Tag: NEN

Childline provides vital support during pandemic

  • As Scottish Government extends lockdown, Childline reveals how the past three weeks have affected children
  • NSPCC launches ‘We’re still here for children’ – an emergency appeal to raise vital funds to support children and families across the UK 

Childline has revealed it has seen almost 400 children in Scotland getting in touch due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), with about three quarters of the contacts in the latter three weeks.

The 390 counselling sessions have been held between the end of January, when the first cases of coronavirus were identified in the UK, and April 8. A large proportion of the sessions have taken place since the Scottish Government announced social distancing rules, schools’ shutdown and the lockdown in close succession.

Since the end of January, there have been 2,200 counselling sessions with children across the UK about the issue, with 1,700 contacts since measures were announced.

In more than half of the contacts, Children talked about concerns over their mental or emotional health.

Despite Childline having to close the night service for the first time and having a 30% drop in volunteer hours, due to counsellors having to self-isolate, it’s battling to still be there for children across the UK.

Kat McMahon, a volunteer counsellor at Glasgow’s Childline base, said: “At the moment, young people are contacting us with the same kinds of concerns as they usually do, such as family arguments, sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts but everything seems amplified.

“On top of their existing anxieties about what it is happening in their lives, they are now struggling with the anxiety around the lockdown and Covid. Some have fears about their families catching the virus and many are struggling being away from school and their friends.

“For children living in homes where physical, emotional or sexual abuse is happening – there is now no escape for them. We hear from some young people who say they feel trapped because they cannot leave the house.”

Dave Black, a volunteer counsellor at Aberdeen’s Childline base, said: “At the moment, young people are not getting their usual support in the community, with the closure of many public services, and we are hearing how this is impacting on them and causing distress.

“This situation is challenging for anyone but if you are already struggling it can be extremely difficult. Children are saying they are missing school – for some, school is their safe place and where they get support and fed.

“Some of these young people don’t have anyone to talk to and Childline is absolutely critical for them to be able to share and get some support.”

The NSPCC, which runs Childline, is growing increasingly concerned about the number of children who will experience abuse or neglect due to the impact of Coronavirus.

During the past week Childline has delivered 363 counselling sessions across the UK where children have experienced physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect – up nearly a fifth from the week before. Counselling sessions about physical and emotional abuse increased by 36% and 31% respectively during this time.

One 15-year-old girl told Childline: “I am not happy at home. My parents are physically abusing me – it’s happening quite often now since schools closed and I’m really scared.

“They hit me and often it leaves me with bruises. I really want to get out of the house and be somewhere safe and happy. I’m scared that my parents will get angry and hurt me more if I tell someone.” 

In the past few weeks Childline has heard from children whose parents have lost their jobs and are under growing financial pressure, as well as from young carers struggling to look after their siblings whilst their parents fall sick with Coronavirus symptoms. Childline is also hearing from children who have had suicidal thoughts and talk about feeling trapped and isolated.

To continue to support children during this challenging period, and to adapt to the ever-changing situation, the NSPCC has launched its emergency appeal ‘We’re still here for children’.

The NSPCC is urging the public to visit its website and donate £10 to help fund vital services like Childline, so the charity can continue to answer calls and be here for the young people who desperately need someone to talk to, especially when home isn’t a safe place.

 To support the appeal, the NSPCC has launched a new TV ad which features a Childline counsellor talking after a shift about the vital importance of the service.

Peter Wanless, CEO of NSPCC, said: “At this uncertain time when children’s lives have changed so dramatically the NSPCC needs to be there as a reassuring voice for those worried about their children and for the most vulnerable in our society.

“Sadly, we know that for many children, home isn’t a safe place and they need our Childline counsellors more than ever. This is the greatest challenge we’ve faced in decades and we are calling on the support of the public to help us ensure we can still be here for children.”

Dame Esther Rantzen, Founder of Childline, said: “The world is an unfamiliar and very frightening place for thousands of children across the UK at the moment.

“We know that school no longer provides the sanctuary it once did and many young people are having to face unprecedented challenges at home without the vital support networks that normally surround them. Childline is more crucial than ever as a safe way children can reach out for help. We really are, as one volunteer counsellor told me, the fourth emergency service.

“Now more than ever we must continue to be there for the young people who desperately need us, no matter what. We don’t know what other challenges lie ahead, but we want to be prepared to weather any storm so that we can be there for children. That is why we are urging the public to get behind our very important emergency appeal and donate £10 so that we can provide essential support.”

PPE on it’s way to care homes across Scotland

Additional supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are to be delivered directly to care homes across Scotland to help meet the increased demand caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

NHS National Services Scotland will prioritise the delivery of stock directly to care homes where the virus is known to be present.

Stock will also continue to be provided to local hubs which supply PPE to other social care workers.

Each location will receive a week’s supply of equipment, including aprons, fluid resistant surgical masks and gloves.

The situation will be reviewed next week based on information supplied by care homes on their own supply of PPE stock.

The National Services Scotland Social Care triage service will continue to provide an emergency service in the case of unexpected short term demand.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “The dedication of those who work in the care sector is hugely appreciated and ensuring those staff are protected is a priority for me.

“They are doing a remarkable job in very difficult circumstances, and we will support them as they do that.

“We have dedicated teams working on the procurement and distribution of PPE to our health and social care workers.

“I believe that providing additional supplies straight to care homes will ensure all care homes in Scotland have enough PPE to allow them to continue to safely provide care and support to their residents. It should also allow time for care homes to work on sourcing their own stock.

“We are also working closely with COSLA to ensure the existing service provided by the local hubs is working as efficiently as possible.”

Scottish Care Chief Executive Donald Macaskill said: “Scottish Care warmly welcomes the announcement by the Cabinet Secretary that direct distribution of PPE to care services will be introduced.

“This will significantly support the protection of staff, residents and clients and the staff who care for and support them.

“I am grateful for the immediacy of response from Scottish Government and the recognition of the need to take these measures with urgency. All of us are working with determination in challenging circumstances to meet the threat of coronavirus.”

On Thursday, Social care providers and unions warned that a critical lack of protective equipment and testing has allowed coronavirus to “sweep through” social care.   

In a joint statement – signed by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, UNISON, Unite, GMB and TUC – ministers are told that care workers and residents are still being exposed to unnecessary risk.

The care providers and union leaders warn that staff are being forced to risk their lives with care services struggling to get the equipment they need:  

“Social care is facing a crisis without precedent. Problems with supplies of protective equipment and a lack of testing is causing much anxiety amongst employers, staff, and the families of the people they care for. Many care home residents and care workers have already died.

“People who rely on social care are often more vulnerable to catching and dying from Covid-19. Yet a month into this crisis, many care workers are still working without suitable PPE, despite their heightened risk of exposure to the virus and to spreading it.

“A critical lack of PPE and testing of social care staff and service users is putting them at unnecessary risk of exposure – and means we are almost certainly underestimating how far the virus has spread.

The care providers and union leaders say that without urgent action the virus will continue to devastate the sector:  

“When patients with Covid-19 are rapidly discharged from hospitals to care homes to free up NHS beds, it risks spreading the virus to care homes and putting staff and residents in danger.

“We are pleased that the government has at last published its strategy for social care. But it needs to go further and action will be more important than words.

“Amidst growing evidence that Covid-19 is sweeping through social care with devastating results, we call on the Government to step up the fight against Covid-19 by:

  • Publishing a national procurement and distribution strategy for PPE that includes the social care sector, so that care homes and social care providers aren’t left to source their own PPE amidst global shortages and inflated prices.

  • Setting a clear deadline for when all care workers, clients, personal assistants and residents who need it will have access to testing.

  • Stopping the rapid discharging of Covid-19 patients to care homes unless there are key checks about safety

  • Fully involving the social care workforce and its unions and employers in responding to the crisis.

The care providers and union leaders say ministers must “learn the lessons” from the crisis and provide better funding for social care in the future:   

“Carers, local government, providers, regulators and civil servants are working tirelessly to respond to the crisis. But social care has been the poorer cousin of the NHS for too long. This pandemic is showing just how essential this largely female workforce is.

“Social care workers look after us all. Our parents, our grandparents, our partners, siblings and adult disabled children. Their work has long been undervalued, with services underfunded, staff often on the minimum wage or zero hours contracts and 122,000 vacancies in the sector.

“When this dreadful pandemic eases the Government must learn vital lessons about the failings of a social care system based on low pay and insecure work and put in place proper funding and a long-term plan for social care as soon as possible.”

Three charged following local thefts

Three men were arrested following a call to Strathalmond Green after people were observed acting suspiciously at a garage there. Stolen property from another break-in to a garage in Queensferry Road was recovered in their possession.

The men, aged 20, 20 and 21, have been charged in connection with a total of six acquisitive crime offences and will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Two stolen bicycles with a value of a £1,000 have been recovered and returned to their owners as a result of this inquiry.

Thousands of businesses benefit from support grants

More than £215 million has been awarded to over 18,000 Scottish business ratepayers in just two weeks, the Scottish Government has announced.

The money has been allocated under two new schemes to help firms combat the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Latest Scottish Government figures show that 59,385 applications were made to 32 local authorities for the business grants by April 14 this year. There have been 18,528 grants awarded so far worth £215,445,000.

Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: “We are doing everything we can to support business at this very difficult time and will continue to listen to and engage with the sector. Our total support for Scottish business now exceeds the £2.2 billion passed on from the UK Government.

“The fact we have managed to pay out this large amount to so many businesses across Scotland is a substantial achievement and demonstrates the capability of our partners in local government. I am grateful for their continued efforts in helping to deliver these vital grants.

“In addition to our generous backing for businesses we are also committed to helping sectors of the economy that are not being supported in other parts of the UK such as aviation, seafood fishing, fish processing and farming and charities.

“This scheme complements other support available and many businesses applying will also be eligible for the furlough scheme and rates relief. I would encourage only businesses who need support to apply, enabling us to direct as much help as possible to those who need it most.

“We promised to pass every penny received from the UK Government on to businesses in Scotland and we are. Our priority remains to protect lives but we are doing all we can to protect livelihoods too.”

Business Gateway has been working closely with local authorities to support the delivery of grants throughout Scotland.

Councillor Steven Heddle, COSLA’s spokesperson for Environment and Economy, said: “I want to thank council staff and colleagues from Business Gateway for their incredible efforts to implement the grant schemes so quickly.

“Small to medium-sized enterprises have been severely impacted so delivery of support grants as quickly and effectively as possible is a top priority.

“This support will be fundamental in helping businesses put plans in place to recover and grow beyond this crisis, protecting jobs and supporting economic recovery in communities across the country.”

The funding has been allocated between two funds:

· The Small Business Support Grant scheme allows small businesses to apply for grants up to £10,000.

· The Retail, Hospitality and Licenced Premises Support Grant allows firms to apply for up to £25,000.

Compared with a week earlier, grant applications grew by around 10,000, awards by around 11,000 and the value of payouts by around £127 million. On April 6, the totals stood at 49,214 applications received, 7,650 paid out, worth £88,625,000.

Business Gateway delivers advice and support to Scottish businesses on behalf of COSLA.

Vets still carrying out vital work

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the regulator for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses in the UK, has released a new framework for veterinary practices, helping them to decide what treatments it is appropriate to carry out safely amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UK’s veterinary practices are one of the groups of businesses that the UK Government has confirmed can stay open during the pandemic, stating that ‘it is important for business to carry on’.

The new guidance from the RCVS provides a pathway for determining how veterinary services may be provided to the nation’s animals, while prioritising public health and complying with the government’s social distancing advice for both the public and employers.

The guidance, which has been provided to the profession in the form of a flowchart available at www.rcvs.org.uk/coronavirus, allows veterinary professionals to determine which particular treatments and procedures they can carry out under social distancing guidelines, leaving it to their judgement what they actually offer, depending on their facilities, level of staffing and local disease pressures.

Some of its key points are:

  • Veterinary work that is vital for the maintenance of the UK’s food supplies and food trade – such as ensuring food hygiene standards and supporting the livestock industry – should still be carried out, while observing biosecurity measures;
  • Veterinary practices should still take steps to provide emergency and critical care for seriously injured or ill animals;
  • Where feasible and appropriate, veterinary practices can provide consultations for animal owners and their pets remotely;
  • If cases can be supported while still maintaining social distancing, or if the planned treatment could have animal health and welfare or public health implications if not carried out within the next two months, then these may be carried out. However, the RCVS has recommended to veterinary practices that, alongside social distancing, they put in place further measures to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission, including consideration of personal protective equipment and the movement of people from, to and around the practice. The British Veterinary Association (BVA), the representative body for UK veterinary surgeons, has published advice for animal owners on these treatments, including vaccinations, at: www.bva.co.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-advice-for-animal-owners/

The RCVS has also updated its advice for animal owners on interacting with veterinary practices.

This includes advice not to turn up to practices unannounced, and always to contact the practice in advance so that veterinary staff can assess whether attendance in person is needed or if the consultation can be carried out remotely.

There is additional advice for animal owners who are self-isolating that is in-line with the Government’s ‘stay at home’ guidance for those with possible COVID-19 infections.

https://youtu.be/0_5UWkC4xUY

Dr Niall Connell, President of the RCVS, commented: “During these difficult times we understand that, for many, their beloved pets are a comfort and a solace and that they want to make sure they remain fit and healthy. We know that what might happen if their animal falls ill is a concern for many.

“I would like to reassure the country’s animal owners that veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses are still absolutely committed to ensuring animal health and welfare. However, the number one priority for veterinary practices at the moment is public health, including that of their clients and their own teams.

“As a result, there will be certain limitations on available veterinary services. Practices will not be operating on a ‘business as usual’ basis because they will be trying to keep the amount of face-to-face contact to a minimum.

“We ask that members of the public trust, as we do, the professional judgement of veterinary practices as to what treatments are necessary and what can be safely and appropriately carried out.

“As ever, veterinary professionals are rising to the challenge by working together to find innovative ways of offering veterinary services remotely and, where attendance at a veterinary practice is absolutely necessary, reducing the risk of virus transmission through social distancing measures.

“The vast majority of animal owners have been patient and understanding of the situation, and the efforts their practices are going to, and I would like to thank them for that.”

The Frequently Asked Questions and guidance for animal owners from the RCVS can be found at https://animalowners.rcvs.org.uk/coronavirus.

The flowchart for the veterinary professions to help them navigate how veterinary services can be provided is available at www.rcvs.org.uk/coronavirus

Any further questions should be directed to the RCVS Standards and Advice Team on advice@rcvs.org.uk

Universal Credit claimants can verify identity through Government Gateway

People applying for Universal Credit will now be able to use their existing Government Gateway account to confirm their identity, helping to speed up their claim, says the Department of Work and Pensions.

The move is expected to help thousands of claimants applying for the benefit and will be available to those who have used the Government Gateway in the last 12 months to access their Personal Tax Accounts, including to check their tax credits, send a personal tax return, or check their state pension.

Others applying for the benefit can continue to confirm their identity using GOV.UK Verify.

The DWP is acting to streamline processes where possible after receiving more than 1.4 million claims since 16 March 2020, as well as urgently redeploying 10,000 staff with a further 5,000 being recruited to aid efforts.

As people apply for Universal Credit, they will have the option to submit their

Government Gateway credentials which the department will use to progress their claim.

The department has already introduced a package of measures in response to COVID-19 providing urgent financial support, including increasing the standard allowance of Universal Credit and basic element of Working Tax Credit and suspending the Minimum Income Floor for the self-employed.

You can find out more about how to apply for Universal Credit here.

Charity urges Police Scotland to be sensitive to new guidance for autistic people

National Autistic Society Scotland has welcomed changes to the ‘Stay at Home’ rules from Scottish Government which allow for autistic people who need to leave home more than once a day to exercise or travel beyond their local area should they need to for health reasons.

However, a number of autistic people and families with autistic children have contacted the charity reporting that they have been told to go home by Police, or threatened with fines.

While we have heard some positive stories of the police responding appropriately, we have also heard from families reporting that Police seem either unaware of the change in guidance or are insensitive to it. 

National Autistic Society Scotland has written to the Chief Constable of Police Scotland, Iain Livingstone, asking that police officers across Scotland are made aware of the changes to the ‘Stay at home’ guidance. 

Amended Guidance issued from the Scottish Government makes it clear that, if you’re autistic or have a learning disability, you can leave your home more than once a day and travel beyond your local area if this is important to your health.

If you need carers with you, they don’t have to stay the two metres apart from you that is usually required by social distancing. However, it is still important to be careful and only go out when you really need to, to reduce the chance of getting ill or infecting other people. 

Nick Ward, Director of the National Autistic Society Scotland said: “The lock down has fundamentally changed life and this can be very challenging for Scotland’s 58,000 autistic people, where for many, exercising in a safe way is very important to their physical and mental health and wellbeing. 

“We welcome the amended rules from the Scottish Government but are extremely concerned not all police officers are aware of the changes or are interpreting them correctly. We have today written to Police Scotland and have urged Government to promote the new guidance appropriately so all are aware.”   

Caroline, a mother with an autistic child, said: “The lock down has been really difficult for my son and the stress can lead to some very challenging behaviour when he gets frustrated and upset.

“It’s great the rules and changed for autistic people and driving to the nearby park – it’s unsafe for him to walk along the road – where he can feed the ducks and play safely is an absolute life line for us and I can see the difference it makes to his mental health – it calms him.

“I was really upset when recently the Police told us to turn around otherwise they would fine me. They said they needed to see a GP letter. I offered our social worker’s phone number but they refused.

“Our GP can’t provide a letter as understandably they are busy and to be honest it seems like a waste of medical professionals’ time during this pandemic.

“I know other parents who were planning on finally getting out as the rules had been changed but are now too scared so are still stuck at home, often with very distressed children. Even just the possibility of being stopped by Police and not managing to follow through with a plan will put off many families with autistic members.”

Heart Research UK Healthy Tip: Healthy Eating at Home

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK

Healthy Eating at Home

At a time when we are spending more time at home, shopping for food less frequently and no longer eating out, our usual eating habits may be disrupted.

Good nutrition is essential for good health and it is important that we do not develop less healthy eating habits during this time. Heart Research UK have some tips to help you eat more healthily at home.

  •  Establish a routine and plan your meals

Try to establish a normal routine by sticking to set meal times. This can help you to manage hunger and prevent snacking on less healthy foods. Plan healthy meals for the week in advance and make a shopping list. Planning your meals should help you to eat more healthily as well as reducing food waste.

You may find it useful to use the Eatwell Guide when planning healthy meals: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/528193/Eatwell_guide_colour.pdf

  • Avoid snacking on less healthy food

If you are making regular trips to the kitchen and snacking on less healthy food because you are bored, try stocking up on healthy snacks, such as fruit & veg, nuts, seeds, rice cakes, yoghurt). When we see junk food, such as chocolate, biscuits or crisps, it can be tempting to eat it, so you could try hiding the junk food away and making healthier snacks more visible. You can also try waiting until you are hungry before visiting the kitchen.

  •  Are you eating enough?

At-risk groups who have been advised to stay at home are likely to have a greater risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition is a serious condition where people do not get enough nutrients from their diet. This is more common in older people and it can increase the risk of infection as well as delaying recovery.

Some tips for avoiding malnutrition include:

  •  Eat a good source of protein every day (e.g. fish, meat, eggs, nuts, beans, tofu)
  • Consume 2 or 3 portions of dairy every day (e.g. milk, cheese, yoghurt or dairy alternatives such as soya milk)
  • Include starchy foods at every meal (e.g. bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, cereals)
  • Eat a minimum of five portions of fruit and veg every day
  • If you eat fish, aim for two portions a week and try to include oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines or herring
  • Drink 6 to 8 cups/glasses of fluid every day

North Edinburgh Covid-19 Foodshare Group – UPDATED INFORMATION

HELP AND SUPPORT AVAILABLE IN NORTH EDINBURGH

Final 2 North Edinburgh Food Network Info UPDATED 16 APRIL v3

Briggs: Plan now for coronavirus rehabilitation

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs says health boards must start planning now for rehabilitation support for people who have had severe cases of Coronavirus.

Covid-19 is expected to lead to a dramatic increase in the numbers of people managing what will possibly be long-term lung conditions and needing support for rehab and recovery.

The number of people who have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease in NHS Lothian has increased by 70% since 2011/12, to 19,167 people, a higher increase than any other region in Scotland.

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland are working with health boards, including NHS Lothian, to reform the way people with lung conditions access rehabilitation and support.

Vital support, such as Pulmonary Rehabilitation, could benefit thousands of people in Lothian, as well as allowing the health board to make significant savings in the long term.

The charity have a number of initiatives in place to support those living with chest, heart and stroke conditions during the Coronavirus epidemic, including their freephone advice line Nurses: 0808 801 0899

Miles Briggs, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperon, said: “It is right that health boards are focusing their efforts on maximising the number of intensive care beds, increasing ventilator capacity and continuing to treat those who are most sick.

“A high number of people in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s, who have breathing difficulties and are in the high risk category during the Coronavirus outbreak, would benefit from this treatment.

“NHS Lothian must start putting plans in place now for breathing rehabilitation, so that patients who have had Coronavirus can access this treatment and start their recovery.”

Jane-Claire Judson, Chief Executive at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said: “The devastating impact of coronavirus will see many survivors living with poor lung health, perhaps for the rest of their lives. They could be left dealing with breathlessness which can cause worry and anxiety, but there are rehabilitation programmes which can help.

“Physical activity is hugely important to recovery and it is key to living well with chest conditions. At the moment our local support groups which normally provide group exercise can’t meet up.

“We’re making sure that people can still keep active at home by sending out short videos and information on activities everyone can do. We’re also busy working with health boards across Scotland to make sure our services alleviate some of the pressures on the NHS.

“No-one fully understands what long-term effects coronavirus will have on people’s health – but we do know that support for rehab and recovery is going to be more important than ever.

“Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is urgently making plans and adapting our services to make sure we’re there for everyone who needs us, now and in the future.”