Hay fever season is starting for many people across Scotland.
If you’re noticing itchy eyes, sneezing or a runny nose, you’re not alone – symptoms often begin as pollen levels rise in spring. Hay fever symptoms can start at any age.
For advice on how to manage hay fever and when to seek further help, visit 
nhs24.info/hay-fever
MANAGING WORK-RELATED STRESS
Stress is defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as ‘the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them’.
Some people benefit from a certain amount of pressure as it can keep them motivated. However, when there is too much pressure it can lead to stress.
Stress is not an illness but it can affect a person’s physical and mental health.
If not properly managed, stress can cause:
Stress can increase the risk of physical illnesses. For example:
There are many factors that can cause stress at work. These include:
Life events can have an impact on work-related stress.
Things that cause stress outside of work might include:
Workers do not have to tell their employer about their personal problems. But if they decide to, they might be able to get some support. For example:
Workers should look after their own health and wellbeing at work. If they are experiencing stress, they should talk to their manager as soon as they can. Managers should also look out for any signs of stress among workers.
Signs of stress can include:
If an employer or worker spots signs of stress, it can be helpful to have an informal chat. This can help them understand how the person is feeling and what support they need. Getting help could prevent more serious problems.
Managers could encourage workers to do a ‘Wellness Action Plan’. This can help them to:
Use a Wellness Action Plan from Mind
Learn more on our website: https://acas.org.uk/managing-work-related-stress…
Scotland’s new national suicide prevention campaign goes live today (16 April 2025).
Bold, unflinching, and deeply personal, it’s been entirely co-produced by people with lived and living experience of suicide.
It comes as a new website with a range of information, resources and a new local services directory is launched at suicideprevention.scot.
The campaign asks a simple question, “What if a conversation about suicide could save a life?”
It features four people, each of whom agreed to share their story having been bereaved by, attempted or actively considered suicide.
They do so by writing a letter to a loved one, or themself, which feature in a powerful new film.
The idea behind the campaign is that we need to normalise talking about suicide and give people the confidence to have a conversation that might just save someone’s life.
The four participants are Seonaid Stallan, Ross Cunningham, Clare Collin, and Laura Junor. They came together to share their letters and discuss their experiences, in a series of moving conversations.
In doing so they are creating a gamechanging moment when Scotland will start to have its biggest ever conversation about suicide.
This is important, because suicide is a topic that makes many of us nervous; it can feel like the hardest thing in the world.
What if I say the wrong thing? Could I make the situation worse? Maybe I’m worrying over nothing and would look foolish to bring it up?
But here’s something lots of people don’t realise.
Talking about suicide is the best way to prevent it from happening.
This work is led by Suicide Prevention Scotland, the community of organisations working to deliver the Scottish Government and COSLA’s joint suicide prevention strategy, Creating Hope Together.
There are four outcomes that shape the strategy with SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) having responsibility for the key outcome that supports the campaign and website, improving understanding of suicide and tackling stigma.
In addition to those with their own experiences of suicide, the campaign was developed with a group of people which also included those with professional experience and academic expertise. Suicide prevention specialists from local areas (Fife and Ayrshire) were also involved, as was SeeMe, Scotland’s national programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination.
Clare Collin, who wrote her letter to nephew Gerry, but also lost her mum Prue and brother in law Sandy to suicide, comments:
“We knew Gerry was struggling with issues, but we never knew the depth of his pain or thought to ask him, ‘are you thinking about suicide?’
“If you are worried about someone, you should ask. If they are, don’t worry, you don’t need to be an expert, you just need to listen, be patient and compassionate, be there for them and help them find the right support – because it is out there.
“Don’t give up, keep trying until you find the right person to help.”
Suicide Prevention Scotland’s National Delivery Lead Haylis Smith who lost her uncle Joe to suicide says: “This is an extraordinary campaign. It’s deeply moving, extremely personal, and yet is full of hope. It is also very bold, which is no wonder given it was completely co-produced with people who bring their own experiences.
“The message could not be clearer: if you’re worried about someone, ask them how they are, ask them if they are thinking about suicide. Talking about suicide is the best way to prevent it from happening.
“And if you’re worried about yourself, please reach out. It might be the bravest thing you ever have to do, but it will probably be the best thing you ever do, too.”
Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Wellbeing Maree Todd says: “I’m pleased to see the launch of this new suicide prevention campaign and website, which sit at the heart of Scottish Government and COSLA’s suicide prevention action plan.
“The campaign’s powerful message that talking openly about suicide saves lives, is a clear invitation to us all – and will help tackle the stubborn taboo of suicide.
“Importantly, the campaign provides free digital and physical resources which can be adapted to reach people within different communities. The new website is a great addition to support anyone affected by suicide and aims to encourage more people to speak up and ask for help.”
Cllr Paul Kelly, COSLA’s health and social care spokesperson says: “Within COSLA and across all spheres of government, we recognise the importance of early intervention – providing the right support at the right time as early as possible.
“I’m confident that this campaign will contribute to our early intervention outcomes by prompting people to have vital conversations about suicide that might just save a life. I commend Seonaid, Ross, Clare and Laura for sharing their stories and helping to encourage these conversations.
“They are all active members of our communities with lived and living experience, which is an essential factor in helping to normalise talking about suicide and ensuring people in need are supported within their local communities.”
If you are having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help, speak to someone you trust or call one of these helplines:
If you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself harm, you should dial 999 and request an ambulance.
SPACES STILL AVAILABLE!
Good Gut Grub – Cooking Group
Develop cooking skills and learn about eating well for good gut health. Join Edinburgh Community Food for their weekly sessions here at PCHP, starting 24th April.
Contact Megan to sign up:-
T: 0131 467 7326
E: megan.mcpherson@edinburghcommunityfood.org.uk
GP practices and many community pharmacies won’t be available on Good Friday or Easter Monday, so before you go looking for Easter Eggs make sure you pick up any needed medication.
For more information, check: https://ow.ly/lGt150R18IZ
Strokes are serious and time-sensitive medical emergencies that require immediate attention. Knowing how to quickly recognise the signs can be crucial in saving a life. That’s where the FAST method comes in – an easy-to-remember acronym to help you spot the signs of a stroke.
Strokes can strike anyone, regardless of age or gender. Remember, every minute counts when it comes to strokes.
Stay informed, share this knowledge with your loved ones, and help spread awareness 
Got a teen who is prepping for exams?
It can be a challenging time! Especially if they are sitting them for the first time.
For tips on helping them cope with the challenges of exam time, check out the Parent Club website, here – http://parentclub.scot/articles/how-cope-exam-stress
We have two weeks of FREE Chi Gung sessions coming up! Wednesday 16th & 23rd April 11am-12pm come along and try out Chi Gung with Tamsin.
These two classes will focus on boosting our energy, becoming softer and more flexible, and transforming any internal or emotional difficulties using the smile.
We will perform them sitting (or standing if you feel strong enough), at a gentle pace and with an easy concentration.
STRACHAN HOUSE CARE HOME – SATURDAY 26 APRIL 11am
Barchester’s Strachan House Care Home in Blackhall is hosting a free Falls Prevention Talk on Saturday 26th April from 11.00 am and is inviting members of the community to attend.
Staff and physiotherapist, Kirsten Macleod BSc Hons who are specially trained in Falls Prevention from Strachan House will deliver the talk which will cover topics such as learning valuable tips and techniques to reduce the risk of falls and promote safety for yourself and your loved ones at home.
Our expert team will guide you through practical exercises and offer advice. There will be plenty of time for Q&A during and at the end of the session. Please come along to Strachan House, 93 Craigcrook Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3PE on Saturday 26th April, if you would like to attend.
General Manager, Fran Fisher says: “We want to help and support relatives, friends and members of our local community to better understand fall prevention.
“We are inviting everyone to come along and listen to our talk to raise awareness and to help give people some information and coping strategies. Please RSVP to StrachanHouse@Barchester.com if you would like to attend.”
Strachan House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides dementia care, nursing care and respite care.
For more information, please contact StrachanHouse@Barchester.com
Do you know the incredible ways that movement can help with stress?
Movement has physical and psychological effects on our bodies that relieve present pressure and helps prevent stress.
But, it’s often when we’re most stressed that motivation to find time for physical activity suffers. We may not think we have time, or we may feel too exhausted to plan any physical activity.
But, the stress-relieving effects of movement are so great, that even small moments of movement can have an effect. Going on a walk, doing housework or gardening all count. If you’re struggling to find the time and motivation look for these everyday tasks or find small moments in your day. A five-minute stretching session could boost your mood and improve your focus and motivation.
Why not set aside a few minutes today for an activity you enjoy? See if you can find time for it over the coming days and weeks if stress starts to set in.
