Identifying a Stroke Using the FAST Method
Strokes are serious and time-sensitive medical emergencies that require immediate attention. Knowing how to quickly recognise the signs can be crucial in saving a life.
That’s where the FAST method comes in – an easy-to-remember acronym to help you spot the signs of a stroke.
Strokes can strike anyone, regardless of age or gender.
Remember, every minute counts when it comes to strokes.
Stay informed, share this knowledge and help spread awareness
A new service to help expectant parents with their emotional wellbeing during pregnancy has been launched in NHS Lothian by NSPCC Scotland this Maternal Mental Health Week (4-10 May).
Pregnancy in Mind (PiM) is an online group service that supports parents, who are expecting a baby, with complicated feelings that can arise during pregnancy. It is designed to create a safe and reassuring space for parents in weeks 12-26 of pregnancy so they can reflect on any concerns, worries, or low mood they may be experiencing.
PiM encourages them to reflect on their pregnancy as it progresses and their connection to their growing baby, encourages social support with other parents-to-be, and builds confidence for when their baby is born.
The programme has eight online group sessions, usually delivered weekly (for 90-120 minutes), from the start of the second trimester (12 weeks) plus two one-to-one online post-birth sessions.
The service is delivered by practitioners who are experienced in creating a warm, safe and supportive space where expectant parents can build confidence, develop helpful ways of coping, and connect with others as they navigate pregnancy and prepare for the arrival of their new baby.
The service brings together a range of evidence informed approaches, including mindfulness, relaxation, coping strategies, building confidence in understanding emotional wellbeing and developing supportive social connections.
Parents do not need to be experiencing severe symptoms to take part, the service is open to those who feel they would benefit from extra support during pregnancy. Introductions by health and social care workers to the service can be made at any point up to 26 weeks of pregnancy. The pregnant person, their partner, support person or the baby’s other parent can take part in the programme.
Alison MacDonald, Executive Nurse Director for NHS Lothian, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with the NSPCC to add this programme to the range of support available to expectant parents.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health and this service offers early, practical support to parents who need it most, helping them to give their babies and children the best possible start in life.”
Jen Dixon, Team Manager at NSPCC Scotland, said: “Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us of the importance of emotional wellbeing during pregnancy.
When parents are finding things difficult, offering support to them as early as possible, can help them feel less alone as they prepare to meet their baby.
“Often parents join Pregnancy in Mind feeling uncertain, isolated or overwhelmed. Through the sessions, they connect with other parents who are experiencing similar feelings. The programme supports them to develop ways to improve their own wellbeing, leading them to feel more hopeful, confident and less overwhelmed when their baby is born.
“This supports their ability to create nurturing foundations and connections with their babies from the very beginning, including during pregnancy.”
For further information about PiM contact NSPCC Scotland by email:
Statement from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO):
The UK government continues to work with international authorities in preparing for the arrival of British nationals to the UK from the MV Hondius cruise ship where an outbreak of Hantavirus was confirmed by the World Health Organization.
Two British nationals have confirmed hantavirus, with an additional suspected case of a British national on Tristan da Cunha. None of the British citizens onboard are currently reporting symptoms but they are being closely monitored.
The ship is expected to dock in Tenerife on Sunday, according to the latest updates from the Spanish Health Ministry. UK government staff will be on the ground ready to support the British nationals disembarking. British Passengers and ship crew not displaying any symptoms of hantavirus will be escorted by UK Government staff to an airport and given free passage back to the UK.
FCDO and UKHSA teams will be on the ground to support these arrangements, bolstered by a Rapid Deployment Team sent from the UK. The FCDO is chartering a dedicated repatriation flight for British ship passengers and crew only. This flight will be free of charge.
UKHSA is working with partners to ensure the flight operates under strict infection control measures. Public health and infectious disease specialists from UKHSA and the NHS will be on board to monitor British Nationals whilst on the flight, to ensure that preventative measures are in place and to provide any care in the unlikely event that any passengers become unwell on the flight.
All British passengers and crew on board the MV Hondius will be asked to isolate for 45 days upon returning to the UK and UKHSA will closely monitor these individuals, with testing as required.
Follow up is already underway for individuals who may have been in contact with cases and have since returned to the UK or are in in UK Overseas Territories. The UK government will ensure those self-isolating are given appropriate support.
UKHSA is aware of seven British Nationals who disembarked the ship at St Helena on 24 April.
Two of those people have returned to the UK independently and are isolating at home in the UK. Neither of these individuals is currently reporting symptoms. They are receiving advice and support from UKHSA and have been advised to self-isolate.
Four of these individuals remain in St Helena. A seventh individual has been traced outside of the UK.
The FCDO is in direct contact with the ship and British nationals on board and has stood up consular teams across multiple countries to support British nationals.
UK government is working very closely with international partners in response to this incident, including the cruise ship operator and the governments of UK overseas territories which were visited by the ship.
UK government teams are working at pace to get medical support to all affected Overseas Territories. The Ministry of Defence has worked with UKHSA to provide vital diagnostic supplies, including PCR tests, which were delivered to Ascension Island via a military plane on 7 May.
The risk to the general public remains very low.
Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, said: “This is an evolving situation, and we are working closely with partners to support British Nationals on board the MV Hondius.
“The risk to the general population remains very low and the public can be reassured that established infection control measures will be put in place at every step of the journey to ensure the safe repatriation of British passengers on board.”
Further information on the repatriation of British nationals will be provided in due course.
After trying new ways to move this spring, Edinburgh Leisure is inviting the city to keep going. Throughout May, new customers can join Edinburgh Leisure with a £0 joining fee, making it easier than ever to turn new routines into lasting habits.
The limited‑time offer removes a key barrier to commitment, encouraging people who have already started getting active – or are thinking about starting – to make movement part of everyday life.
The campaign follows April’s popular Spring Pass, which gave Edinburgh residents the freedom to explore gyms, pools and fitness classes without pressure. Now, the focus moves from trying things out to staying with what works.
Keep What You Started
Whether it’s energetic gym sessions, swimming lengths, group fitness classes or a slower, wellness‑led routine, Edinburgh Leisure memberships are designed to be flexible. Members can move in different ways across the week and adapt their routine as life and energy levels change. There’s no single “right” way to be active. Edinburgh Leisure supports real people, real schedules and real lives.
Designed for Real Life
Starting something new is one thing – keeping it going is often harder. Busy schedules, rising costs and uncertainty about commitment can all get in the way.
By removing the joining fee, Edinburgh Leisure is making it easier for people to maintain momentum and build routines that fit around work, family and everyday demands. Memberships include access to gyms, swimming, fitness classes and social sports across venues city‑wide, giving members the freedom to change how they move without starting again.
Supporting Activity Across the City
The £0 joining fee offer supports participation across Edinburgh Leisure’s network of venues, including Meadowbank Sports Centre, Ainslie Park Leisure Centre and the Royal Commonwealth Pool, helping more people stay active in ways that work for them.
The £0 joining fee offer is available for a limited time throughout May.
To join or find out more, visit: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/may-membership-offer/
Edinburgh Leisure is a charity dedicated to helping people lead more active, healthy lives. With more than 75 sport, leisure and school venues across the city, it creates opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get active and stay active.
Not sure if what you’re feeling is normal? This perinatal mental health symptom checker highlights signs you shouldn’t ignore.
Trust yourself, reach out early, and ask for help.
Visit: https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/about-maternal-mental-health/perinatal-mental-health-symptom-checker/ to learn more.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK
Looking after your mental health doesn’t have to mean big changes. Sometimes it’s the small actions that can make a real difference. 
In partnership with OLIO – Share More, Waste Less, we’re sharing three simple tips for supporting your wellbeing this #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.
Throughout May, Olio users will have the option to donate to the Mental Health Foundation after collecting or sharing an item in the app. Because even sharing what you no longer need, can help make a big difference.
Find out more about Olio at OLIO – Share More, Waste Less or by visiting www.mentalhealth.org.uk/olio
TUESDAYS 12.45 – 1.35PM
Due to popular demand, CCC is delighted to announce a new Seated Gentle Exercise Class every Tuesday, starting 12th May.
12.45 – 1.35pm (50 mins). Cost £2 per class. See poster for registration details.
Thanks, CCC
Registration is now open for those claiming infected blood compensation on behalf of someone who was affected but has now died. This includes family members, partners, or unpaid carers of someone who was infected and who have sadly died since the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) opened.
An affected person is someone who was the partner, parent, child, sibling, or unpaid carer of an infected person.
This latest update to IBCA’s registration service means that all groups are now able to register their intent to claim compensation with IBCA, including those who are living with infection, affected, deceased infected and deceased affected.
To register, you must have legal authority to act on behalf of the deceased person’s estate. This means being the executor or administrator of that estate. You can also register if you represent someone with that legal authority.
The death of the affected person must be in the window between 21 May 2024 and 31 March 2031 in order to be eligible for compensation. You will need a grant of probate or confirmation to start a claim.
David Foley, Chief Executive of IBCA said: “Opening up our service to those claiming on behalf of someone affected who has sadly died is an important milestone in paying people the compensation they are due.
“We’ve developed the registration service so we know who intends to claim, helping us to deliver compensation as quickly as possible. I would encourage everyone who is eligible to register now.
“We know there is much more to do, and no amount of money can make up for losing a loved one. However, compensation is an important acknowledgement of the decades of harm, and the wait for recognition. “
IBCA has now paid compensation to over 3,000 people, totalling more than £2 billion, and remains committed to paying every eligible person as quickly as possible.
IBCA is prioritising claims based on recommendations from the Infected Blood Inquiry, starting with those who are sadly nearing end of life, those aged 75 or over, where no interim compensation has yet been received, a child whose parent was both infected and died, then by age with the oldest first.
Register your intent to claim on the IBCA website.
A new service to help expectant parents with their emotional wellbeing during pregnancy is being launched by NSPCC Scotland as the UK marks Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (May 4 to 10).
Pregnancy in Mind (PiM), which is being delivered by the charity in partnership with NHS Lothian, is an online group service that supports parents, who are expecting a baby, with complicated feelings that can arise during pregnancy.
It is designed to create a safe and reassuring space for parents in weeks 12-26 of pregnancy so they can reflect on any concerns, worries, or low mood they may be experiencing.
PiM encourages them to reflect on their pregnancy as it progresses and their connection to their growing baby, encourages social support with other parents-to-be, and builds confidence for when their baby is born.
The programme has eight online group sessions, usually delivered weekly (for 90-120 minutes), from the start of the second trimester (12 weeks) plus two one-to-one online post-birth sessions.
The service is delivered by practitioners who are experienced in creating a warm, safe and supportive space where expectant parents can build confidence, develop helpful ways of coping, and connect with others as they navigate pregnancy and prepare for the arrival of their new baby.
The service brings together a range of evidence informed approaches, including mindfulness, relaxation, coping strategies, building confidence in understanding emotional wellbeing and developing supportive social connections.
Parents do not need to be experiencing severe symptoms to take part, the service is open to those who feel they would benefit from extra support during pregnancy. Introductions by health and social care workers to the service can be made at any point up to 26 weeks of pregnancy. The pregnant person, their partner, support person or the baby’s other parent can take part in the programme.
Jen Dixon, Team Manager at NSPCC Scotland, said: “Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us of the importance of emotional wellbeing during pregnancy.
“When parents are finding things difficult, offering support to them as early as possible, can help them feel less alone as they prepare to meet their baby.
“Often parents join Pregnancy in Mind feeling uncertain, isolated or overwhelmed. Through the sessions, they connect with other parents who are experiencing similar feelings. The programme supports them to develop ways to improve their own wellbeing, leading them to feel more hopeful, confident and less overwhelmed when their baby is born.
“This supports their ability to create nurturing foundations and connections with their babies from the very beginning, including during pregnancy.”
Alison MacDonald, Executive Nurse Director for NHS Lothian, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with the NSPCC to add this programme to the range of support available to expectant parents.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health and this service offers early, practical support to parents who need it most, helping them to give their babies and children the best possible start in life.”
For further information about PiM contact NSPCC Scotland by email:
Dear Editor
Next week (11-17 May) marks Mental Health Awareness Week 2026. Led by the Mental Health Foundation, it is focused on the theme “Take Action”, looking at what proactive steps individuals can take to promote good mental health.
This is a major, nation-wide initiative involving schools, workplaces, and communities.
The week also marks the first few days for our newly elected MSPs, and, as a collection of organisations that support vulnerable children and young people, we urge them to make mental health a key priority.
Parity of esteem is vital, ensuring mental health needs are addressed with the same urgency as physical ones. Placing mental health on an equal footing with physical health will ensure equal access to funding and quality of care. While recognised in policy, Scotland still fails to fully achieve this.
Our mental health services frequently face lower funding relative to their disease burden, and if unaddressed, those children and young people with mental health problems will carry this into adulthood.
The costs of failing to address mental health problems are well-established. For example, those affected are more likely to be unemployed, homeless, get caught up in the criminal justice system, or be in extremely costly long-term care.
Our new MSPs have an incredible responsibility, and we urge them to make tackling the mental health emergency their number one priority.
Yours faithfully
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition:
Patrick Gannon, Falkland House School
Lynn Black, LOVE Care
Kenny Graham, Spark of Genius
Niall Kelly, Young Foundations
42 Charlotte Square
Edinburgh EH2 4HQ
Tel: 0131 603 8996
