Health & Wellbeing

George and Florence Bannister, aged seven and five, have shown incredible determination by setting up a show outside their home and raising a fantastic £250.61 for Good Hope Hospital Charity.

The duo decided to raise funds to support our NHS at this difficult time, and so set about selling unwanted toys and other items to their neighbours. Showing wonderful entrepreneurship for someone so young, George has been setting up his shop by 7am each day so that he can reach his target audience – dog walkers!

George and Florence’s kind-hearted neighbours began to donate items for them to sell, and at one stage they were selling strawberry plants.

Victoria Bannister, George and Florence’s mum, said: “We are all so proud of George and Florence for raising so much money to support our local hospital. They had so much fun running the shop and I would like to thank everyone who made a purchase or donated an item for their support.”

Mike Hammond, Chief Executive of University Hospitals Birmingham Charity, said: “Well done to George and Florence, on behalf of all of our doctors and nurses at Good Hope Hospital I would like to than them for the money that they have raised.

“At this really difficult time we are so grateful for amazing fundraisers like George and Florence, whose hard work will help us to make a huge difference to our NHS Superheroes, and the patients that they are treating.”

You can find out more about how Good Hope Hospital Charity is supporting staff and patients at this difficult time at: www.hospitalcharity.org/nhsheroes

Firefighters’ work responding to the COVID-19 pandemic has been extended until July, as the UK continues to battle coronavirus.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU), National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), and National Employers agreed the extension to the national agreement stating that the virus “continues to be a risk in our communities”. It comes despite the government moving to ease lockdown restrictions. 

The agreement, first reached on 26 March, has allowed firefighters to assist ambulance services, deliver vital supplies to the elderly and vulnerable, and move the bodies of the deceased. Since then, a number of further activities have been agreed, including assembling personal protective equipment (PPE) and training care home staff in infection, prevention and control.

The work has now been extended to 15 July and could be extended until 26 August.
But the Tripartite Group – as the FBU, NFCC and National Employers are known – has raised concerns about variation in local risk assessments, with the latest agreement stating that “the hazards do not vary across fire and rescue areas”.

National risk assessments are now to be produced for all fourteen agreed activities, to be implemented locally by fire and rescue services. If successful, the agreement will be extended until 26 August. 

Firefighters working in ambulances, mortuaries, hospitals, and care homes should be detached from their normal fire service location, the Tripartite Group recommended, and services should halt any coronavirus response work outside of the agreement until activities can be agreed at a national level.

New COVID-19 testing guidelines for fire and rescue personnel have also been agreed, requiring a test after 3 days of removal from detachment for coronavirus response duty. Staff will not be permitted to return to fire stations until they have tested negative.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “You need only look at the horrific death toll in our care homes to see that this pandemic is not over yet. The government may be easing restrictions, but firefighters are still needed to respond to this serious threat.

“We are concerned about the variation in risk assessments between services, as well as attempts by some fire chiefs to force firefighters into work outside of the agreement. The co-operation seen in most fire and rescue services has been extremely encouraging, but these steps are needed to make sure our members are safe and that safety standards are consistent.

“Firefighters’ work so far in this pandemic has been extraordinary and will have undoubtedly saved lives and helped to keep the NHS on its feet. The threat to our communities is still severe, so we’re doing what we can to ensure firefighters can continue helping them through this crisis.”

Following the lockdown announcement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Google searches for ‘pets for adoption’ increased by a staggering 248%¹ and ‘dogs for adoption’ increased a huge 113%. On 16th March, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home² revealed that 86 dogs and 69 cats found forever homes, a considerable increase for the same day in 2019 when only 42 dogs and 29 cats were adopted.
 
While pet ownership can be incredibly rewarding, it is a big responsibility and training your new pet is often challenging even when the nation isn’t living in lockdown. Training is an excellent way to bond with your new pet and they will all benefit from basic training to establish rules and boundaries in the home and further afield.
 
With people unable to attend training sessions or seek face-to-face behavioural advice, pet food brand, Webbox, reveals how you can train your pets at home during lockdown.
 
1)    Start at home
This is a great first step as lockdown means many people have more time than ever at home and this is a great place to begin your pet’s training. At home, there are fewer distractions so your pet can really focus on the commands you’re giving them. Once they are really confident with the commands in the comfort of their own home, slowly start to introduce distractions.
 
2)    Punishment won’t work...ever
Punishment should never be used in training as it will only teach your pet to be scared of you and can potentially lead to aggressive behaviour. Instead, use your pet’s favourite treats to reward all wanted behaviour and ignore unwanted behaviour.
 
If you have adopted a pet and their unwanted behaviour cannot be avoided, it can be really hard to get them to stop. Instead, use positive reinforcement to train an alternative, acceptable behaviour for your pet to perform instead.
 
3)    Keep sessions short
Don’t let your dog get bored, otherwise, they won’t listen to your commands. Make sure to keep your training sessions to around 10-15 minutes to ensure they are productive for both you and your pet.
 
4)    Be consistent
When you are inconsistent with your training, you will confuse your pet and may accidentally reinforce undesired behaviour. Make sure you only reward your pet when they perform the desired commands and stick to your household rules.
 
5)    Socialising
The biggest concern of lockdown with a new pet is ensuring they’re socialised, so owners need to get creative with ways to introduce your pet to its surroundings. Firstly, if your new pet hasn’t been able to have its injections, you can show them the outside world from the window, letting them hear traffic noises and watch the postman.
 
You can carry your pet outside, so if you live in an urban area let them see other people and dogs (keeping a safe distance). If you live in a rural area, introducing your pets to farm animals is a great way to get them used to other animals.
 
6)    Have a little patience
Training your pets is not a one-time thing. Your pet will be continually learning during its lifetime and it is important to keep up with their training. A perfectly trained pet does not happen overnight and it might take them longer to learn but stick with it and you will definitely get there.
 
7)    And relax
If you have a young pet, as tempting it may be to work on their training and socialisation, remember they need time to sleep and relax too. Make sure they get a lot of chill-out time on their own, this will also help them to get used to not having you around.
 
 
Camille Ashforth, Senior Brand Manager at Webbox, says: “Firstly, we urge people considering adopting or buying a new pet during lockdown to think about their lives once lockdown is lifted and whether or not a pet fits into their daily routine.
 
“If you have just welcomed a new pet into your home, then we hope these home training tips provide guidance in your training journey. Training is a great way to build your relationship with your pet, and with more time on our hands, it’s a great time to spend more of your time working with your new pet.”

With latest Government guidance suggesting people who smoke may suffer more severe coronavirus symptoms than non-smokers, people are being encouraged to #QuitforCovid. 

 
The updated government guidance to smokers and vapers, available at https://bit.ly/2U4BEbm, says that people who smoke generally have an increased risk of contracting respiratory infection and of more severe symptoms once infected.
 
Smoking also involves repetitive hand-to-face movements, which increase the risk of viruses entering the body and, as a result, Covid-19 symptoms may be more severe in people who smoke.
 
Stopping smoking will bring immediate benefits to your health, including if you have an existing smoking-related disease. This is particularly important for both you and for health services at a time of intense pressure on the NHS.
 
The guidance says that e-cigarettes can be an effective aid to stopping smoking and staying smokefree and, for most people, vaping remains significantly less harmful than smoking.
 
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “Smoking damages your lungs and weakens your immune system. This makes it more likely that you will have complications if you get sick and that it will take you longer to recover.
 
“Smokers are also much more likely to get other health problems. So the best thing a smoker can do is to quit, to protect themselves, to protect others and to reduce the impact on health services.
 
“If you want to quit there's plenty of information to help you, including support from the NHS and stop smoking aids, on the council’s website at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/besmokefree."
 
The #QuitforCovid campaign – www.todayistheday.co.uk – and encourages people to join the conversation, share their own story of quitting and hear from other people how they are getting on with their quit attempts via social media using the hashtag #QuitforCovid.
 
The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/coronavirus. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves and their families from coronavirus from the NHS at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.  
 
The council’s Stay Safe, Be Kind campaign offers clear and simple advice about how people can help themselves, and how they can support others who may be particularly vulnerable at this time.

Extending a helping hand: Cadent volunteering scheme continues to assist national coronavirus effort
  
As National Volunteering Week got underway Cadent announced a scheme providing extra paid leave to staff helping out their local communities will be extended by a further two months.

Delivering gas to 11 million homes and businesses in North West England, the Midlands, South Yorkshire, East of England and the North London area, Cadent has confirmed its 4,000 employees will continue to be offered two days of additional paid volunteer leave a month through June and July 2020 to volunteer to help out in the national coronavirus effort.

The scheme was launched back in April as an initial two month programme in response to the pandemic and the extension means Cadent volunteers can continue to support local organisations, such as foodbanks. The scheme could see up to 16,000 volunteering days delivered by Cadent staff to support local organisations in June and July.

Cadent Chief People Officer Martin Rimmer said: “The scheme has been a great success with employees helping out with things such as delivering food and medicines.

“We considered the success of the scheme so far along with operational factors and the latest government advice and decided we’d keep it going for a further two months.”

He added: “As a community facing company with engineers and support staff out and about 24-7, helping out in this way is a very natural fit for us.”

Cadent Director of Customer Strategy Mark Belmega said: “Volunteering goes above and beyond our regulatory commitments; it’s not just about being responsible, it’s about being a good business and making a real and sustainable difference to the communities we support.
“And right now, more than ever, the additional efforts of our colleagues are vitally needed as the UK deals with the COVID-19 pandemic.”

He added: “Our volunteering doesn’t just stop once the COVID-19 pandemic ends.

“From April 1st 2021 we’ve made a commitment as part of the RIIO-2 business plan that during the five years from 2021-2026 at least 60% of Cadent employees will volunteer for at least one day to support a community scheme.”

The scheme is in addition to the new statutory Employee Volunteering Leave brought in by the Coronavirus Act 2020, which is targeted at workers who have suitable medical or social care skills and experience and can support health and social care organisations.
 
Public safety is the company’s top priority and extra precautions are being taken during the coronavirus pandemic to ensure both customers and employees remain safe.

A new research project, awarded £360,000 from the Economic and Social Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation, will explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child protection practice and  children and families, with the aim of improving the capacity of social workers to keep children safe in a period of institutionalised social distancing.

The study, which will be led by the University of Birmingham, will look at how social work practice, which relies heavily on achieving closeness to keep children safe, most often in the family home, can help families in a period of social distancing, increased stress, poverty, risks of domestic abuse and other harms within families.
 
During the early phase of the COVID-19 lockdown, social work organisations produced practice guidelines reflecting social distancing recommendations. This has opened up a vital research agenda about how such guidance, including the use of ‘virtual home visits’ via video calls, will be put into practice. 

This project will help fill this gap and provide much-needed guidance on how some of these new measures involving social distancing on home visits can be implemented effectively during and after the pandemic.

Building on previous research from the same authors (looking at social work home visits and the use of digital technology in everyday life), the project will analyse the effectiveness of digital methods such as ‘virtual home visits’ and video calls to keep children safe and also advise on how they can be used most effectively.

Professor Harry Ferguson from the Department of Social Work and Social Care at the University of Birmingham commented: “The COVID-19 crisis is presenting governments, social work leaders, managers and child protection practitioners with unique challenges and our hope is that this new research will provide services with insights and evidence that can improve their capacity to keep children safe and help families at this enormously difficult time.”

The researchers will also look at the effects of COVID-19 on social workers’ well-being and practice, including the availability of personal protective equipment and what it is like for staff working almost exclusively from home by examining the quality of emotional support and case direction being provided. They will also explore children and families’ experiences of social work during the pandemic and the extent to which parents' needs and rights are understood and being responded to.

The project will last for 15 months, and the research team is Professor Harry Ferguson and Dr Laura Kelly from the University of Birmingham, and Professor Sarah Pink from Monash University, Australia. The project is also being supported by Research in Practice and the British Association of Social Workers.
 

Grief at any time is difficult and painful and even under normal circumstances the death of a colleague can be challenging and represent a significant loss.

The realities of Covid-19 means that there are additional challenges for people mourning the death of a colleague due to the lack of access to support from friends, family and colleagues.

The British Psychological Society’s Covid-19 bereavement task force has launched a new document, ‘Supporting each other following the death of a colleague’, to help people understand their feelings and reaction if they do lose a colleague during this time.

Professor Nichola Rooney, chair of the task force, said: “Sadly, many people have been bereaved during the Covid-19 pandemic, with some grieving the death of a colleague.

We spend a lot of time at work and often form close bonds with people we work with, so losing a colleague at a time when we may not have our usual support networks can be particularly difficult.”

The booklet gives advice on how to cope with returning to work following the death of a colleague and encourages employees to take advantage of the support that is available to them and allowing for the fact that work may be affected by the grieving process.

It encourages people to take the opportunity to consider marking the death through a memorial at either at work or at home, if that is someone’s current workplace, but also to plan for other remembrance activities in the future once the current crisis abates.

The guidance is part of a suite of resources produced by the BPS’s Covid-19 bereavement task force, aimed at helping people manage their grief during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Due to government advice on restricting the spread of Covid-19, the BPS communications team is currently working remotely. But we are monitoring our inbox as usual, so for more information or requests for comment, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The British Psychological Society is a registered charity which acts as the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK, and is responsible for the promotion of excellence and ethical practice in the science, education and application of the discipline. 

As a society we support and enhance the development and application of psychology for the greater public good, setting high standards for research, education, and knowledge; disseminating our knowledge to increase public awareness. 

We strive to:

be the learned society and professional body for the discipline
make psychology accessible to all 
promote and advance the discipline 
be the authoritative and public voice of psychology
determine and ensure the highest standards in all we do

As it marked World Bicycle Day on June 3, Cycling UK, the national cycling charity, is preparing for the launch of the UK’s Bike Week to celebrate the increasingly important role of cycling in the health of the nation.

Amid the restrictions placed on people’s lives due to the coronavirus pandemic, cycling has experienced a boom. Data from both England and Scotland have shown a doubling in the numbers of people getting on their bikes since the lockdown started, and governments and public health bodies are promoting cycling as a safe and healthy alternative to public transport and private vehicle use. To recognise the particular importance of cycling as a safe mode of transport for key workers, Cycling UK offered a three-month free membership to health and social care workers. By the end of the offer, 2,857 of these key workers across the country had signed up.

Pete Fitzboydon, interim chief executive of Cycling UK, said: “The reduction in vehicle traffic and increase in cycling during lockdown has allowed a glimpse of a different, more active future, and it would be a great shame to turn our backs on this and return to business as usual. Bike Week is a chance to share the fun and freedom that cycling offers, but this year the real focus is on the health benefits – not only for the individual but for society as a whole. We are encouraging everybody to get out on their bikes at least once during the week, spreading the message that even a short ride can make a big difference.”

In London, two-thirds of car journeys are less than 3.1 miles (5 kilometres): a distance that can easily be covered on a bike in 20 minutes. Across the UK as a whole, the average journey to school could also be made with a 20-minute bike ride. And while an average traffic lane can carry 2,000 cars per hour, it could carry 14,000 bicycles instead. At a time when people are beginning to return to workplaces and schools, choosing cycling will have an enormous impact on congestion and the associated economic and societal costs. Supporting the launch of Bike Week, the Cycling Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris, said: “Covid-19 has made us rethink how we work, shop, and travel – and we have seen so many people over the past couple of months discovering or re-discovering a love of cycling as they look for new ways to get around.

“Bike Week is a great opportunity for people to give cycling a go, and be inspired to choose an environmentally friendly form of travel with major health benefits – improving the quality of air that we breathe and helping people to get fit and stay healthy. I hope that after the crisis, cycling becomes the natural choice for many more on short journeys so that we can keep these benefits for the longer term.”

Mónica Reus Boccherini, A&E nurse at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, said: “I took up cycling towards the beginning of lockdown, as after a long shift in A&E I didn’t want to run the risk of passing on the virus to my fellow passengers on public transport. I’ve been riding regularly ever since then and love it. I’d encourage everyone to use the opportunity of Bike Week to pick up your dusty bike and give cycling a go!”

The restrictions on group events mean that this year’s Bike Week is taking place digitally, with a programme of webinars, online workshops, Q&As (including a discussion with Dragon’s Den star Piers Linney) and fun events. The overarching theme is Health and Wellbeing, with each day taking a different focus under the #7daysofcycling hashtag on social media. People are encouraged to share photos and videos of their cycling activities for a chance to win prizes.

Cycling UK’s annual bike celebration runs from 6 to 14 June, with online events themed around the health and wellbeing benefits of cycling.

With deaths caused by the coronavirus outbreak has now passed 400,000 worldwide, the on-going row between the USA and China over the global pandemic has flared up again with a senator in the United States accusing Beijing of trying to block the development of a vaccine in the West.

The Republican’s Senator, Rick Scott, said that evidence had come via “our intelligence community” but provided no details to back it up.

Meanwhile, China issued a document defending its virus actions, saying that it briefed the US as early as January 4.

Senator Scott, however, said: “We have got to get this vaccine done. Unfortunately we have evidence that communist China is trying to sabotage us or slow it down”.

A staunch President Trump supporter, he then added: “China has decided to be an adversary to America and democracies around the world”.

He said that “evidence” had come through the intelligence community and armed services and added: “There are things that I can’t discuss… I get provided information.

“England or the US does it first, we’re going to share”.

The Trump administration has consistently attacked China over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, whilst, meanwhile, being questioned for his handling of it at home.

In celebration of National Volunteers Week (1-7 June), Revitalise, usually known for creating respite holidays for disabled people and their carers for over 55 years, are sharing the experiences of some of their volunteer staff, as they work through unique circumstances to keep the charity’s three respite centres running through the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Revitalise’s Chief Operating Officer Jo Morgan said “We are so proud of our wonderful volunteers. Our guests usually tell us that volunteers are vital in making their stay at Revitalise extra special, and it is no different during the pandemic. Their roles have changed day to day, but they remain positive and committed, providing much-needed support to our guests during this critical time.”
 
Susana Elvira Cheppe Vidal is volunteering for the second time at the Revitalise Sandpipers centre in Merseyside, where she has been since November 2019 and intends to be there until August 2020.

She says of her experiences: “I chose to volunteer at Revitalise because I’d heard positive experiences from friends who had also volunteered there. Before the pandemic a typical day involved going on day trips out of the centre with guests, socialising, helping out during mealtimes or even just chatting and enjoying entertainment with them in the evening.
 
“I chose to stay at Revitalise during COVID-19 because the centre is a place that makes me feel safe and because I understand that during this time more than ever, disabled people need care and support because it may be difficult for them to access this at home.
 
“Some activities continue to be the same, such as helping guests during mealtimes, going out with them to get some fresh air, helping in the restaurant or bar, but the centre is not a holiday now. The environment is still pleasant, we enjoy activities like bingo, karaoke, pool, or artistic presentations by the guests themselves.
 
“Many people feel safe and cared for at Revitalise. The work of a volunteer is always important, because often you can be the hands for those who cannot feed themselves or at other times the company they need to not feel alone.”
 
18-year-old Camila Perez started volunteering at Revitalise Jubilee Lodge in March 2020. She chose Revitalise specifically to care for people with special needs as she wants to become a Doctor. She found the language barrier difficult at first but as she grew in confidence with English, she found she made new friends and really enjoyed her experience.
 
Camila describes a typical day before COVID-19 as ‘really fun and loud and always surrounded by people and talking to guests all the time.’ Once the pandemic started, the borders to her home country were closed, however Camila believes she “would keep volunteering to see a different perspective of how life is for disabled people. The centre has changed because I can sadly no longer interact with guests to the same extent, which is a huge part of the Revitalise experience and I miss the live entertainment in the evenings.” Camilla describes the best thing to come from volunteering to be the satisfaction of helping others.
 
Rocio del Pilar Coronel is a volunteer at Revitalise Jubilee Lodge who has been with Revitalise since Jun 2019. She says of her experience at Revitalise: “I enjoy volunteering at Revitalise as I like to help disabled people. I can share different experiences with other volunteers from different countries and improve my English. This experience has helped me grow more as a person and take risks in my life. For this, I am grateful.”
 
Rocio believes disabled people are facing new challenges due to COVID-19, such as  “stress, anxiety, depression, since they cannot go out and they can only talk to their relatives by video conference or calls, but I think that nothing will be like before.”
 
Some volunteers weren’t able to continue working at Revitalise centres and were forced to return home. Sally was a long term volunteer at Revitalise Jubilee Lodge, who had to cut her placement short and return to Germany when the pandemic struck. She describes how she felt when she realised she would not be able to carry on volunteering:
 
“I felt confused in the moment I found out I had to go back to Germany despite still having four months to stay at Revitalise. I felt like I was going to lose my second family and I couldn't even prepare myself for that moment. I didn't want to go home because Revitalise was my home.
 
“I miss all the amazing people from the staff and the guests, many of them have become good friends of mine. I miss all the little jokes over the days we had together.
“I really want to return to Revitalise once I am able to because this place has something magical. I didn't realise that when I was there but in the moment I went back to Germany I understood what a special place I just left. I would say the best thing about volunteering is that your own personality can grow through all the new experiences you make and you can learn so much about yourself. I have learned a lot as a volunteer but I would say the main thing is that I learned what I want in life.”
 
Revitalise are offering their facilities at Revitalise Sandpipers and Netley Waterside House in Southampton, as a place to stay safe either short or long term, for disabled people who have struggled during lockdown with mental health, anxiety, feeling isolated or who are no longer able to get the care they need at home.
 
Anybody who would like to become a volunteer at Revitalise or is worried about whether their care support at home can continue, should contact Revitalise, who are able to offer long or short stays with full care support in place.
 

The Government has issued new advice on when and where people in Wolverhampton should wear face coverings to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

While evidence suggests that a face covering will not protect the person who is wearing it, it could help protect anyone else they come into contact with if they are infected but aren’t showing symptoms of Covid-19. It is also important to note that face coverings are not the same as face masks, which should be worn by frontline workers who come into close contact with others.  

The advice urges members of the public to consider wearing face coverings in situations where they may come into contact with people that they do not live with. This is particularly enclosed spaces, such as on public transport or in some shops. Certain health care settings may require you to wear a face covering.  

The council has created a handy, step-by-step guide to show people how they can make their own face covering out of an old T-shirt - https://bit.ly/3ddnLz1

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Face coverings do not replace social distancing, good hand washing and good hygiene as the most effective measures we should all adopt to prevent the spread of coronavirus.  

"However, if you do need to go out and about, please consider wearing a face covering if you are somewhere where you will be around other people. It may not protect you, but it could help protect others if you have coronavirus but don't realise it.  

"You can make your own face coverings at home and it can be as simple as a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head, as long as it covers your mouth and nose and allows you to breathe comfortably.  

“Knowing how to use a face covering safely is important, for example if you touch your face covering with your hands you may spread the virus.”

To safely wear face coverings, people should wash their hands or use hand sanitiser before putting it on and taking it off, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth at all times, and wash it after every use. When taking the face covering off, do not touch the part that has been in contact with the nose or mouth. Used face coverings should be stored in a plastic bag until they can be washed.  

Meanwhile residents are reminded they must continue to follow social distancing guidelines to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Everyone must:

Stay at home as much as possible
Work from home if you can
Limit contact with other people
Keep your distance if you go out
Wash your hands regularly
Stay at home and self-isolate if you or anyone in your household has symptoms of coronavirus, including a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at: www.gov.uk/coronavirus and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at: www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/coronavirus.

There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves and their families from coronavirus from the NHS at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus. 

The council’s Stay Safe, Be Kind campaign offers clear and simple advice about how people can help themselves, and how they can support others who may be particularly vulnerable at this time.

For more information, visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/stay-safe-be-kind.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is encouraging the nation to ‘Beat the Boredom’ and get fundraising to support the charity’s vital work while at home this summer.

For those of us missing seeing friends and family in person, the BHF is encouraging people to get together virtually by hosting a quiz, a talent show or even a grand night in with your nearest and dearest.

The charity says the virtual meetups will help keep those fed-up feelings at bay while raising funds for vital research. It’s simple to take part - just download the how to guides and start planning your virtual event.

During this coronavirus crisis, the BHF has been working tirelessly to support people with heart and circulatory diseases by providing vital information via its dedicated Heart Helpline and an online coronavirus hub.

But with the pandemic costing the charity around £10 million a month, it is now urging the  public to #BackTheBHF and help the 7.4 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases including coronary heart disease, stroke and vascular dementia. Research suggests that people with these conditions are at higher risk from Covid-19.

Chrish Perera, Head of Community Fundraising at the BHF, said: “We’re all looking for different ways to ‘Beat the Boredom’ so why not host a virtual quiz, talent show or grand night in. Download our how to guides for tips and stay connected with your families and friends by hosting a virtual fundraiser to #BackTheBHF. Every penny will go towards helping us support those across the UK living with heart and circulatory conditions.”

People can show off their newly harnessed lockdown skills, party tricks or secret hidden talents by gathering family and friends together for a fun filled talent show.

From dancing, poetry or a cute pet show, BHF say that you never know who will surprise you with their new-found talents.
Virtual Quiz Night

If there are anyone who knows their Olympic winners from their Oscar winners, Quiz Nights are an absolute winner when it comes to fundraising to put people’s knowledge to the test with the BHF virtual quiz guide where they’ve put some quiz questions together for you or why not get creative and make up your own?

Grand night in

You can get friends and family together for an unforgettable night indoors by putting together a list of fun activities and start planning. Anything goes, so why not think big with a club night and karaoke? Or keep it simple with bingo or a book club.

It has all the fun of going out but from the comfort of staying at home.

More people than ever now need the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) support to provide vital information and patient services. Without support, the British Heart Foundation can’t be there in times of need.

So, to beat heartbreak together people can set up a fundraising page by visiting bhf.org.uk/btb

A woman at the centre of an appeal for more people from ethnic backgrounds to be organ donors has received a “second chance” with a live transplant.

Sunaina Paul, 31, of Bearwood, in the West Midlands, was a priority on the transplant list, but a shortage of BAME (Black and Asian Minority Ethnic) donors meant that finding a match for her would be difficult.

However, she has now had a successful operation and is recovering in hospital.

Her auntie, Jaimini LakHani said that the family felt “blessed and grateful”.

British Punjabi Ms Paul was born with Biliary Atresia, which is a condition which bile ducts in the live are blocked, which leads to a build-up of bile, which causes damage to the liver.

“When the coronavirus pandemic broke out, Sunaina was asked to shield, but, her condition deteriorated”, her auntie said.

She received a call from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Birmingham, saying that it had a potential liver for her.

The transplant took place shortly after with her family being told that it was successful.

A hospital trust has introduced disposable headscarves for staff to use in operating theatres.

The idea for this came from a Muslin Junior doctor, Farah Roslan, who said that it follows concerns of infections to the hijab that she wears during her training at the Royal Derby Hospital.

And now she hoped that the concept can be replicated in NHS Trusts throughout the UK. However, NHS England said that the decision would be up to individual trusts.

Expanding on the concept, Dr Roslan said that the idea came to her whilst she was a medical student at the University Hospital of Derby and Burton NHS Trust.

She said: “Having been used to wearing the same headscarf throughout any given day wasn’t ideal. And, at the end of a shift, I didn’t feel comfortable when taking it off.

“A ‘middle-ground’ had to be met – between the right dress-code for me, and any other Muslims in a similar position, and being in an operating theatre.

She looked to her country of birth (Malaysia) for inspiration and ideas. Before long she designed, created and testing fabrics before introducing the final product to the University Hospital of Derby and Burton NHS Trust – who OKd its use.

The University of Birmingham and Birmingham City Council are working together to study the implications of the shutdown on schools, teachers, pupils and parents due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The Birmingham Education and Covid-19 initiative is studying the transition from classes in schools to a wide range of socially distanced learning measures for children and young people across Birmingham and beyond, as well as the imminent return to school-based learning for some pupils.

As the transmission of COVID-19 in the UK resulted in the government issuing a lockdown and shutting down schools on the 20th March, it brought unprecedented change to education. The Birmingham Education and Covid-19 initiative is working with Birmingham City Council and a variety of further stakeholders across Birmingham to understand the educational implications of the lockdown. In a matter of weeks, schools across the country have developed distance-learning tools for students of all ages. While some results of polls of teachers are beginning to emerge, we know little about the detail or the ranges of the provision offered by schools in the context of enforced social distancing, how it is being received by children and families, and how schools will manage face to face and distance learning as some year groups return to the classroom. Nor is there a clear definition on the medium and short term implications of education for students, teachers, schools or societies.

The Birmingham Education and Covid-19 initiative will:
Examine what is being done to secure education provision now for children and young people in Birmingham and the city region.
Support education systems and other agencies in the short term as they move from emergency improvisation to more sustained innovation for learning and flourishing.

Map out possible strategies to effect sustained change to education systems, institutions and practices for the medium and long term, with an emphasis on education quality, in-demand skills, social justice and equity.

The project involves virtual workshops with strategic leaders in the region, intelligence gathering through online surveys and diaries of practitioners, community organisations and families, and the development of online resources.

Professor Deborah Youdell from the University of Birmingham's School of Education who is leading the project says: "Education during school closures is a challenge that risks opening up old and new gaps and making disadvantages worse for some. But it might also show us new ways to facilitate learning for children and young people. Through The Birmingham Education and Covid-19 the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City Council will work together to ensure that we have a clear picture of the evolving education offer in the city; that we know what pupils are accessing and how they and their parents are doing; and that schools have the best possible support and resources. Longer term we hope that the lessons that we learn during COVID-19 might change education for the better, for everyone."

The team are particularly keen to understand the impacts of COVID-19 in relation to disadvantaged groups, looked after children, Black, Asian and minority ethnic pupils, young people with Special Education Needs and Disability, and Traveller children. They will also consider how the crisis affects assessment, transitions (from early years to school, from primary school to secondary school, from school to further and higher education), learning for those with low- and no- tech access, as well as institutional and systems leadership.

Cllr Jayne Francis, cabinet member for education, skills and culture at Birmingham City Council commented: "This is a vital piece of work; the closure of most schools to the majority of pupils is one of many necessary measures taken to protect lives, but we must not allow this to exacerbate already existing inequalities. We need to have detailed information about how and what young people are learning at home, and how parents and carers are coping, so we can ensure no young people and families are disadvantaged."

Through this project, the University and Birmingham City Council are working together to develop a clear picture of the evolving education offer in the city and to ensure that pupils and schools have the best possible support and resources. The Birmingham Education and Covid-19 initiative will at the end of the process issue guidance reports, online resources as well as recommendations for policy makers.
A dedicated website has been set up which provides more information for the Birmingham Education and Covid-19 project.

Everyone aged five and over in the UK with coronavirus symptoms can now be tested for the disease, Heath Secretary Matt Hancock has announced.

So what exactly is the government's testing strategy?

Making tests available to anyone over five with symptoms is a major expansion of the UK's testing programme.

When testing started, it was only for the sickest patients in hospitals, but eligibility gradually grew.

If you think you need a coronavirus test you can arrange to visit a regional test site.

Alternatively, you can ask for a home test kit - although these have been in short supply.
The test is performed by a taking a swab up the nose or from the back of the throat.

At first the British Medical Association said accessing centres was a major problem, with some people having to drive hundreds of miles to their nearest site.

New testing centres have since been opened, although people must still have access to a car and someone to drive them - or be well enough to drive themselves.

The army was also enlisted to provide pop-up testing facilities in sparsely-populated areas far away from any of the main sites.

However, concerns have been raised about long waits for some test results.

Mr Hancock also announced that the government was trialling a new much quicker swab test which doesn't need to be sent to a lab, and gives results in 20 minutes.

The new swab tests will be trialled in Hampshire in some A&E departments, GP testing hubs and care homes. The trial will run for six weeks and test up to 4,000 people.

If successful, he said the new test will be rolled out on a larger scale "as soon as we can".

The government set a target of 100,000 coronavirus tests per day across the UK by the end of April, and managed to log 122,347 tests on April 30.

But it was criticised for including in this figure about 40,000 testing kits which are counted when they are sent out.

The target was also met on 1 May. It was missed for eight consecutive days after that before being met again on 10 May.

On 20 May, 128,340 tests were provided.

Now the government is working towards a fresh target to get to 200,000 tests a day by the end of May, but this figure seems to refer to testing "capacity", not the actual number of tests carried out.

The swab test only tells you if you currently have Covid-19.

However, health officials in England have approved a test that will show if someone has had coronavirus in the past.

The new test - from Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche - looks for antibodies in the blood to see if a person has had the virus and might now have some form of immunity.

On May 21, Mr Hancock said 10 million tests had been ordered through Roche and pharmaceutical company Abbott.

He said it would be available to health and social care staff, patients and care home residents from next week.

There is an antibody test already in use at government research facility Porton Down, to make early estimates about what percentage of the population might have had the virus. But it is not accurate enough to give individuals information about their infection status.

There are also questions over how long immunity lasts. There is no evidence people who have recovered from Covid-19 and have antibodies are protected from being infected again, the World Health Organization (WHO) says.

People are tested to diagnose them individually, but it can also be used to understand how far the virus has spread in the population.

Tests help people, including NHS workers, know whether they are safe to go to work. Wide testing can also let the health service plan for extra demand, and inform government decisions around social distancing and lockdowns.

For this reason, an initial 20,000 households in England will be tested every month for a year - for active coronavirus infections and for antibodies indicating a past infection.

The UK significantly increased its testing capacity throughout April, but lagged behind many other nations. Germany, for example, was regularly averaging 100,000 tests a day, by the start of last month.

The UK did not start with the resources to do mass testing, unlike some other countries.

But it also took several weeks to expand from an initial eight public health laboratories to a wider network of private and university labs.