If you have a minor injury please call 111 free to be referred to the right service.
They will arrange an appointment if you need to attend hospital.
Or, if appropriate, they can schedule an appointment for a confidential assessment by video call with a Nurse practitioner.
Children and young people with certain conditions are to be offered the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, in line with the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), before the majority of schools return on the 16th of August.
The vaccine will be offered to around 4,000 children and young people affected by severe neuro-disabilities, Down’s syndrome, underlying conditions resulting in immunosuppression, and those who have a diagnosis of Learning/Intellectual disability.
In addition, the JCVI recommended vaccinating young people aged 16 to 17 years of age who are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19. While the vast majority of this group were previously invited in an earlier part of the vaccination programme we will be inviting those that are now 16 who were not vaccinated as part of that earlier offer.
Also to be invited are children and young people aged 12-17 who are household contacts of adults or children who are immunosuppressed. This is to provide indirect protection for that member of their household. A household contact is defined as someone living in the same house, or anyone the adult or child comes in to contact with face-to-face on most days of the week – such as a carer.
NHS Scotland is aiming to vaccinate these children and young people during August alongside those younger household contacts of people with immunosuppression.
Those children and young people with specific conditions and their parents or carers will be contacted directly by their local Health Boards via letter, phone call or by their regular healthcare professional. The household contacts of the wider group of people with immunosuppression will be contacted by a letter from the National Vaccination Programme.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “In line with the latest JCVI advice we will now be offering COVID-19 vaccinations to children and young people aged between 12 and 17 from key groups.
“The programme has always offered vaccine to groups where the benefits far outweigh the risks. The research and evidence shows that is the case for young people in these groups and they should now be called forward for a COVID-19 vaccine.
“These children and young people will be able to get the vaccine in the most appropriate setting for their situation. This may be in their own home or a care setting, or at a clinic, depending on their care or health needs.
“I would urge any parent or carer who has a child or young person eligible for a vaccine to visit NHS Inform where they can find the most up-to-date information; and read the leaflet that they will receive with their letter or from their Health Board. Parents, carers or young people can also speak to their local health professional to discuss this further if they need to.”
Change in hours for NHS 24’s COVID-19 special helplines from Monday 9 August 2021.
The NHS 24 non-symptomatic COVID-19 Special Helpline (0800 028 2816) and NHS inform’s general health information line (0800 22 44 88) will operate from 8am to 8pm each day from Monday 9 August 2021. The lines previously closed at 10pm.
This is in response to reduced calls from the public to these numbers after 8pm.
The latest COVID-19 guidance is available on line day and night from www.nhsinform.scot
There is no change to the 111 service.
This week a partnership between Edinburgh charity Hearts & Minds, Designed by Society, Wee Culture and Edel Roddy launched a new website with valuable resources for unpaid and professional carers of people with dementia and anyone who has an interest in care for people in the later stages of dementia.
All of the partners have direct experience of working in the area of later stage dementia and developing resources. The project was funded by Dementia Series Development Trust.
The Treasure We Seek Project is based on the principles of the work of Hearts & Minds Elderflowers who use the art of therapeutic clowning to encourage moments of engagement, communication and movement with ladies and gents with dementia. The project took those principles and developed two sets of resources ‘Valuables’ and ‘Treasure Hunt’
Project Lead Edel Roddy explained: “The Treasure We Seek website was launched this week offering two free resources for people to feel connected to people living with later stage dementia.
“The resources have been developed with the hope they will be useful across a range of settings including schools, community groups, carers organisations and care settings, and we were thrilled with people’s responses.
“Initial feedback highlighted that people have started to develop ideas about how they will try out the resources, and potentially make them their own, with friends, family and in work settings. Attendees at the launch even helped us think about other contexts in which these resources could be used, the possibilities of which feel exciting.
“If you missed the launch you can find the resources on www.thetreasureweseek.net and we’d like to hear from anybody who tests them out or has thoughts or ideas about this work they’d like to share.”
These resources will help relatives and professionals to cope and care and also to evaluate how they feel and take notice of their own wellbeing so they don’t feel stressed or isolated.
The Treasure We Seek website: www.thetreasureweseek.net
ABOUT THE PARTNERS:
Hearts & Minds
Hearts & Minds is an award winning Scottish charity that works in collaboration with paediatric healthcare units, respite centres, schools for learners with complex additional support needs and Dementia units to deliver laughter, friendship and support to those who need it most.
Our Clowndoctors Programme supports children and young people to cope with life in a hospital, hospice or respite care setting and in schools for learners with complex additional support needs.
Our Elderflowers Programme helps people living with dementia or dementia-related conditions in hospitals and residential care homes.
Through playfulness, smiles and laughter, we help all of these vulnerable people to deal with the anxiety, fear, confusion and sadness that their situations and conditions may bring.
https://www.heartsminds.org.uk/
Designed by Society
Dr Gayle Rice is an experience researcher and designer for Designed by Society. Her research background is qualitative and creative and focuses on people’s current and desired experiences. Her design practice involves designing to enable improvements in people’s experiences of social interactions.
Wee Culture
Belinda Dewar is a registered nurse, researcher, educator and practice developer with a career spanning over 30 years. She is currently Director of Wee Culture which aims to support people to explore and enhance culture.
She previously held the position of Professor of Practice Improvement at the University of the West of Scotland and the Lead for My Home Life Scotland.
The Dementia Series Development Trust
Dementia Series Development Trust is a charity with a vision to improve the lives of those living with dementia through the funding of activities which support this aim.
The Principles which guide the work of the DSDT are:
The Disruption Award funds projects which strive to disrupt some of the old ways that people think about dementia, and communicate new ideas that reframe it.
Projects supporting carers and disabled people are among nine initiatives that are set to share £1 million to tackle loneliness and isolation as a result of the pandemic.
It comes as part of a £10 million commitment to support a new five-year social isolation and loneliness plan, and marks the delivery of a commitment for the first 100 days of this government.
The funding was announced by Minister for Equalities and Older People Christina McKelvie on a visit to meet members of the Glasgow Disability Alliance, which is receiving money for initiatives including one-to-one counselling and online courses designed to help disabled people stay connected.
Other organisations to benefit include Youthlink, which will receive funding to help young people, and Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, which will use the additional money for its Kindness Caller programme.
Ms McKelvie said: “Research has shown that loneliness and social isolation have increased for some during the pandemic, and we know this has disproportionately affected young people, carers and those with disabilities.
“Whether by providing access to counselling, learning opportunities or just a friendly voice to talk to over the phone, this new funding will help ensure people can stay connected and get the support they need.
“Social isolation and loneliness can affect anyone and can have a harmful effect on people’s health and wellbeing. That is why we are developing a new five-year plan and we will invest £10 million across this parliament.”
Tressa Burke, Glasgow Disability Alliance Chief Executive, said: “We welcome this funding to mitigate brutal inequalities supercharged by the pandemic on disabled people.
“Our member survey and engagement revealed that 82% worry about social isolation and loneliness, 60% face digital exclusion, 80% don’t know where to turn to for help and 90% are worried about physical and mental health.
“The funding enables us to provide vital lifelines, programmes and support including digital coaching, wellbeing support and access to online activities which build confidence, connections and ensure the ongoing contributions of disabled people.”
Tim Frew, YouthLink Scotland Chief Executive, said: “We are not all in the same boat in the storm. The evidence is that this pandemic has been particularly tough on the wellbeing of young people in some of our most marginalised and disenfranchised communities.
“This disproportionate impact must be addressed, to ensure every young person has the opportunity to thrive.
“The youth work sector welcomes this fund from the Scottish Government, which will help to identify young people who have been coping with multiple challenges, such as young carers, and develop projects and programmes to meet their needs.”
The organisations to receive funding are:
Within the first 100 days of this government Ministers committed to start work to develop a new five-year social isolation and loneliness plan backed by £10 million over five years focused on reconnecting people as Scotland comes out of the pandemic and tackling loneliness head on.
This is in addition to the more than £6 million investment to promote equality, social isolation and loneliness, and to promote digital inclusion through the Scottish Government’s winter package of support.
The Scottish Government also invested £4.3 million to tackle social isolation and loneliness through digital inclusion via the Connecting Scotland programme.
Speakers include Graeme Smith (Unite), Alyson Pollock, Nick Kempe, a Unison rep and more.
We want to make the case for saving the homes as widely known as possible and argue that the future of residential care should be public, democratically accountable and provide security and comfort for all those who need it.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/…/tZwodOGuqDIvE9bz…
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Local #NorthEdinburgh men, local walks, meet local:
Pilton Community Health Project at 73 Boswall Parkway just round the corner from Royston Wardieburn Community Centre!
10:30 on Thursday this week
• Led by PureGym Ambassador Sir Chris Hoy, PureGym is partnering with the Scotland-based charity Social Bite, which aims to raise £1 million to break the cycle of homelessness
• Social Bite’s Break the Cycle fundraising campaign includes a 60-mile cycle from Glasgow to Edinburgh on Sunday 5th September 2021 as well as a number of other physical challenges.
PureGym, the UK’s leading gym operator, is proud to be partnering with Social Bite, a Scotland-based charity that aims to end homelessness through pioneering employment, food, and housing initiatives, on its Break the Cycle campaign.
Led by 6x Olympic champion and PureGym Ambassador, Sir Chris Hoy, PureGym’s Scottish gym staff and members will undertake a number of physical challenges to help Social Bite fundraise £1 million to build two new villages – and they need your help!
Homelessness is a growing problem in the UK and the current provision of temporary accommodation like hostels and B&Bs does not provide suitable, supportive, or cost-effective environments to enable people to escape the cycle of homelessness. Social Bite’s solution is to bring vacant land back into use by creating community villages with prefabricated housing and a community hub.
The charity also invests in providing tailored support to upskill residents and provide them with opportunities that enable them to sustain their own secure tenancies.
The first Social Bite Village was launched in Granton in 2018 and the charity has recently launched a campaign, in partnership with PureGym and Sir Chris Hoy, to help build two more Social Bite Villages, which are planned to be in Glasgow and London. PureGym will be supporting Social Bite’s Break The Cycle fundraising campaign in three key ways:
• Setting off from the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow, supporters will cycle a challenging 60-mile route with Sir Chris Hoy across Scotland’s central belt, crossing the finish line in Edinburgh – near to the flagship Social Bite Village in Granton. PureGym has built a team of riders from across all of its Scottish gyms and is encouraging anybody to sign up to join the team with an exclusive discount code[1].
• Supporters can take part in 60-minute charity spin classes every Thursday throughout August in PureGym’s Scottish clubs[2].
• PureGym will be hosting a continuous 24 hour ‘spinathon’ on Wednesday 25 August, involving gym staff in three of PureGym’s Scottish clubs[3].
For anyone not in Scotland, supporters can join the official Break the Cycle virtual challenge or do a virtual challenge of their choice. Whether it’s being sponsored for 60 miles or 60 minutes of exercise it doesn’t matter – all of the money raised will contribute to Social Bite’s efforts to break the cycle of homelessness.
Sir Chris Hoy, PureGym Ambassador and Scotland’s 6x Olympic champion, said: “The pandemic has exacerbated the already severe problem of homelessness across the UK, whilst also demonstrating the importance of exercise in protecting the nation’s physical and mental wellbeing.
“I can’t think of a better charitable campaign to support than Social Bite’s Break the Cycle campaign, which will raise funds to help rebuild people’s lives, whilst also improving the health and fitness of the nation. We are looking for people across the UK to join in the fight, whether you’re cycling 60 miles or doing 60 minutes of exercise at home you can help us to break the cycle of homelessness.”
Josh Littlejohn MBE, Social Bite co-Founder, said: “We are really excited to be teaming up with PureGym. The amazing support of their clubs, colleagues and members will help make two new Social Bite Villages a reality.
“Since opening the first Village in Edinburgh, 39 people have been helped with a home and support through the project.
“The money we raise from our Break the Cycle fundraising campaign will enable us to develop communities that will have a transformative impact on people’s lives in two more cities.
We’re so grateful to everyone taking on a challenge – every effort you make and every penny you raise will be helping someone break the cycle of homelessness. Thank you.”
People living in Lothian with serious alcohol and drug problems can now access help from an expanded rehabilitation service.
The Lothians and Edinburgh Abstinence Programme (LEAP) is providing more placements than ever before thanks to its renewed partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council and support from the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board and The Cyrenians.
Up to 22 people can now benefit from one of the intensive three-month residential placements to overcome their addiction in a safe and supportive environment. The service provides clinical, medical and therapeutic support backed up by two years of aftercare and peer support and a family programme.
The boost will help to significantly reduce waiting times for patients looking to access the service following lockdown. It is in line with Scottish Government priorities for increasing residential rehabilitation provision.
Dr David McCartney, Clinical Lead for LEAP, NHS Lothian explains: “As a direct result of the pandemic we had to reduce service capacity to just 40 per cent. While we continued to provide some patient support remotely, our residential services were reduced to just 8 places.
“With the help of our partners we are back operating the full range of services again, helping even more people to get help and support as quickly as possible.
“The majority of LEAP patients starting the programme complete it. Nearly two thirds of them reach their goal of a long-term successful alcohol and drug-free recovery with significant improvements in their mental and physical health.”
LEAP is currently operating as a partnership between NHS Lothian, the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, The Cyrenians, Access to Industry and Rehabilitation and Recovery Team Social Workers.
It offers detoxication and therapeutic treatment for people who want to become alcohol and drug free alongside structured, practical support to get into work or education as part of people’s recovery if needed.
Patients can also access psychiatry, psychology and occupational therapy services whilst in treatment.
Lesley Taylor, Registered Manager, City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We’re delighted to be working with LEAP again to help roll-out this essential service.
“Our team have a valuable role in providing accommodation and support, not only for the initial three-month placement but also in assisting individuals address their longer-term housing needs.”
Linda Nichol, a volunteer with NHS Lothian’s subsistence misuse team and former LEAP patient and PEER supporter encourages anyone struggling with addiction to access the service. She said: “LEAP changed my life. It helped me recognise that I had a disease and gave me the confidence and support I needed to turn my life around.
“If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction then ask for help and get referred into LEAP. It is possible to change your whole life beyond your wildest dreams.”
LEAP is open to people who have a serious problem with alcohol or other drugs. Anyone interested in being assessed for residential treatment should speak to their GP, health, support or social care worker.
More information can be found at:
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is the latest charity working on the frontline to be awarded an Emergency Covid Grant by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk.
Earlier in the year, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care launched a new Mobile Clinic to support and treat cancer patients in Dorset with lymphoedema.
This is a painful side effect of a patient’s cancer treatment, which occurs when the body’s drainage system doesn’t work properly. It can often lead to severe swelling in the arms, legs, feet and other parts of the body, causing mobility problems, acute pain and potentially infections.
The mobile clinic is part of the hospice’s plan to bring its services closer to people’s homes, a particularly important issue for vulnerable cancer patients during the pandemic.
A £21,000 grant from Walk the Walk has meant that the mobile clinic will be able to continue for a further three months, until the end of August 2021. Support has also been shown by AFC Bournemouth, who have allocated space for the unit to park up each week in the car park at the Vitality Stadium.
Clare Gallie, Chief Executive of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care said: “We are delighted with this support from ‘Walk the Walk’.
“The pilot has been a great success for Lymphoedema patients over the last 2 months, bringing treatment and services closer to home and giving patients the ability to get to their appointments more easily and receive their vital treatment in a relaxed and stress-free environment. The extended pilot will allow us to support even more people closer to their homes.
Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk said: “We are delighted that our grant awarded to Lewis-Manning Hospice Care will allow them to run an extended pilot study on their mobile Lymphoedema Support Unit for June through to August.
“During these very uncertain and worrying times, this charity’s role in providing support “Close to Home” for cancer patients in Dorset is absolutely crucial – lymphoedema can be one of the most painful side effects of cancer treatment.
Grants like these are very exciting news for Walk the Walk’s wonderful fundraisers, who have continued taking part in virtual walking events throughout the pandemic. Thanks to these fantastic people, we can continue helping to make a difference where we can, and where it is needed most.”
Amy Marks, Partnerships Manager at AFC Bournemouth said: “We are so pleased to have the mobile unit on our site as we had heard about the fantastic services that the hospice is bringing out in the community to patients, it’s a real pleasure to host every week.”
To find out more about Walk the Walk and to sign up for Virtual Challenge, go to www.walkthewalk.org
