A new study by mental health experts has found that easy-access, remotely-delivered psychological treatment can significantly reduce extreme health anxiety in people who repeatedly go to the doctor, or hospital emergency departments. The researchers from the University of Nottingham’s Institute of Mental Health and NIHR Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) East Midlands* carried out a multi-centre trial to compare the effects of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) delivered by phone or video calling, to standard treatment via their GP and the mental health referral system.
The NIHR-funded study found that the randomly selected group of patients who received sessions of remote CBT via telephone or online video calling had markedly reduced health anxiety in the 12 months after the start of this treatment and the cost savings to the NHS were more than £1,000 per patient. The results, published in BMC Medicine, also show that general anxiety and depression in these patients improved over the same period, as did their overall health.
Obstetricians, midwives and women who’ve had babies by Caesarean section are taking part in a new study to find out which technique is best used by the surgeon if the baby’s head is found to be stuck in the pelvis at the time of Caesarean delivery. Around 15% of babies are delivered by emergency C-section in the UK and the problem of ‘impacted fetal head’ occurs in about 1.5% of these operations – that’s around 1,500 babies who have to be manoeuvred very carefully to release their head from the pelvis. Experts at the University of Nottingham’s School of Medicine and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust want to assess the feasibility of a clinical trial to compare different techniques for managing an impacted fetal head during emergency C-section. Thanks to a £200,000 grant from the NIHR, the team will carry out the largest ever investigation into the problem with a view to a full-scale randomised trial to compare different techniques for managing it in theatre.
The study is being carried out in collaboration with the Nottingham Maternity Research Network – which connects medical researchers with local people who have used maternity services and are interested in participating in research. Leading the study, Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Dr Kate Walker, said: “Impacted fetal head can cause serious problems for both mother and baby. There are a number of ways to make such births easier; an assistant can push the head up with their hand from the vagina, or a specially designed balloon in the vagina can achieve the same effect. Sometimes the surgeon delivers the baby’s feet or arms first. Doctors can also use medicines that cause the womb to relax to allow more room for manoeuvre.
We do not know which of these methods is best for the mother and the baby. The NHS would like to conduct research in this area. Before they do so they want to find out from doctors and midwives, how common the problem is, what techniques are currently in use and which ones should be tested in future research projects. We also need to determine how acceptable research in this area is to parents.”
Samantha Foulke from Nottingham Maternity Research Network said: “Our network is a service user group with an interest in maternity related research. We are delighted to be involved with this piece of research into surveying current practice for this complication during a caesarean birth. This problem can potentially be a highly distressing experience for mothers and their birth partners, and it is vital that we work together to identify good practice or highlight areas for further research in the future.”
The new study will consist of several different avenues of research:
• A national survey of obstetricians and trainee obstetricians to examine current practice, level of experience and training for an impacted fetal head scenario. Similar surveys of midwives and anaesthetists and a focus group of women who have had an emergency C-section as well as a national survey of parents to determine views on the idea of a clinical trial.
• A UK Obstetric Surveillance System study to determine the incidence and consequences of impacted fetal head in the UK.
• A Delphi survey to decide which techniques should be tested in a clinical trial.
The results of these studies will inform further work to design a large-scale randomised controlled clinical trial in the UK to build an accurate picture of the prevalence of impacted fetal head and the nature and frequency of complications for the mother and baby. The researchers say it will increase awareness of the problem among parents and health professionals and could redress possible training deficiencies in this area of obstetric care.
Overwhelmed? Stressed? Unfulfilled? Life coaching can help. For many of us, life often seems to be a constant battle to juggle work and family, coping with the needs of children and aging parents. So often we struggle to see how we can make improvements and find it difficult to keep on track with plans we have made. This is where a life coach can help us move forward more quickly and productively than on our own. According to Life Coach, Karen MacDuff, “Life coaching can create positive changes. It helps people achieve happier, more fulfilled lives in which they can cope with their difficulties as well as unlocking their potential and realizing new ventures and achievements. Even small changes can have profound, positive, energizing effects on well-being, lifestyle and careers.” More people than ever are beginning to realise the benefits of working with a life coach to cope with their difficulties and achieve their aspirations. For decades, life coaching was only available to those in elite corporations or those who could afford the high cost of coaching sessions. Thankfully, life coaching is now becoming more mainstream and affordable. Using a variety of methods, including skilled questioning and visualization, coaches help clients challenge negative thinking whilst supporting and encouraging them to overcome obstacles and create positive changes.
All aspects of our lives can be helped, whether they be specific individual one -off problems, long standing difficulties or a desire to follow a dream. Truly remarkable things can occur through small changes and challenging misconceptions. Life Coaching can help us all to reconsider how we cope with our difficulties, and take back control of our lives: making time for ourselves and regaining a sense of purpose, calmness and wellbeing.
The author is a life-style development coach with additional specialisms in educational motivation and career transition. She is also a teacher and writer of educational books. www.lifecoachkaren.co.uk info@lifecoachkaren.co.uk
A new exercise referral scheme will get residents with a long term health condition moving with specifically tailored gym classes, walking, cycling and swimming activities. The referral scheme has been launched at East Leake Leisure Centre by Rushcliffe Clinical Commissioning Group in partnership with Rushcliffe Borough Council, supporting residents to develop a regular exercise routine.
Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities and Leisure Cllr Debbie Mason attended the launch of the scheme with local GP Dr Neil Fraser. She said: “It is great to be working with East Leake Leisure Centre and Rushcliffe CCG to create this referral scheme which will make such a positive impact on resident’s lives.
“It is designed for those who may not consider partaking in regular exercise so residents who are referred will be given all the support and guidance they need.” There are a range of classes and activities available and a personalised exercise plan will be developed during a one-to-one initial assessment with a qualified exercise instructor.
Dr Fraser, lead for Long Term Conditions in Rushcliffe said: “We are proud to launch this scheme in East Leake, supporting residents in need by introducing exercise into their daily lives and helping them attain healthier lifestyles.
“Increasing physical levels of activity has lots of benefits including increasing bone density, lowering blood pressure, improving mobility, cholesterol, mood and lung function, as well as reducing stress and anxiety and increasing energy levels.”
To find out more about the scheme and to check the eligibility criteria please contact East Leake Leisure Centre on 01509 852956 or speak to your GP practitioner.
The moment you meet foster carer Lesley and her former foster child Polly you are struck by their closeness and the undeniable bond between them. Lesley, 57, from Mansfield, has fostered with Nottinghamshire County Council for 24 years. Until eight years ago she was a single foster carer of mainly teenagers, but now fosters with her husband Keith. Lesley and Keith currently have a staying put placement, a young person over the age of 18 who is remaining with the couple beyond his ‘foster placement’, and a 17 year old boy.
“I never had any children of my own and I must admit fostering at first seemed like an alien experience, but I quickly grew to love it,” says Lesley. “I wanted to bring children into my home and make sure they felt like part of the family, not just visitors.”
Polly, now 33, remembers vividly her first visit to Lesley’s home. “She made me feel so at ease and welcome, and asked me very quickly how I’d like my bedroom doing up before my next visit,” said Polly, who now lives with her partner, her partner’s daughter and her own two daughters in Hucknall. “Lesley and I went shopping for bedding and other bits for my room and we clicked straightaway. I felt comfortable and a sense of belonging from day one.”
Lesley openly admits that she sees Polly as the daughter she never had. “We just slotted into each other lives and we have been there for each other at important times,” Lesley said. “Polly played a huge part in the preparations in the run-up to my wedding eight years ago and I have some lovely memories of us going to look at wedding dresses together.” Polly also holds precious memories of Lesley helping her move into her first flat when she moved out aged 19. During the years she fostered Polly, Lesley maintained good relations with Polly’s birth mum and dad. Lesley explained: “I was Polly’s foster carer and she lived with me but it was important in my eyes that she knew where she came from and had a sense of family and belonging. That sense of belonging is important for any child and we maintained that throughout Polly’s stay with us.”
Lesley has fostered more than 50 young people over the years and tries to keep in regular touch with all of them. “They need to know that the support is still available even though they have moved on with their lives. I want them to feel they can still come to me with their good news or a problem and I’ll be there for them.” Lesley is supporting the County Council’s New Year fostering campaign This year, be the difference in a child’s life and urges anyone who has been thinking about fostering to take a closer look.
“It really is a fantastically rewarding role, I feel I’ve made a difference to so many young people’s lives and that gives me a real sense of achievement.”
Cumbria County Council launches a new campaign today across Carlisle and Eden to try and find more foster carers who can offer homes to siblings groups and help brothers and sisters in care to stay together. There is a need for all types of carers in the region, but especially for foster cares who can offer a permanent, long-term home to sibling groups. At the moment there are 22 brothers and sisters across the county waiting for long term, permanent foster placements together. Without more foster carers coming forward during 2018 some children may find themselves living a long way from family, school and friends or being split up from brothers and sisters.
Kath and Graham Lamb, from Carlisle, have been fostering for six years and are currently long term carers for a sibling group of three children (aged 7, 8 and 10). Kath, who used to work with children in care, said: “While I was working with looked after children, a group of six siblings came into care and had to be split into three groups of two, with placements all over the county, which meant it was very difficult for them to see each other. “They felt as though they were being punished for things their parents were responsible for. That wasn’t the case but there just wasn’t the carers there to take siblings groups at that time.” She added that caring for siblings can be less challenging than caring for a single child: “We’ve done single placements, as well as sibling groups, and find siblings a lot easier as they are able to create their own little support network, while receiving the love and care that they need from us.
“Fostering siblings has been an amazing experience for us and I would recommend it to anybody considering the process. The local authority offer fantastic support and advice. It been great for us, the children and our family.”
Cllr Anne Burns, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We believe that there are many people in our community who have the right skills and qualities to foster. We need you to come forward and help us change a child’s life for good. We particularly need more foster families for sibling groups. “Opening your home and your life to vulnerable children and helping brothers and sisters to stay together, is one of the most selfless and rewarding things you can do. “I’d urge anyone interested in finding out more to attend one of our information evenings. There’s no pressure or expectation; just the chance to find out about the support we can offer and to ask questions in a private and informal setting.” The council currently supports 35 fostering households in Carlisle but needs more to come forward this year, in order to offer a safe, secure and loving home to some of the county’s most vulnerable children.
If you think you have what it takes and would like to find out more come to one of our upcoming information events and speak to our team and foster carers: Saturday 9 February – Crown and Mitre Hotel, Carlisle – Tea and coffee from 2pm, presentation starts 2.30pm. Saturday 23 February – George Hotel, Penrith – Tea and coffee from 2pm, presentation starts 2.30pm. If you can’t make an event go to www.cumbria.gov.uk/fostering or call 0303 333 1216 to find out more.
Schools across Cumbria are encouraged to sign up to take part in The Big Pedal 2019, organised by national cycling charity Sustrans, and supported by Cumbria County Council’s Active Travel team. This year, The Big Pedal in Cumbria takes place between 25 and 29 March. The Big Pedal is the UK’s largest inter-school active travel challenge, which inspires pupils, staff and parents to choose ‘human power’ for their journey to school. During last year’s event, over a million journeys were logged nationally by school pupils, staff and parents.
Schools compete on each day of the challenge to see who can record the greatest number of pupils, staff and parents cycling, scooting, or for the first time this year, walking to school. Journeys are logged on The Big Pedal website and are ranked each day against other schools in Cumbria, the North West and the UK. The theme for this year’s challenge focuses on health, and all schools entering the competition will receive a human body wallchart with curriculum-based fact cards as well as posters, top tips and daily classroom activities to stimulate their learning. During last year’s Big Pedal, 42 schools in Cumbria logged 10,529 bike journeys, 9,424 trips by scooter, with supporting families logging a further 2,918 journeys – each year more and more active journeys are logged as The Big Pedal gains momentum in Cumbria. Judith Aris, Active Travel Officer at Cumbria County Council, said:
“The Big Pedal event is a brilliant way to get children thinking about their physical health and wellbeing, and ditching the car to get to school is a great way to start! For the first year walking journeys will now count as well, so we are hoping to get some new schools signing up for the first time. “Not only is it good for the environment, but travelling actively to school results in healthier and fitter children, and we hope they will carry this habit in to their teens and adulthood. This is not just about the children but their families and staff too.”
The council’s Active Travel team is offering an amazing prize to the first Cumbrian schools on the leader board. Winning schools will receive a school visit, workshop and demonstration from Professional Flatland BMX rider and 3 x Guinness World Record Holder Champion Matti Hemmings. To celebrate the finale of the challenge there is also the option to join in with a superhero day by submitting photos of pupils dressed as superheroes on their bikes, scooters or walking to school! A £100 Halfords voucher will also be up for grabs for the best photo on the day! Schools can register now at www.bigpedal.org.uk and click on Cumbria County Council as your local authority.
If your neighbourhood is in need of a bit of a spring clean and you have a willing band of volunteers or you are happy to go out on your own, Bassetlaw District Council can help your litter-picking event. As always the Council is supporting Keep Britain Tidy’s ‘Great British Spring Clean’, however this year, we will be running ours from 1 March until 31 May, giving people more opportunity to spruce up their street, village or public space. You can donate as much of your time as you wish, from an hour to a full day or more!
Simply tell us where your litter pick will take place and the Council will provide you with bags, gloves, litter pickers and high-viz vests. Once you have finished we will collect the bags of litter from a pre-arranged collection point.
Cllr Julie Leigh, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods at Bassetlaw District Council, said: “We have had a fantastic response from residents, groups and schools in the past who have helped to tidy up their communities for the benefit of everyone. We want to encourage anyone looking to organise a Spring Clean, to let us know where in the district you plan to get involved and register via our website”
To be part of this year’s event, please register your Spring Clean with the Council at www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/springclean and we will arrange for the equipment to be sent out to you in time for your litter pick. Alternatively you can organise an event at any time of the year, but please give us six week’s notice.
As well as the community spring cleans, we also encourage local schools to get involved by registering on our website www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/springclean and click the ‘Register a school for the Bassetlaw spring clean’.
Following last year’s success, The BIG Ashfield Spring Clean is once again coming to Ashfield. Ashfield District Council are again inviting residents to have a clear out of their homes and gardens and dispose of their waste as part of The BIG Spring Clean 2019. Rolling out in Sutton on the 11th February The BIG Spring Clean will run over three weeks, with Kirkby, Underwood, Selston and Jacksdale running from 18 February and Hucknall from 25 February.
Extra waste can be bagged and put out with your regular bin collection during the relevant week, extra bin lorries known as ‘Flying Skips’ will be making scheduled stops on Saturday’s allowing residents to dispose of extra waste and items including small furniture, and residents can take advantage of a free bulky waste collection if booked during the Spring Clean. Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council says “Following the success of last year’s BIG Ashfield Spring Clean, when the Council collected the largest amount of rubbish ever in a single project, we are proud to announce an even bigger and better Spring Clean this year. We’ve made is easier for all residents to get involved – offering a simple, personalised service. You simply need to bag your extra waste in bin bags and leave it out with your regular bin collection during the week the BIG Spring Clean is in your area.
“We’ll also be using the campaign as an opportunity to target fly tipping and illegal waste carriers in the district, with the recent introduction of the pin hole cameras at fly tipping hotspots we’re sending out a clear message to fly tippers that we are coming for you. Residents have told us how much they value this extra service. For us as a Council it’s just common sense. We will do everything we can to assist residents with their waste but come down like a ton of bricks on those who fly-tip and dump rubbish. We are committed to tackling issues and informing residents on how they can help Ashfield stay a clean and pleasant place to live.
We want the residents of Ashfield to take pride in their communities and local community groups, businesses and schools are being encouraged to organise litter picks in parks, open spaces and litter hot spots.” https://www.ashfield.gov.uk/springclean
Baby it’s cold outside, so wrap up warm because there are a number of outdoor activities this month. Take a walk through the majestic snowdrops and enjoy the views at Holme Pierrepont before taking a look around Holme Pierrepont Hall itself (3 – 28 Feb), or enjoy the snowdrop walk and winter garden at Hodstock Priory (9 – 17 Feb) Every February the Priory’s 12 acre Horse Acre Wood is carpeted with beautiful snowdrops. Visitors travel along the signposted walk through the spectacular scene of approximately four million of these short lived seasonal flowers. For those after a truly relaxing experience, beautiful country hotel, Ye Olde Bell, a short drive from Hodsock Priory, is offering a special rate of £99 B&B for a double room based on 2 sharing for any guests visiting the snowdrops at Hodsock. The hotel in the village of Barnby Moor dates back to the 17th century and there’s also the option to book into their luxurious spa for a wide range of pampering treats to beat those winter blues.
Do something different on a Friday night this month and learn about the night sky in general, particularly naked eye celestial delights such as the planets, aurora, meteors and stars at the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre & National Nature Reserve (2 Feb). Sticking with the space theme, but much closer to earth, you can enjoy free cultural events in the city after dark (8 Feb) as part of this years Light Night Take a journey across the City from the canal side to the Creative Quarter and beyond as you discover stunning light installations, exciting performances and plenty of opportunities to get involved – all inspired by the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 spaceflight and landing of the first man on the moon.
For something totally different in the dark, join Derbyshire Pony Trekking for a unique pony trek in the dark at Upper Langwith, Mansfield (16 Feb) For a more relaxing experience, head over to Stonebridge City Farm and experience a truly magical and mindful time around rabbits (17 Feb). It’s all about pigs however as we celebrate the Chinese New Year, the year of the pig. Nottingham City Council and Nottingham Chinese Students and Scholars Association will be holding celebrations in the Old Market Square (2 Feb) and Lakeside Arts hold their annual New Year Gala.
Enjoy fascinating performances by professional artists including Chinese Erhu, Guzheng and Bamboo Flute music, together with spectacular group-coordinated Kung Fu routines (9-10 Feb). Also celebrating is The Harley Gallery in Worksop. 2019 marks their 25th anniversary and see the return of the popular Open Exhibition which runs until 24th March. If creating your own arts, crafts and clothing is your thing then head to the Materials Recovery Facility in Mansfield (11 Feb) for ‘Scraps to Scarves’ and the recycled craft workshop (21 Feb)
If you want to be part of this months entertainment, join the De Vere Orchard Hotel in Nottingham for a night of Murder Mystery and suspense as you play detective to work out ‘whodunnit’, or get ready for a night of killer passion at the National Justice Museum’s 1940s Murder Mystery event (15 Feb)
If you’d rather watch the entertainment this month, there’s plenty to choose from. The most famous love story of them all, Romeo and Juliet visits the Theatre Royal (19- 23 Feb) and while we’re on the subject of desire, Tennessee Williams’ explosive 1947 domestic drama; A Streetcar Named Desire is on at The Lace Market Theatre 28 Jan – 2 Feb).
Willie Russell’s legendary Blood Brothers visits The Theatre Royal (12-16 Feb) and, written by the daughter of a Nottingham miner, the regional premiere of Wonderland begins at Nottingham Playhouse (8 – 23 Feb) If you need a laugh to lift your spirits and forget about the miserable weather outside, Sandi Toksvig brings her brand new, one-woman comedy show to the Royal Concert Hall (7 Feb) and Tony Jameson visits The Canalhouse (20 Feb) The gang from The Full Monty should hot things up at The Theatre Royal (4-9). Based on his smash hit film and adapted for the stage by Oscar-winning writer Simon Beaufoy, the hilarious and heartfelt production has received standing ovations every night and won the prestigious UK Theatre Award.
Keeeeep Dancing as the Strictly Come Dancing live extravaganza comes to the Motorpoint Arena (5/6 Feb) and Brendon Cole brings a night of beautiful ballroom magic and high-energy latin passion to the Royal Concert Hall (20 Feb).
Of course there’s plenty of music to look forward to this month too. Ozzy Osbourne kicks off his farewell world tour ‘No More Tours’ tour at Nottingham Motorpoint Arena (1 Feb) which will celebrate more than five decades as a performer (both as a solo artist and as lead singer of Black Sabbath).
Slightly less controversial is the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra performing on the same evening at The Royal Concert Hall. This month also sees Don Brocco play The Motorpoint Arena (7 Feb), Tears for Fears play their rescheduled date at The Motorpoint Arena (13 Feb). The Kaiser Chiefs visit Rock City on the same night. Paul Carrack returns to The Royal Concert (14 Feb) followed by The London Sinfonietta (15 Feb).
The stars of this years X-Factor come to The Motorpoint Arena (15 Feb) and we have an evening of 50’s nostalgia with the Billy Fury Story: Halfway to Paradise at the Royal Concert Hall (19 Feb)
Finally, foodies should get book themselves a table at the Japanese supper club with The Little Ramen Shop at Debbie Bryan (21 Feb) and romantics rejoice as The Holiday Inn at Castle Marina offer valentines packages from 11 Feb. Enjoy food by head chef Liam Woodward and take advantage of a special room package in the deal. Always check with the venue ahead and book if necessary. There is cost or entrance fee unless stated otherwise
