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Nottingham News

Councillor Jon Collins, Leader of Nottingham City Council, has joined dozens of prominent figures from the East Midlands signing an open letter calling on party leaders to publicly commit to completing HS2 Phase Two.
Midlands Connect, Midlands Engine, Northern Powerhouse Partnership and Core Cities UK are urging Theresa May, Jeremy Corbyn, Vince Cable and Nicola Sturgeon to offer their unwavering support to the project, explaining it is the only way to ensure the country benefits fully from a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive regional economic growth and rebalance the economy.

Among the high profile figures who’ve signed the letter are: East Midlands Airport Managing Director Karen Smart; Elizabeth Fagan, Managing Director of Boots UK and Chair of D2N2 LEP, Ian Glade, Director of bus and tram operator Wellglade Group; council leaders in Derby, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, and Scott Knowles, Chief Executive, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire). Counterparts in the West Midlands and north of England have also signed it.

Delivering HS2 in full will connect eight of the UK’s ten biggest cities, and once integrated with crucial upgrades to the existing rail network, including the Midlands Rail Hub and Northern Powerhouse Rail, all ten cities will benefit from a step-change in rail connectivity.

The open letter explains:

“HS2 Phase Two will extend the benefits of this vital piece of infrastructure to more than 25 million people – over a third of the UK’s population – across the East Midlands, the North and Scotland. These people and places should not be denied the job and growth opportunities that HS2 brings. It must continue beyond Birmingham.“Our support must not flounder or stall. We must unite to deliver HS2 in full, and we urge you to join us by offering your vocal and unwavering support. Help make HS2 happen for everyone, and help us all achieve our full potential.

HS2 Phase One, connecting London to the West Midlands, received Royal Assent in 2017 and construction is underway. Phases 2a and 2b, connecting the West Midlands to the East Midlands, Crewe, Manchester, South Yorkshire and Leeds, still require parliamentary backing to proceed. Phase 2a is scheduled to receive Royal Assent before the end of 2019, with Phase 2b following in early 2023.

The East Midlands Hub station at Toton is expected to generate £4 billion a year for the East Midlands economy and generate 74,000 new jobs. In October 2018, the government pledged to create a locally-led development body to maximise the benefits of HS2.

The open letter comes as MPs, business and civic leaders from the East Midlands are uniting with others from across the country today (Thursday 24 January) for a parliamentary reception at Westminster to intensify their unequivocal support for HS2. The event will be chaired by Lilian Greenwood, MP for Nottingham South and Chair of the Transport Committee, and attended by Allan Cook in his first public engagement as Chairman of HS2.

Councillor Collins said: “HS2 is hugely important to the region as a driver to create jobs, growth and business opportunities. Recent Treasury statistics revealed that last year the East Midlands received less public funding on transport per head than anywhere else in the country. In London, the spending per head was four times as much. “This is an opportunity to help rebalance the national economy through improved infrastructure, better connecting the north, south and the Midlands. Now more than ever we need reassurance that all parties are committed to investing in the future of our region.”

Sir John Peace, Chairman of Midlands Connect and Midlands Engine, has signed the letter and said: “The Midlands and the North are uniting behind HS2, promoting the short and long term benefits and answering the project’s critics to make sure it goes ahead in full. Securing unequivocal, cross-party support to deliver HS2 in its entirety is essential to the economic futures of the Midlands and the North. The East Midlands alone stands to create 74,000 new jobs as a result of HS2; reaffirming the promise of this investment will catalyse growth and business confidence during a crucial transitional period for the country. We can’t afford to let this opportunity slip through our fingers.”

Karen Smart, Managing Director of East Midlands Airport, added: “HS2 will be the step-change that the East Midlands needs to be able to compete with other areas of the UK for inward investment and business growth. This, in turn, will lead to greater job creation, new housing and communities, and improved quality of life for people living and working in the region.

Alongside other key transport assets such as the airport, which has capacity to grow, and the East Midlands Gateway, HS2 will further enhance the region’s connectivity making it one of the most convenient parts of the UK to visit, work and live.”

Nottingham News, Notts Health & Care

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.

Nottingham News, Notts Health & Care

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.

Nottingham News, Notts Health & Care

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Nottingham News, Notts Health & Care, Notts Sport

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.

Nottingham News, Notts Health & Care

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.”

Nottingham News, Notts Health & Care, Notts Leisure

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.

Nottingham News, Notts Leisure

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.

Nottingham News, Notts What's On

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’.

Nottingham News, Notts What's On

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