Health

Transforming health and social care in Kent

18 October 2016 0 Comments

nhseastkentstp

Health organisations from across the whole of Kent and Medway are working together to plan how they will transform health and social care services to meet the changing needs of local people.They want to get this right, and they know that they need your views to help them do that.

In addition to the local work taking place in east Kent, NHS, social care and public health organisations from across the whole of Kent and Medway are working together to plan how they will transform health and social care services to meet the changing needs of local people. It is the first time they have all worked together in this way and it gives them a unique opportunity to bring about positive and genuine improvement in health and social care delivery over the next five years. (more…)

Health, News, STP, STP

Online technology to support young people’s mental health

18 October 2016 0 Comments

Ashford Clinical Commissioning GroupA pilot project to use online technology to support young people with mental health needs has been launched by NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in east Kent

Some 20 young children in the area will trial Healios – an internet platform that provides therapy for 7-17 year olds with anxiety, low mood, phobias, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and other mental health conditions.

It is hoped that Healios will be successful in helping young people and their families to self-manage their mental health at a time and place that suits them and outside of traditional clinical environments. (more…)

Children, Health, News, Wellbeing

Choose your way to quit – Stop smoking medicines

18 October 2016 0 Comments

stoptoberGeorgia was determined to quit smoking before her 50th birthday. By using stop smoking medicines, she was able to relieve her cravings and quit for good. From nicotine patches to inhalators – there is a range of stop smoking medicines to choose from, so you can choose the one that works for you.

Giving up smoking can cause nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Stop smoking medicines – including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products such as patches, gum and lozenges – can help you manage these symptoms. (more…)

Health, News, Wellbeing

ABC supports stubbing out smoking

13 October 2016 0 Comments

smokefreeplayThe Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) is calling for voluntary ‘no smoking zones’ to be implemented across the UK wherever children play or learn.

In a bid to help protect children’s health and reduce the perception among young people that smoking is normal behaviour, the CIEH launched a campaign on World Environmental Health Day (26th September 2016) to extend non-smoking areas around places such as schools and play parks, or locations where young people learn or play.  www.cieh.org/world-environmental-health-day.html

To support their cause the CIEH produced a selection of case studies demonstrating the benefits of introducing smoke free environments; Ashford’s smoke free play areas initiative is among those highlighted along with other local authorities including Nottingham City Council and Coventry City Council.

In April 2015 Ashford Borough Council (ABC) was invited by Kent County Council (KCC) Public Health to pilot a smoke free play area project in a bid to provide a non-smoking environment for children and their families to enjoy, help protect children from the effects of second hand smoke, and reduce the number of children who start smoking after being influenced by those who do.

ABC rolled out smoke free pilots in a number of play areas across the borough including The Stour Centre, Kilndown, Bullied Place and Newtown Green. They created fun pavement games, which are a fantastic way to keep children active, as well as engaging signage which encourages a smoke free area and gently reminds people not to light up.

Canterbury City Council were inspired by our project and in May 2016 introduced a similar scheme in St Stephens Park, with another four parks to also implement the scheme in the Barton, St Stephens and Northgate area of Canterbury.

ABC’s smoke free play area initiative not only continues to be a success, but strives to reduce the amount of cigarette litter in play areas too, making them a cleaner environment for the community. In conjunction with the council’s new litter enforcement pilot, a £75 fine will be issued to those who deliberately drop cigarettes.

KCC Director of Public Health, Andrew Scott-Clark said: “We are pleased that the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health has recognised our smoke free parks projects and we would encourage other district councils, across Kent and nationally, to follow Ashford’s lead and set up voluntary no smoking zones.

“The aim is to provide a smoke free environment for children and their families to enjoy, help protect children from the effects of second hand smoke, and reduce the number of children who start smoking after being influenced by those who do. In the process it also reduces the amount of cigarette litter in play areas, making them a cleaner environment for the whole community.”

Ashford Borough Council 12 October 2016
www.ashford.gov.uk/news/ashford-supports-stubbing-out-smoking-12th-oct-1471/

Ashford Borough Council, Children, Environment, Health, News

Choose how you quit – E-cigarettes

11 October 2016 0 Comments

stoptoberMark used e-cigarettes, which are a far safer way of getting nicotine than cigarettes, to help manage his cravings and break the smoking habit. Now that he’s quit for good he feels healthier and is financially much better off.

E-cigarettes allow you to inhale nicotine through a vapour rather than smoke. Using an e-cigarette is around 95% less harmful than smoking and can help you quit.

E-cigarettes are particularly effective when combined with support from local stop smoking services – people who choose this route have some of the highest quitting success rates. E-cigarettes aren’t currently available on NHS prescription but they can be bought in pharmacies and other retail outlets.

Is it right for you?

Speak to your GP, pharmacist or local stop smoking service for advice, or learn more on the Smokefree website: www.nhs.uk/smokefree/help-and-advice/e-cigarettes.

The more support tools you use the more likely you are to succeed in your quit attempt. Think about using other support tools to help with quitting.

Watch Mark’s story: www.nhs.uk/oneyou/stoptober/home#e-cigs

#Stoptober2016

Health, News

Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)

10 October 2016 0 Comments

Ashford Clinical Commissioning Group

What is the east Kent’s “Local Offer” for children with Special Educational Needs and Disability?

The Children and Families Act was passed in March 2014. This means that Local authorities are required to publish and keep up to date information about services from Education, Health and Social Care which will be available for children and young people with special educational needs aged 0-25. This is the ‘Local Offer’.

The intention of the Local Offer is to improve choice, flexibility and transparency for families and to help them have more control over services by setting out the local provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or a Disability (SEND) and their families.

It will make information available in one place about the services children, young people and their families can expect from a range of local agencies. It is also an important resource for professionals in understanding the range of services and provision in the local area. (more…)

Children, Disability, Education, Health, News, Wellbeing

Choose your way to quit – Chat to the Stoptober bot

10 October 2016 0 Comments

stoptoberMessage the Stoptober Facebook Messenger bot when cravings strike and get instant practical support. Stay motivated with daily messages full of tips and advice to help keep you on track.

The stoptober bot will encourage you to keep going with daily messages. Plus, you can message the bot anytime you need to help you beat those cravings or just need a boost in motivation.

Every chat with the bot is free, secure and private – nothing will be shared on your profile.

Access the Stoptober bot from anywhere on any device, but for the best experience on your tablet and phone download the free Facebook Messenger app first.

www.nhs.uk/oneyou/stoptober/home#messenger

#Stoptober2016

Health, Wellbeing