Tag: Health and wellbeing

Eight out of ten mums breastfeed in Lothians

NHS Lothian recently joined forces with NCT (the National Childbirth Trust) to open a new community based drop-in service in Edinburgh for breastfeeding mums. The first session was held in a local business, Toots Play Cafe at Inch Park Community Sports Club. Continue reading Eight out of ten mums breastfeed in Lothians

New physical activity guidelines issued by Chief Medical Officers

New guidance issued today by the UK Chief Medical Officers emphasises the importance of building strength and balance for adults, as well as focusing on cardiovascular exercise. Continue reading New physical activity guidelines issued by Chief Medical Officers

Hazel takes ‘a wee wander’ in aid of Talking Books for the blind

Hazel Kelly from Corstorphine went on a ‘wee wander’ on Monday. Hazel walked a six-mile circuit of Inverleith Park and the Botanic Gardens to raise funds for a local charity drive very close to her heart, Corstorphine Community Talking Books. Continue reading Hazel takes ‘a wee wander’ in aid of Talking Books for the blind

Waiting time figures highlight need for urgent action to tackle child mental health crisis

  • The NHS in Scotland failed to meet a maximum 18-week waiting time target for children and young people to receive treatment from mental health services
  • More than 3 in 10 are waiting more than 18-weeks for treatment.
  • 12 out of 14 health boards failed to meet the 18-week waiting time target:
    • NHS Fife, NHS Grampian, NHS Highland, NHS Lanarkshire, NHS Lothian, NHS Tayside, NHS Borders, NHS Ayrshire and Arran, NHS Orkney, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley, NHS Shetland and NHS Forth Valley
  • 151 children and young people waited more than a year prior to being seen for treatment, three times that for the same quarter of last year.
  • More than one in five referrals for treatment are rejected.
  • Figures show only 0.53 per cent of NHS expenditure is spent on CAMHS, less than 7 per cent of the mental health budget.
  • Coalition calls for fundamental rethink and renewed focus on prevention and early intervention, including embedding mental health within education.

Continue reading Waiting time figures highlight need for urgent action to tackle child mental health crisis

Social social media messaging can lead to significant health benefits for young people, research finds

A new study led by a research team from Queen’s University Belfast, in partnership with University of Southern California, has found social media messaging, such as Facebook posts and sponsored ads, have a significant positive effect on a range of teenage health behaviors. Continue reading Social social media messaging can lead to significant health benefits for young people, research finds

Mental health support for new mums

Rollout of £1 million for counselling and befriending.

New mums at risk of poor mental health will be given access to increased support including counselling and befriending services.

The rollout is part of a £50 million investment in mental health services for new mums, babies and young children announced by the First Minister earlier this year.

An initial £1 million will support several key areas, including helping the third sector provide counselling, befriending and peer support for women and their families.

The funding will see new and expectant mothers get more consistent access to psychological assessment and treatment.

It will also be used to increase staffing and training at Mother and Baby Units for the 2,250 women with the most serious illnesses and to develop mental health services for babies.

Announcing the funding at Aberlour children’s charity, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “It’s crucial that these services are led by the needs of women, young children and families.

“We have sought the views of people who have experienced mental health issues during and after pregnancy – their voices have influenced where this money will go and the services it will deliver.

“Our vision is of a Scotland where women, young children and families do not face fear or stigma when experiencing mental health issues.”

Aberlour Chief Executive SallyAnn Kelly said: “I welcome this funding for third sector organisations who are striving to deliver high quality perinatal services to new parents and parents-to-be. To give children the best start in life, it is vital we support parents effectively.

“Aberlour has worked with over 300 families across Forth Valley and East Lothian but our ambition is to roll the Perinatal Befriending Service out across Scotland so that every parent, no matter where they live, has access to personalised support and assistance when and where they need it most.”

 

Paths for All launch online health walk map

Navigate your way to better health!

We’re delighted to launch the country’s first online map showing hundreds of organised health walks in every corner of Scotland.

The new online resource shows when and where local walks are taking place as well as information about how to join them.

Over 670 walks have been registered nationally so far, from Lerwick to Dumfries and Galloway, and we are now encouraging the public to get online and join their nearest Health Walk to improve their health.

The walking map aims to make it easier for people to become more active while meeting new people in their local community. The walks are free, low-level and last around 30 minutes.

Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at Paths for All, said: “Regular walking is such a powerful tool that can do wonders for your social, mental and physical health and we hope that this new map will make it easier for people to get involved in Health Walks. 

“People are often surprised by how a simple, weekly walk can become such a big part of their lives. We see people build strong friendships on Health Walks and discover little bits about the local history and wildlife of the places where they live that can give them a whole new meaning and stronger sense of community.”
The volunteers who lead the walks have been trained, know the most accessible routes for people of varied abilities and ensure a warm welcome to new walkers.

There are also specialised walks, especially for people with dementia and those who have been affected by cancer.

Ian added: “There’s room for everyone on our Health Walks and we encourage you all to have a look at what’s taking place in your local area and join in.

“We expect this fantastic tool to be a big success and look forward to seeing more routes and organised walks being added to the map over time as the walking community across Scotland grows.”

The Health Walk map can be accessed at: www.pathsforall.org.uk/healthwalkfinder