Tag: Health and wellbeing

Seven ways to control screen time and improve wellbeing

Overuse of technology and excessive screen time for Brits can be detrimental to physical and mental health, so here are seven ways to reduce screen time:

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way Brits stay connected with friends, family and colleagues, as we have been kept physically apart.

We are all spending more time at home and staying connected virtually, but it can be hard not to have an entire day consumed by technology.

The experts at CE Safety have researched and revealed seven easy to action tips to help reduce screen time and improve Brits wellbeing.

CE Safety recommends undergoing small but effective day to day changes such as taking fewer pictures, switching electronics to grayscale, and having tech-free zones around the house like the bathroom.

Research has shown that low levels of happiness are associated with increased smartphone usage, and social media can contribute to feelings of loneliness.

Excessive technology and smartphone usage also negatively impacts sleep. With heightened anxiety and stress due to the coronavirus and lockdown, additional screen time will not help.

A spokesperson for CE Safety says: “Technology does solve many problems and can help with communicating with people. There is also an endless amount of information at our fingertips.

“But it can be distracting, time-consuming and addictive. Nomophobia is a real term to describe a growing fear in today’s world—the fear of being without a mobile device, or beyond mobile phone contact.

“We think everyone should be more aware of their technology and smartphone usage, and look to make small changes to improve their screen time, and ultimately improve their wellbeing.”

Establish tech-free zones.

There are a few locations around the house that mobiles and laptops aren’t needed. From the dining room to the bathroom, try to keep your phone in your pocket. Our parents and grandparents survived just fine without taking a phone to the bathroom.

Switch to grayscale.

Laptops and smartphones allow you to turn your screen or display grey. As a result, this will remove all the attractive, eye-catching colours from your screen. Not only is it better for your eyesight but the visual appeal is also lost.

You can even schedule greyscale or ‘night mode’ across devices now to help soften the colours your eyes consume before bedtime.

Don’t take as many pictures.

Taking pictures with your smartphone has become second-nature. A birthday party, sporting event, and holidays are all picture worthy events and Brits tend to snap at every opportunity. But in an effort to reduce your screen time, try not to take as many photos and cherish the moment for what it is, rather than turning to a smartphone at the first opportunity.

Be aware of your screen time and set time limits

Ignorance is bliss, but in this case, we’d advise making the effort to track the time you actually spend staring at screens each day. There are plenty of tools and apps that will do this for you, and iPhones track your screen time automatically and tell you how many minutes you are spending on each app.

Many Brits might be surprised at just how long they spend glued to the screen. What else could you do with that time? Go for a run? Do some cooking? Read a book?

Don’t watch the TV in bed

Try and watch TV or films from your living room rather than in your bed. Watching from your couch makes it easier to stop watching that next episode on Netflix. You want as little blue light as possible before going to bed. Also, try and turn off the TV when you’re not actually watching it.

Don’t charge your phone in the bedroom

We advise not to charge your phone next to your bed as it might tempt you to check for messages. Looking at your phone’s screen just before bed has been shown to disrupt sleep patterns.

Get your news in one place

The internet provides us with a wealth of ways to access news. But trawling through social media and news headlines to make sense of the latest events can keep users glued to the device. Try and find a reliable news source you like, and stick to it.

Boost your motivation this Autumn

Early nights, getting in touch with nature and building exercise into the day could help boost motivation as the chilly days set in.

The health and wellbeing experts at Testogen have put together their eight top tips for those wanting a natural boost as the days get shorter and colder.

Getting to bed early, eating well and exercising during daylight hours are among the advice suggested by the experts.

Other suggestions include looking at exercise routines, changing workout times and training with a friend.

A spokesperson for Testogen said: “A dip in motivation at this time of year is only natural. The days are shorter, the mornings darker and the temperatures are dipping. The good news is there are lots you can do to give motivation a boost.

“Heading to bed a little earlier, getting out and enjoying nature and setting time aside to do the things you enjoy are all easy changes to make.

“It’s also important to think about your exercise regime too. If you train outdoors, think about when you train – daylight hours are best where possible – and consider partnering with a friend to make training in the cold a little more bearable.”

Here are Testogen’s tips for boosting motivation this Autumn:

1. Go to bed early

Autumn and winter are great seasons to catch up on sleep and recuperate. Make a conscious effort to go to bed earlier – not only will a decent night’s sleep increase your motivation, it will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to face the day. Remember to avoid looking at any tech for around an hour before going to bed and leave them out of the bedroom.

2. Enjoy nature

Take a walk and enjoy everything around you. The changing colours of leaves, the misty, magical mornings and bright chilly days. The fresh air and time to think and clear your head will do wonders for your motivation.

3. Training changes

Your training schedule will need to change to take into account the shorter days. If you train outdoors, try to stick to daylight hours and where you can, train with a friend. Having a training buddy is great for motivation.

4. Build activity into your day

Try building activity into your day rather than trying to cram it in before or after work. Use the hour’s lunch break to go for a run, take a brisk walk or hop onto your bike. A short workout will leave you feeling refreshed for the afternoon.

5. Eat well

Think about what you eat, make sure your diet is balanced and enjoy plenty of fruit and vegetables. The odd over-indulgence is fine but remember everything in moderation.

6. Accessorise your home

Now’s the time to declutter, pack away all the summer clothes and furnishings and bring out the winter ones instead. Cosy blankets, rugs and autumnal candles will create a welcoming space.

7. Layer up

Whether exercising or relaxing at home, pile on the layers to stay warm. If you’re training, light layers which you can peel off as you warm up are the way to go. If you’re at home, cosy jumpers are a must.

8. Make time for you

Always set time aside for yourself, especially if you’re constantly juggling work, family and activities. Use the time to do something you enjoy – a walk with friends, watching your favourite series or having your own mini pamper session.

World Menopause Day: how lifestyle changes can help

This World Menopause Day (18th October), Pharmacy2U wanted to share information and expert comment around the common symptoms and physiological changes that occur during this transition and how lifestyle choices can make the changes more manageable.  

Going through the menopause can be one of the most difficult parts of life for many women. The menopause is a natural part of ageing that typically happens to a woman when she is between 45 and 55 years of age, with the average age in the UK being 51. It’s important to remember that whilst many symptoms are the same in every woman that goes through this transition, the experience and severity vary from woman to woman. 

During the menopausal transition, the body’s production of oestrogen and progesterone, the two hormones made by the ovaries, varies greatly. Bones become less dense, making women more vulnerable to fractures.

During this period, too, the body begins to change how it uses its energy, fat cells change and women may gain weight easier than they normally would. As hormone levels drop, a succession of not only physical changes, but also emotional changes then follow.

There are several common symptoms that may help women understand if they are going through the menopause, including; 

  • Night sweats
  • Anxiety
  • Hot flushes
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Joint pain
  • Low mood

Although there is no ‘cure’ or medication to prevent this happening, there are certain lifestyle changes that can be made to make going through this transition as bearable as possible:

  • Staying clear of foods that cause hot flushes – coffee, tea, alcohol and spicy foods
  • Participating in regular exercise to relieve stress which can trigger the release of endorphins and aid in the balancing of hormones
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – medication that contains hormones that a woman’s body stops producing after menopause
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – a type of talking therapy that can help with anxiety and low moods

It’s recommended that you talk to your GP if you are presenting with the symptoms listed and they’re causing you discomfort, or if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and you’re below 45 years of age. Your GP can then usually confirm whether you are going through the menopause based on your symptoms, or through a blood test. 

Phil Day, Superintendent Pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, commented: “The menopause is a natural process, however for some women it can cause a lot of discomfort and disruption to their everyday life.

“A greater awareness of this, and of the many ways the symptoms can be identified and managed, can only be a good thing; and World Menopause Day aims to start that conversation. Lifestyle changes, and approaches such as HRT, can go a long way to restoring normality in many cases.

“HRT replaces the hormones oestrogen and progestogen, or just oestrogen for most women without a uterus, and it can be given in many different ways including tablets, patches, or vaginal creams or pessaries. Your pharmacist and GP are on hand to give advice.”

https://youtu.be/qdMNAf19qcc

Understanding the Male Menopause and Mental Health
https://www.optimale.co.uk/male-menopause-mental-health-guide/ 

Heart research UK Healthy tip – Sober October

Go Sober for October

This month is Sober October, when lots of people around the UK stop drinking alcohol for the month. If you have not yet joined in, it is not too late!

Research has found that alcohol consumption has increased in one fifth of people due to the coronavirus pandemic. As many as two fifths of people who have been furloughed are thought to be drinking more alcohol. Drinking in excess can increase your blood pressure and lead to weight gain, which is bad news for your heart.

If you have stopped drinking for October, we have some tips to keep you on track:

We hope these tips will help you if you are thinking about stopping drinking, but haven’t yet taken the plunge: 

  • Avoid temptation by not having alcohol in the house
  • Tell other people you have stopped drinking. By telling other people about it, you are more likely to stick to your goal
  • Reward yourself for your success. Decide on a reward that will motivate you to achieve your goal and keep reminding yourself about it whenever you are tempted to have a drink.
  • Regularly remind yourself of the health and financial benefits of not drinking. You could use the money you save to buy yourself a reward.
  • If you go back to drinking after October, keep a drink diary to record your weekly alcohol intake. If you are consuming more than 14 units a week, take steps to address it.
  • You can get help with calculating your alcohol units here: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/for-your-body/drink-less/know-your-alcohol-units/

If you are concerned about your drinking, you can find further support and advice from the NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/

You can find more tips, healthy recipes and advice at heartresearch.org.uk

CPR: Same, but different

640,790 Scots equipped with CPR skills

On International Restart a Heart Day on Friday, the Save a Life for Scotland partnership celebrated five years of working together to help more people learn CPR so that should they ever need to do it, they feel more prepared.

Despite not being able to reach people face to face since March, they had managed to equip an amazing 640,790 people with CPR skills up until lockdown in March 2020.

The Save a Life for Scotland Partnership has collectively contributed to a 45% increase in 30-day survival rates for those who have had an out-of-hospital cardiac, arrest doubling to 1 in 10 since the strategy launch in 2015.

When it comes to bystander CPR, the numbers continuing to do it this year in Scotland are pretty incredible. As a nation, amongst everything that’s going on, bystander CPR rates haven’t changed. When someone needs CPR Scots are still helping, still caring and making an incredible difference. Today, the campaign wants to remind you that calling for help and starting CPR is still the right thing to do.

Every year about 3,500 people are treated for an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by ambulance crews in Scotland. The Scottish Ambulance Service have made significant improvements to our response to out of hospital cardiac arrest, including early decision making, meaning patients with immediately life-threatening conditions are now being identified earlier in the 999 call process, and treated more rapidly.

When you call 999 and a cardiac arrest is identified, our highly trained call handlers will provide clear instructions on how to perform CPR. Remember any delay in commencing CPR could decrease chances of survival drastically so we ask you to assist right away. Early bystander CPR can increase someone’s chance of survival by 2-3 times.

We understand you may be concerned about what the risks may be around CPR during COVID-19 and CPR guidance has changed slightly due to the current pandemic. Research conducted on behalf of the Resuscitation Council (UK) revealed that a third of UK adults don’t know if, during the COVID-19 pandemic, CPR should only be carried out by professionals wearing PPE.

We want to reassure you that bystander CPR should still be carried out while the ambulance service is on the way and our highly trained call handlers will support you to give essential lifesaving support, in a safe way, until help arrives.

Dr Andrew Lockey, Consultant in Emergency Medicine and co-lead for World Restart a Heart Day, Resuscitation Council UK said: “The principle message for Restart a Heart is that you can still save a life, whilst keeping yourself safe.”

The Resuscitation Council (UK) advise that if you have to administer bystander CPR place a cloth or a towel loosely over the persons face to reduce the risk of any spread.

The Save a Life for Scotland campaign have created a page where you can refresh your CPR knowledge, learn of the small changes to the guidance and perhaps learn for the first time – take a look and learn today. https://www.savealife.scot/adult-resources/learn-cpr/

To showcase how every step of the ‘chain of survival’ is so important to save lives, Robert Hogg shares his story:

A man who had a cardiac arrest on a family holiday said he would not be alive today if not for the Scottish Ambulance Service, the Coastguard and off duty medical staff who swiftly came to his aid.

Robert Hogg was at Sands Campsite, Gairloch, with his wife on August 22 when he collapsed.

He has praised the efforts of everyone involved, including the off duty GP and dive medic who performed CPR until Scottish Ambulance Service arrived, the Coastguard, who transported Robert to Raigmore Hospital, and the hospital staff.

Robert, 54, said: “I remember a few bits before it happened. I walked off to go to the rubbish bins. I dumped the rubbish and turned back around and then I collapsed.”

Robert, a climate control engineer, said he recalled “not feeling great” 10 minutes before he had the cardiac arrest. After he collapsed, an off duty GP and medic diver were nearby and rushed to the scene to give CPR. He said: “It was pure luck it happened where it did – if it had happened at the caravan I would be under the ground. It’s a huge site.

“A GP was having his dinner at a restaurant. There was also a paramedic diver, who was drying his towels, who started CPR.”

A nearby community AED placed by Scottish Charity Lucky2BHere [L2BH] was also located and the GP and diver used it until emergency responders from the Scottish Ambulance Service arrived. Robert was in hospital until the Wednesday following the incident after getting airlifted from the Coastguard SAR. Despite not recalling the incident, his wife has relayed what happened.

He said: “I would not be here if not for everyone involved. Even in such a remote area, they were still able to provide the care and attention I needed. I cannot thank everybody enough. I owe these people my life.”

The story goes further to showcase the importance of community resilience as a key step in the chain of survival because the lifesaving Big Sands L2BH defibrillator used to save Robert’s life was unveiled just last year by Gairloch local, Cherril Parry, whose own life was saved by a community L2BH defibrillator in 2018.

Despite enduring such serious illness, Cherill championed fundraising for a new defibrillator for the area. The ‘Red Phone Box’ where it is located, is well known in the community and when Robert had his cardiac arrest, his team of rescuers knew the location and retrieved the L2BH defibrillator, immediately helping save Robert’s life.

The staff involved in helping this patient were East EMD, Karen Russell, North Supervisor, Alistair Dargie, North Dispatcher Blair Gordon, SSD: Richard Fisher, Sarah Morrison, Michael McKenna, and and Alan McLean

Lisa MacInnes, Director of the Save a Life for Scotland campaign said: “Scotland as ever, continues to step up to look out for each other in their families and communities.

“COVID-19 has highlighted that Scots are ready and willing to care for those around them and when it comes to CPR they continue to be willing to get help and start CPR.

“Our message today is please keep going. Your actions continue to give people the best chance of survival. Please use and share our videos with others to keep the message going that any CPR beats no CPR.”

Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “Starting CPR immediately after the heart stops beating can double, and sometimes triple the chances of survival. The Save a Life for Scotland campaign is an excellent example of how we can all work together to improve a person’s chance of survival.

“Despite the challenges faced this year, people in Scotland continue to demonstrate a willingness to help. I would encourage everyone to learn CPR online.”

Pauline Howie, Chief Executive for Scottish Ambulance Service, said: “The Scottish Ambulance Service would like to say a massive thank you for what you have helped us, and all the strategy partners, to achieve over the last five years.

“Bystander CPR is the most crucial link in the chain of survival and because so many more of you have learnt and been willing to perform bystander CPR we have seen survival double in that time; double the number of people surviving and returning to their loved ones.

“Our message is still clear – early bystander CPR is the difference between life and death for those in cardiac arrest. So please keep attempting CPR. Our call handlers will guide you through how to do this safely, meaning you too can save a life “.

Lucky2BHere Founder, Ross Cowie said: “This amazing story of survival shows how every person in a community can and does play their part in saving a life.  

“Lucky2BHere provided the defibrillator and Emergency Life Support training though, on the day it was the incredible community team effort that saved Robert’s life; passing him safely into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service.

“We couldn’t be happier for Robert, his family and the whole community.”  

Poll finds workers terrified of taking virus home

Two thirds of workers said their mental health has been harmed by the coronavirus crisis, a massive new survey by GMB has found.

In the poll of 13,500 public and private sector workers – thought to be the biggest of its kind during the pandemic – 66 per cent of respondents said that their work during the outbreak has had a serious negative impact on their mental health.

Other findings from the survey, released on World Mental Health Day, include:

  • 61 per cent of workers say their job is causing them stress or is otherwise impacting on their mental health.
  • Fear of taking the coronavirus home was the frequently cited cause of stress at work (by 36 per cent of respondents), followed by workers’ fear for their own safety (by 30 per cent).
  • Front-line workers report being 70 per cent more anxious on average than official estimates for the whole population before the pandemic struck.
  • Workers in retail, schools, outsourced services, and care report experiencing the highest levels of anxiety.

GMB is campaigning for a ‘Mental Health at Work Act ‘specifying the approach and methods expected of all employers in managing mental health in the workplace.

If successful, the legislation would require absences due to poor mental health to be reported to the Health and Safety Executive on the same basis as physical injuries.

Nell Andrew, GMB National Equality and Inclusion Officer, said: “Shockingly, almost one in five adults have experienced some form of depression during the pandemic – almost doubling from before the crisis.

“These stark results show it’s not just workers’ physical health that’s being impacted by covid – but their mental health and well-being is too. And that’s a massive problem for everyone.

“Much more needs to be done to prevent poor mental health in the workplace, during the pandemic and beyond.

“We urgently need full mental health risk assessments to become the norm, because protecting workers’ mental health is just as vital as protecting physical health.

“As we face a second wave and widespread redundancies, we desperately need to protect at-risk industries and fully fund the public services that defend the mental health and wellbeing of the heroic workers who have keep the economy and society together.”

Clowning Around – an exciting new programme for Special Education Needs Schools

Hearts & Minds, award-winning charity and home of the Clowndoctors, is pleased to announce an exciting and fun new programme for special educational needs schools across Scotland.

Clowning Around is an art and play programme specifically designed for children with special educational support needs. Using the art of therapeutic clowning professionally trained artists engage children in play, music, dance, song, puppetry, games and storytelling. The Clowndoctors use improvisational skills and expertise in non-verbal communication and play to create tailored programmes to suit individual needs.

Clowning Around Programme

• Clowndoctor on Call: bespoke live interactive sessions delivered virtually by the Clowndoctors to individuals or a small group. • Clowndoctor Personalised Videos: Videos created for individuals or small groups. Tailored to suit the needs and interests of the children/young people.

• Clowndoctor in the Classroom: live visits in the classroom with the Clowndoctors. These will return when restrictions allow. 
• Laughing Around: Laughter Yoga workshop for staff. This fun practical workshop is designed to relieve stress, lighten the mood, and form positive connections.

Clowndoctor on Call virtual visits were developed in response to COVID 19 as face to face visits in the classroom had to stop and Hearts & Minds were determined to keep the connection with pupils & bring moments of joy and laughter into the classroom.

The virtual visits have begun at Fairview School, Perth where they have been a huge success with staff and pupils.

Leigh Verdot, Head Teacher of Fairview School said: “We are thrilled to still get our weekly fix with the Clowndoctors.  It is great to see the smiles and enjoyment from our pupils when they are engaging with the Clowndoctors on the ipads!

“Things are so different with COVID restrictions, so our weekly visits are one of the best parts of the week now.  All our staff are learning from the Clowndoctors too.  We couldn’t ask for a better start to the week!”

Rebecca Simpson, CEO of Hearts & Minds commented: “I am delighted to finally launch at our new school programme- Clowning Around. With 21 years’ experience of delivering our Clowndoctor programme it is exciting to be developing this work for schools across Scotland.

“The feedback we have received already has been overwhelmingly positive regarding the impact on the children. The programme is full of fun, laughter and creativity and will bring smiles to classrooms.”

The programme is open to all schools in Scotland who have pupils with complex learning needs and the programme can be tailored to suit the individual or a class. The team at Hearts & Minds will liaise with staff to provide a bespoke series of sessions.

For more information on Clowning Around visit:

https://www.heartsminds.org.uk/clowndoctors/clowning-around/

Capital charity team to give ‘Ten Thousand Gifts’ during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Jennifer Young, alongside Make 2nds Count, is gifting 10,000 skincare products from her Beauty Despite Cancer range in support of UK cancer patients and small charities from the local area and beyond throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.

Over the past few weeks, the organisation has been asking people to nominate their favourite small charities, hospices and cancer support groups, through which they will give away the natural products.

Those being treated for, living with or recovering from cancer will know finding the right skincare can be an additional source of anxiety during an already trying time. Finding products that can help to calm the side effects that some cancer treatments may have on the skin can be difficult, especially given the increased skin sensitivity chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause. 


Recent Challenges

Recent Macmillan research found that 91% of cancer patients suffer a loss of income, causing stress and mental health issues. With the current pandemic also affecting the job market across the region, this can be an even more distressing prospect to those going through treatment.

The ‘Ten Thousand Gifts’ project not only supports those most affected by cancer poverty by providing them with skincare which is of significant benefit during treatment, but also spreads joy in the form of receiving gifts which lifts mood and increases emotional health and wellbeing.

Additionally, many charities’ fundraising efforts have been affected by the restrictions enlisted to prevent spread of the coronavirus. ‘Ten Thousand Gifts’ will not only provide those who deserve it with luxury products but will raise awareness for charitable causes across the region. 

The Company 

Jennifer realised her passion for working with cancer patients when her local NHS hospital invited her to meet those going through treatment. Since then, Jennifer has created more than 300 specialist products to calm the effects of cancer treatment on the skin, available through BeautyDespiteCancer.com. The Midlands-based company is now known for its pioneering development of new products that are gentle and luxurious. 

The Giveaway

Products included in the giveaway are the Defiant Beauty Nail Oil (4g) and the Defiant Beauty Healing Hand Balm (15g). The Defiant Beauty Nail Oil is a gentle, moisturising oil designed to care for brittle nails caused by the effects of cancer treatment. Meanwhile, the Defiant Beauty Healing Hand Balm is a gentle multi-tasking balm that acts as a hand mask, nail moisturiser and a hand cream to soothe and restore the skin.


Jennifer said: “Everything we do at Jennifer Young and Beauty Despite Cancer, is about supporting individuals each day of their cancer experience. Reducing skin irritation and soreness, creating nurturing rituals from everyday routines and giving a sense of restoration are invaluable when you’re experiencing something as challenging as cancer and cancer treatment.

” Knowing that options are available and that you are not alone, can make a huge difference to how someone feels. Local and national independent charities, hospices and support organisations are incredibly important in delivering that message of care and community, which is why we aim to provide sustainable support to them as well in the work that we do.

“It is important to us that the charities we help are those that reflect the experiences of our customers, and this month is an opportunity to celebrate that connected support network between products, charities and clients.”

Francesca Arbury, Charity Service Manager for Something To Look Forward To, says: “It’s amazing for people to receive things that will boost their emotional health, make them look and feel better but also because we know as a charity how badly people have been affected by the pandemic, and especially the cancer community.

“With delays and cancellations, screenings, treatments and surgery, a lot of strain has been put on people, they are scared and are feeling low. More than that finances may be tough and life’s little luxuries that some people may see it as, may no longer be affordable now. So ‘Ten Thousand Gifts’ is going to be so popular!”

You can watch the full video, and hear other testimonials here.

Support for people with neurological conditions

Projects which support people with neurological conditions are to benefit from the latest round of funding announced as part of a five-year action plan.

The investment of £492,535 is focussed on initiatives where partnership working is key. Many of the 17 funded activities see NHS Boards, Health and Social Care Partnerships and Third Sector organisations joining forces to achieve better outcomes for people living with neurological conditions.

Funding recipients include Pain Association Scotland who will develop online courses to support the wellbeing of unpaid carers and the MS Society who will deliver online and telephone sessions to support the physical and emotional wellbeing of people living with MS in response to the pandemic.

‘Neurological care and support: framework for action – 2020 to 2025’ aims to ensure people get access to personalised care and support regardless of their condition or where in Scotland they live.

Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “Around one million people in Scotland live with a neurological condition ranging from common conditions such as migraines to life-limiting illnesses such as Motor Neurone Disease.

“We recognise the scale, variety and context of neurological conditions and how distressing they can be for the person with the condition and their family and the framework for action aims to support those responsible for providing care and support to people affected.

“This latest round of funding will ensure this vital work not only continues but is strengthened despite the challenges faced during the pandemic.”

PSPA provides information and support to people affected by Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD).

CEO Andrew Symons said: “Neurological Care and Support Framework Funding will allow us to map provision for PSP and CBD in Scotland, simultaneously highlighting the information and support that we can offer from PSPA.

“This will contribute to the aim of earlier diagnosis of these rare conditions and reduce the time spent by people in the wrong part of the system with the result they can benefit from the provisions of the Framework as soon as their disease is recognised.”

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Years of austerity have had a harrowing impact on vulnerable families in Scotland

  • Families’ needs are escalating while support services are diminishing, new research reveals
  • Children’s charities call on Scottish Government to invest in family support without delay

Years of austerity have had a harrowing impact on vulnerable families in Scotland with some now facing destitution, reveals NSPCC Scotland and Barnardo’s Scotland research published today.

The report, Challenges from the Frontline – Revisited, highlights the devastating impact of the rollout of welfare reform on children and their families and the effects of local government funding cuts on the support available to them.

The research, a snapshot of life before Covid-19, describes rising need in the face of lessening resource, with some families struggling to obtain adequate food, secure housing and basic necessities. Despite long-standing commitment by the Scottish Government to early intervention and parenting support, the research found that too many families were coming to services already at crisis point.

Service managers told researchers that welfare reform had financially punished a whole section of the population.

One said: “…because so many of our families are on universal credit, that does not allow them to have a standard of living that meets the needs of those adults and children within the household. It simply does not.”

Another said: “It’s the poverty and disadvantage that we see now. It was always there, but it’s certainly exacerbated by the welfare reform over the past few years. The rise of foodbanks here is massive. Families use them on a regular basis and you can see that, families who come to us and are really struggling.”

NSPCC Scotland and Barnardo’s Scotland are now calling on the Scottish Government to press ahead, as a matter of urgency, with the Independent Care Review’s vision of making intensive family support available to all who need it.

The review’s Promise report sets out a blueprint of how this should be done.

The children’s charities also say the Scottish Government must articulate a clear vision for family income in Scotland, and set out how – within the current levers available – it will ensure that all families have enough money to live with dignity.

Today’s report compares findings from research carried out with family support services in Scotland in 2013 and 2019. It concludes that in the intervening period severe hardship has affected parents’ mental health and family relationships, so that those now being referred have more complex difficulties and greater needs.

This is amid a landscape of local authorities and other public bodies continuing to face financial challenges. The research found evidence of family support services closing or being offered on a far more limited basis than had been the case in 2013.

Matt Forde, NSPCC Scotland head of service, said: “Our research reveals that families were facing destitution, isolation and mental health struggles before the Covid-19 pandemic began.

“We found that against a backdrop of years of austerity there was escalating need for help from families who were struggling with more complex problems, being met with less support than before.

“We know that adverse and traumatic experiences in childhood can have a profound impact on a person’s life.

“And it is crucial this unacceptable situation, now compounded by the Covid-19 crisis, is addressed with a matter of urgency.”

Martin Crewe, Director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “Supporting vulnerable families mitigates social inequality and improves children’s life opportunities.

“The Coronavirus crisis provides a huge opportunity to make meaningful, sustainable, transformative change. We need to harness the desire to do things differently, to reach out to families with a strengthened social safety net to prevent longer term difficulties developing in young people’s lives.

“The Independent Care Review’s Promise has given us a blueprint for family support and    we must deliver on this without delay.”

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