The Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee is seeking the views of health professionals across Scotland as they embark on the second phase of their inquiry into primary care. Continue reading MSPs seek health professionals’ views on the future of primary care
First and third Mondays of the month, 1 – 3pm
Hours of fun for the under 5s
Edinburgh Leisure is hosting a half-day, free taster event for the under 5s on Saturday 3rd August at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, promoting what classes they have for pre-schoolers. Continue reading Fun for the under fives: free taster event at the Commie Pool
This is a mens mental health group in honour of my late fiancé who killed himself leaving behind newborn twin daughters and a son. Please get the word out: the silence needs to be broken – Lou Hamilton
Monday 15th July from 7 – 9pm at Muirhouse Millennium Centre
Mapping Physical Activity in Edinburgh
We want to identify as many physical activity facilities & opportunities as possible all across Edinburgh and put them all on a clever online map and we need your help.
How can you help? That’s easy. If you know about a group, club, activity, facility, etc. you think we should add to our map go to our online ‘SurveyMonkey’ page here and fill in our short questionnaire, it should only take about 5 minutes.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/7V8V2WN
We’d be grateful if you would also pass this on to as many people as possible who might be able to help.
We don’t have a definitive deadline but if you could complete the 5 minute survey as soon as possible it would really help. We’re hoping to as much info as possible processed by the end of August.
Many Thanks
John Brennan
(On behalf of the planning groups behind the Edinburgh Locality Physical Activity Alliances)
If you would like to find out more about the physical activity mapping project or anything else about the physical activity alliances in Edinburgh please get in touch. There is also a portion of the survey where you can leave your details if you wish.
Front line emergency workers will get access to tailored mental health resources, following the extension of a wellbeing programme. Continue reading Lifelines: additional mental health support for emergency services staff
Children and young people across Scotland will benefit from funding of £1.7 million to support health boards deliver new standards for weight management services. Continue reading More funding for diet and healthy weight services
A new taskforce to tackle the rising number of drug deaths in Scotland is to be chaired by Professor Catriona Matheson from the University of Stirling.
Continue reading Catriona Matheson to chair drug deaths task force
Redhall Walled Garden is holding it’s annual Razzmatazz Open day event on Saturday 20th July (12-5pm). Continue reading Razzmatazz Open Day at Redhall Walled Garden
Scotland’s first health board-led Green Health Strategy has been published by NHS Lothian, Edinburgh & Lothians Health Foundation and greenspace Scotland.
Greenspace is often described as ‘our natural health service’, with a growing body of research evidence showing its positive benefits for physical and mental health and wellbeing.
The Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace and Health Strategic Framework was prepared by greenspace scotland, on behalf of NHS Lothian and funded by Edinburgh & Lothians Health Foundation.
The strategy aims to fully realise the potential of the NHS Outdoor Estate and community greenspaces as a community health asset benefiting patients, visitors, staff and communities. It covers a range of Green Health activities, including community and therapeutic gardening, health walks, green prescriptions, Branching Out and Green Gyms, as well as greening the NHS outdoor estate and encouraging access to greenspace close to where people live.
Brian Houston, Chair of Lothian NHS Board, said: “We are increasingly recognising the role and importance of therapeutic interventions in greenspace on our health and wellbeing.
“For several years, the Edinburgh & Lothians Health Foundation has provided grants to support therapeutic gardening and the development of community gardens at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital and Midlothian Community Hospital.
“We have seen the benefits of these projects for patients, staff, visitors and the wider community – and we recognise the potential to achieve much more through a coordinated and strategic approach. The Greenspace and Health Strategic Framework will play a key role in guiding and shaping our work with partners to realise our vision of Longer Lives, Better Lived through our GreenSpace – Lothian’s Natural Health Service.”
Joe FitzPatrick, Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, said: “Green spaces play a vital part in improving our physical and mental health. They provide people with many opportunities to be physically active, and to enjoy the benefits of contact with nature – such as going for a walk, taking part in a gardening project, or active play.
“Last year we published a comprehensive Physical Activity Delivery Plan, setting out a wide range of actions to support and encourage people to be more active, more often. I welcome NHS Lothian’s Green Health Strategy as a valuable contribution to that aim.”
Julie Procter, Chief Executive of greenspace scotland, said: “Studies repeatedly show the positive impact that greenspace can have on our quality of life and particularly on health and wellbeing.
“Greenspace really is our natural health service: a daily dose of green space could be just what the doctor ordered to keep us active and provide tonic for the soul!
“We were delighted to work with NHS Lothian and a wide range of partners from across the NHS, local councils, voluntary organisations and community groups to develop a clear vision and plan for how the NHS outdoor estate and local greenspaces can improve the health and wellbeing of people across the Lothians.”
The Strategic Framework sets out a Vision of Longer lives, better lived through our GreenSpace – Lothian’s ‘natural health service’, underpinned by a delivery programme with clear priorities for action.
The Edinburgh & Lothians Health Foundation has provided grants to Cyrenians, TCV and Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust to support early action on new green prescribing schemes, the development of community gardens and active green travel routes.
A Green Health Programme Manager is being recruited to lead the delivery of the Green Health Strategy.
To read more about the Green Health Strategy click here or to find out more about GreenSpace Scotland here
