Tag: Health and wellbeing

Prostate Football Fans in Training to return following successful pilot programme

The SPFL Trust, in partnership with Prostate Scotland, are continuing their exercise programme for men living with prostate cancer following a hugely successful 12-week pilot programme.

The  initial phase of this project took place in the capital at Tynecastle, delivered by Heart of Midlothian FC and at Ibrox, with Rangers Charity Foundation.

The programme is a tailored version of Football Fans in Training (FFIT), the SPFL Trust’s flagship health and wellbeing programme which takes place at football clubs across the country, helping people to get active and feel fitter, healthier and happier.

The next cohort kicks off on September 19 in Kilmarnock, with The Killie Community, and in the capital, with Heart of Midlothian FC at Tynecastle on September 20.

Working together with experts from Prostate Scotland, the University of Glasgow Health and Wellbeing Institute and The Exercise Clinic, the programme has been developed based on clinical guidelines for men living with prostate cancer, which recommend a structured 12-week exercise programme. 

Prostate FFIT is open to all men living with prostate cancer, who can self-refer online, or be referred by a clinician.  

As well as having the opportunity to take part in exercise supported by trained coaches, participants will learn more about nutrition. They will also receive a personal workbook to help them follow the course and have access to specifically developed videos to continue exercise at home. 

Crucially, Prostate FFIT will create space for men affected by prostate cancer to meet others in a similar situation, offering informal peer support. 

David Plain took part in the pilot programme with Heart of Midlothian FC. “It was really good on a number of levels,” he said. “You immediately have something in common with every single person in the room. We’re all at different stages of our journey, but we all have prostate cancer.

David (fourth from left) and his Prostate FFIT group during a session at Tynecastle 

“There was someone else on the course who had the same treatment as me. It was just good to know that what I was experiencing wasn’t out of the ordinary.

“I’ve continued with exercise after the course. Three of us meet up once a week to go to a fitness class and have a coffee.

“You don’t feel the need to hide the fact that you have Prostate Cancer. Prostate FFIT is a safe place to go and everyone there is going through a similar journey.”

Adam Gaines, Director of Prostate Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be offering these new courses with our partners at the SPFL Trust, The Killie Community and Heart of Midlothian FC.

“Prostate FFIT is aimed at helping tackle the impact prostate cancer can have on the lives of men living with it, especially for those on hormone therapy.

“The benefit of Prostate FFIT courses, offered in professional football clubs, is in providing engaging and helpful exercise and healthy lifestyle sessions, in line with clinical guidelines. Recent research by the University of Glasgow has shown many benefits that Prostate FFIT courses can have on men living with prostate cancer.”

For more information about the Prostate FFIT, visit: spfltrust.org.uk/prostate-ffit

Next chapter for Reading Schools

More pupils to benefit from ‘transformative’ programme

The First Minister has encouraged every school in Scotland to join Reading Schools, a Scottish Government-funded programme that supports attainment and benefits pupils’ health and wellbeing.

So far, 371 schools have been awarded Reading Schools accreditation and 511 more have joined the programme – which independent evaluation has shown leads to more pupils reading for pleasure and can help to reduce the poverty-related attainment gap.

It is hoped that every school in Scotland will be a Reading School within three to five years.

In addition to Reading Schools, the First Minister will underline his personal commitment to promoting both literacy and numeracy by supporting the ‘Read Write Count with the First Minister’ programme, which will provide books and literacy materials to children when it opens in the autumn.

The First Minister and the Education Secretary heard about the benefits of Reading Schools during a visit to Claypotts Castle Primary School in Dundee.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “I am pleased that the hugely successful First Minister’s Reading Challenge has now evolved into a reading support programme that will benefit even more pupils, and involves the whole school community.

“We know that reading can support improved attainment across the curriculum and that embedding a reading culture in schools can open the door to a lifelong love of books.

“I look forward to working with the Scottish Book Trust and schools across the country on both Reading Schools and the refreshed Read Write Count with the First Minister set to launch in the autumn. These fantastic programmes will support children in improving both literacy and numeracy across Scotland.”

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “Evaluation has shown the clear benefits of Reading Schools to pupils and school staff and I look forward to seeing the impact of this next phase in our work with the Scottish Book Trust.

“I would encourage every school in Scotland to join the programme so that pupils can enjoy all of the positive impacts that reading brings.”

Claypotts Castle Primary School head teacher Nicky Murray said: “The Reading Schools award has allowed us to focus our effort, energy and enthusiasm and protect time within our school improvement agenda to drive forward a culture of reading in our school.  

“We have already awarded over 250 certificates to children this year to celebrate their reading achievements and the feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive.

“The Reading Schools award has given us the opportunity to align our vision of a community and school improvement focus to extend the life and ethos of the school into every home in our local community.”

Marc Lambert , CEO of the Scottish Book Trust, which delivers the Reading Schools programme, said: “We look forward to supporting even more schools on their Reading Schools journey in the years ahead. 

“Reading Schools is already having a transformative effect in schools, both on young people and learning professionals, as well as the wider school community.

“We are delighted that the First Minister and Scottish Government continue to show their commitment to literacy and numeracy, benefitting pupils across all ages and stages of their education.”

Reading Schools

Participating schools

Over half of Scots think volunteering could improve their mental health, as charity sees boom in young volunteers

Over half of Scots (52 per cent) think volunteering could improve their mental health according to a new survey from the British Heart Foundation. It comes as the national charity has also seen a boom in younger volunteers since the pandemic ended.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF), which has around 16,000 volunteers across its shops and stores, and supporting roles from home, has also revealed that over half of its new retail volunteer recruits this year are Gen Z.

A new survey of 1,000 people in Scotland has highlighted that Scots believe volunteering could improve their mental health, boost confidence, and reduce loneliness.

The survey also found that over nine in 10 (94 per cent) of Gen Z respondents nationally would consider volunteering, compared with just under three quarters (74 per cent) of Baby Boomers (people aged 59-77+) respondents.

Flexibility stood out as a key factor for Scottish respondents when it comes to volunteering, with 48 per cent of Scots saying they would be more likely to volunteer if flexible hours were offered, and nearly a quarter (24 per cent) would consider volunteering from home

Further results showed that for 30 per cent of Scottish respondents (32 per cent), the biggest barrier to volunteering in a charity shop was not having time to commit to it regularly. With flexible roles offered, and even the option to volunteer from home, it’s now much easier for anyone to get involved and try out volunteering at the BHF.

Harry McCaughey, a 17-year-old BHF volunteer, initially signed up to gain some work experience and develop his confidence in meeting and socialising with other people. He volunteers at his local shop on the weekends while he studies and loves the social atmosphere and the mix of people and ages in the team. After his A Levels, Harry hopes to go to university and have a career in dermatology.

Harry said: “I started volunteering to meet new people, and it’s been great to get to know people that I wouldn’t otherwise have met and hear advice from those that are older than me.

“I’d encourage younger people to volunteer, it’s a great way to expand your social circle and build confidence and responsibility at work.”

David McColgan, Head of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in Scotland said: “Since the pandemic, it’s been great to see consistently high numbers of young people choose to try out volunteering. The flexibility we offers makes it ideal for those looking to gain work experience and build confidence before applying for jobs or heading to university.

“Our easy, flexible, and inclusive approach aims to make volunteering more accessible for all. We encourage everyone to bring their skills to the BHF, whether it’s for one day or one hundred. Whether you want to chat to customers on the shop floor, sort through donations in the stock room, style the mannequins in the window, stay active in the warehouse or research eBay items from home, we have the role for you.”

A recent volunteer photoshoot saw the charity use only real volunteers in their images, rather than models, marking a new direction the charity is taking to reflect the real diversity of their volunteers.

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To volunteer at the British Heart Foundation, visit bhf.org.uk/volunteer

People in Edinburgh urged to apply to Suicide Prevention Panel

SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) is inviting people from Edinburgh with lived experience of suicide to apply to take part in the Suicide Prevention Scotland Lived Experience Panel. 

The panel exists so that people with experience of suicide can help shape Scotland’s mission to prevent suicide. 

The Lived Experience Panel works alongside Suicide Prevention Scotland to influence and advise on its work to deliver the Scottish Government and COSLA’s suicide prevention strategy, Creating Hope Together.

Suicide Prevention Scotland is the community of people and organisations working together to deliver the strategy.  

The panel was initially formed in 2019 to support the delivery of the previous strategy.

It played a vital role in the development of guidance to support local authorities, learning & development resources, the launch of the United to Prevent Suicide campaign movement, pilot projects to support families bereaved by suicide, and shaping an approach to supporting people in suicidal crisis, Time Space Compassion.

This model has been so successful that it has been recognised by the World Health Organisation as a significant international example of participation of people with lived experience in suicide prevention work.

Those who have previously attempted suicide, experienced suicidal thoughts, or have lost a loved one to suicide are encouraged to apply to be on the panel.

The Scottish Government provides funding to SAMH to host the lived experience panel, providing support to the group’s members so that they can contribute fully and safely help influence suicide prevention strategy.

Seonaid Stallan, is a current member of the Lived Experience Panel. She lost her son Dylan to suicide; three weeks later her sister-in-law Vanessa took her own life.

She said: “After losing my son and sister-in-law to suicide, I knew there were things which needed to change to prevent this happening to others. 

“Being a member of the Lived Experience Panel has given me the opportunity to share my personal lived experience, insight and knowledge of suicide. 

My experience is valued, and I have been able to use my voice to help influence and shape a variety of actions and services in suicide prevention. 

“I am pleased to say that Scotland now has a pilot service which supports families bereaved by suicide, families like mine. This will save lives.”

Dan Farthing, Head of Suicide Prevention at SAMH said: “This is a unique opportunity for people in Edinburgh to play a significant part in Scotland’s mission to prevent suicide.

“SAMH is proud to have worked collaboratively to establish and develop the Lived Experience Panel and to continue to host it for Suicide Prevention Scotland.

“Working with panel members we’ve created a safe space for open conversation, and constructive challenge. Those who join the panel will be able to genuinely shape what Scotland’s approach to suicide prevention looks like in the future.

“Support and safeguarding are always at the forefront of everything we do, and so those who are interested in contributing this way should know that their wellbeing is our top priority.”

Haylis Smith, National Delivery, Suicide Prevention Scotland said: “Over the last four years the Lived Experience Panel has become a vital part of the three-way approach to the development of suicide prevention policy and practice alongside public health professionals and our academic advisors. 

“Members understandably want to do all they can to prevent suicide, but it is the quality of their contributions that have made such a difference. 

“The idea of a lived experience panel was very new when this one was set up, and some people were probably quite nervous about taking this approach. 

“However, we’ve seen so many meaningful contributions that have helped shape our approach, and in some cases bring about change that may not have happened. 

“We’d warmly encourage anyone who has experience of suicide in Edinburgh, who feels they are ready to contribute to this work to put themselves forward.” 

To find out more about the role and to apply, visit: https://www.samh.org.uk/about-mental-health/suicide/suicide-prevention-scotland-lived-experience-panel 

Edinburgh Fringe comedians bring laughter to care home residents

Residents at two of the capital’s care homes felt the buzz of this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival after a series of on-site comedy performances at Randolph Hill Nursing Homes over the weekend.

Stand-up comedians Carey Marx and Jojo Sutherland brought their shows to Randolph Hill nursing homes across Scotland, including its Ashley Court and Blenham House sites located in the capital, enabling residents to share in the Edinburgh Fringe experience.

The stand-up shows were part of a series of performances by the pair which were held at each of Randolph Hill’s sites located in Edinburgh, The Lothians, and Stirlingshire over the course of last week.

Carey performs regularly across the UK comedy circuit and has appeared in numerous television programmes including Comedy Cuts, BBC Breakfast and Loose Women. In 2009 he gained global recognition after winning Best International Show at the New Zealand Comedy Festival.

Jojo has worked in the UK entertainment industry for more than two decades as a writer, actor, broadcaster, and comedian. A regular at the Edinburgh Fringe, she was a 2022 finalist for the title of British Comedian of the Year.

Randolph Hill currently cares for more than 350 residents and employs over 600 members of staff at its seven sites across east and central Scotland.

Randolph Hill Managing Director Peter McCormick said: “We were delighted to bring this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival to our nursing homes including our two sites in the capital. 

“With two highly regarded comedians bringing their acts to all of our seven sites, this series of performances brought a real festival buzz to our residents and enabled them to enjoy the Fringe experience in a familiar setting.

“We are grateful to Carey and Jojo for their great performances which were warmly received and thoroughly enjoyed by our residents, family members and our staff.”

Edinburgh Leisure launches new Basketball Coaching for younger players

Edinburgh Leisure, the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city, is excited to announce the launch of a comprehensive basketball coaching programme tailored specifically for younger children.

This initiative comes in response to valuable feedback received from a recent coaching customer survey involving parents and carers who expressed a keen interest in additional coaching options and diverse sports development opportunities for their children. 

The basketball coaching is being offered at Meadowbank and Ainslie Park and sessions are now live for booking through the Edinburgh Leisure app and the Edinburgh Leisure website.  Monthly coaching costs £24.30 for 45-minute classes and £26.60 for a 60-minute class.

The basketball coaching is being offered at Meadowbank and Ainslie Park, and both venues will follow the same times and schedules. 

The sessions are now live for booking through the Edinburgh Leisure app and the Edinburgh Leisure website.  Classes are held weekly and the monthly coaching costs £24.30 for 45-minute classes and £26.60 for a 60-minute class.

1:00 – 1:45pm             Little Ballers

2:00 – 2:45pm             Junior Ballers

3:45 – 4:45pm             Mighty Ballers

4:45 – 5:45pm             Game Time Ballers

Edinburgh Leisure recognises the importance of offering a variety of coahing options to cater to the specific needs of different age groups. Therefore, the basketball coaching programme encompasses four distinct pathways:

Little Ballers – 18 months to 3 years

An interactive and play-orientated introduction to basketball for the youngest learners. Children will have the opportunity to explore basketball equipment in a child-friendly and realistic setting. Parental participation is encouraged to foster early education and enhance cognitive and social skills development.

Junior Ballers – 3 years to 5 years

A step-by-step introduction to the world of basketball, where children will learn the basics of the sport, gradually progressing towards structured techniques. The classes will foster a sense of teamwork and cooperation, with parental involvement as needed. 

Mighty Ballers – 5 years to 7 years

Mighty ballers are confident with boundless energy, and this is catered for in the lesson plans, with the classes designed to be fast-paced and engaging. Children will delve deeper into basketball fundamentals, while enjoying a fun and dynamic environment that emphasises teamwork and incorporates small-sided games.

Game Time Ballers – 7 years to 9 years

A holistic learning approach that seamlessly integrates play, practice, and understanding. These sessions not only teach essential basketball skills but also instil an understanding of when and how to apply these skills effectively in a real game scenario.

Gary Hocknull, Sports Development Officer at Edinburgh Leisure explained: “Recognising the well-established network across Edinburgh engaging teenage basketball players, we’ve responded to the call from parents and guardians for more diverse opportunities in sports development.

“Basketball emerged as a natural choice for younger children.  Our new pathways cater for children from 18 months to 8 years, split into four age groups.”

Cancer drug delivery evaluation shows “better quality of life”

Beatson drug delivery study shows patient benefits

A new service evaluation on the use of intrathecal drug delivery (ITDD) by the Interventional Cancer Pain team at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre has shown patients having a better quality of life by being able to spend more time being cared for in the community.  

As well as this, the pump devices mean patients are on a lower dose of opioid painkillers, which reduces cognitive impairment.  

Dr Alison Mitchell led the work which has been published in the journal Palliative Medicine.  

The ITDD service offered by the Beatson WoSCC is the only one in Scotland and it is hoped the findings of this study will support the use of ITDD further afield.  

Dr Mitchell, Consultant in Palliative Medicine, said: “We have been using ITDD since 2007 and this research confirms the benefits that it has for patients who have significant pain due to a variety of cancers.  

“It’s an appropriate method of pain relief for a small percentage of patients and makes a real difference to their quality of life.” 

The devices use an implanted catheter in the lumbar area of the spine which allows delivery of anaesthetic and painkilling medication from a pump which sits just below the ribcage.  

After the device is implanted, patients return every two weeks to have the medication reservoir refilled.  

Dr Mitchell explained: “As the medication is delivered directly to the spinal cord, the local anaesthetic administered by the device acts like a dental anaesthetic by numbing pain nerves directly and we try to ensure it does not impair motor function in the way a dental anaesthetic would affect your face muscles.  

“The morphine delivered by the pumps relieves the pain associated with cancers and means patients can reduce their oral morphine use and patients with pumps are on a much lower overall morphine dosage.  

“This means they are better able to spend quality time with their families as they don’t experience the cognitive impairment that morphine usage can cause.”  

Patients requiring pain relief in the lower half of the body are assessed by a multidisciplinary team made up of palliative medicine, physiotherapy and psychiatric specialists and a decision can be made on how appropriate this method of pain relief would be for them.  

Dr Mitchell added: “The team takes a holistic approach to how we help people manage pain in a palliative setting.  

“Patients put forward for this face a life that is limited by cancer but this allows them to have an added quality of life with less time spend in a clinical setting.” 

Healthy Heart Tip: Healthy Bank Holiday

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: Healthy Bank Holiday

Breakfast

Always start the day with a good breakfast as this sets the tone for the day and encourages you to choose healthy options at other mealtimes.

Consuming a breakfast rich in protein will help keep you fuller for longer and a portion of wholegrain carbohydrate will give you the energy you need to power your morning.

Why not try scrambled egg and avocado on wholegrain toast or fresh fruit with low-fat yoghurt and low-sugar granola?

Choose healthier drinks

Consuming too much alcohol can have a negative impact on your heart, but the good news is there are so many healthier and delicious, alcohol-free drinks available nowadays.

A simple soda water with fresh lemon is delightful, or you could try a gut-loving kombucha or simply choose alcohol free versions of the alcoholic beverages you usually consume. These drinks generally contain fewer calories than normal soft drinks and alcoholic tipples and won’t leave you with a fuzzy head the following day.

Drop the guilt

Bank holidays are usually a time when families and friends meet up to enjoy some quality time together. Often this includes an abundance of less healthy food and drink options to tempt us.

Avoid over-indulging, by giving yourself permission to enjoy a moderate amount of food and drinks that are higher in sugar, salt, fat or alcohol, and enjoy it without feeling guilty.

If you are planning a BBQ this weekend, you might want to check out our Healthy Tip on BBQs. 

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at:

www.heartresearch.org.uk/health-tips.

NHS 24 Mental Health Hub: Here For You

🌟 Need someone to talk to? We’re here for you. 🌟

The 111 Mental Health Hub is a free, confidential support for anyone in Scotland. Whether you’re struggling with mental health worries or need help with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, our caring team is ready to listen, no matter your age.

You’re never alone 💙

Edinburgh’s YourGP marks 20th anniversary with Dundas Street move

Edinburgh’s YourGP marks 20th anniversary with expansion into Dundas Street
and reveals huge shift in locals’ attitudes to health and wellbeing

Established in 2003, YourGP is one of Scotland’s leading independent medical practices, promising “affordable, friendly & local GP services”.

Throughout their 20 years of providing expert healthcare to Edinburgh residents from their Dean Village practice, they have seen a hugely positive shift in patients’ attitudes to health and wellbeing.

And so, as more locals seek to take a proactive approach to improving their health, the timing is perfect for YourGP to mark their 20th anniversary by opening a second practice right in the heart of the Scottish capital.  

Situated on Dundas Street, the new practice features four treatment rooms and will offer a full range of services including GP appointments, comprehensive health screening, cosmetic treatments, and sexual health services. Patients can benefit from short notice appointments and extended consultations to ensure all medical concerns are discussed in depth, as well as a fast turnaround of results.

Locals are being given the opportunity to join the launch day celebrations, be amongst the first to see the new practice and meet some of the team at the new practice open day.

Taking place on Friday 1 September, 12pm – 4pm, visitors can pick up an exclusive goodie bag while stocks last, enjoy 20% off GP and cosmetic services and enter a prize draw to be in with a chance of winning a Health MOT worth £495. 

Commenting ahead of the open day, YourGP Clinical Lead, Dr Cathrow, said; “During my time in healthcare over the past 20 years I have seen a hugely positive shift in patients’ attitudes. Especially since the pandemic, people are more attuned to general wellbeing and are looking for a more holistic approach to their healthcare. Focus has moved more to prevention as opposed to simply looking for cures.

“We are seeing a much more engaged population who are taking control of their health and wellbeing in a more proactive manner.

“In response to this and to mark our 20th anniversary, we are delighted to expand our offering and launch YourGP at Dundas Street which will give Edinburgh residents better access to friendly, affordable local GP services.”

“In so doing, YourGP can continue to support people to take charge of their wellbeing and enjoy life-long good health.”