid-summer. There might even be differences in how each person reacts to different types of trees. 
  • Weed pollen: From June to September, hay fever is more likely to be a reaction to weed pollen – common weeds which cause hay fever include dock, nettles, mugwort and ragweed. 
  • Crops: Some crops also cause problems around this time of year, particularly rapeseed, just before and around the time of harvest. 

Managing hay fever: 

Treating hay fever can be done effectively at home and for most people, following the below steps will be sufficient in helping you manage the symptoms.  

  • Use over-the-counter treatments: your local pharmacy is usually a good first port of call for hay fever relief. There are ample options on the market and a variety of ways to ingest the medicine.  
  • Plan ahead: take notice of which days are likely to be worse than others. Dry, windy days when the pollen count is high are particular culprits for causing hay fever, and you can take antihistamines in advance. You can usually find the pollen forecast on the weather report.  
  • Wash clothes (and pets): doing laundry and showering after you’ve been outside on high pollen days can help with signs of hay fever. For pets, especially dogs, pollen may get trapped in their fur after rolling around in the grass or running through plants. If this is a case, giving them a good clean can help get rid of the pollen.  
  • Dry clothes indoors: hanging laundry on the line will increase the amount of pollen you’re exposed to so opting for indoor drying can help reduce the risk of contamination.  

For those who begin to develop trouble breathing or if you’re struggling to manage with symptoms using over-the-counter medications, speaking to a doctor can help as there are stronger medications for hay fever available on prescription, or in severe cases, a GP may refer you to an allergy specialist.  

For more information and support on hay fever, please visit:

https://www.livi.co.uk/your-health/hay-fever-signs-and-treatment/  

RCEM: ‘Now is the time for an Urgent and Emergency Care plan’

Responding to the latest Emergency Department performance figures published by NHS England for April 2022, Dr Katherine Henderson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “The crisis in Urgent and Emergency Care continues to deteriorate.

“The data show 24,000 patients were delayed in an Emergency Department for 12-hours or more (from decision to admit to admission). This is a staggering and grim number and should seriously alarm all political and health leaders. Patients are coming to harm; now is the time for an Urgent and Emergency Care plan to tackle this crisis.

“The situation is more serious than it has ever been. Patients face long waits for an ambulance, long waits in an ambulance outside an Emergency Department, and long waits in the Emergency Department. These long waits delay care and treatment to patients who may be in a critical condition, and they prevent our highly skilled paramedics from returning to the community and responding to urgent and emergency calls.

“At the heart of the issue are reduced bed capacity in hospitals mixed with an increase in the number long-stay patients – social care patients who do not have sufficient support to return home or to the community – and widespread workforce shortages throughout the system.

“To tackle the crisis the government must publish a fully funded workforce plan that includes measures to retain existing staff, and open 10,000 more beds across the UK.”

Responding to the government’s announcement of more funding for nursing in care homes, Dr Henderson continued: “This announcement is welcome. Social Care nurses have long been undervalued and under-acknowledged. This increase in pay is a welcome step towards showing them the appreciation and gratitude they highly deserve.

“However, it is a shame to see that this increase in funding is limited to NHS-funded nursing care. The entire social care workforce deserves the same acknowledgement and reward. It is critical that during this crisis we attract and retain social care workers and value their time and effort by paying a wage that reflects the significance of their role.

“Good social care supports an efficient health service. Good social care can help prevent A&E attendances. Good social care will support patients moving in and out of hospital in a timely way. Crucially, good social care frees up space for other patients and increases flow throughout the hospital.”

Expansion to Hospital at Home

£3.6 million to expand services

A further £3.6 million is being made available to support the expansion of Hospital at Home services, with the aim of doubling current capacity by the end of 2022.

The purpose of the service is to reduce hospital admissions for elderly patients by providing treatments in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.

The service enables people to receive treatments that would otherwise require them to be admitted to hospital, such as an intravenous drip or oxygen supply. It also provides access to hospital tests under the care of a consultant in their own home.

Evidence shows that those benefitting from the service are more likely to avoid hospital or care home stays for up to six months after a period of acute illness. For older patients, it means being able to stay at home longer without losing their independence and this has contributed to overall improvements in patient satisfaction. It also helps alleviate pressure on hospital beds.

The Scottish Government’s total investment in these services is now £8.1 million since 2020.

As well as Hospital at Home, the Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Treatment scheme and Respiratory Community Response Teams now offer more than 600 virtual beds to treat patients for conditions that would traditionally need hospitalisation, an increase of more than a third from 440 virtual beds at the start of January 2022.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf announced the further funding on a visit to NHS Forth Valley’s Hospital at Home service. He said: “Hospital at Home is one of the many ways we are providing more care in the community and reducing pressure on hospitals. 

“From the success of the scheme so far, we can see that there is a real benefit to treating people at home where possible.

“We know that frail patients tend to occupy hospital beds for a longer period of time and that is why we are expanding the scheme. In reducing the number of prolonged hospital stays, we will free up more hospital beds.

“With additional funding, all health boards can apply for money to either develop or expand their services with the aim of doubling the capacity of Hospital at Home by the end of the this year.”

Dr Sarah Henderson, Consultant Geriatrician for NHS Forth Valley’s Hospital at Home Team, said: “Developing this important service has enabled us to provide the same high standard of clinical care and treatment patients would receive in hospital without the need for them to leave their own home.

“We know from feedback how much local patients have valued being able to stay in familiar, comfortable surroundings without the anxiety and disruption often associated with an admission to hospital. This is also less stressful for family and friends who know that their loved one is getting all the medical care and attention   they require at home.”

Helen Sammels from Alloa has been supported twice by the Hospital at Home team when she required treatment for a respiratory condition.

She said: “I am sure I got better, quicker by being able to stay at home. It really made a difference being in my own surroundings, but I still got the care, services and tests I required. The Hospital at Home team were great, and I feel really grateful for all the treatment and support they provided.

“I also have a little dog and I didn’t want to leave her so being able to stay at home with her was very important to me and fortunately with the support of the Hospital at Home team I was able to do this.”

UK trade suicides visualised in Lunch atop a Skyscraper recreation

For Mental Health Awareness Week (9th-15th May), the iconic ‘Lunch atop a Skyscraper’ image has been recreated with 11 mannequins to represent the number of tradespeople who die from suicide each week. 

The display was organised by IronmongeryDirect as part of its annual campaign to raise awareness of mental health amongst the UK trades. 

Its 2022 report found that more than four in five (82%) UK tradespeople deal with some form of mental health problem due to work, and sadly, many take their own lives as a result. 

Government data shows that there are 589 suicides in the industry each year, which works out at 11 per week, on average. 

To visualise this tragic statistic, IronmongeryDirect positioned 11 mannequins on a platform, which was then lifted 30m into the air by a crane that was kindly donated by the excellent team at Bandshire Crane Hire. 

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the original skyscraper photo being taken, and the number of ironworkers in the scene matches the weekly suicide figure. 

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The original Lunch atop a Skyscraper photo from 1932 

As part of its campaign, the Essex-based ironmongery supplier has partnered with the mental health charity, Basildon Mind, and is donating over £3,000 to support its crucial services. 

Emma Mamo, Head of Workspace Wellbeing at Mind, said: “In male-dominated industries such as construction, employees are often less willing and able to open up about their mental health and ask for support.

“This can be problematic because mental health problems often become worse if left untreated, and the consequences can be fatal.  

“We urge employers to create cultures where employees can speak openly and honestly about their mental health.” 

Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, said: “The Lunch atop a Skyscraper image is famous for its message of hope for the industry and camaraderie between workers, so it’s heart-breaking to think that the same number of tradespeople seen in the photo die from suicide every single week. 

“Unfortunately, our research found that almost nine in ten individuals don’t feel comfortable talking about their mental health, yet this is one of the most positive steps people can take to start addressing any issues.  

“We hope that by raising awareness of mental health in the trades, this stigma can be removed and the situation can start to improve.” 

To read IronmongeryDirect’s Mental Health in the Trades: 2022 report, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/research/mental-health-in-the-trades/  

The Health and Safety Executive’s Working Minds campaign aims to raise awareness of the legal obligations that employers have to protect employees from work-related stress and its impact on mental health.

Take the Working Minds quiz to find out more preventing work-related stress Working Minds Quiz – Work Right to keep Britain safe (campaign.gov.uk)

Healthy Heart Tip: Mental Health and our Hearts

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

This week is mental health awareness week. We know that each year one in four of us will experience some sort of mental health problem.

Long-term mental health problems can increase our risk of developing heart disease, which is one of the reasons why it is important that we look after our mental health by combating stress, maximising our ability to cope, and seeking support.

Here are some tips to keep our mental health in check:

Create Balance

  • Aim to balance your day-to-day demands with regular exercise, me-time and a good sleep routine to increase your resilience levels

Use your Support Network

  • Having someone you can talk to about your mental health can help you to better deal with any problems you are experiencing. This could be a friend, family member, or mental health professional.

Check-In

  • Checking in with ourselves and noticing trends in our behaviour and the way we feel can help us to know when we may need to seek help or put something in place to support our mental health. Apps such as Formscore, Thought Diary or Daylio offer an easy way to track our wellbeing over time.

Ask for Help

  • If we feel any of the signs and symptoms of a mental health problem, it is important to ask for help. You can speak with your GP or use a mental health charity support line such as Samaritans.

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips.

To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-recipes-2/.

Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers:

https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-cookbook/.

More than half the population unaware of stroke as one of the biggest killers

More than half of Scots unaware that stroke is one of the biggest killers in the UK, according to Stroke Association study

More than half of people in Scotland don’t know that stroke is the fourth biggest killer in the UK, according to new research by the Stroke Association. The charity has released the survey findings as it calls for vital support to fund more research into the devastating condition.

A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, killing brain cells. The charity’s latest study asked the general public to rank health conditions in order of the leading causes of death. 55% of people in Scotland who ranked stroke placed it below its actual position as the UK’s fourth biggest killer2.

The research also revealed that over one in ten people (14%) in Scotland underestimate the impact of stroke, believing that stroke ranks lower than its actual position as the fifth leading cause of disability (and death combined) in the UK3. In fact, two thirds of people who survive a stroke find themselves living with a disability.

There are1.3 million stroke survivors living in the UK, with over 50% of all stroke survivors dependent on others for everyday activities. However, the Stroke Association’s survey also found that people don’t understand the true long term damage a stroke can cause. 

In Scotland:

·       Around two-thirds (62%) of people are unaware that fatigue is a common hidden effect of stroke

·       More than half (57%) don’t realise that stroke can cause depression and anxiety

·       Over a quarter of people (29%) don’t know that communication difficulties are common after stroke

·       More than two thirds of people (67%) don’t know that stroke can affect hearing

·       Almost two thirds (61%) are unaware that stroke survivors can experience vision problems

Despite the devastating impact of stroke, stroke research is chronically underfunded and receives far less funding than other health conditions that have similar life-long effects. In the UK far less is spent per survivor on research into stroke than research into any other health condition.

Data shows that annually, only 1.2% of research budgets (approx. £30m) are spent on stroke, compared with 14.8% (approx. £400m) on cancer, while there are 1.3m people living with the effects of stroke in the UK and 2.5m living with cancer. However, the survey reveals many Brits believe more research funding is spent on stroke than other conditions including prostate cancer, dementia and chronic lower respiratory diseases.

The study also found that more than half of people (53%) think that the number of deaths from stroke has increased in the last 10 years. However, despite stroke being the UK’s fourth biggest killer, the rate of deaths has actually decreased by more than half in the last three decades thanks in part to life saving research5, demonstrating the crucial need for continued investment in stroke research.

Professor Jesse Dawson, University of Glasgow said: “Strokes are caused when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, most commonly as a result of a blood clot (known as an ischaemic stroke).

“The longer the brain is starved of oxygen the more brain cells die and the bigger and more lasting the effects of stroke are. We are testing when it’s best to start blood thinning medications after an ischaemic stroke. This research has the potential to prevent death and disability from stroke and to minimise some of the life-long effects caused by stroke.

“Our research is only possible through funding by UK charities – like the Stroke Association, who have played a key role in the breakthroughs we have seen in stroke research over recent decades. Supporting stroke research is vital to prevent stroke and to help stroke survivors to live a fuller life after such a devastating event.”

Ruth Hector from Stirling, had two strokes at the age of 30.  It was devastating and impacted her mobility, her speech and her mood.  Ruth went into deep depression ending up in a mental health unit.

And then six weeks after her first stroke, Ruth had a second one.  It’s taken a lot of hard work and determination, but thankfully Ruth is now back at work, is enjoying her hobbies.

Ruth Hector’s life was turned upside down when she had two strokes at the age of 30 in August and October 2016. The strokes happened just six weeks apart. Ruth’s stroke was devastating and impacted her mobility, her speech and her mood. She went into deep depression and spent time being treated in a mental health unit. 

Ruth was unable to go back to work and could no longer carry out the everyday things that we take for granted, such as being able to walk up the stairs or read a book smoothly/clearly. 

It’s taken a lot of hard work and determination, but thankfully Ruth is now back at work, has written several children’s books and is able to enjoy her hobbies.

Ruth says: “Not enough people know that strokes can be fatal and can leave people with devastating disabilities. I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t talk, it was hell. But I’ve come a long way and couldn’t have done it without good treatment and care. 

“I received some life-saving treatments in hospital including thrombolysis and thrombectomy, and benefitted from physiotherapy and speech and language therapy which helped me to walk and to talk again. 

“I can now walk everywhere and as well as being able to read, and my writing has taken leaps and bounds. I’ve got my confidence back and that is really important because I believe in myself again, and that anything is possible.

“The impact of a stroke can be a life sentence, but thanks to research into new treatments and forms of support, I have made a good recovery and so can others.”

John Watson, Associate Director Scotland of the Stroke Association, said: “There are about 10,000 strokes in Scotland every year. While it changes lives in an instant, the brain can adapt and rebuild after stroke.  

“That’s why research means everything to Scotland’s 128,000 stroke survivors and their families, because of the life-changing impact it could have on their future. Our pioneering research has been at the centre of major breakthroughs that have saved lives and sparked innovation in stroke care and treatment.

“From laying the foundations for the Act FAST campaign, one of the most successful public health awareness campaigns, to funding early research into the emergency stroke treatment thrombectomy (the manual removal of stroke-causing blood clots), many patients have been spared the most devastating effects of stroke as a result of our research.

“Despite stroke still being the fourth biggest killer in the UK, research has helped to more than halve the rate of deaths from stroke over the last three decades. It’s absolutely crucial that we continue this progress, but we can’t do this without vital funding. Far less is spent ‘per survivor’ on research into stroke than on research into any other health condition.  

“We would never want to take researchers or money away from other conditions such as cancer, but we do want to replicate the success that cancer research has had, so that we can continue to make breakthroughs in stroke treatment and care.

“Now our focus is on improving life, after stroke strikes. The Stroke Association is the only UK organisation dedicated to funding research into ongoing rehabilitation for stroke survivors. Our research means everything to stroke survivors and their families. It gives hope for a better recovery, living more independently, a future.

“We’re calling on people to donate where they can to support our research and help give stroke survivors and their families the progress they deserve.”

Donate to help fund the research that could mean everything to stroke survivors and their loved ones.

Funds raised will go towards vital services for stroke survivors across the UK, including support and pioneering research.

Visit www.stroke.org.uk/supportresearch

Culture Minister Keeps the Heid and Reads in Stockbridge Library!

Scottish Government Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, Neil Gray MSP, attended a literary lunch at Stockbridge Library yesterday to celebrate the ‘national reading moment’, as part of the Keep the Heid and Read! campaign.

Joining local book groups, as well as the library’s visually impaired audio book group, Mr Gray listened to live reads from renowned local crime author Gillian Galbraith at a special event coordinated by Edinburgh Libraries.

Hosted as part of the Keep the Heid and Read! campaign, led by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) in partnership with MHF the Mental Health Foundation and the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH), with support from Baillie Gifford and many more, Gillian led a series of six-minute reads, followed by a Q&A session, to inspire people of all ages and abilities to read every day to help boost their mental health and wellbeing.

Joan Parr, Service Director Culture and Wellbeing for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Reading for pleasure can have a hugely positive impact on our wellbeing and the ‘Keep the Heid and Read’ campaign is a great way of reminding people about the health benefits of reading.

“Taking time out and reading something for just six minutes a day helps boost your mental health and there’s no better place to do this than our libraries which are full of a wide range of great materials.

“Our libraries are invaluable resources for local communities and we all know there’s so much more to them than just borrowing books – they are trusted and much-loved services which strengthen local communities and are essential for the wellbeing of everyone using them.”

Taking place during Mental Health Week 2022 (9-15 May 2022), the campaign, conceptualised by the post-lockdown plea for public libraries to reopen, encouraged people in Scotland to take part in the ‘national reading moment’ on Wednesday 11 May, with a pledge to read for just six minutes.

Research shows that reading for six minutes a day can reduce stress by 68 per cent – in people of all ages. 

At the time of the event, the campaign had already surpassed its target of 300,000 pledged reading minutes, with support from around the country.

An online totaliser, capturing the growing number of reading minutes pledged towards the national reading moment, is available at: www.keeptheheid.scot.

Culture Minister Neil Gray said: “I’m delighted that so many people took part in the Keep the Heid and Read campaign led by the Scottish Library and Information Council.

“Reading not only sparks our imaginations but also boosts our mental health and well-being. I hope that everyone who took part will continue to enjoy these benefits by making reading a routine part of their daily lives.”

Pamela Tulloch, chief executive at SLIC said: “There has been such a positive response to the Keep the Heid and Read! campaign and we have seen such creativity go into special events around the reading moment, like the literary lunch at Stockbridge Library, which have helped bring people together and inspire the public to support the reading pledge.

“Our libraries are a fantastic resource, filled with an abundance of free reading materials – whatever your interests and ability; but they also play a valuable role in reconnecting communities. With the majority of libraries now reopen across Scotland following the pandemic, we hope these services will help the public take this easy-to-implement reading habit forward in daily life to benefit their wellbeing.”