The City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership are developing the new British Sign Language (BSL) Plan 2018-24 – and they to involve and consult you on the plan and its objectives. Continue reading Developing an new British Sign Language plan
Tag: Health and wellbeing
Sport can transform the lives of young offenders, says review
“sport can help to reduce violence, improve wellbeing and have a positive impact on rehabilitation”
- leading academic highlights the power of sport in transforming lives of young offenders
- community partnerships to support the development of sport and physical activity in custody
- offenders engaging in structured programmes learn self-discipline, team work and leadership and communication skills – all crucial for a successful life on the outside
Continue reading Sport can transform the lives of young offenders, says review
Pets are good for us!
As a Speech and Language Therapist in Acute Medicine at the Western General Hospital (WGH), I am always looking for new ways to stimulate and encourage patients to engage and participate in the therapeutic process (writes Ros Todd). This can be easier said than done sometimes, but I think if I could bottle what my wee dog Pippin does on his weekly Therapet visit to the Stroke Unit on Ward 50, I’d be a very successful Therapist indeed! Continue reading Pets are good for us!
Hey Girls make a Big Issue out of period poverty
Big Issue invests in trailblazing social enterprise Hey Girls
A £50,000 investment and mentorship from BII’s Power Up Scotland programme is helping trailblazing social enterprise Hey Girls fight period poverty. Continue reading Hey Girls make a Big Issue out of period poverty
Lego helps to build communication skills of young people with ASD
AN ICONIC children’s toy is assisting in the development of communication skills for young people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Continue reading Lego helps to build communication skills of young people with ASD
Scottish Government launches Suicide Prevention Plan
Scotland will reduce its suicide rate by 20% by 2022, Mental Health Minister Clare Haughey has said as she announced the country’s new prevention plan. Continue reading Scottish Government launches Suicide Prevention Plan
500 sick kids diverted since children’s ward closure
Around 500 sick youngsters have been diverted to a hospital 20 miles away since the controversial closure of a children’s ward, health bosses have admitted. Continue reading 500 sick kids diverted since children’s ward closure
Scottish Courier delivers story of life-saving dog
A PROGRESSIVE Lothians courier firm is helping to raise awareness of one of the country’s lesser known chronic conditions. Bathgate-based Eagle Couriers has teamed up with Fringe act Katie & Pip to help spread the word about type 1 diabetes and the effect it can have on the lives of young people in the UK. Continue reading Scottish Courier delivers story of life-saving dog
Homelessness Service hub earmarked for former school site
Recommendations to house a new Inclusive Homelessness Service on the site of the former Panmure St Ann’s school in the Cowgate have been approved by the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB). Continue reading Homelessness Service hub earmarked for former school site
Neigh bother! Therapy Ponies visit Royal Edinburgh Hospital
It’s well known that interaction with friendly animals has a positive impact on patients in mental health. It’s been known to uplift their spirits, reduce stress and even encourage communication.
Following a very successful one off visit last summer from the Therapy Ponies to Royal Edinburgh Hospital (REH), it was clear that it would be worth becoming a more regular event.
With the support of the Occupational Therapy Department, Edinburgh and Lothian’s Health Foundation, Therapy Ponies Scotland, Nursing team, Infection Control, Fire Officers, and Security we were able to make this happen!
During their visits the Therapy Ponies have been great at both calming and stimulating patients.
Patients, staff and carers have been able to share and engage in the moment together, which was especially beneficial for those who have limited verbal communication and find structured activity difficult. The ponies had a number of patients up and walking (as well as talking) promoting a real sense of community and fun.
Patients were delighted to have the ponies – one remarked “it has been the best day of my life” (and has repeated this since), another said they “could cry with happiness”.
The therapy ponies Wilson and Herbie and their handlers, Elaine and John, ensured everyone had enough time to get the most from the visit – we couldn’t rate them more highly!
NHS Lothian
Pics: Therapies Ponies Scotland