Tag: Health and wellbeing

‘When the Words Away Went’

STROKE ASSOCIATION talks APHASIA

Nearly half Scots have never heard of aphasia, despite 350,000 people living with the condition in the UK.

  • New research from the Stroke Association reveals a huge lack of public awareness and knowledge of aphasia – a language and communication disorder most commonly caused by stroke
  • Of the Scots who have heard of aphasia nearly one in two (46%) are unclear as to what it is
  • Almost two thirds (68%) of Scots lack confidence in spotting the common effects of aphasia. 
  • To address this and raise awareness of aphasia, the charity has produced a documentary ‘When the Words Away Went’ available to watch on
    stroke.org.uk/film or stream on Channel 4 from Friday 26th May

New research from the Stroke Association reveals nearly half of the Scottish  public (45%) have never heard of aphasia*, despite it affecting over 350,000 people in the UK.

Aphasia is a language and communication disorder – with stroke being the biggest cause. The condition often has a profound effect on someone’s ability to speak, read, write and/or use numbers.  There are 128,000 stroke survivors living in Scotland and over a third (40%) will experience aphasia after their stroke. 

The new research* from the UK’s leading stroke charity highlights that most Brits don’t know about the disorder, and the huge impact it has on people’s lives. Moreover, nearly half (46%) of those who have heard of aphasia are unclear as to what it is.  

To help raise awareness of aphasia, the Stroke Association has launched ‘When the Words Away Went’, a documentary about three stroke survivors living with aphasia embarking on their journey to find their voice and rebuild their lives. 

The documentary aims to equip people with the knowledge, understanding and confidence to support those living with aphasia. Currently, most people (72%) lack confidence in recognising its symptoms and less than half of people (42%) would feel confident in communicating with someone with the disorder.

Whilst aphasia does not affect intelligence, the majority of Scots (68%) think being able to speak or communicate well is a sign of intellect, which can create huge barriers for those with aphasia. In fact, a fifth of adults (20%) also admit that, if they met someone who had problems communicating, they would assume that person had a learning difficulty. 

John Watson, Associate Director Scotland of the Stroke Association said: “Aphasia is very common, affecting over a third of stroke survivors, so it’s disheartening to see such low awareness and knowledge of aphasia amongst the general public. 

“Most of us can’t imagine living with aphasia, but it makes everyday tasks like getting on the bus or talking to a friend daunting, made worse by misconceptions that people with aphasia lack intelligence. This can often lead to anxiety and depression, feeling excluded from society and difficulties with personal relationships.

“We want to encourage everyone to watch our new documentary ‘When the Words Away Went’, featuring stories from three inspiring stroke survivors impacted by aphasia, so the public can better understand the condition and become an ally to those affected. Together we can help make the lives of those living with aphasia a little bit easier.” 

The research also highlights other common misconceptions around aphasia including, over a fifth (25%) of Scots Brits believing that aphasia only affects someone’s ability to talk and one in ten people mistakenly thinking that aphasia can’t improve.

Tom Middlemass, 59, from Edinburgh – featuring in the documentary said: “When you have aphasia, you find people shout at you when they talk to you. You get that all the time.  

“People need to know that those with aphasia are not dumb. There’s a person behind that voice who is struggling. It’s very hard to get these words out. It exhausts you.”

“The Stroke Association is here for everyone affected by aphasia, providing support and an important reminder that there is hope. Aphasia can and does improve, and with the right help people with aphasia can live normal lives.”

Watch the ‘When the Words Away Went’ online at stroke.org.uk/film or stream on Channel 4 now.

To find out more about aphasia and how you can support those affected, visit https://www.stroke.org.uk/aphasia.

Call for greater resourcing as spending to support vulnerable children is slashed by over a third

  • Cut of £1,870 per pupil since 2012/13 on spending for those identified with ASN
  • Postcode lottery of spending between local authorities on ASN
  • Near doubling in the number of pupils with ASN from 2012
  • Cut in the number of ASN teachers by more than 500

An alliance of leading providers of specialist children’s services, the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), has called for greater resourcing to support children and young people with additional support needs (ASN), such as autism, dyslexia and mental health problems.

The call comes as new figures contained in a parliamentary answer to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth MSP. This reveals that spending supporting those pupils with ASN has slumped by over a third. It comes against a backdrop of the number of pupils with ASN increasing dramatically and the number of specialist teachers supporting them dropping to a new low.

While the SCSC supports a presumption of mainstreamingfor pupils with ASN, meaning that they are educated in a mainstream school unless exceptional circumstances, without adequate resourcing there is an obvious impact on those with ASN, fellow pupils and teachers.

The SCSC is calling on the Scottish Government to increase funding to support the needs of vulnerable children and young people, including greater provision of specialist ASN teachers, educational psychologists and classroom assistants.

The figures highlight that average spending per pupil on additional support for learning by councils in Scotland (primary, secondary and special education) has fallen from £5,381 in the 2012/13 financial year to £3,511 in 2021/22 (in real terms). This amounts to an overall cut in spending of £1,870 per pupil, representing a 34.8 per cent drop.

There is a wide variation in spending on pupils who need additional support, ranging from £2,278 per pupil in the Scottish Borders to £6,887 in the Shetland Islands, highlighting a postcode lottery in spending across local authorities.

This fall is against the backdrop of a 97.2 per cent increase between 2012 and 2021 in the number of pupils identified with ASN, from 118,011 to 232,753, amounting to 114,742 individuals. Those with ASNcurrently represent around a third of all pupils (33.0 per cent).

Between 2012 and 2021 the number of full-time equivalent ASN teachers (publicly funded primary, secondary, special and centrally employed) has fallen from 3,389 to an all-time low of 2,886, a decrease of 503 teachers, representing a cut in numbers of 14.8 per cent.

Against the background of Covid-19 and the cost-of-living crisis, with its disproportionate impact on those with ASN, the SCSC has called for greater resourcing from both the Scottish Government and councils to ensure that those with ASN receive the care and support they need, provided in an equitable manner across Scotland.

A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “It is vital that those with ASN get the care and support they need, when they need it, especially given the impacts of the Covid-19 and cost-of-living crisis.

“This is also key if we are to genuinely close the educational attainment gap, as we know that those with ASN are disproportionately drawn from poorer neighbourhoods.

“We are in a mental health emergency and have also witnessed dramatic increases in classroom disruption, impacting on pupils and teachers alike. This is in part due to increased levels of social, emotional and behavioural difficulties post-lockdown.

“Given this, it is disappointing to note cuts in spending supporting those with ASN and we would urge the Scottish Government to adequately resource the provision of the likes of specialist teachers, educational psychologists and classroom assistants.

“Councils and the Scottish Government must work together to provide an adequately resourced and equitable system of support across Scotland for those children and young people with ASN, representing some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society. “

ASL spending per pupil (£, cash terms)

 2021-22
Aberdeen City3,149
Aberdeenshire2,366
Angus3,117
Argyll and Bute3,722
City of Edinburgh3,278
Clackmannanshire5,252
Dumfries and Galloway3,340
Dundee City2,391
East Ayrshire4,368
East Dunbartonshire4,351
East Lothian3,708
East Renfrewshire2,964
Falkirk3,932
Fife2,848
Glasgow City4,635
Highland3,044
Inverclyde3,905
Midlothian4,358
Moray3,342
Na h-Eileanan Siar5,676
North Ayrshire2,147
North Lanarkshire5,571
Orkney Islands4,543
Perth and Kinross3,105
Renfrewshire3,629
Scottish Borders2,278
Shetland Islands6,887
South Ayrshire4,881
South Lanarkshire3,722
Stirling2,500
West Dunbartonshire3,479
West Lothian2,887
All Local Authorities3,511

Keeping The Promise

Minister responds to major report on redesigning the children’s hearings system

Minister for Keeping the Promise Natalie Don has welcomed a landmark independent report that sets out more than 100 recommendations for transforming Scotland’s unique children’s hearings system.

‘Hearings for Children’ has been developed following a 20-month review of the children’s hearings system, and how it can be reformed to better support children needing care and protection.

The work has been led by Sheriff David Mackie, the Promise Scotland and the Hearings System Working Group (HSWG) and follows on from the publication of the Independent Care Review (The Promise), which recommended a review and redesign of the children’s hearings system.

The Scottish Government will now take the time necessary to carefully consider the proposals contained within the report before responding later in the year.

Speaking at the launch of the report, Minister for Keeping the Promise Natalie Don said: “The Children’s Hearings System is unique to Scotland and for over 50 years, the dedication and commitment of those working within it has been outstanding.

“However, the Promise is clear that the system needs to change, as children’s experiences in the system haven’t always reflected that investment of care and skill.

“I am very grateful to Sheriff Mackie, the Promise Scotland and the wider Hearings System Working Group for this crucial report. It has clearly been developed with care and we must apply the same levels of care and diligence when considering our response.

“The Scottish Government will now move forward with a programme of transformational change founded on this report. We’ll reflect on the legal, financial and workforce implications of these proposals before responding more fully later in the year. We will work closely with all partners, including those in the responsible agencies such as COSLA and Social Work Scotland to deliver wholesale positive change.

“Where early positive change is possible, I am clear that should happen quickly. The changes that need new law or new structures will take time, but I want to assure children, families and those that work in the system that there will be opportunities to contribute, and to shape future reforms. Children, young people and the care-experienced community – along with volunteers and professionals – want to see this work yielding positive, sustainable change. I am determined that we will deliver that for them.”

Scots want to see more done to limit tobacco sales and use

A report published yesterday by Healthcare Improvement Scotland finds that people want more to be done to limit the sales of tobacco products.

The survey, commissioned by the Scottish Government, asked questions which will form part of a refreshed plan to be published this autumn, to support a tobacco-free Scotland.

The Citizens’ Panel survey, which ran between November 2022 and February 2023, found that of the 667 people who responded to the survey, 75% want more action to be taken to further limit who can sell tobacco products, and while 63% agreed the legal age to buy them should be raised from 18 to 21, 25% were opposed.  

Some 65% agreed that Scotland should increase the legal age of the sale of nicotine vaping products from 18 to 21 years.

In addition, the survey found that 80% of respondents said that they either strongly agreed or agreed that action should be taken to further limit who can sell nicotine vaping products. Just 9% either disagreed or strongly disagreed.

In addition, 67% felt packaging, in pack information and the appearance of cigarettes should be made more unappealing. Some 64% agreed that taxes on tobacco and vaping products should be raised, but nearly a quarter of respondents (23%) disagreed with this.

There was also wide agreement that the smoking ban should be widened to create more smoke-free areas where children congregate, such as outside schools and play parks, with almost nine in ten respondents (86%) in agreement. Just 8% disagreed.

The report recommends that the Scottish Government considers including all the measures that have the strongest public support in its Tobacco Action Plan 2023.

It adds that the Scottish Government should then consider further around more punitive measures, such as raising the age of purchase and raising taxation on tobacco and vaping products. After assessing the impact of these measures, these could also be implemented following a staged approach.

Clare Morrison, Director of Community Engagement at Healthcare Improvement Scotland said: “As Scotland looks to become tobacco-free in the near future, this shows that the majority of people believe more should be done to limit access for younger people to tobacco and vaping.”

Visit our Community Engagement website to access the full report.

Gail’s sights firmly set on her home city Marathon

A woman who has had two emergency eye operations is aiming to run her first 26.2 miles at the Edinburgh Marathon on May 28th.

Gail Burns, from Edinburgh, is running to fundraise for sight loss charity, RNIB Scotland, who supported her father in his diagnosis of Age-Related Macular Degeneration just two years ago. The condition, which affects over 300,000 people in Scotland, leaves him with limited central vision.

Gail was initially offered a charity place in the London Marathon in 2022, but was unaware that she faced sight issues herself:

“I had to have an emergency eye operation for a detached retina and then a second operation in 2023,” she says. “I sadly had to pull out of the London Marathon twice due to these operations and recovery.”

Gail has previously run a half marathon but due to pain in her hamstrings, was advised to stop running nine years ago. However, on finding a motivating Physio and Personal Trainer, Gail started training for her first marathon.

“I’ve met a lot of people with sight impairments- all very resilient and inspiring – from my Dad, other runners, to RNIB staff and advocates raising awareness of sight issues. I’m pleased to finally be running the Edinburgh Marathon on 28 May for RNIB and I also to have a place in London for April 2024!

“By the time May 28th comes around, I will have been marathon training for 1 year. This is due to stopping and starting during my training plan due to the eye issues and operation recovery times. Training has been tough at times but as it’s my first marathon, my goal is just to get around injury-free!”

* You can support Gail by donating via her JustGiving web-page at:

  https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gailmburns

Care home provides peace of mind with healthcare initiative

Cramond care home committed to improving the lives of elderly residents


A TOP Edinburgh care home has ensured the wellbeing of its elderly residents by organising visits from a local GP twice weekly.

The initiative has ensured that residents at Cramond Residence have access to healthcare on a private basis to help them with accessibility and to prevent potential issues before they occur.

The GP visits are included within the home’s current rates and have been designed to complement each resident’s personal care plans, bringing together all aspects of a person’s wellbeing – from nutritional advice and emotional welfare to physiotherapy and organised activities.

Christian Daraio, Client Liaison Manager at the 74-bedroom home, said: “Some of our residents are frail and lack mobility, making getting to the doctor’s a stressful and daunting experience.

“That is why we were exceptionally keen to offer our residents access to a GP without having to leave the comfort of their own homes.

“We set up a special clinic in the home where our visiting GP holds twice weekly private consultations for routine check-ups and residents can advise our onsite care team if they would like an appointment.

“The collaborative approach has been offered since we first opened in 2018 and is a unique feature that is much appreciated by residents and their family members. It gives peace of mind that a loved one has direct access to expert health professionals – on top of our day-to-day care.”

This feature is provided alongside the home’s exclusive partnership with Balanced, Edinburgh’s leading team of physiotherapists, who work with residents individually to improve mobility and increase activity.

Cramond Residence is located to the north of the city and adopts a small-group living philosophy spread across three floors. That means groups of eight rooms form distinct “houses”, where residents are encouraged to eat and socialise together.

The home provides a range of activities specially designed to give residents a richer and more satisfying life, with specialist facilities and trained staff on hand to provide support & relief.

To find out more about Cramond Residence, visit: cramondresidence.co.uk/ or contact enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk.

Majority of Scots will take COVID-19 vaccines in the future

A report published yesterday by Healthcare Improvement Scotland finds that the majority of Scots will take COVID-19 vaccines in the future, based on their experiences with COVID-19.

The survey, commissioned by the Scottish Government, asked questions about people’s motivations around vaccination as we move away from the pandemic.

Uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine has been high and the survey asked people if they would take up new offers of COVID-19 vaccination, or, if not, to understand their reasons why.

The Citizens’ Panel survey, which ran between November 2022 and February 2023, found that of the 667 people who responded to the survey, the majority of respondents (72%) said they would take up the offer of the COVID-19 vaccine in the future. The survey also found that of those who will take up the offer of the COVID-19 vaccine in future, their main reasons were to protect themselves (88%) and to protect others (82%).

One respondent said: “If I can do this to help myself and others, and know the vigorous testing the vaccines have gone through, then why wouldn’t I accept the vaccine?”

Some 12% said they would decline the offer and 17% were not sure. Where respondents did not want it, the most common reason given was concern over possible long-term side effects of the vaccine.

In addition, all respondents were asked if their decision about getting the COVID-19 vaccine has changed over time. The majority said that their decision has not changed (82%). Some 16% said they wanted it at first, but now they don’t, and just 2% said that they didn’t want it at first but now they do.

The survey asks if people are more or less likely to take up the offer of other vaccines, such as flu or childhood vaccines, based on their COVID-19 vaccine experiences, with 36% saying  more likely, 56% saying it’s made no difference, and just 7% saying they are less likely.

Simon Watson, Medical Director at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: “Vaccination is an absolutely essential element of our response to COVID-19 including future variants. It is vital to protect individuals, their families and the wider population of Scotland.”

Clare Morrison, Director of Community Engagement at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: “The findings around vaccination motivations highlight the positive public attitudes towards vaccination, as well as potential areas for improvement, mainly around the need to develop clear and accessible information about vaccine side effects and the benefits of vaccination including their effectiveness against serious illness.”

The report recommends the Scottish Government should continue to consider how to ensure positive and accessible vaccination experiences for all.

It also notes the Government should consider exploring people’s concerns further and their experiences around side effects. Developing further clear and accessible messaging around side effects, and the benefits and effectiveness of vaccination against serious illness may help address this.

Visit our Community Engagement website to access the full report.

Tai Chi at Fresh Start

We will be running Tai Chi classes in the Hub space at Ferry Road Drive from Wednesday 7th June from 1.30 – 2.30pm. This is a very relaxing form of light exercise, good for the mind and body!

We have spaces for 10 and people don’t have to come every week, if they prefer to drop in week to week as it suits them, they can.

Please share with your networks and ask people to sign up by emailing me if they are interested: Abigail@freshstartweb.org.uk

Tai-Chi-flierDownload

Abi

New pay offer for Scotland’s junior doctors: 14.5% over two years

Junior doctors across Scotland have been offered a 14.5% pay uplift over the two year period 2022-24, following negotiations with BMA Scotland.

This represents a £61.3 million investment in junior doctor pay – the largest in the last 20 years and the best offer in the UK.

If accepted, the new and final offer will be a pay raise of 6.5% in 2023/24, as well as an additional 3% towards an already agreed 4.5% uplift in 2022/23. This amounts to a cumulative increase of 14.5% over two years and matches the recent pay award accepted by nurses and other NHS workers in 2023. 

This offer means a doctor at the beginning of their career would receive a total salary increase of £3,834 over two years. For those at the end of their training the rise would be £7,951 over the same period. 

Health Secretary Michael Matheson said: “After weeks of intense negotiations I’m delighted our government and BMA Scotland have come to an agreement on pay which they will now put to their members.

“Recognising the incredible work that junior doctors do, we have offered a fair and progressive rise which will mean a pay increase of 14.5% over two years – the best offer on the table in the UK.

“We have taken their concerns regarding pay, and the need to modernise pay bargaining more broadly, extremely seriously. It’s now up to junior doctors to reflect on this final offer, and I hope they will accept.”

How to set up a Meditation Studio in your home

World Meditation Day (May 21st)

Meditation comes with a huge number of benefits, so it’s no wonder it’s becoming more and more popular for people to meditate each day.

Incorporating meditation into your daily routine can help to boost your mood, drive creativity, improve your relationships, improve memory, and bring a lot more love, joy, and gratitude into your life.

Meditation is also great for lowering stress, which is extremely beneficial for both your physical and mental health.

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To celebrate World Meditation Day on May 21st, interior design expert Ryan McDonough at MyJobQuote.co.uk has created a guide on how to set up a successful meditation studio in your home.

By creating a space dedicated to meditation in your home, you’ll find it much easier to incorporate meditation into your daily lifestyle.

Take a look at the guide below to find out more about how you can set up a meditation studio in your own home:.

Choose The Right Space

When looking for the right space in your home for a meditation studio, you want to choose somewhere that is quiet, comfortable, and free from distractions. Choose a space in your home that can be dedicated solely to meditation. A spare room would be the perfect choice. If you don’t have enough space in your home, consider converting a corner of a room into a meditation space.

When you find the right spot for your meditation space, remove any clutter and distractions that may exist in your chosen area. Create a clean and organised space that promotes a sense of calmness and tranquillity.

Think About The Ambience

When designing your meditation space, it’s important to consider the ambience of the space. Think about colours and lighting when designing the space. Earthy tones and pastel shades work best in meditation settings, as these colours are calm and help you feel connected to nature. When it comes to the lighting in the space, choose soft, warm lighting. Dimmed lighting is great for creating a soothing atmosphere.

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You can add a few elements to the space to improve the overall ambience. Things like plants, candles, and natural materials in accents can help to enhance the peaceful vibe.

Have Comfort In Mind

It’s essential that you choose a comfortable chair or cushion for your meditation practice. A meditation cushion or a yoga mat can help to provide adequate support when you’re completing seated meditation sessions.

You also want to ensure that your seating arrangement promotes good posture. You must be able to sit comfortably in the space for extended periods of time.

Create a Focal Point

It’s a good idea to create a focal point in your mediation space that you can direct your attention to during your sessions. This may be something like a statue, an altar, a piece of artwork, some crystals, or an arrangement of natural objects that hold some personal significance to you.

The object or objects for your focal point should be placed in a position where you can easily see them while meditating. It must be captivating without being distracting.

Think About External Noise

Meditation requires peace and quiet, so it’s important to think about ways in which you can minimise external noises and distractions.

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If needed, it may be relevant to install some soundproofing materials in the space to eliminate external noises. Alternatively, consider investing in a white noise machine or a speaker from which you can play some soothing meditation music to overpower external noises. Meditation apps are also great for finding sounds to accompany your meditation sessions.

Accessorise Mindfully

To keep your meditation space from being boring, you can add a few accessories. Select things that can enhance your meditation sessions. Some examples include things like blankets, meditation cushions, essential oils, and soft, natural decorations. Keep your personal preferences in mind. You want to space to feel calming and personal.

It’s also a good idea to bring some natural elements into the space. Natural materials and indoor plants are great options. If possible, it’s also beneficial to place your meditation space close to a window with a view of nature or natural light.

Keep The Space Clean and Organised

It’s important to keep on top of keeping your meditation space clean and organised. Regular cleaning and decluttering are essential in maintaining a calm atmosphere. Keep all of your meditation items neatly organised and easily accessible to create an inviting and harmonious space.

Always remember that the most important part of meditation practice is your presence and intention. Whether you have a dedicated meditation studio or a small meditation corner in your home, mindfulness and consistency are the key factors in creating a meaningful and effective meditation practice.

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