Health and wellbeing – Page 227 – The NEN

Scottish Government launches cervical screening campaign

Women urged to attend smear test

Those eligible for cervical screening are being urged to go for a smear test when invited as part of a nationwide campaign.

With two people dying from cervical cancer in the UK every day, the Scottish Government campaign encourages people not to ignore their invite – even if they expect everything is fine.

Cervical cancer is largely preventable and screening is the best way to protect against the disease, yet one in three women in Scotland still don’t go for the five-minute smear test that can stop cervical cancer before it starts.

The campaign also provides tips and reassurance around the appointment to help people overcome barriers to attending, such as embarrassment or worry.

Minister for Public Health Maree Todd said: “A five-minute smear test could save your life. Even if you expect everything is fine, it’s important not to ignore your invite, as the test can help stop cervical cancer before it starts.

“The test screens for human papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer, and helps ensure cell changes are identified and treated earlier.

“This campaign has been developed to encourage more eligible people to attend and ultimately save more lives. It’s understandable some may feel anxious about the smear test itself, but information and advice are available to help make your appointment easier.”

Laura McAdam, 36, from Ayrshire, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2016, at the age of 31.

Two years earlier, the result of Laura’s regular smear test had come back showing cell changes. In order to be monitored more closely, Laura attended check-up appointments every six months and when the results kept showing cell changes, she underwent a colposcopy – a procedure used to look at the cervix – in November 2016.

During the procedure Laura’s doctor took a biopsy and a week later, Laura was given her cervical cancer diagnosis.

In January 2017, Laura underwent a hysterectomy. As the affected area was bigger than what the consultant had expected, she was scheduled in for a five-week course of precautionary chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.

However, a tear in Laura’s bladder was detected shortly before the course was meant to start and her doctors decided to cancel the treatment. Following a bladder operation, Laura attends scans every six months to closely monitor her recovery.

Having been diagnosed as a result of screening, Laura is fully aware of the importance of early detection and what a huge difference it can make.

Laura said: “I was diagnosed early thanks to attending a regular smear test and I’m so grateful that my cell changes were picked up early enough – it saved my life. I had no symptoms whatsoever before that, so I know first-hand how important it is to attend screenings, even if nothing seems wrong.

“I had a few niggly back pains as a result of the bladder operation, but other than that I feel absolutely fine now.

“All the hospital staff have been fantastic throughout all this and I can’t thank them enough for their care.”

For further information, visit getcheckedearly.org

Heart Research UK: Health tips on World Mental Health Day

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY

Sunday 10^th of October 2021 is World Mental Health Day. It is an international day for global mental health education and awareness.

Every week, one in six adults experiences a common mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression.

By keeping the body healthy we can also improve the mind, so here are a few tips to get you started:

Meditation

Try setting aside two minutes per day over this week to give meditating a go. Simply find a quiet place, sit in a comfortable position with good posture, concentrate on your breathing and pay attention to your wandering mind.

Stay Hydrated

If you are not adequately hydrated, you may find it difficult to think clearly and concentrate. Try to drink six to eight glasses/cups of fluid each day. Water is a cheap and healthy option. Tea, coffee and juices all count, but these may be high in sugar or caffeine.

Reduce Alcohol Intake
Alcohol acts as a depressant and can have a negative impact on your mental health as well increasing your risk of heart disease. Try cutting down on alcohol by swapping to drinks with a lower alcohol content or having a soft drink between alcoholic drinks.

Good Diet and Exercise Routine

Eating a healthy diet can have a positive impact on your mood. Changing dietary habits can be difficult, but small changes can make a big difference.

Try to plan healthy meals in advance and make sure you include five portions of fruit and veg every day. Being physical activity can reduce stress. Try to establish a realistic physical activity routine that fits in with your commitments.

The Ripple Project to open it’s doors for a day of happiness

WELLBEING OPEN DAY – SATURDAY 16 OCTOBER 9am – 4pm

People living in cities around the world care about their mental health and the mental health of their fellow residents; they also know that urbanization – living amongst masses of people with its related stressors and burdens – can often be toxic to mental health and well-being.

Edinburgh is no different to any other global city BUT the areas The Ripple Project works in – Restalrig, Lochend and Craigentinny – are different to other parts of Edinburgh.

Low and insecure income and problem debt, unemployment and poor quality housing has consistently been associated with an increased risk of common mental health problems, loneliness and social isolation only adds to this already bleak picture.

As part of their wellbeing programme, on Saturday 16^th October the Ripple Project is offering local residents the opportunity to stop, look after themselves and try something new. Activities on offer FREE of CHARGE include Reiki, massage, singing, drumming, capoeira, creative art, reflexology and many others.

Cat Robertson, Wellbeing Co-ordinator said “This is a day where people can come and take stock, try something different and think about the things that matter. So often we forget to do things that just make us happy”

The Ripple Project is a grass roots community that has a strong track record spanning over 20 years of tackling poverty and inequality by working with local people to help them to help themselves.

Based at the Restalrig Lochend Community Hub since 2010, the charity normally provides daily activities including a community café, a youth service, a wellbeing project, a community shop, a programme for volunteers and support for people to make and sell their own items.

The Ripple Project also writes and delivers a community newspaper into 6000 homes every 3 months.

Their Community Hub at Restalrig Road South is open 5 days and 4 evenings a week – 8am to 8pm as well as occasional weekends. The Ripple Project has a small staff team, with the rest of the activities delivered by over 100 volunteers who commit to and give us over 5,500 thousand volunteering hours per year.

Rachel Green, Director of The Ripple said: “The Ripple is the place in our community that people come to chat with others, to have a healthy meal and to take part in exercise, learning and other social activities.

“So often we see people who do not see anyone from one day to the next or just need help with some something small that is bothering them. We get to know people and they get to know us, we know when they don’t turn up or when somethings wrong.

“We work together to help each other and try and make our area a better place to live and work in.”

To find out more about The Ripple Project please visit www.rippleproject.co.uk

World Mental Health Day: Five tips on how to talk to your GP about mental health

GP offers advice on how to talk to them about mental health
A quarter of UK people experience mental health problems during their lives

Mental health problems are common, with one in four Brits experiencing them during their lives. However, there is often a stigma around mental health, which can make people feel uncomfortable talking about it or seeking help.

Ahead of World Mental Health Day (10th October), Dr Rhianna McClymont, lead GP at online service, Livi, has offered her advice on the best ways to raise mental health issues with your doctor, to encourage those dealing with mental health issues to ask for help when they need it.

1) When should I ask for help?

As a rule of thumb, you should look for help if your mental health starts to impact your everyday life, or if you feel that you’re struggling to manage the problem by yourself. In these cases, you can book yourself into a GP for an appointment.

In more severe cases, and if you have any thoughts about harming yourself or others, you should refer yourself to a local mental health crisis team, or consider checking in to A&E, where there are psychiatric liaison teams onsite.

Dr McClymont says: “Getting help early can limit the impact that a mental health problem has on you, your mood and the quality of your life. If you need specialised help for mental health, a GP can refer you to a psychiatry team.

“Anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns are common, and nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about.”

2) Should I prepare for my appointment beforehand?

Whilst you won’t need to do any in-depth preparation for your appointment, it’s a good idea to know in advance what you want to talk about, what particular issues you want to address, and whether you want a friend or family member to join the appointment with you.

Dr McClymont says: “Knowing what you want to talk about can make your appointment much more effective when it comes to dealing with the issues. It can also be a good idea to record your feelings in a journal before your appointment. This will give you much more information to share with your GP that you might otherwise forget.

“You should also be prepared to inform your GP of any drugs or medication that you’re taking, as these can sometimes impact your mental health. Whether the drugs are prescription or recreational, legal or illegal, being honest with your GP will help them to address the problem.”

3) What will the appointment be like?

Your GP will ask you a series of questions about how you’re feeling and what issues you’re experiencing due to the mental health problems. They may also ask you about your family’s medical history to determine whether that could be a factor. In some cases, the GP may conduct some physical checks, such as a blood pressure test.

Dr McClymont says: “Sometimes, talking about your feelings, traumatic events in your past, or your own triggers for mental illness can be difficult.

“Take your time, but do try to bring up anything you feel could be important, as it will help you get the right treatment.”

4) What might the GP recommend?

The first step your GP will take is to determine whether there are any lifestyle changes that can be made to address the problems. This can include action like stopping smoking, reducing the amount of alcohol you’re drinking, or changing to an alternative prescription medication.

If further treatment is needed, then your doctor might suggest that you begin taking antidepressants, refer you to counselling or other therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and may recommend a nearby charity or organisation that can help.

Dr McClymont says: “Sometimes a change in lifestyle is all that’s needed to improve your mental health. Things like smoking or drinking can start as a coping mechanism to deal with things like stress at work, but they can quickly become contributing factors to the deterioration of your mental health.

“In other cases, we may find that direct treatment, whether through medication or counselling, is the best option.”

5) Are there other forms of help?

There are lots of groups and organisations that have been set up to help people with mental health problems, and to allow people suffering to be able to communicate their experiences to others who have faced similar issues.

You can also talk about your mental health with friends and family or write about your experiences in a journal. These techniques can often help you deal with mental health problems by relieving some of the burden through confiding in others. However, it’s important to state that you should always seek additional help if this doesn’t seem to be working.

Dr McClymont says: ‘There are many different mental health charities available that are excellent at offering advice and further support if needed. If you have health problems that are affecting your work, it may also be helpful to talk to your manager or HR department. You don’t need to disclose more than you’re comfortable with, but it can give you another avenue for practical support.

“Mental health problems are often incredibly difficult to talk to others about, however opening up about your struggles is often the first step in overcoming them. Seeking medical help or advice in times of personal crisis is a hugely important part of dealing with the problem and should never be taken as a sign of weakness.”

For more information on talking about your mental health problems, visit:

https://www.livi.co.uk/your-health/talking-about-mental-health-with-a-gp/

Caring for those who care for us

Wellbeing support for health and social care staff

The Scottish Government is asking what types of wellbeing support health and social care staff need the most from the recent £300 million announcement of a Winter Support Package.

Following the announcement of a further £4 million for workforce wellbeing, health boards and Health and Social Care Partnerships are being invited to identify the services which would most assist their staff.

The £4 million comes on top of £8 million already provided through the NHS Recovery Plan, which will support the ongoing development of a National Wellbeing Programme – including a dedicated hub and helpline, confidential mental health treatment through the Workforce Specialist Service along with time and training for staff to support each other.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “As part of the £300 million package of support for health and social care this winter, we’re bolstering staff wellbeing with an extra £4 million to look after our most valuable asset – the people who provide the care we need through this pandemic.

“We have engaged with health and social care staff around the country, to find out what they need most and how we can help them to get through the toughest winter they’ve ever faced.

“Funding will be immediately available for hot drinks, food and other measures to aid rest and recuperation based on what staff told us they needed. We are also continuing to engage with the workforce to understand what else would help them, with the possibility of developing more psychological support measures.”

Acting Director of Development and Innovation, Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Laura Lamb said: “The SSSC welcomes the announcement of additional funding to support the wellbeing of frontline workers across social care, social work and health care.

“The workforce continues to deliver high quality person-centred care despite facing significant challenges. They have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic. It is vital the workforce feel valued, cared for and are recognised for the life changing work they do.

“Never before has support for the workforce been so important. Ongoing wellbeing support is essential if we are to have sustainable workforce for the future.”

Director of Workforce at NHS 24 Jacqui Hepburn said: “Over the last 18 months in particular, staff have faced unprecedented challenges and pressures, both professionally and personally, but have continued to rise to these challenges every day, while delivering vital and safe patient-centred care.

“Supporting the mental wellbeing of our workforce, as well as the physical, has always been a priority for NHS 24. To reflect the additional pressures during the pandemic, we established a dedicated online wellbeing zone which provides information, support and tips including financial advice, bereavement support, coping and self-care advice as well as a mindfulness section with access to Spotify playlists, podcasts and access to free apps.

“Bespoke wellbeing areas were also introduced in centres giving staff access to a quiet and safe space to pause and reflect. Hot drinks vending machines were changed to ‘free’ and we provided food and snacks and Wellbeing Box so to support the health of staff over winter.

“We continuously strive for new ways of supporting our amazing and hardworking team at NHS 24 and welcome this additional funding.”

The Wellbeing Hub has been used over 125,000 times since its launch in May 2020.

Councillor George Gordon calls on citizens to get their flu vaccination

In the first week of the winter vaccination programme, 27,000 people have come forward to get their flu vaccine, which is a great response ((writes Edinburgh Integration Joint Board member and Forth Councillor GEORGE GORDON).

We’ve all seen the devastating effect the pandemic has had in the past 18 months so it’s really important we all play our part to limit the impact this winter.

This is a personal appeal to encourage everyone who’s eligible to get their flu vaccination this winter. COVID-19 has not gone away so it’s more important than ever to protect yourself by getting the vaccination and do your bit to ease the pressure on social care, GP surgeries and hospitals over winter.

Many of you will already have received a letter either with an appointment or asking you to book one online. I know there’s been an issue with the scheduling of some flu appointments via the national booking system.

This means some people’s appointments are not as local as would have been expected, and a few cases where people who are housebound have been asked to go to an appointment. I know how concerning this is for people who cannot travel.

If you have received a letter with an appointment that you are unable to attend, you can rearrange your appointment for a more local venue by going online at nhsinform.scot/flu-vaccine/invitations-and-appointments/rearrange-your-flu-vaccine-appointmen or ring the national flu vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013 for help to re-book.

More local appointments are now available for people who find it difficult to travel. If you are housebound and normally get your flu jab at home then you will get it at home again this year, even if you’ve received an appointment letter.

It’s really good to see that so many people have been turning out to get their vaccinations. The Royal Highland Centre site experienced a slight delay in topping up vaccination stocks on Tuesday morning (5 October) due to the level of demand across other sites and some people were asked to return the following day.

This was resolved within an hour and I can assure you that we have good vaccine stocks in Edinburgh.

Across Scotland, GP surgeries are no longer responsible for flu vaccinations for their patients. Now, health and social care partnerships manage the flu programme. In Edinburgh we have a range of drive through and walk through clinics for adults which will open at weekends during October and November.

Edinburgh’s main site is in Lowland Hall at the Royal Highland Centre which is open seven days a week and easy to access by public transport (buses 100, 200 and 400). We also have small local clinics for people who can’t make their way to Ingliston.

Children have received a letter for their parents or carers about their vaccine. If it’s been six months since your second dose of the COVID vaccine, you may also get your COVID vaccine booster at the same time as your flu vaccine.

It’s a massive programme and this year there’s more people than ever eligible to get a vaccine which is great news. You can now get the vaccine if you’re over 50, pregnant, an unpaid carer, at risk because of an existing health condition, or because of the job that you do. You can check if you are eligible for a flu vaccine, or find more information, at nhsinform.scot/flu.

I’d really encourage you to take up that offer – go to your vaccination appointment if you have been given one or book an appointment on the online portal if you’ve been asked to do that.

Please don’t be in any doubt – flu is serious. Getting the vaccine will protect you, your family and friends, and also our vital NHS and social care services.

Heart of Scotland Appeal teams up with Scottish Squash on World Squash Day to get Scots moving

The Heart of Scotland Appeal, a fundraising campaign by national charity Heart Research UK, have partnered with Scottish Squash to encourage more people to play the sport on the 9^th October – TODAY, World Squash Day.

The Heart of Scotland appeal was launched in 2019 to raise awareness of the problem of heart health in Scotland, and to generate vital funds for pioneering research at Universities’ and hospitals across the country. Recently, Heart Research UK funded almost £300,000 worth of research at universities in Glasgow and Dundee to investigate links between COVID-19 and heart disease.

Coronary heart disease is Scotland’s single biggest killer, with lifestyle factors such as obesity and lack of exercise directly impacting upon a person’s risk.

In an effort to combat the statistic that more than a third of adults in Scotland do not achieve recommended levels of physical activity, the Heart of Scotland appeal has teamed up with Scottish Squash to inspire people across Scotland to get more active, and ‘Squash the Stigma’ that squash can be a difficult and inaccessible sport to get into.

They are calling for players across Scotland to get on court this World Squash Day to #SquashTheStigma by post a #SweatySelfie and donating to the Heart of Scotland appeal.

The best selfie from the day will win brand new squash equipment for their club.

In a survey by Forbes magazine, squash was ranked as the healthiest sport in the world. Forbes consulted with personal trainers, coaches and exercise physiologists, and ranked sports as being the ‘healthiest’ in terms of cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, calories burned in 30 minutes and injury risk.

Dr Sue Robertson, who is the current Scottish Women’s over-55 champion, played squash as a child before focusing on a medical career. After 17 years without playing, she picked up the game again.

She said: “I was truly terrible when I started again, and for a couple of years just played occasionally.

“I was introduced to Masters Squash (for over 35’s) and made so many new friends I wouldn’t have otherwise met. I was the fittest and happiest I’d been for 20 years, because it’s so good for your mental health, as well as your physical health.

“It fits into that busy life really well, way less time than a good gym session, but it’s so much more fun. Sport is just so key to a happy life.

“I work in an admissions unit in the hospital as a physician, so I see people every day with heart problems for lots of different reasons.

“I know about the benefits of sport and the benefits of physical activity, and if we have a society that encourages and educates people on that, then we will have a healthier society.”

Amanda Donaldson, Senior Fundraiser for the Heart of Scotland appeal, said: “We all know that physical activity is beneficial for our wellbeing, both physically and mentally. Here at the Heart of Scotland Appeal, we want to encourage as many Scots as possible to get more active, and what better time than World Squash Day!

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Scottish Squash to promote the sport as a great way to get fit, meet new friends and improve your heart health, and to raise awareness of the Heart of Scotland Appeal and the life-saving research that we fund.

“We can’t wait to see everyone’s #SweatySelfies as they take part in games across the country and help to raise vital funds for the Heart of Scotland appeal.”

Allan McKay, Director of Development at Scottish Squash, said: “We’re really pleased with our partnership with the Heart of Scotland Appeal as we share common values across both organisations to promote physical activity and healthy living. Through this partnership we can also raise awareness of the great work that the Heart of Scotland Appeal carry out every day.

“By linking the partnership to the 2021 World Squash Day on Saturday 9^th October we hope more people will get on court and experience the excellent physical and mental health benefits that squash can offer to people across Scotland while support hear research.

“Make sure to share all your #SweatySelfies across social media on World Squash Day!”

For more on the campaign, including videos from supporters, please visit: – https://heartresearch.org.uk/squash-the-stigma/

To learn more about the Heart of Scotland appeal and find out about how you can help, please visit https://heartresearch.org.uk/heartofscotland/.

You can save 10% on your specially designed Christopher Kane Heart of Scotland t-shirt and badges using the code Squash at:

https://gift.heartresearch.org.uk/onlineshop/

Good Food Nation Bill introduced

Public bodies to prepare plans making good quality food accessible to all

Health boards and local authorities will develop wide-ranging plans to help ensure good quality, locally sourced and produced food is a practical everyday reality for everyone under new legislation.

The Good Food Nation Bill will ensure Scottish Ministers and a range of public bodies will produce good food nation plans to support social and economic wellbeing, the environment, health and economic development.

The Bill lays the foundation for Scotland to become a Good Food Nation where people from all walks of life take pride and pleasure from the food they produce, buy, cook and eat each day.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “We are committed to ensuring everyone in Scotland has access to healthy, nutritious fare and that businesses and public kitchens commit to producing, selling and serving good food.

“Organisations can play a leading role in this process – looking at how they boost local procurement, cut down food waste and packaging, use in-season produce as well disposing of food waste in an environmentally friendly way.

“But that’s not all. For example, a wide ranging food education can equip school pupils with the key skills they need to cook tasty, nutritious meals using the incredible array of world-class produce we have, but also to make informed food choices when they are away from home.

“We have been working across government through an extensive programme of measures to deliver on our ambition to be a Good Food Nation and our work to deliver action and practical measures will continue throughout this Parliament, not least to encourage the use of sustainable local produce and to help our children eat well.”

From patient to doctor – Consultant with cerebral palsy hopes to inspire others

An NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) consultant with cerebral palsy has gone from patient to doctor, and is keen to inspire others with her journey.

Kirsty Colquhoun has the lifelong neurological condition with affects a person’s movement, balance and coordination and sometimes other functions. No two people with cerebral palsy are the same and it affects people to different degrees. There are 17 million people worldwide with the condition, and though there are treatments available there is no cure.

Born with spastic diplegia (a form of cerebral palsy), Kirsty was inspired herself by the care she received at Yorkhill Children’s Hospital. Determined not to let the condition hold her back from pursuing her dreams to help others, Kirsty went on to study medicine at the University of Glasgow – graduating in 2006, and also gaining a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacology.

Now, 16 years later, 38 year old Kirsty is a consultant geriatrician working between Stobhill, the Beatson, and Glasgow Royal Infirmary – helping thousands of patients over her career, including looking after some of the sickest patients throughout COVID-19.

Kirsty is also a trustee for Cerebral Palsy Scotland.

Her story comes as the world celebrates World Cerebral Palsy (Wed 6 Oct) day which aims to ensure that children and adults with cerebral palsy have the same rights, access and opportunities as anyone else in our society.

Kirsty said: “I’ve never let my condition hold me back and I think that’s an important message we want to get out to people with cerebral palsy this year. You can do what you want to do, and while challenges remain for young and older people with cerebral palsy, there are networks and support available for people with cerebral palsy and for employers to make sure they’re able to facilitate people with the condition so that everyone can benefit.

Kirsty, who has spent her entire career with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, added: “NHSGGC has always supported me and valued my contribution. As an equal opportunities employer, they recognise me as an integral part of the team and have provided support to enable me to do my job to the best of my ability.

“For example, within the team I work in, Older People’s Services in Glasgow Royal Infirmary, while excellence is expected – disability or not – just as important is the ethos of kindness, support and wellbeing. When I had to, for the first time, take time off due to my Cerebral Palsy being affected by long hours on COVID wards – I was given the time and support I needed to get better.

“I know that not all people with disabilities have the same positive experience that I do and I wish I could bottle the inclusivity that I experience for others. Regardless of my disability I am valued just the same as everyone else as a professional and colleague, and diversity, and the experience it brings is celebrated.”

To recognise and celebrate yesterday’s World Cerebral Palsy Day, The Queen Elizabeth University in Glasgow joined hundreds of other buildings across the world and lit up green.

Stuart Gaw, general manager for Older People’s Services in the South at NHSGGC, said: “Kirsty is a real positive role model, not only as a cerebral palsy campaigner, but as a consultant within NHSGGC. She is a real asset to the team and more importantly, to the patients she looks after as a geriatrician.

“At NHSGGC we are proud to be able to offer opportunities and support people to achieve their dreams and progress in their career when appropriate and make the most of their talents. Kirsty is a shining example of someone who has not let their disability hold them back and has flourished in their chosen area of work.”

Edinburgh coach Amy Chambers wins UK Coaching Award

An Edinburgh gymnastics coach has won a national coaching hero award following her exceptional work over the pandemic trying to keep participants active, as well as looking after their mental well-being during the lockdowns.

From nearly 500 public nominations, Amy Chambers is one of 25 coaches across the UK to be crowned a winner at the UK Coaching Hero Awards. The coaches, who were voted by the public for their innovations and achievements to keep people moving during the coronavirus lockdowns, each received a memento from UK Coaching’s Royal Patron, HRH The Princess Royal to mark the considerable difference they made to people’s mental and physical well-being.

Despite completing the final year of her teaching degree during the pandemic, Amy still had time to focus on her gymnasts, creating a program of activities that were essential to staying positive and connected during the strange time.

With a specific focus on supporting her gymnasts’ mental wellbeing, Amy created a ‘Check in Tuesday’, which encouraged gymnasts to write down their emotions and share with the group – bringing people together through sport and showcasing the best of what coaching can be.

Just happy to be making a positive difference, Amy said: “I’m very proud that my coaching work has been recognised with a UK Coaching Hero award. It was such a surprise and I felt really touched that my gymnasts had decided to nominate me.

“The pandemic has affected my coaching delivery massively. During the first lockdown all my coaching took place over zoom with some outdoor training sessions (very unusual for gymnastics!) later in the summer. When we came back to gymnastics in September 2020, we were unable to physically support gymnasts which was very challenging and lead to some really creative coaching and innovative training sessions.

“Invested and committed coaching can be hugely important to people’s lives, especially when you’re working with children and young people. The positive relationships formed through such coaching are often life-long. It makes me feel really honoured and privileged to be able to make such a difference supporting people’s mental and physical health.

“It’s my hope that my gymnasts will carry what they’ve learnt about positive mental health strategies, emotional literacy, and physical preparation into whatever they do in life after gymnastics.

“I wanted to start coaching because it was something that came quite naturally to me when I was still a gymnast myself. I was always getting distracted by trying to help other people with their gymnastics rather than being focused on my own.

“I’ve focused a lot on supporting mental health throughout my coaching career -as a teaching student (and now teacher) I’ve also been very lucky to have regular and updated training and access to research about children’s mental health and how we can best support it as influential adults in their lives.

“I feel really passionate about ensuring athletes have a positive experience in gymnastics and that their experience in the sport gives them skills which they can use in their everyday lives.”

Reflecting on the exceptional contribution of the award-winning coaches like Amy, UK Coaching Director of Coaching Emma Atkins, said: “Many congratulations to Amy and all our winners. We applaud your efforts and the role you played in your communities, boosting morale, and lifting people’s moods in a completely alienating time.

“Helping people to use sport and physical activity positively through challenging times is a privilege and one which carries huge responsibilities, and you took your duties seriously, using your initiative to create solutions to the embargo on most sport and physical activity – looking always to what was possible – thank you.”

UK Coaching opened nominations to its UK Coaching Hero awards initiative in 2020 after the first major UK-wide COVID-19 lockdown. The charitable organisation wanted to acknowledge the efforts of coaches, who in difficult circumstances persevered and re-thought coaching techniques to deliver legal digital and one-to-one training, utilising sport and physical activity to keep people connected.

If you are interested in coaching or to progress your coaching career, visit ukcoaching.org