www.knowyourlimits.info is a useful website for patients supported by the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland covering topics such as:

Topics:

• Know your units
• Drinking guidelines
• Binge drinking
• How alcohol works
• About hangovers
• Tips for managing your drinking
• The effects of alcohol
• Women and alcohol
• Conception and pregnancy
• When not to drink
• Drinking myths
• Where to get help

Also included a Unit Calculator and each of the Northern Ireland Drug and Alcohol Coordination Teams has produced a full directory of services available in their area which provide alcohol counseling services (both voluntary and Trust led) which can be downloaded.

For Now and For the Future: An Advance Care Planning Policy for Adults in Northern Ireland.

What is Advance Care Planning and why is it Important?

Advance Care Planning helps you to think about:

• What is important to you and,
• How to plan for your future.

You don’t have to do it. But it can help you to let other people know what you  want in the future and why.

It gives you a chance to talk about your wishes, feelings, beliefs and values and  this can help people to support you better.

It lets you have more choice and control over your future. This is really important if you become unable to make decisions and communicate them.

It creates less upset for you and people important to you when hard decisions have to be made.

Download this Easy Read Leaflet for more information: DOH: ACP Policy Easy Read

• How can I get access?
• What is Beating the Blues?
• How is my data protected?
• How will Beating the Blues help me?
• How do I complete Beating the Blues?
• Where can I use Beating the Blues?

Click the link to download the leafet for answers to the above questions:

Beating the Blues

Did you know there are many supports available to unpaid/informal carers through our Carer Hub?  Over 160 carers joined our support classes this month.

A new regional Guide for parents on their journey through disability has been produced and highlights the ongoing partnership work with parents, parent groups, children and young people and statutory, voluntary and community agencies. The resource is by parents for parents and its development has been parent led from the onset and addresses the whole life journey for parents of children with disability and additional needs. Launched alongside this document, is the ‘All About ME’ booklet co-designed by Barnardo’s PosAbility Young Peoples’ Group. Download a copy of the Guide & the All About ME booklet

The ‘Hard to Swallow’ campaign launched throughout the month of March.

Dysphagia is often underreported and left undiagnosed causing choking, chest infections, malnutrition and dehydration. We hope that the campaign will lead to more appropriate support for those suffering from the condition and giving them knowledge to manage the condition safer and better. Two ‘Swallow Awareness’ training sessions are planned with input from a Speech & Language Therapist and Dietician specialised in dysphagia. 

To help evaluate this new project please consider taking part in the Hard to Swallow Survey . The responses you give today will help to understand and improve the support for those with swallowing difficulties in the future. The survey takes 10 minutes to complete.

Hard to Swallow Survey

https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/tips-to-help-with-eating-problems-after-critical-illness.html

How to spot hazards and prevent accidents. Advice from the Public Health Agency – Download this leaflet: Home Safety

HSC Bereavement Network website has been developed to provide information and guidance for those who care for and support dying people and their loved ones around the time of and after death. It has resources including leaflets for those who have been bereaved as well as information about support services.

http://www.hscbereavementnetwork.hscni.net/

You could be supported by a dedicated IMPACTAgewell® Project Officer for up to six months who will talk to you about your general health and wellbeing. Types of support include Befriending, Home Security Checks, Handyperson Services, Energy Efficient Checks, Benefits Advice, Community Transport, Health Condition Support Groups, Luncheon Clubs and Arts & History Clubs.

Click this LINK for more information including referral criteria and speak to reception if you would like to be referred.

Agewell are a local inter-agency-based partnership with the goal of improving the lives of Older People aged 50 years and over in Ballymena, Larne & Carrickfergus. Everything through Agewell is aimed at making life better PHYSICALY, better EMOTIONALLY and better CONNECTED. Speak to any member of staff at Meadowbridge if you would like to be referred to the For an Impact Referral – ASK AT RECEPTION team for support in the community.

Download the Agewell Newsletter here: Newsletter Issue 16 Dec 2020

Deaf sign language users can register and download the free app at: www.interpreternow.co.uk/hscni/ to a smarphone or tablet. Or laptops/desktops can be used with no app. Just using the web browser.

Click the link form more information: InterpreterNOW

Provides resources for patients including the 5 steps for wellbeing leaflets which have been translated and are available in 11 different languages www.mindingyourhead.info

Mental Health Awareness provides resources for patients including the 5 steps for wellbeing leaflets which have been translated and are available in 11 different languages.

www.mindingyourhead.info

Free Online Courses:

Stress is a normal reaction to the rapidly changing and uncertain times we are all living in at the moment. If you are feeling a bit more stressed than usual and would like to learn some great ways, free-of-charge, to deal with common problems like anxiety, depression, panicky feelings, poor sleep and poor wellbeing then come along to our online Stress Control class.

‘Stress Control’ is a six-session cognitive-behavioural therapy class used extensively in community-settings by the NHS (UK) and HSE (Ireland) and across the world. You can find out more here: https://ni.stresscontrol.org/
As you can’t come to a regular Stress Control class due to the current circumstances, Stress Control will come to you and live stream the sessions.

Each session will be available on the YouTube channel from 9:00am and will remain available until 8:00am the morning of the next session. E.g. Session One will be available from 9:00am Monday 6th November and be taken down at 8:00am Thursday 9th November, Session Two will then premiere at 9:00am.

The sessions will be led by Dr Jim White, consultant clinical psychologist, who created the class and who has taught most of the NHS (UK) and HSE (Ireland) trainers who would normally be running classes across the country.

Download the Leaflet for information on how to take part: NHSCT Stress Control

Visit Cancer Research UK publications site for leaflets, including accessible formats

• Contact us if you notice a change that isn’t normal for you or if you have a symptom that you are worried about, such as unexplained weight loss or a persistent cough
• We know some people may be finding it difficult to get an appointment but it’s important to keep trying
• Don’t think that you’re bothering your GP – they will want to understand your concerns
• Your consultation will start by telephone.. Don’t worry as if you and your GP feel you need to be examined or you need an investigation, this can be arranged
• Let your GP practice know if you may have trouble with a phone or video call, particularly if you have problems with your hearing or eyesight
• If you need to go for follow-up tests or see a specialist, it is important that you attend your appointment

The PSA test which can give an early indication of prostate cancer is available for all patients who wish to be tested, having arrived at an informed decision to do so. Although there is currently no evidence-base to support a national screening programme in the United Kingdom (UK), there is clear direction relating to patient access to testing.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. It is responsible for around 25% of newly diagnosed cases of cancer, and around 12% of cancer deaths. Most cases develop in men aged 65 or older.
Cancer Screening Patient Information Leaflet: PSA Testing & Prostate Cancer

If you would like more information or to make a referral please contact:

Alexandra McMeekin
Volunteering Services Manager
Macmillan Cancer Support
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 075 4076 8244

MacMillan also offer a Support Line on 0800 808 00 00 which is open Monday to Friday, 9am until 8pm.

To register yourself as a Carer complete the Carer Form and email it back to us using the following Practice email address [email protected] You will then be sent a Carer Pack, which includes links and support information and start availing of a health & wellbeing annual carer review at the Practice.

An annual review appointment can be arranged with a member of our nursing team by contacting reception.

Please click the following link for Carers NI Information. This information aims to help people with long term health conditions, or those caring for them, develop the skills and confidence needed to better manage their situation day to day and beyond. The information look at ways to help manage the effects of their long-term condition or caring situation such as:

• Dealing with pain and tiredness
• Dealing with feelings of frustration, depression and isolation
• Learning relaxation techniques and increasing physical activity
• Encouraging healthy eating
• Communicating with family and health professionals
• Reviewing appropriate use of medication
• Planning for the future

All of the helplines listed on this website are continuing to provide information, advice and guidance on a wide-range of health and wellbeing needs.

• https://www.helplinesni.com/
• www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/take-5-steps-wellbeing-english-and-11-translations
• www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/healthy-lives/mental-health
• https://apps4healthcareni.hscni.net/
• Family Mediation NI
• NHS Advice on Common Conditions
• Patient advice from Patient.info
• Advice on Chronic Pain
• Mental Health
• Families/Children Support
• Womens Aid
• Support for Men
• Coronavirus links for information:
  • COVID-19:Situation in NI
  • Being Resilient during COVID
• Counselling

Download this leaflet: Services Available

There are many ways in which YOU can help people with learning disabilities. Here’s how!

• Through active engagement
• By encouraging and supporting new hobbies and interests, such as art, music, dance, trips, social engagements and so on (it all depends on the individual, remember!)
• Through more therapeutic means, such as mental and physical contact, including physiotherapy, massage, yoga, pilates, sensory stimulation and relaxation aids
• By assisting with daily tasks, such as logging on to a computer, using the internet or sending a text message. By giving a little of your time, you could help to make a massive difference, allowing someone to achieve their goal!

The need for clear communication

Sshhhh…Have you ever noticed that an anagram of “LISTEN” is SILENT”?

Communication really isn’t just about expressing yourself; it’s about LISTENING too – and when it comes to LISTENING to those with learning disabilities, it really is key.

Also, when speaking, it’s not just what you say, it’s about how you express yourself too. So always think about your body language to ensure you’re getting the right message across?

Download this leaflet with some helpful resources that may help you: Helpful Resources

Service provision of rural transport for people over 60 and those between 16 & 59.

The poster has information to the Northern Trust Carer Hub – there is a designated carer website hosted by Carers UK. The carers website has host of information for carers and staff alike including elearning, downloadable resources and guides and the ‘Jointly’ app can be downloaded for free. All anyone needs to do is create an account to access it all. The website link is:

• www.carersdigital.org and the access code is DGTL2770 to create an account.
• Carers UK

Download the poster here: UK Support Poster

See info below if you would like to receive a MBS carer pack.

A carer is a person of any age (including children) who provides unpaid support to a partner, relative, friend or a neighbour who could not cope without their help. This could be due to old age, frailty, disability, a serious health condition, mental ill health or substance misuse. Parents of children who are disabled or who have a serious health condition are also considered to be carers.

There is a difference between a carer and care professionals who are paid to provide care. Some carers receive statutory payments or a direct payment for their caring role. Even when carers do not receive such payments, they are still considered to be carers.

Many carers may not identify themselves as a carer. Instead, they see themselves as someone’s partner, relative or friend who is simply ‘doing their best’ to help someone they care about. For this reason, asking ‘do you look after someone?’ can be a more effective question than ‘are you a carer?

Meadowbridge Surgery also offers annual carer reviews with the nursing team to promote the wellbeing of individual Carers, and adopts a whole family approach in their work to support local Carers of all ages, in order to:

1. maintain the independence and physical and mental health of Carers and their families
2. empower and support Carers to manage their caring roles and have a life outside of caring
3. ensure that Carers receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place
4. respect Carers’ decisions about how much care they will provide and respect Carers’ decisions about not providing care at all

For further information contact Lyn Campbell, Carers NI, Information Development Office, Northern Trust – Office Tel 028 9043 9843

Additional resources for carers:

• Care
• Carers UK
• Carers Trust
• Age UK
• Healthwatch
• Adult Social Care resources
• www.carersweek.org

Connecting people with the right help and support to address social needs in patients over 50 around work, money, housing problems, the challenges of managing long-term conditions or feeling lonely or isolated. 

Download this leaflet for more information: Community Navigator and Connect North Joining