As the days get shorter, you may feel less motivated to go outdoors for regular exercise.
Spending time outdoors can help to improve both your physical and mental health.
What’s more, if you do something that gets your heart beating faster, warms you up and leaves you feeling slightly out of breath, it will benefit your heart too.
We have some tips to help you make the most of the great outdoors to help keep your mind, body and heart in sound health:
They say there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing! When you go outdoors, make sure you wear suitable clothing to stay warm and dry. Feeling cold and wet is a miserable experience and it may deter you from going out regularly.
Start each day by wrapping up warm and heading out for a stroll around the garden, neighbourhood or local park. You could take a hot drink to help you to stay warm.
Getting out on your bike can be more challenging in the cold, dark winter months. Why not blow away the cobwebs as you discover local cycle routes on your bike. Don’t forget to take your bicycle lights with you so you don’t get caught out as the days get shorter.
Look out for opportunities in your daily schedule to get up and go outdoors, even if it is just for ten minutes. Try to plan activities in your diary to make you get outdoors every day.
The £500 Self-Isolation Support Grant is being extended to include parents on low incomes whose children are asked to self-isolate, Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville announced yesterday.
The grant will also become available to those who may be eligible for Universal Credit, but have not yet applied.
Both changes will be introduced from 7 December.
Ms Somerville said: “We introduced this grant at unprecedented speed, and I am grateful for the work of COSLA and councils to ensure it is up and running.
“While self-isolation can be difficult for everyone, we know there are particular financial barriers to complying faced by some people.
“We always said we would review this grant to make sure it worked for people who face hardship as a result of self-isolation. That is why we are making changes for some people who are not currently eligible.
“We are extending it to parents of children aged under 16 who need to take time off work because their child is told to self-isolate, and also to people who are eligible for Universal Credit, but have not claimed it – providing they fulfil all of the other criteria for the grant.
“Supporting people to self-isolate is critical to controlling the spread of the virus. These are important changes, and I am grateful to councils for their continued work to support those who can claim this grant.”
COSLA Community Wellbeing Spokesperson Councillor Kelly Parry said: “COSLA welcomes the Self-Isolation Support Grant being extended to parents and carers of children who have been asked to stay home from school because of the virus and that it will also include those with an underlying eligibility for benefits.
“Council staff across the country have been working really hard to ensure the grant is accessible to people who have experienced a loss in income after being asked to self-isolate.
“By extending the eligibility for the grants, more people will be helped to stop the spread of the virus over the winter period.”
The Self-Isolation Support Grant provides £500 for low income workers who are in receipt of Universal Credit or other benefits and will lose earnings as a result of having to self-isolate.
Parents or carers of children under 16 who are asked to self-isolate, but who are not required to self-isolate themselves, are not currently eligible for the grant.
This is why the grant will be extended to those parents and carers, where they fulfil the other eligibility criteria:
employed or self-employed and unable to work from home
in receipt of Universal Credit or one of those which will be replaced by UC (legacy benefits)
facing a loss of income from looking after the child during the period of self-isolation
Only one claim per household can be made, where a parent or primary carer is required to look after a child who must isolate.
Eligibility will also be extended to people with a low level of income which means they would be entitled to Universal Credit.
People aged 60 – 64 will be invited to receive the seasonal flu vaccine from 1 December as part of the largest flu immunisation program ever delivered in Scotland.
The most effective way to protect against flu this winter is continuing to prioritise those who are most at risk, especially in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
With vaccination for the first phase of the flu programme well under way, eligibility is being extended next to those aged 60-64.
Those entitled to the flu vaccine will receive an invitation letter by post from their health board letting them know where they can receive the vaccine and how to book an appointment.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nicola Steedman said: “Flu is serious in itself, but with COVID-19 also circulating in the community, getting a flu jab is more important than ever.
“For those who may be concerned about going to get the flu vaccine, we can assure you that there will be strict infection and prevention control measures in place at delivery sites to protect you.
“The vaccine is safe, and the best protection we have against flu. This year more than ever it is important that those invited for vaccination take up the offer to protect themselves, their family and, where possible, the NHS. I’ve had my vaccine already, and would urge all of those who are eligible, including the new group of 60-64 year olds, to get one too.
“We will continue to adapt our approach to any changes that occur throughout flu season, always prioritising those most at risk from flu, as well as seeking to protect the NHS.”
£100 million package will help communities at risk
Funding to help people pay for food, heating, warm clothing and shelter during the winter is part of a new £100m support package.
The fund will help those on low incomes, children and people at risk of homelessness or social isolation cope with winter weather and the economic impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) and Brexit.
The Winter Plan for Social Protection, announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, will also address domestic abuse and digital exclusion.
COVID-19 has had a significant negative effect on Scotland’s economy hitting jobs and living standards hard – and Brexit will exacerbate the situation.
With winter approaching, some of Scotland’s most at-risk communities are facing rising costs for food, fuel and other essentials.
Key elements of the plan include:
£22m for low income families including £16m to give the low income families of an estimated 156,000 children in receipt of free school meals a one-off £100 payment by Christmas
£23.5m to help vulnerable children through additional support for residential and care homes, social work, and the Children’s Hearing system
£15m for the Communities and Third Sector Recovery Programme to support the work of local organisations
£5.9m to promote digital inclusion for older people, support social isolation and loneliness and to promote equality
£7m to help people who are struggling to pay fuel bills
£5m to help those at risk of homelessness find a settled home
The Winter Plan for Social Protection also includes £15m of flexible funding for local authorities entering COVID-19 protection level 4 – announced by the First Minister earlier this month – which can be used to pay for food and essentials.
The First Minister said: “We will shortly become the only part of the UK to give low income families an extra £10 per week for every child – initially for children up to age 6 and then for every child up to age 16.
“This has been described as a game changer in the fight to end child poverty. The first payments will be made in February, but I know that for families struggling now, February is still a long way off.
“So I am announcing today a £100 million package to bridge that gap, and help others struggling most with the impact of COVID over the winter months.
“It will include money to help people pay their fuel bills and make sure children don’t go hungry. It will offer additional help for the homeless, and fund an initiative to get older people online and connected. And it will provide a cash grant of £100 for every family with children in receipt of free school meals.
“The money will be paid before Christmas and families can use it for whatever will help them through the winter.
“That could be food, new shoes or a winter coat for the kids. Families will know best what they need – that’s not for government to decide.
“Initiatives like this are not just about providing practical help to those who need it most – they are an expression of our values and of the kind of country we are seeking to build.”
The £100m Winter Plan for Social Protection has been developed to mitigate social harms posed by the concurrent risks of COVID-19, winter cost of living increases and EU exit, as well as to promote equality and human rights.
The full breakdown of the £100m fund is:
Support for families on low incomes (£22m)
Supporting services for children and young people (£23.5m)
Enhancing capacity within the third sector and communities (£15m)
Funds for local authorities moving into level 4 (£15m)
Further help with fuel costs (£7m)
Further investment in strategic national food activity (£2m)
Further investment to support people affected by homelessness (£5.14m)
Increased digital inclusion through Connecting Scotland for older people, support for social isolation and loneliness and strategic investment to promote equality (£5.91m)
A campaign on benefit uptake and income maximisation (£0.25m)
Reserve fund to meet potential pressures (£4.2m)
End Child Poverty members in Scotland welcomed the First Minister’s announcement today committing to provide low-income families entitled to free school meals in Scotland with a £100 per child payment.
Amidst rising child poverty and the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, this package of financial support for families whose children are eligible for free school meals will bring some welcome relief.
Speaking on behalf of End Child Poverty members in Scotland, Peter Kelly, Director of Poverty Alliance in Scotland, said: “It has been clear that children and families struggling to stay afloat through the pandemic cannot wait for the Scottish Child Payment for the lifeline support they need.
“So, it is very welcome that the Scottish Government has listened to people living on low incomes and organisations across Scotland, by committing to cash grants to support families through winter.
“For many fighting to keep their heads above water amid a rising tide of poverty, the cold winter months are bringing deeper hardship. This payment will act as an anchor to help them weather the storm until the rollout of the Scottish Child Payment.”
For many months End Child Poverty members in Scotland have been calling on both the Scottish and UK Governments to act urgently to get money into the pockets of struggling families, to mitigate the financial impact of the pandemic and consequently the concerning rise in child poverty. We are pleased that the Scottish Government has listened to our calls and committed to supporting families most in need.
Getting cash directly into the pockets of families ensures dignity, respect and choice for families, recognising that families themselves are best placed to decide how to provide for their children. Working directly with children and families every day, they tell us the difference having money in their pockets means for them.
Many families across Scotland have been facing a long and difficult winter of increasing financial uncertainty and anxiety about how to pay their bills or feed their children. The Scottish Child Payment will not be fully rolled out until 2022, so this additional payment for those families will help bridge the gap between now and then.
Today’s announcement will go some way to alleviating the financial stress and anxiety for many families over the coming weeks and months.
However, there is currently no detail about how families with only pre-school aged children will benefit from today’s commitment or families with ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’, and this must be clarified. We also continue to call on the Scottish Government to commit further to increasing household incomes for struggling families who will continue to face much more uncertainty and financial insecurity during the pandemic and beyond.
We also continue to call on the UK Government to commit to making the temporary uplift to Universal Credit of £20 per week a permanent lifeline for families, beyond April next year. This permanent uplift should also be applied to legacy benefits and Tax Credits.
We believe today’s announcement is a good first step towards getting the desperately needed and vital financial support into families’ pockets. As we look towards next year and beyond there is much more needed if Scotland is to meet its child poverty targets. We look forward to working with the Scottish Government to help them achieve this.
New analysis reveals ‘shocking’ scale of the abuse crisis facing over-65s
● 1 in 5 UK residents (22 percent) have personal experience of abuse as an older person or know someone who has been abused – with almost 2.7 million victims thought to be affected across the country
● Attitudes regarding what ‘counts’ as abuse are thought to be fuelling the crisis, with 1 in 5 Scots believing that inappropriate sexual acts directed at older people don’t constitute abuse
● Half (50 percent) of those surveyed in Scotland believe that the abuse and neglect of older people increased as a result of the lockdown
● Charity announces raft of new measures designed to protect older people from abuse and to promote safer ageing
UK safer ageing charity, Hourglass, has today warned that abuse of older people is at ‘unprecedented levels’ as new data emerges revealing that nearly 2.7m UK citizens over the age of 65 are thought to have been abused.
The Growing old in the UK 2020 survey – commissioned by the charity – of over 2,500 adults found that 1 in 5 (22 percent) people either had personal experience of abuse as an older person (aged 65+) or knew an older person who had been abused, and 53% of people in the UK felt that the abuse and neglect of older people had increased as a result of lockdown.
Previous estimates have put the figure significantly lower, with the World Health Organisation estimating that – globally – 1 in 6 people aged 60 and older experienced some form of abuse in the last year.
In March, Hourglass warned that isolation and lockdown would act like a “pressure cooker” for the abuse of older people, with attitudes toward what “counts” as abuse fuelling this crisis, and situations where older people are locked down with their abusers or isolated without care only making things worse. Under lockdown conditions, older people lack the safeguards that would have previously existed through day-to-day contact with the outside world.
Among Scottish respondents, the survey revealed that at least 1 in 5 (23 percent) don’t believe that ‘inappropriate sexual acts directed at older people’ count as abuse; likewise a more than a fifth (26 percent) don’t view ‘pushing, hitting, or beating an older person’ as abuse, while a third (31 percent) don’t see ‘taking precious items from an older relative’s home without asking’ as abuse.
The overall UK figures were even higher than these, at 35 percent, 30 percent, and 32 percent respectively.
Commenting on the findings, Lesley Carcary, Director of Programmes and Director of Hourglass Scotland, said: “These results are genuinely shocking.
“Although we’ve known for a long time that we live in a world prejudiced against older people, the results show how widespread the issue is. These figures really shine a light on the true scale of the crisis, especially here in Scotland.”
She added that the data confirmed what the charity has long suspected – that the abuse of older people has long been drastically under-reported to authorities.
“Our polling shows that while people know that abuse of older people is a problem in Scotland today, there’s a complete disconnect between awareness of the issue and a true understanding of the role we all play in preventing abuse.”
Ms Carcary said the data reveals a disturbing level of tolerance towards abusive behaviours in our society.
“While I’ve no doubt that the vast majority of people don’t consider themselves to be abusers, the truth is that a troubling proportion of those we surveyed don’t actually see some very harmful behaviours as abuse. Without countering these perceptions, people are far more likely to perpetuate the cycle of abuse and are part of the problem.”
Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity focussed on addressing the abuse and neglect of older people, has announced hat it is expanding its points of service entry, both in response to this new evidence as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.
With Scotland leading the way in Hourglass’s modern new approach to supporting older people, the charity will launch the UK’s first Community Hub dedicated to safer ageing in Scotland.
This one-stop-shop approach will allow the charity to begin to refer cases to a localised Community Response Team who will be able to take on casework for older people and their families.
This will first be rolled out across Scotland, before expanding into England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Building on its Helpline, the charity is also creating the UK’s first Knowledge Bank for people seeking support or advice from the charity and its partners. This will include an instant messaging service to signpost users to appropriate resources.
Ms Carcary added: “The additional points of entry into the charity will be crucial in expanding support and resources for those suffering from abuse in Scotland as well as their loved ones.
“We want people to know what to do if they suspect an older people is being abused, and we want to ensure we are there to offer that lifeline.”
Willie Rennie, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, said of the survey results: “If these figures do not shock you to the core, I am not sure what will. This abuse is often silent, behind closed doors but more frightening for it. Victims will feel helpless which is why this research is incredibly important.”
As Covid continues to re-shape our lives it is important to keep awareness about men’s health high.
Recent news about Greg Rutherford’s detection of a cyst is a reminder that it is important for men to get regular check-ups. Testicular cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in males and it affects around 2,300 men in the UK each year.
Need2Know Books are currently offering customers a free download during the holiday season of The Essential Guide to Testicular Cancer.
If you have concerns and questions the book provides clear and helpful advice with useful instruction and guidance on what to look for and how to do self-examinations.
Earlier in the year Greg Rutherford, the 2012 Olympic gold medal long jump champion, found a lump in his testicle during the first lockdown.
Quite shaken and unsure he at first did not tell his wife. After getting checked Greg was told he has cysts – a fluid build up – and now wants other men to “take it seriously”.
Gred said: ” I’m just here asking everyone to check. Even now, during a pandemic, when I think it’s safe to say we’re fearful of wasting doctors’ and nurses’ time. If you’re a bloke, grab them and make sure nothing’s wrong, and if your partner won’t check their own balls, maybe offer to do it for them.”
Luckily, the cysts discovered were not serious, but Greg’s experience has helped to raise an important discussion of what to do if any abnormalities are found in a testicle.
Testicular cancer is unusual as it mainly affects younger men, aged between 15 and 35 but can occur in older men. According to figures from the NHS the survival rate for testicular cancer is very high with the majority of men surviving 10 years after diagnosis. Studies have found that white men have a higher risk of developing testicular cancer than men from other ethnic backgrounds.
Signs of Symptoms
Many symptoms and signs of testicular cancer are similar to those caused by noncancerous conditions such as a cyst. It is advised to check for the following symptoms if you have concerns.
A lump or enlargement in either testicle
A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
A dull ache in the abdomen or groin
A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
Back pain
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you detect any pain, swelling or lumps in your testicles or groin area, especially if these signs and symptoms last longer than two weeks.
The TUC is spearheading a #SickPayForAll campaign.
The union body says that as we move into winter, cases of coronavirus are surging rapidly. It adds that no one should be faced with both illness and the fear of being plunged into debt.
The TUC says however that 2 million people do not even qualify for sick pay.
Its petition demands the government scrap the minimum earnings threshold for statutory sick pay, increase the weekly level of sick pay to at least £330 per week, and give employers the resources to afford sick pay for their workers.
The TUC argues that even for those who do qualify, the current payment of £95.85 a week is not enough to pay the bills. Four in 10 workers would be forced into financial hardship.
“At a time of skyrocketing cases, fixing statutory sick pay can prevent the spread of the virus and ensure millions can get paid to quarantine safely at home,” the TUC #SickPayForAll petition notes.
It adds: “No one who self-isolates should worry about putting food on the table. No one should feel forced to go to work instead of recovering from the virus. Everyone has the right to decent sick pay.”
More than 53,000 health and social care staff have received psychological support from the National Wellbeing Hub since it was launched in May, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman announced yesterday.
Established during the first phase of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the hub supports all health and social care workers, including unpaid carers, who need help due to COVID-19, alongside a new 24/7 National Wellbeing helpline.
The hub helps people facing challenging situations at home or at work and includes digital programmes designed to help manage stress and reduce anxiety.
Trained practitioners at NHS24 offer callers to the helpline a compassionate and empathic listening service based on the principles of psychological first aid, as well as advice, signposting and onward referral to local services if required.nvnvnv
THANK YOU to Scotland’s health and social care staff.
You’re doing a great job looking after us, let us support you too.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “We are all deeply grateful for the continued hard work, commitment and professionalism of those working in health and social care services. With a second phase of COVID-19 and additional winter pressures, I know our frontline workers continue to face increased anxiety and fatigue due to the unprecedented public health challenge we continue to face.
“The Hub has already helped more than 53,000 people and I hope all health and social services workers in hospitals and in the community make use of the high quality resources and advice available on managing stress and anxiety, fatigue, sleep, relaxation and exercise. For those who need one-on-one support, our wellbeing support line continues to provide around the clock help.
“I would also encourage everyone, especially those who receive health and social care support, to remember the challenges facing key workers and continue to thank them for their incredible work.
“We are continuing to monitor the impact of the pandemic on our valued workforce and will do our best to ensure that appropriate support services are put in place to help them.”
To access the helpline, health and social care staff should dial 0800 111 4191.
The National Wellbeing Hub is designed to be the first point of contact for all employed health and social care staff but also for their families, as well as unpaid carers and volunteers looking for support.
A new nationwide challenge is looking for food businesses to make their recipes healthier and improve dietary health in local communities across Scotland.
The challenge – Reformul8 – run by Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland, in partnership with Scotland’s 32 local authorities, is open to all small to medium sized food companies. This includes food and ingredient manufacturers, butchers, bakers, cafés and takeaways.
The businesses that take part in the challenge will receive free support to help them select a range of products to focus on and the best ways to make these healthier. This could mean increasing fibre, fruit and vegetables within foods.
Alternatively, labelling could be used to recommend cooking techniques, portion size and serving suggestions. Or fat, salt or sugars, overall calories or portion sizes could be reduced. A simple change could even be to replace a key ingredient with a healthier alternative.
Throughout the coronavirus outbreak, Scottish food businesses have worked incredibly hard to feed and to support their local communities. Now is an excellent time to promote the great work they are doing.
Each business taking part in the challenge will benefit from a range of media support from FDF Scotland to celebrate their achievements in making their products healthier and ultimately improving the health of their consumers.
Joanne Burns, Reformulation for Health Manager, FDF Scotland, said:“Health is increasingly being seen by consumers as a key reason for choosing to buy certain food products. We recently carried out research where we found that 89% of Scottish consumers have at least one health goal and are actively seeking healthier food.
“I would encourage food businesses to get involved to support your consumers to improve their dietary health. I would also ask members of the public to promote this challenge to your local food heroes.
“Now is a great time for businesses to get in touch so you can start to look at your recipes ahead of the new year when your consumers will be even more focused on eating more healthily.”
If food businesses are interested in finding out more please email:
Lockdown could lead to a spike in house fires this winter, with elderly people being particularly vulnerable, according to safety experts.
Health and safety experts at CE Safety have warned that the UK’s lockdown has led to an increased risk of house fires as people spend more time indoors.
In the period March 2019 to March 2020, 243 people died in fire related incidents in England, and 82% of these were in people’s homes.
Those over the age of 65 are particularly vulnerable of suffering a fire in their home, and the risk doubles for those over 80.
Winter sees an increase in house fires due to candles, Christmas decs, and Brits spending more time indoors.
The Home Office’s online Incident Recording System (IRS) report that the biggest culprits of igniting accidental fires within the home are cooking appliances, accounting for 48% of all fires, followed by smokers’ materials and other household appliances.
Now experts from CE Safety have warned families to be wary of the dangers, look out for their elderly relatives and make sure their electrical appliances are safe.
A spokesperson for CE Safety said “The coronavirus pandemic has brought the importance of safeguarding our fellow humans into sharp focus.
“As we head into a winter that could be awash with isolation and continued lockdown for some time yet, taking care of our families, friends and neighbours will remain at the forefront of our concerns.
“And the very real threat of accidental fires in the home are ever-more alarming as this year’s Home Office figures reveal that someone is more likely to die in a fire in their home if they’re elderly, and if they live alone.”
Here’s how to help the most vulnerable people avoid risk of fire in their homes. A short conversation might be all you need to have with an elderly or vulnerable person in order to get the fire safety message across and find out how at-risk they are.
Here are some of the most important questions to ask:
Have they got a smoke alarm?
This should be never overlooked, and Home Office statisticians have worked out that you are eight times more likely to die in a house fire if you do not have a working smoke alarm. So a smoke alarm should be working properly and be within range of the places a fire is most likely to start.
Check how they’re cooking
Impart general advice about cooking and fires within the kitchen. Help them understand the importance of double-checking if all appliances are off.
It’s also vital to keep flammables away from surfaces and open flames, and to throw away old oil in pans and crumbs in the toaster.
Do they own dangerous appliances?
Find out the make and models of their main household appliances and do a quick check online into whether they are the type that have had problems in recent years. Recently Whirlpool hit the headlines for faulty washing machines. A quick online check of the serial number can put minds at ease.
How are they living?
Have the conversation or around how they are living, and whether they could be any potential fire risks in their home. How is the wear and tear of their wiring? Are they keeping areas around plugs and electrics clutter-free? Even a build-up of dust close to sockets and heaters can ignite a flame.
Smoking
Smoking and ashtrays are the biggest killer from fires in the home. So we all need to stress the importance of being ultra-careful with smoking materials around the home. Watch out and make sure cigarettes are extinguished properly and talk to them about never smoking in bed.
Hidden dangers
It might be surprising to people that fires can start in the most obscure ways – from the sun having a magnifying effect from glass ornaments or vases on windowsill onto curtains or carpets, igniting a flame.
Hair styling tools being left on are also a danger, as is overloading sockets, leaving appliances running during the night or electric blankets being on for too long. It might seem obvious but it’s not to everyone.
The three Cs: Candles, chimneys and Christmas lights
We should all be reminded to be careful with the things we bring out exclusively in winter, when it’s cold outside. There’s very little ventilation and everyone tends to be indoors more. Candles, chimneys and Christmas lights are responsible for fires in homes every year, so let people know how important it is to be careful with them.
Plan an escape route
In the event the worst does happen, then there is far more likelihood of having a better outcome if a plan has been put in place beforehand. Knowing where to get help, who to contact, how to respond, what to do and how to keep calm will give everyone a little more peace of mind too.
