Health & Community Guide. www.areahealth.info. Health and Community Information for Everyone. Leeds. Issue 1287 2015/16 Edition

Health & Issue 1287 2015/16 Edition Community Guide Health and Community Information for Everyone www.areahealth.info Leeds

Leeds The Health and Community Guide is an annual publication that aims to provide useful information for everyone living and working in the local area. As well as providing details about steps you can take to make your neighbourhoods and communities better places to live and work, it contains introductory information on a wide range of health and social care issues that might affect you, your family, and other members of your community, and summarises services and treatments that are able to provide help and support. Whilst every effort is made by the publishers to ensure that the information contained in this guide is accurate and up to date, readers are advised to consult their GP or talk to another appropriate health professional before taking any action that might have an impact on their health or wellbeing. Regional Publications Limited Cliffe House Business Centre 61 Sheffield Road, Dronfield S18 2GF Tel: 01246 411600 Fax: 01246 411300 e-mail: regionalpublications@btconnect.com Visit our website www.areahealth.info This publication was produced by Regional Publications Limited, Dronfield, at no cost to the distributors. Neither the publishers nor the distributors make any recommendation as to the fitness of the advertisers appearing in the publication to carry out their services and no recommendations should be deemed to have been made. All information contained herein is correct to the best knowledge and belief of the publishers, no liability whatsoever can be accepted by the publishers or the distributors for any inaccuracies. Artwork and/or plates for use in this publication remain the property of Regional Publications Limited and must not be reproduced without their written permission. LIBERTY SUPPORT Who is it for? People who experience Mental Health Problems These might be: Loss of social and living skills Reduced leisure and work chances Isolation Poor coping at home Lack of confidence Low self esteem You may be able to get help from the council to pay for your support through self directed support - call 2243046 for more information. Mission Statement Provide quality support promoting dignity, independence, opportunity and inclusion. Ensure support is focused on developing, retaining and regaining skills and abilities to contribute to a more meaningful, independent and improved quality of life. Encourage and support people to do as much for themselves as possible through ownership of their own goals and appreciation of their strengths. What we do Community Support Managing and reducing anxiety around getting out. Support to become involved with things such as Education, volunteering, training, leisure activities, clubs, groups etc. Home Based Support Increasing motivation levels around daily living tasks through positive support increasing and developing organisational skills. Work together to empower and enable people to manage their own domestic situation. Support with benefits/housing problems Help and encouragement with review and application forms. Accompany people to interviews / appointments regarding benefits or housing matters. Provide information about specialist agencies who can help. Physical Health Encourage people to access appropriate treatment. Accompany people to physical health appointments. Tel. 07581732514 or email charlotte.ting@libertysupport.org www.libertysupport.org

General Practitioner Health Visitor A health visitor is a registered nurse or midwife who has done extra training in order to work in the community, promoting health and wellbeing and the prevention of illness. They work closely with GPs, local social services and hospitals to help people who may be ill or disabled, and people whose health may be particularly vulnerable, such as older people, children, or people with learning disabilities. They are trained in child health, and can help prepare parents for the impact of a new baby on the family, and educate them about caring for very young children. Health visitors also provide advice and support on a wide range of health and wellbeing issues; for example, caring for elderly relatives, bereavement, family planning, stress, alcohol and drug issues, HIV/ AIDS, menopause and mental health. Their services are free, and your GP surgery can arrange a visit from a health visitor for you. n Treatments Dont delay, call today! For a FREE consultation contact us on 0113 269 6504 or email getbetter@primehealthuk.co.uk or visit www.primehealthuk.co.uk Fat loss Hair loss Pain relief Poor sleep Health Scanning Arterial Testing Teeth whitening Breast enhancing Anti aging & Skincare Life enhance coaching Male breast reduction Unwanted hair & tattoo removal Special offers available. For readers of HCG when you quote code: HCG2015 82a Street Lane, Roundhay, Leeds, LS8 2AL GPs look after the health of people in their local community and deal with a whole range of health problems. They also provide health education, offer advice on smoking and diet, run clinics, give vaccinations and carry out simple surgical operations. GPs usually work in practices as part of a team, which includes nurses, healthcare assistants, practice managers, receptionists and other staff. Practices also work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as health visitors, midwives, and social services. You would normally see GPs or other healthcare professionals at their premises (surgery). Some operate from more than one building. If your GP cannot deal with a problem then you ll usually be referred to a hospital for tests, treatment, or to see a consultant with specialist knowledge. GP practices should make information about their services easily available to their patients. Most practices have a practice leaflet available, otherwise please ask for one. n Prescription Delivery / Collection You can collect a repeat prescription for a friend, or relative, from the GP surgery. You can also take a prescription to the pharmacy to collect someone else s medication for them. They will need to fill in the relevant part of the prescription form to show you are collecting the prescription on their behalf. If you are collecting controlled medication such as morphine and methadone - for someone else, you are legally required to show the pharmacist proof of your identity. Many pharmacies offer a prescription collection service, which means that they will collect your prescription from your GP surgery for you and have it dispensed and ready for you to collect from the pharmacy at a convenient time. Also, if any of your medication needs to be ordered, the pharmacist can ensure everything is ready for you when you call in. Some also offer a home delivery service, check with your local pharmacy for details. n Leeds Housing Options is the principal Leeds City Council service offering housing advice to people who are homeless, threatened with homelessness or in some other form of housing need. The service aims to help prevent homelessness, through a range of initiatives and options, either by helping people to stay in their existing accommodation or to make a planned move to alternative housing. The service is responsible for carrying out homeless assessments and securing temporary accommodation if needed. It is recommended that people approach Leeds Housing Options as soon as they get into housing difficulty as early interventions increases the prospect of finding a resolution. Leeds Housing Options can be contacted on (0113) 2244412 or housing.options@leeds.gov.uk PUTTING YOUR HEALTH FIRST OPEN TILL 12 MIDNIGHT MONDAY TO SATURDAY 12PM - 8PM SUNDAY 168 Roundhay Road, Harehills, Leeds LS8 5PL Tel: 0113 2359377 Fax: 0113 2494761

Dentistry Everyone is entitled to routine dental care and treatment under the NHS. However, some dental practices are not taking on new patients, and some only see private patients, so if you are not already registered with an NHS dentist, you may experience difficulty finding one. To find your nearest practice, search the NHS website at www.nhs. uk/servicedirectories/ or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647. Most dentists recommend you have a check-up every six months. Standard charges apply for all NHS dental treatments but treatment is free if you meet the exemption criteria. For more information on Dental charges in Scotland please visit www. nhs24.com. n Hearing Care Hearing loss is more common than you may think. In the UK, around one person in seven is deaf or hard of hearing. Most cases of deafness are caused by irreversible damage to the tiny hair cells in the inner ear. The main reason for this is ageing, but exposure to too much loud noise (for example, in a noisy occupation) is another important cause. Recreational loud noise, especially from MP3 players and noisy clubs, is thought to be behind the increasing numbers of young people losing their hearing. Taking steps to avoid too much loud noise is the key to protecting your hearing from future problems. If you are concerned about your hearing, consult your GP. n FREE HEARING TESTS Almost everybody suffers damage to their hearing at some time in their lives. But modern digital technology can effectively improve most hearing loss. If you think your hearing may be damaged, why not call today to arrange a free test with one of our professional Hearing Aid Audiologists? All our tests are carried out to the highest standards, and there s no obligation to buy. Bradford Idle Tel: 01274 615 544 Crossgates Tel: 0113 232 8088 Kirkstall Tel: 0113 278 8774 specsavers.co.uk/hearing Opticians Regular eye tests show if you need to get glasses or change your current glasses. They can also detect early signs of conditions, including diabetes, macular degeneration and glaucoma, before you experience symptoms, improving the chances of effective treatment. You need to go to a registered opticians to have an eye test (costs vary; your local high street will have a range of chains and independent practitioners). An optometrist will examine your eyes and test your sight. They will give you a prescription if your sight needs correction, or a statement saying that it does not. If you are entitled to a free eye test, you may also be given an NHS optical voucher to use towards the cost of glasses. n Visual Impairment The term visual impairment refers to blindness and partialsightedness. Sight loss can be sudden and severe, or it can be a gradual deterioration over a long period of time. Nearly 2 million people in the UK have significant sight loss, but very few people experience complete loss of vision, meaning that any remaining eyesight needs to be maximised. Your local Sight Loss Charity can advise on services to support and equipment which can help you make the best of your remaining sight. Developing sight loss is not just a part of getting older, it can be as a result of medical conditions - such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration or diabetes - so you should get any decline in your sight checked at an opticians. n To learn more about our advertisers and the services they provide please visit our website www.areahealth.info Are you at or near Retirement? Have your pensions / investments been reviewed recently? What % returns do your ISAs currently earn? Pensions. Investments. Life Insurance Plus a wide range of other insurances and services. I have over 34 years experience, I am not tied to any provider and I can find the best deal for you. Call Pete Hart Dip PFS & Cert CII Independent Financial Advisor, for a FREE initial consultation: 07580 099079 / 0113 863 0881 or visit www.petehart-ifa.co.uk Email: pete@arthurbrowns.co.uk Pete Hart (IFA) Ltd Co. no.09526928 FCA no. 120845

Benefits of Private Health Care Everyone in the UK has a right to free healthcare under the NHS, but there are a number of reasons why you might opt to pay for treatments privately. You may buy a complementary service, to work alongside NHS treatment, or use alternative services. Some employers offer private healthcare. Going private may mean shorter waiting times and a more personalised service, for example, you may be offered appointments outside normal hours so you don t have to take time off work. The cost of private healthcare will vary, but basic insurance starts at around 40-50 per month, with advanced plans rising to over 65 per month. On a cheaper plan, you may have to cover some of the costs yourself. It is important to check which illnesses and conditions will not be covered by private insurance, and which existing or long-term conditions may be excluded. Free NHS treatment cannot be withdrawn if you pay for private hospital treatment as specialist NHS equipment may be used for private patients. If your GP thinks you need specialist treatment and you want to pay privately, they can write a letter of referral. If your GP doesn t think you need specialist treatment, you can however still seek private treatment. n Hospital Choices If you need to go to hospital to see a specialist, you have the right to choose which hospital you re referred to. Your GP will recommend which hospital has facilities most appropriate for your care but you should still be involved in making the decision about which hospital treats you. The best decisions are likely to be made jointly between you and your GP and after discussion of the full range of options available. You can choose from any hospital offering a suitable treatment that meets NHS standards and costs. All the hospitals that you can choose from provide treatments to NHS patients free of charge, including the private ones. According to what s most important to you, your choice may be based on a number of factors, such as location, waiting times, reputation, clinical performance, cleanliness, travel, parking facilities and visiting policies. Evidence shows that if you choose a hospital in which you feel comfortable and confident, you re likely to improve the result of your treatment as well as your experience while you re in hospital. n To learn more about our advertisers and the services they provide please visit our website www.areahealth.info

Leaving Hospital Each hospital will have its own policy and arrangements for discharging patients. Normally, when you arrive in hospital, the professionals in charge of your care will develop a plan for your treatment, including your discharge or transfer. You will be able to discuss arrangements for your discharge with staff. This will help to ensure that you have everything you need for a full recovery when you return home. Your discharge or transfer date will be affected by how quickly your health improves while you are in hospital and what support you will need after you return home. During your stay in hospital you have the right to discharge yourself from hospital at any time. When you leave hospital you will be given a letter for your GP, providing information about your treatment and future care needs. Give this letter to your GP as soon as possible. Home Adaptations Around one in five adults in the UK is disabled, and more than one million of those live alone. With the right support and facilities, leading an independent life with a physical or learning disability is now more achievable than ever. Living independently doesn t mean that you re not entitled to support from social services, and it doesn t mean that family and friends aren t important. If you re going to live independently, a suitable home is the most important step. Ask yourself: is your home adequate for your needs, or will it need adjustments before you can live in it? Social care services can offer financial support to give you more freedom of movement in your home and provide essential facilities within it. This may include: widening doors and installing ramps providing or improving access to rooms and Minimal discharge Most people who are discharged from hospital need only a small amount of care after they leave. This is called minimal discharge. Complex discharge If you need more specialised care after you leave hospital, your discharge or transfer procedure is referred to as a complex discharge. For example, you may have ongoing health and social care needs, need community care services or intermediate care, or be discharged to a residential home or care home. As well as hospital staff, your discharge or transfer may involve other healthcare professionals, such as your GP or a community nurse. Organisations outside the NHS may also be involved. For example, local authorities or independent and voluntary organisations. n facilities for example, by installing a stairlift or providing a downstairs bathroom improving or providing a heating system that suits your needs adapting heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use improving access to and movement around the home to enable you to care for another person who lives in the property, such as a child A home improvement agency (HIA) will also give you free advice about what work needs to be done, and can even recommend builders that can carry out the adjustments. You can get money directly from social services to arrange the social care that you re entitled to through the direct payment scheme, instead of letting social services arrange it for you. This gives you more control over the care you receive. Find out more on GOV.UK about financial help if you re disabled. n Nursing Homes A nursing home may be appropriate if you have a disability or illness that means you need care on a frequent basis and cannot be looked after at home. In addition to the services provided by a residential care home, a nursing home always has a registered nurse on the premises and can offer 24-hour nursing care. Nursing homes may also provide specialist services to people with learning difficulties or mental ill health. Your local social services can provide information to help you find a nursing home to meet your needs. The nursing element of your fees (currently 108.70 per week) will be paid by the NHS but you may have to make a financial contribution towards the cost of your accommodation, meals and personal care. If you qualify for continuing care - which means you require ongoing specialist treatment on a regular basis - the NHS will cover the full cost of your care. n Residential Homes A residential home may be suitable if you can no longer manage in your own home, or cannot be cared for by relatives, but do not need nursing care. Residential homes provide meals and accommodation; help with personal care, like bathing and dressing; staff available 24 hours a day; physical and emotional care; and care through short illnesses. Most do not provide specialist care, though EMI (elderly mentally infirm) homes care for elderly people who have conditions such as Alzheimer s disease, dementia, and similar conditions. Your local social services can provide a list of residential homes in your area. Before you move into a care home, you will require a needs assessment to determine your support needs, and a financial assessment to decide if, or how much, you have to contribute towards your care home fees. If you have a low income and/or little capital (currently less than 23,250) your local council may meet your costs. n Care at Home If you prefer to retain your independence and be cared for at home, there are lots of ways you can be supported. A range of services to help with independent living are available. You can fund these privately or ask for help from your local Social Services Department. You can choose to employ a professional care worker or personal assistant who can visit daily or even live In to provide help with everyday tasks such as personal care, shopping, cooking and cleaning. To qualify for support with funding care at home, you will need to have a health and social care assessment, which provides you with the opportunity to discuss what will make your everyday life easier. Social Services contributions once assessed can be used against the cost of providing care at home. Your council can also offer advice and in some cases offer financial assistance with making adaptations to your home to make it easier and warmer to live in. n

Caring for Carers Although caring for a loved one can be a very rewarding experience, without the right support it can also be difficult. If you are an unpaid carer for a friend or family member, it is important to ensure that your own physical and emotional needs are met. Let your GP know that you are a carer - as well as enabling you to talk through any issues you have, especially if you are experiencing stress or anxiety, they can be a route into social services, counselling and organisations that may be able to help. Charities and voluntary organisations may also provide help for carers in your area, such as support groups. Most carers are entitled to an assessment of their own needs by local social services. This is a chance to discuss what help you may need with caring, maintaining your own health, and balancing caring with other aspects of your life, such as work and family. You could be entitled to personal care assistance, adaptations to your house, special equipment and a break from caring, when your relative will be looked after while you have a rest or a holiday - contact your local social services for more information. n Meals on Wheels If you have difficulty cooking for yourself, your local council and other organisations can deliver ready-made meals to your home - sometimes known as meals on wheels. To receive meals at home via your council, contact your local social services and they will assess your needs and inform you if you are eligible. There is usually a charge for the service, and each council will charge differently. If you are not eligible, there are a number of companies that can deliver lowpriced, nutritionally balanced meals to your home - search online for home delivered meals for the elderly. n Care and Repair If you are a homeowner or private tenant, home improvement agencies - sometimes known as care and repair or staying put agencies - will advise you on how to adapt, repair, improve and maintain your home if you are an older person, have a disability or are on a low income. The help provided by these agencies may enable you to live independently in your own home. In England, there are approximately 210 home improvement agencies, and around 85% of residents have access to one in their local area. Each care and repair and staying put agency will provide a range of different services depending on the needs of the local community. However, services often include visiting you to give advice about any problems there may be with the condition of your home; a review of the housing options available to you; helping you to access other local services; and checking whether you are entitled to any financial support, such as disability benefits, or money to help you repair or adapt your home. Some may also assist with any work you decide to have done on your home, for example, by drawing up plans, getting estimates or liaising with grants officers from your local council; provide a list of reliable local builders and contractors; offer a handyperson service to do gardening or small jobs around your home; and suggest ways to make your home more energy efficient. Home improvement agencies are not-for-profit organisations. They provide the first visit to your home and advice free of charge, but most home improvement agencies will charge a fee if you decide to go ahead with any work using their help (which can usually be included with any grant you are eligible for). If you live in England, the government appointed national body for home improvement agencies is Foundations. To find your nearest care and repair and staying put agencies, you can search their online directory at www.foundations.uk.com. n Carers Leeds is a network partner of Carers Trust. We provide confidential support, information and advice to carers. We offer a regular newsletter, support groups, carers education courses and social events and trips. You can drop into our city centre office on Monday to Friday. Mon-Fri 9.30am - 3.30pm. Our carers advice line is 0113 380 4300 Email: info@carersleeds.org.uk www.carersleeds.org.uk To learn more about our advertisers and the services they provide please visit our website www.areahealth.info

Supported Sheltered Housing When older people are considering the options for accommodation in later years it is often thought to be a stark choice of going into an old folks home or staying put in a house that has simply become too much. Moving to a sheltered flat can be considered. But that option can fall short if the person needs more support with meals and companionship, for example. One option is often overlooked. Supported Sheltered Housing provides a quite unique alternative, providing privacy and independence and a supportive network of services including housekeeping and catering. These houses provide older people with a very positive alternative to living on their own. Many houses have staff on the premises 24 hours a day. Supported Sheltered Houses are not residential or nursing homes. The houses should be seen as a collection of individuals homes within one supportive house, combined with the moral support of care and companionship. With some residents able to call on private funds, many others can use housing benefits and similar entitlements to meet the fully inclusive charges which are kept as affordable as possible. A move into a communal environment can also give a positive boost to an individual, helping them to enjoy the company of others whilst maintaining privacy and independence. Often referred to as a best kept secret, Supported Sheltered Housing does provide a very real and attractive alternative. n Hospices and Palliative Care Hospices provide care to improve the lives of people whose illnesses may not be curable. A quarter of a million patients are cared for by hospices in the UK each year, either in a hospice or their own home. Palliative care the name given to the type of care provided by hospices is not just about a person s physical needs but their emotional, spiritual and social needs too. Services will vary between hospices, but are likely to include medical and nursing care; pain and symptom control; rehabilitation; therapies, spiritual support; practical and financial advice; and bereavement care. Whilst a hospice does not offer the same range of treatments as a hospital, it offers a level of care a hospital cannot. Hospice care is open to everyone, and people may be referred (usually by their GP or a hospital doctor) either for a short stay, or for an indeterminate time. n Mental Health Mental health is about how we think, feel and behave. We all experience feelings of fear, anxiety and sadness; and we all experience difficult life events, such as bereavement; divorce; debt; bullying and harassment. Mental illness is when these feelings and difficulties become so severe and / or enduring that they impact upon our ability to cope with everyday life and relationships, or overwhelm us to the point that we are unable to function. This is when it may be time to seek medical support. For many of us, the first point of reference will be our GP. Mental illness is very common and can affect anyone. In the UK, 1 person in 4 has a mental illness at some point; every year more than 250,000 people are admitted to psychiatric hospitals and over 4,000 people commit suicide. Like physical illness, mental ill health has many forms and can present as anything from depression, stress, schizophrenia, or Dementia Dementia refers to a group of symptoms associated with a progressive decline of the brain and its abilities. Different forms of dementia include Alzheimer s disease and vascular dementia. Most cases are caused by damage to the structure of the brain. Dementia usually occurs in people aged 65 or over; the older a person becomes, the more likely they are to develop it. In England, there are currently 570,000 people with dementia and that number is expected to double over the next 30 years. Dementia affects a person s memory, thinking, understanding and judgement. Effects of dementia include changes in personality, problems controlling emotions, and seeing or hearing things that other people do not. People with dementia eventually require help to perform everyday tasks and make decisions. Although there is no cure for dementia, there are a number of treatments. n dementia through to feeling suicidal and / or experiencing mental breakdown. Most people recover, but for some, their condition has long-term effects, so much so that it is considered a disability. There are many forms of medical support available, including talking therapies; behavioural therapies and in some cases medication often these will be offered in combination. Your GP may refer you to specialist services such as a community mental health team which consists of psychiatrists, counsellors and therapists who will work with you to help you find ways of managing your illness. Many support groups and charities offer advice, counselling and information about the types of treatment available and where to get help. If you are worried about your mental health, or the mental health of someone close to you, it is important to seek support don t suffer in silence. n Alzheimers Alzheimer s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive condition that attacks nerves, brain cells and neurotransmitters (chemicals that carry messages within the brain). Early symptoms include minor memory problems and difficulty saying the right words. As the disease develops, these symptoms may give way to confusion, personality changes or a total change in behaviour. The Alzheimer s Society estimates that Alzheimer s disease affects 1 in 14 people over the age of 65; and 1 in 6 with people aged over 80. Alzheimer s disease is responsible for around 60% of the dementia cases in England. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer s disease, medication is available that can slow down the development of the condition. n

Cancer Screening Chiropody Osteopathy The three NHS cancer screening programmes available across England are recommended to assess whether you are at risk of developing certain types of cancer and to help catch and treat cancer sooner. Cervical screening is a method of preventing cancer by detecting and treating early abnormalities which, if left untreated, could lead to cancer in a woman s cervix. Women registered with their GP are invited for cervical screening every three years aged 25-49, and every five years aged 50-64. Women over 65 are sent an invitation for screening if they have had a previous abnormal result. Early detection and treatment can prevent 75% of cancers developing. Breast screening is a method of detecting breast cancer at a very early stage. The NHS Breast Screening Programme provides screening every three years for all women in the UK aged 50-70 (a phased extension should extend this to 47-73 by 2012). In 2000, research showed that the screening programme had lowered mortality rates from breast cancer in the 55-69 age group. Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths, with over 16,000 people dying from it each year. Screening aims to detect bowel cancer at an early stage when treatment is more likely to be effective. 60-74 year olds registered with a GP will be sent a self-sampling kit through the post every two years. Regular screening has been shown to reduce the risk of dying from bowel cancer by 16%. n Basic hygiene and regular nail cutting may be all you need to keep your feet healthy but when your feet develop problems, it s best to seek professional help. Chiropodists, also sometimes known as podiatrists, are specialists in the total care of the feet. They treat a wide variety of abnormalities and conditions, from verrucas and ingrown toenails, to arthritis. Although they work with people of all ages, they play an important role in helping older people, and disabled people, to stay mobile and independent. Whether you can receive free chiropody treatment on the NHS will depend on its availability in your local area, how serious your condition is and how quickly it needs to be treated. If you decide to contact a chiropodist yourself, make sure they are fully qualified, registered with the Health Professionals Council, and an accredited member of a relevant professional body. n Osteopathy is primarily a manipulation technique that detects and treats problems with the muscles, nerves and joints. Osteopaths take a holistic approach, believing that your whole body needs to be in good structural balance to work well. They use gentle stretching, massage and manipulation to target not only symptoms but also parts of the body that have caused the symptoms. They may also advise on diet, posture and exercise. Osteopathy can help relieve problems such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, and more. It is suitable for almost anyone, including children, pregnant women and the elderly. Osteopathy is not available on the NHS in all areas, and where it is available you will need a referral from your GP. Most people pay for osteopathy treatment privately. Costs typically range from 25-50 for a 30-40 minute session. By law, osteopaths must register with the General Osteopathic Council in order to practise. n Women s Health Mens Health Chiropractor Physiotherapy Women need to be aware of many health issues, but one of the most significant is breast cancer the most common cancer in the UK. Each year, about 46,000 women get breast cancer. Most of them are aged over 50, but younger women (and in rare cases men) can also get breast cancer. Its exact cause is not understood, but many factors increase the risk of developing it, including a family history of breast cancer. If you have a higher than average risk, you may be offered screening and genetic testing (all women aged 50-70 are invited for regular screening). There is a good chance of recovery if detected in the early stages so it is vital that women check their breasts and armpits regularly - it may be easiest to do this in the shower or bath - for any changes and make sure to always get any changes examined by your GP. n The most commonly diagnosed male cancer in the UK is prostate cancer each year, some 35,000 cases are diagnosed, and 10,000 men die from it. The prostate is a gland at the base of the bladder. Early stages may cause no symptoms, but symptoms include problems with your water works. Men most at risk are those aged over 45 with a blood relative who has had it; Afro-Caribbean men aged over 45; and all men aged over 50. If you are concerned about your risk, talk to your GP. They may offer you a simple blood test called a PSA (prostate specific antigen) which might provide a marker for this disease. For information about the test, and treatment for prostate cancer, see the Prostate Cancer Risk Management information at www. cancerscreening.nhs.uk. Men aged 40-60 can have their overall health and fitness checked at well man clinics ask about these at your GP surgery. n Chiropractic is a profession that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system, particularly involving the spine and its effects on the nervous system. Chiropractic is the largest natural health care discipline in the UK and is regulated by the General Chiropractic Council Natural Health care means that Chiropractors do not promote the use of drugs or surgery, but recognize that there are times when drugs or surgery may be appropriate. Chiropractors remove nervous system disturbance (usually along the spine) through adjustments that restores the body s ability to self heal. An adjustment involves safe, specific movements or pressure applied to the spine and other joints in order to encourage proper movement and support. The perception of Chiropractic is often limited to the treatment of back, or neck pain but as Primary Healthcare Providers Chiropractors are consulted about a whole range of conditions. n Physiotherapy uses a wide range of physical methods to help improve a person s ability to use parts of their body that are affected by a health condition or injury. In particular, physiotherapy can help restore to health people who have had a stroke; heart problems and breathing difficulties; a sports injury; or recently had surgery that affects their movement or mobility. Physiotherapy techniques and approaches include massage and manipulation; the use of heat, cold, electric current and water; and exercise which takes into account your current level of health and any specific requirements you may have. Almost all people who have an injury or a physical disability can benefit from physiotherapy, including children and elderly people. Physiotherapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals; GP surgeries; private practices; workplaces; and the community. Physiotherapy is available free of charge on the NHS. n

Healthy Lifestyles Healthy Walks Cycling Having a healthy lifestyle means you will reap the benefits now and in the future. Not only will you have lots of energy, feel good about yourself and also look good, but you will be improving your chances of staying fit and active into your old age, and reducing your risk of developing serious conditions like diabetes, stroke and heart disease. Whatever your age, it is never too late to change your habits and adopt a more balanced diet and active way of life. Giving up smoking, or cutting down on the amount of alcohol you drink are obviously good ways to improve your health. However, you don t have to make drastic changes - in fact, drastic changes may not be a good idea and will often lead to failure. The best way to make sure you keep up your healthy habits is to introduce small, easily manageable changes into your daily routine. For example, you don t have to rush out and join a gym. Simply boosting your levels of general activity can improve your health and fitness. For example, if you spend long periods in front of a computer, regularly get up and stretch your legs for 10 minutes, and walk up stairs instead of using the lift. An easy way to introduce more vegetables into your diet is to include a side salad with your meal. Every little helps and even small changes can make a big difference. See the NHS Change4Life website for more information. n Walking is a great way to get fit and stay healthy. Regular walking brings many benefits for your physical and mental health - it s good for your heart and lungs, can ease stress and anxiety, raise energy levels, and improve sleep. It will also reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, osteoporosis and arthritis. To get the full health benefits, it is recommended that you take at least 10,000 steps a day. It is easy to make walking part of your daily routine. For example, you could walk to your local shops instead of driving; get off the bus or tube one stop early and walk; or take a walk in your lunch hour. Walking for Health supports over 600 local schemes offering free, regular short walks with trained walk leaders particularly aimed at people who don t take much exercise - for details of health walk schemes in your area, visit your local council s website. n Cycling is the third most popular recreational activity in the UK, with an estimated 3.1 million people riding a bicycle each month. It is one of the easiest ways to fit exercise into your daily routine because it s also a form of transport - so as well as getting you fit, cycling will save you money, and contribute to a cleaner environment. It is a low-impact exercise, so it s easier on your joints than running or other high-impact aerobic activities, but it still helps you get into shape. For example, someone who weighs 80kg (12.6 stones) will burn more than 650 calories with an hour s riding, as well as tone their legs and bottom. If you ride up hills or off-road, you will also work your upper body. n Watch Your Weight Eating for Health Exercise Heart Disease Weight gain is caused by regularly taking in more calories than you use up. Fast foods, high calorie snacks and large portions mean most of us have access to more food than we really need. At the same time, today s way of life is much less physically active than it used to be, so it can be very easy to eat more calories than you actually burn off, leading to the excess being stored as fat - do this regularly and you will eventually become overweight and obese. Obesity is when a person s body mass index (BMI) is 30 or above, meaning they are carrying too much fat for their sex and height. (To work out your BMI, divide your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared). Moderate exercise and changes to your diet are recommended if you want to lose weight, and reduce your risk of illnesses such as high blood pressure and diabetes. n We all know the importance of healthy eating but there are a number of reasons why it might not be easy to follow advice on eating for health you may be trying to feed faddy eaters, too busy to cook, or experiencing ill health. Whatever the reason, you may not be getting an adequate intake of everything you need to stay healthy, or you may be eating too much of things that aren t good for you, such as sugar, salt and saturated fat. Generally, the best way to ensure you get enough vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients is to eat as wide a variety of foods as possible. If you want advice about diet, ask your health visitor, or at your GP practice. Also, look out for free supermarket magazines with healthy recipes, or cookbooks in your local library. n Regular exercise can improve your health, confidence and quality of life. Raising your fitness levels can help you lose weight and reduce stress but, more importantly, it will lower your risk of developing serious illnesses. Nowadays, partly because technology has made our lives easier, people are less active and we all need to think about practical ways to keep fit and be active in our daily routine. Thirty minutes of moderate physical activity on five or more days a week is all you need to start reaping the health benefits. This could mean walking more briskly with the kids to and from school; cycling to and from work; or doing a dance class or a gym session a few times a week. Every little helps, and becoming more physically active often leads to further significant beneficial lifestyle changes, such as giving up smoking and adopting a more healthy diet. n Heart disease is the UK s biggest killer. Although there is no one single cause of heart disease, risk factors include smoking; having high blood pressure; having a high cholesterol level; not taking regular exercise; being overweight; and having a family history of heart disease. You can help reduce your risk of getting heart disease by making some simple changes to your lifestyle, such as avoiding or giving up smoking; taking regular exercise; eating healthily; and keeping any alcohol consumption within the recommended levels. Keeping your heart healthy will also have other health benefits, and help reduce your risk of stroke and dementia. People s experience of heart disease symptoms differs, but may include palpitations, unusual breathlessness and angina (an uncomfortable feeling and/or pain in the chest which may spread to the arms, neck, or jaw). If you experience angina, it is a good idea to see your GP without delay. n

Direct Payments Direct payments are made by local councils to people who have been assessed as needing help from social services, and who would like to arrange and pay for their own care and support services instead of receiving them directly from the local council. A person must be able to give their consent to receiving direct payments and be able to manage them even if they need help to do this on a day-to-day basis. The option of having direct payments in place of services must (except in some limited circumstances) be offered by local councils to everyone who receives social services. If you already get help from social services, ask your local council about direct payments. If you are not receiving social services, you need to contact your local council to ask them to assess your needs. Social services - and therefore direct payments - are normally available if you are: disabled and aged 16 or over; a carer aged 16 or over, including people with parental responsibility for a disabled child; or an older person. If you re applying for social services for the first time, your social worker should discuss direct payments with you when they assess your care needs. If your local council decides that you do not need social care services, it will not offer you direct payments. If you have been refused social services and you think your needs or circumstances have now changed, you can ask your council for a new assessment. Your local council s assessment of your needs will determine the amount you receive in direct payments, which are made directly into your bank, building society, Post Office or National Savings account. The money must be used to pay for services and equipment to meet your needs as assessed by your council. Generally, as long as they are satisfied that agreed support arrangements are being met, councils should let you choose how best to meet your assessed needs. Your council will require you to account for the money you spend and will let you know what records you need to keep and what information you will be expected to provide; for example, timesheets signed by personal assistants, or receipts for services from agencies. Although direct payments cannot be used to pay for permanent residential accommodation you may be able to use them to pay for occasional short periods in residential accommodation, if your council agrees that is what you need. n Stop Smoking Smoking is one of the main causes of death and illness in the UK. Smoking increases the risk to your health from illnesses like heart disease and lung cancer. The more you smoke, the higher the risk. It is against the law to smoke in almost all enclosed public places and workplaces. Stopping smoking is the biggest single thing you can do to improve your health. As soon as you stop, your body starts to repair some of the damage. After five years of being a non-smoker, your risk of diseases such as heart disease is no higher than that of someone who has never smoked. About 70% of smokers say they want to give up, and around half of all smokers eventually do. You are more likely to succeed with the right support. The NHS Stop Smoking Service offers lots of ways to help, including one-to-one support, and nicotine gum and patches on prescription. n Alcohol Most people who have alcohol-related health problems aren t alcoholics. They re simply people who have regularly drunk more than the recommended levels for some years. There s no guaranteed safe level of drinking, but if you drink less than the recommended daily limits, the risks of harming your health are low. It s certainly not only people who get drunk or binge drink who are at risk. Most people who regularly drink more than the NHS recommends don t see any harmful effects at first. Alcohol s hidden harms usually only emerge after a number of years. And by then, serious health problems can have developed. n recommends: Men should not regularly drink more than 3 to 4 units of alcohol a day. Women should not regularly drink more than 2 to 3 units a day. If you ve had a heavy drinking session, avoid alcohol for 48 hours. Regularly means drinking these amounts every day or most days of the week. Drugs & Solvent Abuse Drug misuse is when a person regularly takes one or more drugs to change their mood, emotion or state of consciousness. Drug misuse can be very dangerous. Risks include addiction physical and psychological as well as serious physical and psychological health conditions. Drug misuse may involve using illegal drugs, like cocaine or heroin, or prescription medication, such as strong painkillers or tranquillisers. Some people, particularly teenagers, misuse solvents (household chemicals which include glue, hairspray and lighter re-fillers). Solvent misuse is potentially very dangerous because it can lead to heart failure. As soon as you recognise that you have a drug or solvent misuse problem, see your GP, who can give you advice and support, and refer you for specialist treatment. There are many voluntary sector and private drug treatment organisations that can help. n

Sexual Health and Screening If you re sexually active, you re at risk of catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It s not possible to tell if someone has an STI just by looking at them but the incidence of STIs in the population is rising, particularly in young people. Risk of infection can be reduced by always using a condom during vaginal or anal intercourse but some STIs can be passed on through oral sex and sometimes just by close intimate contact. The most commonly diagnosed STI in the UK is chlamydia; an infection which often presents no symptoms but if left untreated can cause fertility problems in men and women. Young people under 25 are most likely to be infected; 65% of all new chlamydia diagnoses in 2008 were in 16 to 24 year olds. The National Chlamydia Screening Programme has been set up by the Department of Health to ensure all sexually active people under 25 are aware of chlamydia and have access to free and confidential services providing information on symptoms, effects, prevention, testing and treatment. If there s a possibility you may have an STI, it s important to get tested. Getting screened is easy and can prevent health complications for you and your sexual partners. See your GP or make an appointment at a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. n HIV / AIDS HIV attacks the body s immune system and increases the risk of serious infections or diseases. The virus can be transmitted by unprotected sex, including oral and anal; using infected needles/syringes; blood transfusions with infected blood; and at birth or through breastfeeding from an infected mother. With no cure and no vaccine, the only protection is effective prevention. Anti-viral drugs enable most people with HIV to stay well and live relatively normal lives. AIDS is a general term for when the immune system has stopped working and a lifethreatening condition develops. Specialists now prefer the terms advanced or late-stage HIV infection. If you have HIV, you should take extra measures to avoid infections and to boost your immune system. Safe sex means using a condom. Drug users should avoid sharing needles. Further advice on prevention should be available at your GP surgery. n GUM Clinics Genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics, also known as sexual health clinics, offer a range of free confidential services for people who have, or may have, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or certain other problems with their genitals or urinary system. Services may include testing and treatment for STIs; advice about sexual health; free condoms; contraception, including emergency contraception such as the morning-after pill; HIV testing; advice ; and help for people who have been sexually assaulted. GUM clinics may be attached to hospitals or based in community settings. Anybody can go to a sexual health clinic, no matter what their age. Some clinics hold sessions for specific groups of people, including young people, gay men and lesbians. The Department of Health s Sexual Health Helpline on 0800 567123 can provide information about clinics and services in your area. n Giving Blood If you re generally healthy, weighing more than 50 kg (7 stone 12lbs) and aged between 17 and 65, you can do something amazing... you can become a blood donor. 96% of us rely on the other 4% to give blood. In general, you will be able to give blood if you: are aged between 17 and 65 years old (if its your first time) weigh at least 7st 12lb are in good health (e.g. no coughs, cold or flu) Blood has a short shelf life AND is always required with hospitals in England and North Wales needing around 7,000 units of blood every day to treat patients. Male donors can donate 4 times in 12 months with a minimum interval of 12 weeks between donations. We advise female donors to donate at an average of 16 weeks or more to reduce the risk of iron deficiency. For more information visit www.blood.co.uk or contact 0300 123 23 23. n Walk-In Centres NHS walk-in centres (WiCs) offer everyone access to a range of treatment without the need for an appointment. There are around 93 walk-in centres in England, treating around three million patients a year. At a walk-in centre, you can consult an experienced health professional who will be trained to deal with minor illnesses and injuries, such as infections and rashes; fractures and lacerations; and emergency contraception and advice. Although there are variations, most walk-in centres are managed by a nurse, and some offer access to doctors as well as nurses. They are not designed for treating long-term conditions or immediately life-threatening problems. Opening times may vary to fit local circumstances but most walk-in centres are open 7 days a week, and some offer treatment on a 24 hour basis. You can search for your local walk-in centre on the NHS Choices website using the Find and choose services facility. n To learn more about our advertisers and the services they provide please visit our website www.areahealth.info

Stress Stress is the feeling of being under pressure. Manageable or infrequent pressure is not harmful. In fact, a little bit of pressure can increase productivity, be motivating and improve performance. However, too much pressure or prolonged pressure can lead to stress, which can lead to serious heart problems, and may contribute to other types of physical and mental ill health. It is difficult to estimate how common stress actually is but according to a recent survey during 2008 and 2009 over 400,000 people in Britain were made unwell by work-related stress. Regular relaxation, moderate exercise, eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep all help manage routine or short-term stress. Symptoms caused by prolonged or regular stress may include indigestion, muscle pains, headaches, sleeplessness, irritability and poor memory and concentration. If not treated, stress may cause further health problems such as high blood pressure (hypertension), anxiety and depression. If you can t improve matters yourself, further treatment may be required, including medication such as antidepressants or talking therapies such as counselling. n Domestic Abuse - Women Domestic abuse means any form of violence, harassment or abuse that happens within the home that, if it happened outside, would be unacceptable. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, it is important to recognise that it is happening, that you are not to blame and to get support. There is a lot of help available, whether you want to leave your relationship or not. Domestic violence is treated seriously by the police and they will take action to protect you. They can put you in touch with voluntary organisations that provide refuge accommodation where you will be safe. Your GP can also put you in touch with groups that work with victims of abuse. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, your local Women s Aid group, Refuge, law centre, Citizens Advice or a solicitor can advise you on how to protect your children and live safely in your family home. n Counselling Counselling is a type of talking therapy or psychological therapy. It involves exploring, in a private and confidential setting, personal difficulties you may be experiencing. Counsellors are trained to listen sympathetically and, without giving advice or direction, help you use your own resources to lead a more fulfilling life. People who are recently bereaved or have lost their sense of purpose may find the support offered by counselling helps them through a difficult transition in life. Your GP s surgery may provide a counselling service, for which you will need to be referred. However, talking therapies are not always available on the NHS, and you may need to have private treatment. A private 50-minute session can cost 40-100. n Depression Depression is very different from the common experience of feeling unhappy for a short time. Whilst unhappiness is a normal response to unpleasant events, depression is a serious illness. When depressed, you may have feelings of such extreme sadness that they interfere with daily life and last for weeks or months, rather than days. Signs that you may have depression include: loss of interest in your favourite things; loss of self-confidence; increased feelings of anxiety; thoughts of death or suicide; poor memory and concentration; and feeling more irritable, frustrated, or aggressive than usual. Depression is quite common; about one in ten people will experience it at some point. Women are more likely to have depression than men, and 1 in 4 women will require treatment for depression at some point, compared to 1 in 10 men. It is important to seek help from your GP if you think you may be depressed. With the right treatment and support, most people can make a full recovery from depression. n Domestic Abuse - Men Domestic abuse is often seen as a problem that involves men as perpetrators and women as victims but anyone can become a victim of violent behaviour in their own home and domestic abuse can happen in all types of relationships. According to the National Centre for Domestic Violence, every third victim of domestic abuse is a man. For male victims, the effects can be just as serious as they are for women. However, there are a number of reasons why men may be even more reluctant than women to tell other people about the abuse and to seek help. They may be concerned that they will not be taken seriously, or that if they leave the family home they will later be denied contact with their children. If you are a man experiencing domestic violence, you have the same legal rights to protection as a woman. Search online for male domestic violence. n Child Abuse Child abuse is any form of physical, emotional or sexual mistreatment, or neglect that leads to the injury or harm of a child. The abuser may be a family member, or someone the child encounters in a residential setting or in the community. An individual may abuse or neglect a child directly, or may be responsible for abuse because they fail to prevent another person harming that child. Approximately 30,000 children in the UK are currently on child protection registers (meaning health and social services consider them to be at risk of significant harm). Parents may worry a great deal about paedophiles and stranger danger but it is important to remember that most sexual abuse happens in the family home and is carried out by someone known to the child. The effects of child abuse can be extremely serious and longlasting. If you are concerned that a child you know is being abused, contact your local social services; the police or the NSPCC. n

Message for Parents Being a parent is the most valuable, responsible and rewarding job in the world. However, as well as bringing joy and excitement, there are also times when it can be overwhelming, frustrating and stressful. This may be especially so if you are unemployed, a single parent, or looking after a child with an illness or disability. As you watch your child grow from baby to toddler, right through to the teenage years, the skills you need to look after them may change, but at each stage they will still depend on you. As they become more independent, you may worry about the choices they are making. Concerns about them being bullied, being offered drugs, or engaging in unsafe sex, may make you particularly fraught. When parents are under a lot of stress, the children suffer. When they wind you up and you feel there is a chance you could do or say something to harm them or make them feel bad, remind yourself that you re the adult. Find ways to calm yourself down - try leaving the room, having a quiet cup of tea on your own, or taking a bath. Speaking to another adult and sharing the problem can sometimes help. There are also organisations, often run by other parents, that provide confidential listening and advice services have a look in your local telephone directory. n Adoption and Fostering Adoption provides a new family for children who cannot be brought up by their birth families. There are a variety of reasons why people place children for adoption, including finances, age, stability, and emotional issues. Through adoption parental responsibility is irreversibly transferred to the adoptive parents. If you are considering adoption, don t decide not to apply because you think you will not be approved. Regardless of marital status, income, religious beliefs, or sexuality, if you are at least 21 years old and can provide a permanent, stable and caring home, your application to adopt will be welcomed. Applications are considered on the basis of whether you can meet the adopted child s needs, not whether you own your own home or are out of work. To discuss adoption, contact an adoption agency or your local social services adoption section. Sometimes a child needs a foster family to care for them for a short time - anything from a weekend to several months. Children may be fostered by agreement with their parents, or because social services remove them from their parents in order to protect them. So long as you have the qualities needed to look after children who cannot live with their parents, you can apply to be a foster carer. If you would like to know more, contact your local social services or independent fostering agency. n www.areahealth.info To learn more about our advertisers and the services they provide please visit our website www.areahealth.info

Independent Education If you decide to pay privately for your child s education, there is a wide range of independent schools to choose from. Around 2,300 independent schools in England offer day places, boarding, or a mixture of both. Some are single-sex, others co-educational. Some specialise in providing education for children with special needs. Independent schools set their own admissions policy and curriculum (though many choose to comply with the national curriculum). They have smaller classes than state schools, and pride themselves on developing the full potential of each student. Every independent school must be registered with the Department for Education, and is monitored to ensure that it maintains the standards set out in its registration document. Scholarships may be available (more than a third of all independent school pupils receive bursaries of some kind). n Looking for a Nursery Nursery services and costs vary enormously so it is important to know what to look for and what questions to ask when choosing the right one for your child. Nursery classes and schools are either state-run or privately run, whilst most day nurseries are private. Staterun nurseries are registered with Ofsted, and private ones must be registered and inspected for safety. Most nurseries take your child between the ages of 3 and 5 (many day nurseries take younger children); and are open throughout the school year (some private day nurseries open during the school holidays). It is a good idea to visit several nurseries before making a final decision. As well as finding out what their basic charges do/do not include, you might also want to ask about the staff to child ratio, sleeping arrangements for your child, and disciplinary policy. n Child Care The first step in arranging the most suitable childcare for your child is to find out exactly what is available in your area. Your local council or Families Information Service can provide information about a range of childcare services, including Sure Start Children s Centres, nursery schools and classes, child minders and nannies. Childcare can be expensive, but help may be available depending on your circumstances. For example, all 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to free nursery education for 38 weeks of the year; if you earn a low income you may qualify for extra tax credits; and some employers contribute towards their employees childcare costs. n Immunisation Immunisation is the most effective way of keeping children protected against infectious diseases. Making sure that your child has all their routine vaccinations - also called jabs and injections - is one of the most important things you can do as a parent. As well as protecting your own child against a range of serious and potentially fatal diseases, you are also helping to protect other children, making the disease less common. Routine childhood vaccinations follow a recommended timetable starting at 2 months old and are available free of charge on the NHS to all babies and children in the UK. In addition to the routine programme, vaccinations are also offered to special at risk groups; for example, immunisation against seasonal flu is recommended for children and adults with certain medical conditions or weakened immune systems. Ask your General Practitioner or health visitor for further information about immunisation. n School Choice Work in Childcare Maternity Paternity Between the ages of 5 and 16, your child has the right to a school place, which your local council must offer. However, for your child to be offered a place at the primary or secondary school of your choice, you must apply well in advance. Start by looking in the telephone directory or online for schools in your area, or ask your council for a list. Make sure your child fits the admission criteria of the school you choose and adhere to application deadlines. Many schools are oversubscribed, and you are not guaranteed a place at your first choice of school - even if it is the nearest one to you but you do have the right to appeal. Alternatives to state education are private or independent schools, and home schooling. Support for home schooling, which must meet certain criteria, is available via Education Otherwise. n Play opportunities and early education are crucial for children to get the best possible start in life, which makes childcare a rewarding and vitally important choice of occupation. Workers at all levels are needed to do the wide variety of jobs both full and part time available in childcare. You may be interested, for example, in becoming an early years practitioner, providing care and early learning; a playworker facilitating play activities for school age children; a registered childminder providing care and play opportunities for children in their own home; or a nanny working during the day, evenings or weekends, depending on the requirements of the family. Full-time college courses are widespread, and there are also opportunities for mature students to study part-time. Diplomas, opening up opportunities to train on the job, can be studied from home. If you don t have the right entry requirements, you can find out about Access courses. n As soon as know you are pregnant, get in touch with a midwife or your GP to organise your antenatal care, which is the name for the care you receive during pregnancy. You might be cared for by a midwife, your GP or an obstetrician (a doctor specialising in pregnancy and birth). At the first visit, your carer will take a full maternity and medical history. You will then have regular checks, which will continue until after your baby has been born, to ensure that you and your baby are well. The carer will give useful information, answer questions, and tell you about antenatal classes, including breastfeeding workshops. You should be given choices about things like where and how to give birth, and tests which can be carried out. n If you are the father, husband of the mother or the mother s partner (including same-sex partners), you may be able to take one or two weeks leave from work, following a birth, to care for the baby and support the mother. You are eligible for paternity leave if you expect to have responsibility for bringing up the baby, and have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks by the 15th week before the birth. You must give your employer the correct amount of notice, and take leave within 56 days of the birth. Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) is paid by your employer for the leave you take. This is currently 123.06 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is less. Some employers have their own paternity leave arrangements, normally included in your contract. For more information, see the paternity leave section of the DirectGov website. n

Accident Claims & Personal Injury If you have been hurt in an accident that was someone else s fault, you may be entitled to compensation. The amount of compensation awarded will depend on the extent of your injuries (both physical and psychological) and financial losses caused as a result of the injury. You might, for example, have to take time off work while you recover from your injuries. To make a successful claim, you have to be able to show that the accident could have been avoided if someone else had taken reasonable care. For example, if you are hurt as a result of slipping in a supermarket, the supermarket could be to blame if they failed to clean up a spillage, or not displayed wet floor signs. Evidence, such as photos of injuries and the accident scene, and names and addresses of any witnesses, may be helpful. There are a number of specialist law firms and claims management companies that will take on such cases on a no win, no fee basis. n Wills and Probate Specialist teachers for sensory & language impairment Outstanding residential care provision A specialist SEN School with MSI Provision For more information or to arrange a visit please contact: Head Teacher: Mrs A Bradbury BA (Hons) MSc Church Street, Boston Spa, LS23 6DF T: 01937 842144 F: 01937 542471 E: info@stjohns.org.uk www.stjohns.org.uk St Anne s provides a wide range of quality services across the whole of Yorkshire and the North East for people who require support for one or more reasons. We work with people who have learning disabilities, mental health or substance use issues and people who are or have been homeless. Services include housing and accommodation based support, day care services and community based support. Further information contact Head Office on 0113 243 5151 or visit www.st-annes.org.uk Leaving a will is the best way to make sure that your property and possessions are passed on after your death to family and friends exactly as you wish. If you die without a will, your assets may be distributed according to the law rather than your wishes. Although it is possible to write a will by yourself, it is advisable to use a solicitor or professional will writing service (they may be able to visit you in your own home, care home or hospital) as they will ensure your will is valid, and be able to advise on matters such as Inheritance Tax. The cost of writing a will can vary depending on the complexity of your affairs. Probate is the legal process of dealing with a deceased person s affairs. Depending on whether or not there is a will, probate will involve either the named executors or a close relative being authorised to oversee distribution of the deceased person s assets. n Bereavement Bereavement is something we will all experience sooner or later. Nothing can really prepare you for the loss of a loved one - different people will react differently to the loss. However, it is totally natural to experience a whole range of different feelings and emotions, including disbelief; shock; numbness; anger; guilt; anxiety; and depression. Whatever you experience, try to ensure that you let your feelings out. Crying, for example, is perfectly natural and may help with releasing your pain. Some people may deal with bereavement more quickly than others and, even though they may still have feelings of sadness, be able to carry on as normal after a fairly short period of time. For others, it may take months and even years to fully come to terms with the loss of a loved one. It is important to recognise that none of us will react to grief in exactly the same way, and that it is perfectly acceptable to react in the way that is best for you. n

Community Transport If you have difficulty using public transport, there may be a community transport service in your local area that could help. Community transport schemes are provided by community based groups, voluntary organisations, or local councils to ensure that people are not excluded from making journeys that most of us take for granted because illness or disability means they are physically unable to use public transport. Sometimes they can help other people too, such as those who live miles away from the nearest bus route. There are several different types of schemes and the Road Safety Over the last twenty years we have managed to greatly reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads, but this avoidable trauma and suffering continues to blight lives and wreck families. Too often we write-off these death dealing incidents as just accidents but almost all are the result of human error and many due to someone choosing to do something they knew was wrong. For example, people still break speed limits, drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, cycle without lights or fail to buckle up. All too often, drivers and Safety in the Home way they operate will vary. Some are countywide and operated by the local authority, but the majority are small scale local services organised by volunteers. Some may only be available for trips to your local shopping centre, or for attending medical appointments. Most services operate on an as-and-when needed basis; have to be booked in advance; and will charge a fare. One type of community transport scheme you might find in your area is Dial-a-Ride. Like taxis, Dial-a-Ride services can be booked in advance to take you from door to door. n riders are distracted and don t concentrate on the other road users around them. We are reluctant to accept the consequences of these choices and we ve all heard the excuses of drivers caught on speed cameras, or maybe made them ourselves! The fact is that we don t think about our choices when using the road. Reducing the suffering caused by collisions is in our hands. It s not always easy but amazingly we can choose to reduce our risk. Visit http://think.direct.gov.uk/ for more information on road safety. n It is important to find out about the steps you can take to improve safety in the home, particularly if you are an older person, a carer or look after a baby or small child. The list of potential hazards can seem endless, but most can be avoided by taking simple precautions. To avoid trips, slips and falls ensure halls and stairways are well lit and free from clutter; use non-slip mats in the shower or bath; and clean up spills straight away. Reduce the risk of becoming the victim of a bogus caller by putting the chain on before you answer the door and asking for ID - don t be shy to do this, genuine callers will not mind you asking. Fit a smoke alarm and test it regularly. Substances like powerful cleaning fluids, and pills and medications should be stored away securely. Several organisations, including your local council, fire and rescue services, and neighbourhood police, can provide information and advice about ways to improve safety in your home. n Community Safety Community safety is about feeling safe in the places where you live, work, or spend your leisure time. It covers a number of projects, including Community Safety Partnerships and Neighbourhood Policing. The basic idea is that crime and fear of crime in our local communities can be reduced by agencies, such as the police and local councils, working together with local businesses and local communities to address the issues that are of particular concern in that area. These initiatives give you lots of ways to get involved to help improve the safety of your area. Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) are statutory bodies set up by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. They are made up of responsible authorities including the police and police authority, your local council, and the fire, health and probation services. Their role is to work out and put into practice strategies for dealing with the issues that are Safeguarding Adults at Risk An adult at risk is someone who may be in need of support because of a disability, illness (including mental illness), or their frailty and who is unable to take care of themselves or stop someone from harming or exploiting them. Abuse of an adult at risk can take any form and includes sexual, physical, financial, emotional, neglect, and discrimination. They can also suffer institutional abuse. This is when a setting or service i.e. a care home, a care agency, a hospital, undertakes care of a number of people of most concern to local people, community groups and businesses these may include things like anti-social behaviour, drug or alcohol misuse and re-offending. Approaches may include using street wardens to help provide a reassuring presence in town centres, or installing CCTV to reduce crimes like theft, assault and drug dealing. You can get information about crime prevention in your area by contacting your local council. Neighbourhood Policing involves police working closely with residents to identify and solve the crime and anti-social behaviour problems in that particular neighbourhood. Neighbourhood policing teams mainly made up of police officers, police community and support officers (PCSOs) and special constables meet regularly with residents to find out about their concerns and encourage them to take an active role in making their neighbourhood a safer place. n in a way which causes harm or represents a lack of respect for their human rights. Abusers could be anyone, including relatives, friends, neighbours, strangers, paid carers, or volunteers. Abuse can happen anywhere, for instance in someone s own home, a care home or a public place. The effects of abuse can be extremely serious and long-lasting. It can often be hidden and secretive. Adults at risk may need other people, members of the public as well as professionals, to help them put a stop to it. If you are concerned that an adult at risk is, or could be being abused, contact your local Social Services department. If they are in immediate danger or need urgent medical attention always dial 999. n

Motability Motability is a scheme which enables disabled people to become mobile by offering the opportunity to lease or own a vehicle at an affordable price. If you receive the higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners Mobility supplement, you can exchange all or part of your allowance in return for a car, powered wheelchair or scooter. The scheme s contract hire plan allows you to lease a brand new vehicle from a Motability accredited dealer for a minimum period of three years. Insurance, routine servicing and breakdown assistance are included. Also available is a number of adaptions - devices that can be fitted to a vehicle so that driving Mobility is safer and more comfortable, and getting in and out of the car is made easier - to help with speed and steering; signalling; stowage; and seating and access. To apply you need to have at least 12 months Disability Living Allowance award remaining. If your award is not renewed during the full length of the scheme, your car will need to be returned. Even if you do not drive yourself, you can apply for a car as a passenger and propose two other people as your drivers. You can also apply for a car for passengers, including children, who receive the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance. The scheme also allows you to buy a car outright using a Hire Purchase agreement (this will not include insurance, servicing, maintenance and breakdown cover). If money is a problem when financing the car or adaptions, Motability may be able to provide a grant, either through their own charitable fund or the Specialised Vehicle Funds, which they administer for the government. To find out more, call Motability on 0845 456 4566; (minicom) 0845 675 0009; or visit their website www.motability.co.uk. Alternatively, ask any car dealer displaying the Motability logo. n Mobility is about your ability to move around. Problems with mobility can range from unsteadiness while walking and difficulty getting up and down stairs, to more severe problems that may be as a result of injury, illness or a disability. If you experience mobility problems, there are a number of sources of help available to you. Depending on your needs, mobility aids, such as walking sticks, wheelchairs, gadgets to open bottles and cans, or devices to help your breathing, such as oxygen in a bottle, are available through the NHS and social services. Sometimes you can get help with adapting your home; for example, fitting extra handrails, widening doors and installing ramps, a stair lift or a downstairs bathroom. To find out what help you may be eligible for, contact your local social services and ask for a home assessment. Schemes that they may help with mobility when you are out include Shopmobility, which hires out or lends manual and powered wheelchairs and powered scooters for use in towns and shopping centres. n FREE Self-Management Courses 2015 Want to feel and cope better? Come on one of our courses for people with Health problems Anxiety, stress and depression Pain management Courses run across Leeds throughout the year. Who is this course for? Anyone with a long term health condition who wants to learn to manage and improve their health. What will I learn? Managing our symptoms and improving how we feel Relaxation Breathing easier Healthy eating and nutrition Exercise and how to improve fitness, flexibility and strength Communicating effectively Dealing with anger, fear, frustration, isolation, fatigue and depression Using problem solving skills in our daily lives And much more... Ring us and find out how we can help Phone: 843 4548 or 07944 299403 or email: epp.account@nhs.net Providing high quality Patient Transport to anywhere in the UK, St John are also specialists in dedicated hospital discharge and admissions, bariatric transfer and falls team services. Working in partnership with our customers and patients, we provide a totally integrated and seamless ambulance service 365 days a year 24 hours per day. Please call and ask for further details and quotation on 0300 3300 758 Ref No. SJA1

Wouldn t it be better if taxis were more accessible, patient and understanding? YourCar is a new membership scheme that provides you with a low-cost, accessible alternative to calling a taxi. It has been designed specifically to support people who might have difficulty using public transport and where regular taxis don t meet all of your needs. To find out more or join, please call 0113 386 8880 www.yourcar.org.uk