Tag: Health and wellbeing

World Meningitis Day: Rise in cases concerning, says Meningitis Now

Meningitis Now is marking World Meningitis Day today (Sunday 5th October) with an urgent call for awareness and action, as new figures reveal a concerning rise in meningococcal disease (IMD) across England.

The latest statistics show there were 380 cases of IMD in 2024/25, compared to 341 in 2023/24 which is an 11% year-on-year increase.

The figures disclosed in the latest quarterly release from UKHSA also reveal that cases of MenB, the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK, have also risen by 13%. There were 314 cases compared to 301 in the previous year.

Increases in MenB have been recorded in several age groups, including a 20% increase in cases among 15–19-year-olds (from 52 cases to 65), a 17% increase among babies under 1 year old (from 29 cases to 35), a 17% increase among 25 to 44-year-olds (from 38 cases to 46) and a 19% increase among 45–64-year-olds (from 34 cases to 42).

Dr Tom Nutt, Chief Executive of Meningitis Now, said, “These figures are worrying. Meningitis can affect anyone at any time, but these increases among teenagers, young adults, and babies – some of the most vulnerable groups – show just how vital it is to stay vigilant.

“Early recognition saves lives, but prevention through vaccines remains the most effective way to protect against this devastating disease.”

Meningitis Now is urging people to familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of meningitis, and to check whether they and their loved ones are up to date with vaccinations, including the MenACWY jab.

Meningitis can be fatal within hours of infection. One in ten people who contract bacterial meningitis will die, leaving their families coping with the heartbreak of losing a loved one. Between 30% and 50% of those who survive bacterial meningitis will be left with long-term after-effects, including hearing loss, acquired brain injury, epilepsy, chronic pain, vision problems and amputations. 

Meningitis Now provides one-to-one support, grants, and a free nurse lead helpline to make sure no family faces the impact of meningitis alone.

Earlier this year Meningitis Now launched a campaign to tackle cases of MenB among young people. 

The charity says there are effective, life-saving vaccines against MenB, but they are not currently offered to teens, who are at increased risk of the disease. Meningitis Now’s campaign called “No Plan B for MenB” sets out the changes it would like to see, including:

•           The MenB vaccination to be given to all those at most risk of disease.

•           A MenB booster programme to protect adolescents from 2030.

•           Availability of the MenB vaccination on the high street at a fair price.

Dr Nutt added, “World Meningitis Day is a powerful reminder that we cannot be complacent. While there has been a drop in meningitis cases over the past decade, these new figures underline why our work, raising awareness, supporting families, and pushing for prevention is as important as ever.”

The charity and its supporters are joining forces with other organisations to raise awareness of the disease this Sunday 5th of October and is encouraging people to light a candle at 8.30pm, in memory of those who have been affected by meningitis, as part of a global initiative.

Meningitis Now is the UK’s leading meningitis charity, founded 39 years ago by families who had experienced the heartbreak of losing a loved one to the disease.

The charity is the only organisation in the UK dedicated to fighting meningitis on three fronts:

  • Awareness: Equipping the public with the knowledge to recognise meningitis quickly and ensuring more people are protected through vaccination campaigns.
  • Support: Providing practical, emotional, and financial support to individuals and families whose lives have been changed by meningitis, helping them rebuild their futures.
  • Research: Funding pioneering projects to understand the disease better, improve diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately move closer to a world free from meningitis.

For more information, visit www.meningitisnow.org.

Domestic Abuse: Tenth anniversary of Disclosure Scheme launch

POLICE Scotland: Today marks ten years the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) launched.

The scheme provides a formal way of sharing information about a partner’s abusive past, with a potential victim.

The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) is a way to find information about whether a person has an abusive past. This information can be used to prevent someone from experiencing domestic abuse in the future.

You can make a DSDAS application if you:

  • think you might be at risk of domestic abuse
  • are worried someone you know might be at risk of domestic abuse

We’ll only make a disclosure after we’ve considered all factors. We’ll assess the threat carefully, and we’ll decide if we need to share information to prevent a person from experiencing domestic abuse.

We may also speak to other agencies to help us make sure a disclosure is the right option.

If you’re making the application on behalf of someone else, we cannot make the disclosure to you. We can only make a disclosure to the person who is at risk to support and help protect them.

The police will act immediately if they think you or someone else needs to be protected from harm.

How to apply:

There are a few ways to apply for a domestic abuse disclosure. You can:

https://orlo.uk/wwe2C DSDAS form

https://orlo.uk/CPBus

‘Street Nipples’ appear on Edinburgh pavements to launch Breast Cancer Awareness Month

“If you don’t look for it, you could miss it”: pavement studs across the UK transform into nipples for October as Breast Cancer UK urges everyone to check their breasts via creative campaign

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, British pavements are bearing all. Pavement studs across London, Manchester and Edinburgh, which often go unnoticed, are being transformed into nipples as part of a bold conversation-starting initiative from Breast Cancer UK.

Designed to stop people in their tracks, the charity is taking its plea for cancer prevention to the streets (quite literally) in a nationwide ode to the importance of early detection.

Breast cancer is estimated to affect 1 in 7 women in the UK in their lifetime, yet studies tell us that at least 30% of these cases could be prevented. Breast Cancer UK is dedicated to prevention, empowering people with the knowledge and tools to reduce their risk, and is championing early detection as a lifesaving step through its new ‘Street Nipples’ campaign. 

The attention-grabbing breast stencils that can be spotted across England and Scotland are created with reverse clean graffiti, a technique that uses pressure washers rather than paint to ensure an eco-friendly, chemical-free finish.

Though the head-turning art will disappear naturally over time, the message will continue to resonate long after the artworks have faded away: If you don’t look for it; you could miss it.

An interactive map of the nipple artworks is available here, helping people track down the designs, of which there are 20 in London, 15 in Manchester, and 15 in Edinburgh.

Those who spot and share a snap on social media using #StreetNipples, tagging @breastcanceruk and giving the account a follow will also be entered into a prize draw to win a selection of Breast Cancer UK merch.

Thalie Martini, CEO of Breast Cancer UK, stresses that awareness means empowerment: “We know that at least 30% of breast cancer cases are preventable, but for those that are not, it’s vital to know the signs.

“We are concerned that many women in the UK are forgetting to check what’s right in front of them. That’s why this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are taking to the streets to urge women to take their health, quite literally, into their own hands.”

Breast Cancer UK knows that changes to lifestyle and environment could help significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer, which is why the charity continues to empower individuals through education, research and advocacy.

These small but powerful changes include having a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, doing regular physical activity, limiting alcohol intake, and reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals.

Whilst prevention is the focus of the charity, it recognises that preventative measures aren’t always enough, and catching breast cancer early through self-examination is critical.

This is why Breast Cancer UK stresses the urgency of recognising when something’s not right. Catching breast cancer early can save lives, but too often, signs go unnoticed – just like the street studs that are being transformed.

Breast Cancer UK’s ‘Street Nipple’ artworks can be spotted across London, Manchester and Edinburgh from 1st October to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month until they naturally fade.

Preventing homelessness and improving housing standards

Housing (Scotland) Bill passed by Holyrood

Legislation to transform homelessness prevention and improve standards in rented housing has been passed by the Scottish Parliament.

The Housing (Scotland) Bill will place a duty on certain public bodies to prevent people from losing their homes by asking about their housing situation and taking action.

The Bill will also broaden Ministers’ powers to implement ‘Awaab’s Law’, which will ensure landlords promptly address issues that are hazardous to tenants’ health, starting with damp and mould.  

The legal measure was named after Awaab Ishak who died in 2020 after being exposed to mould in his home in Rochdale in north west England. The law will now be implemented in Scotland’s rented sector from March 2026, subject to Parliament’s agreement.

Other measures in the Bill include giving Ministers the power to implement a system of long-term rent controls, keeping rent affordable for tenants.

Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “Passing the Housing (Scotland) Bill is a landmark moment for how we prevent homelessness in Scotland.

“Whilst we already have some of the strongest homelessness rights of any country, we will now go even further to a create a gold-standard homelessness prevention system.

“Passing this groundbreaking legislation, coupled with the Housing Emergency Action Plan published earlier this month, shows just how serious we are about tackling Scotland’s housing crisis.

“Families across Scotland will have the confidence that their rented home will be free from damp and mould as we take forward work to implement ‘Awaab’s Law’. We will now work at pace to lay regulations to implement these protections from March.

“Scotland has already led the way in protecting tenants and providing strong rights when people are homeless and now the Housing Bill will revolutionise homelessness prevention and ensure rents are kept affordable.”

Maeve McGoldrick, head of policy and communications for Crisis Scotland, said: “Today’s vote marks a landmark moment in Scotland’s journey towards ending homelessness.

“We already have strong rights in place for people experiencing homelessness, but as we see from our frontline services, we need to do far more to prevent people losing their home in the first place. That means allowing people entering a housing crisis to get help earlier, so they can get support before it is too late.

“At Crisis we have been calling for new protections to stop people being forced from their homes for years. These new changes, contained in the Housing Bill, hold the potential to create a truly world-leading homelessness system, where everyone has a safe, secure place to live.”

Campaigners Living Rent said: “MSPs voted to pass the Housing bill and with it, rent controls. This bill wouldn’t exist without the work of Living Rent members.

“It caps rent increases between tenancies, clamps down on disrepair, and strengthens joint tenancy rights.”

The Scottish Greens also welcomed the decision: “40 years ago Margaret Thatcher abolished rent controls in Scotland.

“The Scottish Parliament just passed a Bill introduced by the Scottish Greens, which will allow them once more! This will keep rents affordable and offer safety and stability to renters.”

Graham Crocket, National Estate Agency Director at Aberdein Considine, has reacted to the passing of the new Housing (Scotland) Bill 2025. 

The Bill empowers local councils to designate ‘Rent Control Areas’, capping rent increases to inflation plus 1%, and introduces stricter eviction rules while mandating rent history disclosures.  

Graham said: “The implementation of the Housing (Scotland) Bill 2025 is a turning point for landlords, property buyers and the wider property market. While the government frames this Bill as a step towards fairness and affordability, the ripple effects could be profound.  

“With rent controls, enhanced tenant protections and new transparency requirements becoming law, landlords and investors will need to carefully reassess their positions, while first-time buyers could be among those best placed to benefit.   

“For landlords, especially those operating in high-demand urban areas, the Bill represents a tightening of margins and a loss of flexibility. The prospect of capped rent growth and longer notice periods may prompt a sell-off of rental housing stock, particularly for older flats and tenements. This shift could flood the second-hand market with properties previously held for investment.   

“If this happens, first-time buyers could find themselves with more choice and negotiating power than before. In cities like Glasgow and Aberdeen, where affordability ratios are more favourable, the impact could be especially pronounced. Entry-level homes may see a softening in price, giving new buyers a foothold in markets that have long felt out of reach.   

“The Bill’s full impact will depend on how councils implement rent control zones and how landlords respond. For now, the market is watching, and first-time buyers may be wise to do more than just watch.” 

Aberdein Considine has produced a short city-by-city forecast on the expected impact of the Housing (Scotland) Bill: 

  • Glasgow: With an average house price of £191,000 and strong rental demand, Glasgow is likely to see moderate investor exits. Flats in areas like Dennistoun and Southside may enter the market, softening prices and improving access for first-time buyers.  
  • Edinburgh:  Scotland’s capital faces a declared housing emergency and high property values. Rent controls could be rolled out aggressively, prompting landlord exits in Leith and Southside. However, strong demand may keep prices buoyant, limiting gains for new buyers.  
  • Aberdeen: Long subdued by oil sector volatility, Aberdeen’s market is already cool. The bill may accelerate existing trends, with modest price declines and increased affordability for buyers seeking value.  
  • Stirling:  Affordable and well-connected, Stirling could attract buyers priced out of Glasgow and Edinburgh. Investor exits near the university and city centre may boost supply of housing stock, stabilising prices and enhancing accessibility.  
  • Perth: With a quieter market and rural appeal, Perth may see slower changes. However, increased listings of older rental stock could gently ease prices, especially for flats and terraced homes. 

Aberdein Considine is an award-winning law firm with 21 offices and more than 450 staff across Scotland and the north of England. The firm is also Scotland’s largest solicitor estate agent with a national network of high street branches, including in the key cities of Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth and Stirling. 

St Columba’s Waterfront Art Walks

WATERFRONT ART WALKS RESTART 20th OCTOBER

Our Waterfront Art Walks are back next month! They’ll be starting from 20th October, and leaving from St Columba’s Hospice Care reception.

Spaces are limited, so contact Emma to book your spot at emma.kelso@funerals.scot

The walks are designed for people who have experienced loss in the past two years, and are gentle, creative strolls designed especially for those navigating grief.

Together, we’ll explore the local landscape through art-making, reflection, and connection.

Facilitated by Caledonia Funeral Aid’s Emma Ritchie and St Columba’s Hospice’s community artist Isla Macleod, you will be warmly welcomed to share space with others who understand and find comfort in nature and community.

Find What Moves You: Edinburgh Leisure’s Mind & Body Event returns this October

Bookings go live today, Tuesday, 30th September for Edinburgh Leisure’s latest Mind & Body Event, a full-day celebration of movement, mindfulness, and wellbeing.

Taking place on Saturday, 25th October at Meadowbank Sports Centre, this special event invites both members and non-members to explore the variety of mind/body classes available across Edinburgh Leisure venues.

Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve flexibility, or simply find a moment of calm, this event offers something for everyone. Attendees can choose from energising sessions in Studio 1 or calming, restorative classes in Studio 2 and the Cycle Studio, with expert instructors guiding each experience.

Classes include:

Studio 1 – Higher Energy

  • 09:00 – Fitness Pilates (Sterenn L)
  • 10:15 – Shapes: Pilates & Barre Conditioning (Alex S & Krista B)
  • 11:15 – Pilates (Kris F)
  • 12:30 – M1ND: Unwind (Sara K)

Studio 2 – Slow It Down

  • 08:00 – Hatha Yoga: Restorative Flow (Simone B)
  • 09:00 – Vinyasa Yoga: Energy Flow (Cat P)
  • 10:15 – Body Balance (Mari A)

Cycle Studio

  • 11:15 – Ashtanga Yoga: Strength Flow (Mark S)
  • 12:30 – Yin Yoga: Unwind (Zosia R)

Additional classes are still to be confirmed, promising even more opportunities to explore what moves you.

All classes are just £5.25 for non-members and are free for Edinburgh Leisure Members. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or simply curious, this is your chance to try something new in a welcoming, relaxed space.

Book via the Edinburgh Leisure app or on the website from 30th September and join Edinburgh Leisure for a day of movement, mindfulness, and feel-good energy.

For more information:  https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/mind-body-fitness-event/

Detecting colorectal cancer earlier

£1.5m INVESTMENT IN REDESIGNED AND ACCELERATED DIAGNOSTIC PATHWAY

A new way to diagnose colorectal cancer will help ensure patients get quicker treatment.

Scotland’s Colorectal Optimal Cancer Diagnostic Pathway has been designed by clinical experts at NHS Golden Jubilee’s Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD).

Supported by £1.5 million on funding from the Scottish Government’s Detect Cancer Early (DCE) programme, it sets out a new model for NHS Scotland to follow.

Patients will be able to receive multiple tests at one time – where clinically appropriate – reducing visits to hospital, speeding up time to diagnosis and improving the quality and safety of care.

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in Scotland, representing 11% of all cancer deaths.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Bowel cancer touches thousands of families in Scotland every year, and we know the difference early diagnosis can make – more treatment options, more time with loved ones, and better outcomes.

“That’s why I am so pleased to see the publication of Scotland’s Colorectal Optimal Cancer Diagnostic Pathway. By speeding up diagnosis and improving the way services are delivered, we can give patients and their families greater peace of mind, faster answers, and the very best chance of recovery.”

One patient who credits early diagnosis with saving his life is Nick Rimmer, 55, from Crieff.

Nick was diagnosed with stage one bowel cancer in 2019 following a routine NHS screening test which arrived just after his 50th birthday. Initially hesitant, he now says taking the test “saved my life and my future.”

Nick said: “I consider myself lucky because it was detected at a stage where I had absolutely no symptoms and no idea. Okay, I had to go through a major operation, but after that I didn’t require chemotherapy. I’ve been healthy for the last five years.

“If you’ve got any unusual, persistent symptoms, go to your GP practice. Please don’t delay. Even if you don’t have symptoms, when that test lands on your doormat – do it. The more people that do the test and find cancer earlier, the easier their life is going to be.”

Dr. Lisa Wilde, Director of Research and External Affairs at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We’re delighted to see the launch of Scotland’s new optimal bowel cancer diagnostic pathway and toolkit.

“Bowel cancer is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early. The earlier patients are diagnosed with the disease, the greater their chance of survival.

“By supporting earlier diagnosis and reducing waiting times, this work has the potential to improve efficiency across the system and importantly deliver better outcomes for patients.”

Looking After Your Eyes

👁️ National Eye Health Week | 22–28 September

Your eyes matter. Whether it’s a minor irritation or a serious condition, knowing where to turn for trusted advice is key.

NHS inform offers clear, reliable guidance on a wide range of eye conditions—from conjunctivitis and diabetic retinopathy to deafblindness and eye cancer.

If you or someone you know is waiting for treatment or support, RNIB Scotland ’s Waiting Well service is also available to provide advice.

🔍 Check out the links in our comments and explore symptoms, treatments, and when to seek help!

#EyeHealthWeek

#NHSInform

#EyeCare

#RNIB