Health & Wellbeing

99-year-old army veteran, Tom Moore raised in excess of a staggering £15million (and rising) to help the UK’s NHS in its fight against coronavirus.

Having smashed his original target goal of £1,000, World War II soldier, Tom Moore, aimed to complete 100 laps of his garden, at his home in Bedfordshire, by walking with the aid of his frame after he said that will not stop well after reaching his original aim.

NHS Charities Together, which stood to benefit from the funds, said it “was truly inspired and humbled”.

Captain Tom – as he likes to be known as – was determined to walk the 100 laps of the 25-metre loop before he reached his 100th birthday which is due nearer the end of the month.

He set the challenge to himself as a way of thanking the ‘magnificent’ National Health Service staff who helped him to recover for his cancer treatment and a broken hip.

But, such was the response to his efforts, more than 100,000 people responded by sponsoring him via his Justgive page.

After exceeding the magic ’13 (million)’, Captain Tom said: “When you think of who it is all for – all those brave and super doctors and nurses we have got – I think they deserve every penny and I hope we get some more for them”.

Finishing his 100-lap marathon challenge in fine fettle, and surpassing £13m, Captain Tom said: “We have had problems before and we have overcome them – We shall all overcome the same thing again”.

Money is still rolling in, from all around the world, in support for the lovable, incredibly strong and determined Captain Tom Moore – and the UK’s equally-incredible National Health Service and other key workers who work on the frontline during this coronavirus pandemic.

Could we soon be doffing our collective caps to Captain Sir Tom Moor any time soon?

With it having the largest postal service in the world, as India is now under total lockdown, it is using its huge, record-breaking operation to help deliver lifesaving medicines aimed at tackling the coronavirus pandemic that is sweeping the country.

The service’s red postal vans, which makes thousands of daily journeys covering all of the country’s post offices based in some 600,000 or so villages, will be transporting medical equipment and drugs where they are most needed at a time when transport there is at a stand-still.

Since the country’s total lockdown and many industries, including hospitals, medical centres, pharmaceutical companies, laboratories and people on the whole left in the lurch, the postal service came to the fore in India’s ‘hour of need’.

Ashok Kumar Madan, executive director of the IDMA (Indian Drug Manufacturer’s Association), explained the problem that was faced: “We were facing a lot of difficulties.

“We usually rely on couriers to get our products out to customers, but, because of the lockdown, none of them were responding to us, probably because they didn’t have curfew passes, or delivery people to call on.

“Many of these products were essential medicines; such as for heart conditions and/or cancer.

With the postal service already in partnership with IDMA to prioritise medical deliveries in the state of Gujarat, he then got a call from Alok Ojha, the senior superintendent of the service in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Ojha was then offered the chance to repeat that service on a wider scale with Madan explaining: “We were looking for a solution and, with it being rendered an “essential service” by the government – which allows them to operate normally during the lockdown - the postal service have unhindered access to the whole country.

As word spread, more people began to call and ask for help.

Since the lockdown, far more companies and institutes have made similar requests, with the postal service used to deliver everything from batches of lifesaving drugs, N95 masks and ventilators, moving medicines and equipment between major states and cities – via the the red vans.

In the face of what is a global pandemic – the likes of which has never happened before in a peace-time UK – concerns are being shown for nor only the physical well-being of the nation’s National Health Service (NHS) staff, as with that of other key workers, who are working on the frontline during these trying times.

There are fears that they (NHS and key workers) are thought to be more susceptible than ever to develop anything from deep anxieties, extreme burnout and/or PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

The British Psychological Society have said that psychological first aid should be provided to these essential frontline workers, as, they say; “the UK runs the risk of undergoing a further mental health crisis”.

Government ministers have said that in the face of any one of them feeling at-all stressed, any of the NHS staff, especially those in the face of this coronavirus crisis, can call a helpline to air their concerns.

However, MPs have said that it is not enough and the government should provide the staff with extra support for those who are feeling overwhelmed.

With a mission statement to create a socio economic platform and legacy for communities, Real Talk Radio has started up a help service for parents with children and the vulnerable.

For people in desperate need of any help, with anything such as shopping or food, they will be there to aid people at no cost to you in general circumstances.

Their vision is to open and control the financial destiny for the benefit of communities with their strategy whilst consolidating, communicating and creating economics through organised and effective business and community networking.

A podcast that is filled with refreshing honest conversation, the listener-funded station, which covers issues such as; work, love, money, friendships, racism and health, Real Talk Radio is looking for people’s help – so that they can help vulnerable people during these troubled global fears.

For anybody who would like to find out more, or would like to donate, contact Real Talk Radio’s website for further details.

As coronavirus is claiming a ridiculously large number of victims and there being a sharp rise in deaths, there’s no sign of it slowly down.

And, as a caveat, the British Medical Association (BMA) is showing great concerns over the increasing number of people from Black, Asia and other ethnic backgrounds who are said to be more vulnerable to coronavirus than any other of the diverse cultures in the United Kingdom.

With the first ten doctors in the UK who were registered as dying from the virus coming from a Black and Asian Minority Ethnic background, the BMA is calling for the government for an investigation into the alarming ratio.

The doctors are, ostensively, from the African, Asian and Middle Eastern Diasporas.

“This situation is extremely dangerous and worrying”, BMA Chair, Dr Chaand Nagpaul, said.

“To have the first 10 doctors being of Black, Asian, or another ethnic background, makes it difficult to see as being random”.

Figures also show that 3 out of 6 named nurses who have died are from a BAME background, as well as a hospital pharmacist and at least one healthcare assistant.

Research showed that out of some 2000 patients in intensive care units, 35% were non-white.

Underlining his point, Dr Chaand Nagpaul went on: “We know that in general, people from a Black, Asian and other ethnic background make up around a third of the people in intensive care.

“The percentage is disproportionate.

“We hear that the virus does not discriminate but there does appear to be a disproportionate severity in BAME people and doctors.

In feeling that it needs to be investigated, Dr Nagpaul said that health professionals from a non-white background were showing great concern about the deaths of their colleagues.

“This, I feel, has to be addressed by the government urgently”.

One of the points that could be looked at is the feeling that BAME medics often feel bullied and harassed at high level in comparison to their white counterparts.

“They are twice as unlikely to raise concerns because of fears of recriminations”, Nagpaul said.

“The deaths of BAME doctors is particularly upsetting as the vast majority who have come from overseas have given their lives to the NHS, in order to saves the lives of others.

The Department of Health and Social Care said it was working hard to protect all communities, and that translations of the Public Information leaflets, which is posted to every household in the UK, were also on its website.

People across the UK stood up as one again to applaud the efforts of the NHS and care workers in treating those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

As last week, at 8.00 p.m., men, women and children came out of all kinds of buildings – homes and places of work – for what was the third ‘Clap-for-Carers’ show of appreciation - as certain buildings of significance were again lit up in blue - the colour of the National Health Service logo – again, at 8.00 to pay tribute to all care work staff who are seen as the most vulnerable as the battle against the outbreak shows no sign of abating just yet.

This more recent ‘Clap-for-Carers’ was more poignant to the government as it came during a time when the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson spent a third night in hospital having contracted the COVID-17 virus over the weekend.

He has since been moved from Intensive Care as his health was said to be improving during his time in St. Thomas’ Hospital, in central London.

The PM’s father, Stanley, said; “He ‘took one for the team’ and, now, we have to make sure that we play properly”.

The UK government has launched a campaign urging people to stay at home over the Easter Bank Holiday.

This last Clap-for-Care – coupled with the hospitalisation of Prime Minister Johnson – also brought into focus, by all care workers, the lack of funding in the sector.

A group of NHS doctors have taken up the new challenge that has taken social media by storm.

Created by doctors from and African origin, the #DontRush video challenge is bringing a ray of light into the gloom that is the coronavirus pandemic whilst highlighting the issues of the underrepresentation of diversity within the National Health Service.

With people now under lockdown and strict social distancing measures the #DontRush challenge sees the doctors glamming themselves up for a make-believe night out in their own homes or place of work.

The hilarious viral challenge uses a soundtrack, ‘Don’t Rush’ by Young T & Bugsey which is meant to give the illusion of somebody readying themselves to go in a matter of seconds

But, of course, let’s face it – a matter of a whole lot of minutes is ‘mission impossible’ in itself.

Nonetheless, the aim here is for participants to hone the speed of there make up skills with the aim to raise money for the National Health Service.

And, as it already stands, the TikTok challenge is receiving overwhelming response to date.

Toluwalase Asolo, a business management student at the University of Hull, started #DontRush to highlight togetherness in isolation after getting connected with ladies from Congolese, Nigeria, Sierra Leon and Turks & Caicos.

The video celebrates their diverse cultures, professions and interests all in one clip.

“It challenges has shown us that Black women creaters have tha ability to maintain virility in a digital space that is quick to eraise them.

“The #DintRushChallenge empowers and encourages women to embrace their beauty with and without makeup.

“But, in all honesty, we didn’t anticipate it blowing up the way it has.

The #DontRushChallenge has swept the world to bring some light relief do the doldrums that is Covid 19.

Act Like You’ve Got It, Anyone Can Spread It – that’s the message of a new, hard-hitting Government campaign that urges people of all ages to take the risks of coronavirus seriously.

The campaign has three clear messages about coronavirus:

Anyone can get it, anyone can spread it
Act like you’ve got it, anyone can spread it
If you go out, you can spread it. People will die.

John Denley, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Director of Public Health, said: "The new campaign makes it very clear that anyone can get coronavirus, and that anyone can spread it.

“By reducing our day-to-day contact with other people, we reduce the chance of coronavirus spreading, and that is why we all need to follow the Government's social distancing measures – particularly with the Easter Bank Holiday weekend approaching.

“We’ve now had nearly three weeks of social distancing, and the Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor has said that it seems to be starting to have the desired effect in terms of reducing the rate of new infections. It is absolutely crucial that people do not let down their guard at this time and see the Easter weekend as a chance to start ignoring the rules – because people’s lives are at stake.”

The measures include people staying at home except for very limited purposes, the closure of non-essential shops and community spaces and preventing gatherings of more than two people in public, except for members of the same household.

These measures should be followed by everyone. Separate advice is available for people or households who are isolating, and for the most vulnerable who need to be shielded.

Mr Denley said: "It great to see that so many individuals, families and businesses in Wolverhampton are complying with the guidance, and I thank every one of them for the sacrifices they are making at this difficult time. However, it is crucial that everybody continue to follow these measures if they are to be effective.

"Please consider not only your loved ones but also those in your community who are working so very hard to care for the elderly and vulnerable. It is vital we all play our part and stay home to protect lives and the NHS.”

People should only leave the house:

To shop for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible.
For one form of exercise a day, for instance a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household.
For any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.
To travel to and from work, but only where work cannot be done from home, or to take children to and from school if parents are classed as 'critical workers'.

The Government has ordered non-essential businesses and public spaces to be closed, including pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, non-essential shops, markets (excluding food markets), libraries, community centres and youth centres, indoor and outdoor leisure facilities, communal places within parks (such as playgrounds, sports courts and outdoor gyms), places of worship, hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, campsites and caravan parks.

The Government has banned all public gatherings of more than two people, except where they are from the same household or where the gathering is essential for work purposes – but workers should be trying to minimise all meetings and other gatherings in the workplace. People should keep 2m apart at all times, unless they are from the same household.

All social events, including weddings, baptisms and other religious ceremonies, have been stopped. Funerals continue, but can only be attended by immediate family members.

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.

People who have registered to volunteer to support the NHS in England during the coronavirus pandemic have now been sent details of the tasks that they can do to help.

More than 750,000 people signed up to join the ‘volunteer army’ – which is three times the government target – to help to relieve the intense pressure that the NHS is currently under.

All of the volunteers may have to deliver food and medicines, drive patients to and from appointments and make telephone contacts with people in isolation.

The process is being managed through ‘GoodSam’ a mobile app, where health professionals, pharmacists and local authorities can upload requests for help.

Thousands of approved volunteers will now be able which task that they wish to undertake in their area.

The government scheme initially had a target of recruiting 250,000 helpers, with recruitment having to be temporarily paused due to having to process the first wave of applications.

Catherine Johnson, chief executive of the Royal Volunteer Service said that it had been “a mammoth effort” to get the scheme up and running but it is now “open for business”.

The Royal Volunteer Service charity - which is helping to co-ordinate the scheme - has now said to have completed checks on the applications.

She said: “It’s determined gritt that has got us through 750,000 volunteers.

To authenticate those under normal circumstances would take months, but we don’t have months.

“We want to shield the most at-risk patients now”.

Former Formula 1 chief, Ron Dennis, has created a new scheme to supply one million free meals to NHS workers as they go above and beyond in the fight against coronavirus.

Dennis, the former head of McLaren has said that his foundation has put a £1.5million budget and joined forces with a number of companies to supply 1,000 a day to people working in the health sector.

Dennis, 72, said: “I wanted a big solution to a big problem.

“It is an amazing effort, which I think is reflective of my reputation.

“If I say I’m going to do something, then I do it”.

 UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has spent the night in intensive care at the St Thomas’ Hospital, in central London, after his condition with coronavirus worsened,

Mr Johnson, aged 55, has been given oxygen but has not been put on a ventilator, cabinet minister, Michael Gove said.

The prime minister has since been said to be “in good spirits” after spending the night in intensive care before being treated for coronavirus No.10 said.

Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, has been asked to deputise for the Prime Minister.

Arriving at No.10 on Tuesday, he said that the prime minister was “in very good hands”.

World leaders have sent messages of ‘get well’ to Johnson.

A spokesperson said that Mr Johnson was stable overnight, and is being given oxygen and is not on a ventilator.

It comes after Cabinet Office minister, Michael Gove, became the latest politician to self-isolate after a family member showed signs of the virus.

Coventry City of Culture Trust is providing 100 free spaces on a mental health masterclass for those who are self-isolating and working from home during the COVID-19 crisis.

The remote masterclass will be run by Coventry-based training provider PET-Xi.

The sessions will take place on April 6^th and 10^th with 50 free spaces each day.

The masterclass will feature advice and training on how to best look after one’s own mental health as well as providing support for others who may be suffering under the current social distancing measures.

The masterclasses are broke down into the following:

10.00 – Welcome and check-in

10.15 – Understand mental health and wellbeing

11.00 – Understand how mentally ill health affects the experience of individuals

11.30 – Understand ways to self-manage own wellbeing

12.00 – Identify sources of guidance and support for mental health

BREAK

13.00 – Self-motivation and time management

13.30 – Understand ways to self-manage own mental health and self-awareness

14.00 – Outlining strategies to manage own mental health

14.30 – Resilience during difficult times – the importance of fresh air, exercise and

interacting with family and friends through other means than face-to-face.

According to the mental health charity Mind, approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem in the space of a year.

Mental health issues can often be made worse when isolation occurs and socialising with family and friends is not an option, this is why it is so important that people can learn how to make sure they are taking care of their mental health as well as they can.

And, that employers and/or managers understand what they can do to support staff.

The Nightingale Hospital being built at the Birmingham NEC is set to be open and fully operational on April 12 senior regional health chiefs have said.

Practice will begin on April 10, with doors fully open to patients two days later.

The site, on the outskirts of Birmingham, initially will have capacity or 500 beds which can then be scaled up to an increased capacity of 1,500.

The NHS Nightingale Hospitals are emergency sites to treat the large, increasing overflow of patients with coronavirus.

The Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, has said that two more Nightingale Hospitals have been set for Bristol, in Gloucestershire and Harrogate, in Yorkshire.

In the Covid-19 daily press briefing, he explained: “The Bristol Nightingale will have a capacity of up to 1,000 beds. The capacity for Harrogate will be 500”.

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus crisis, Hancock said the number of critical care beds have been boosted by more than 2,500 – before the addition of the Nightingale Hospitals.

With he himself just recently out of isolation after contracting coronavirus, the Health Secretary added that it means that 2,000 of the beds are now free and available.

As the UK sees an increase in coronavirus cases, Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing at Birmingham City University, Kim Moore, explains what to do to cope with coronavirus induced anxiety…

It is not easy with the daily updates of coronavirus infection rates to stay calm and anxiety free, it is a worrying time and the information is constantly changing. 

It would seem that in the next few days and weeks, coronavirus will become a daily conversation for us all and like me, you are probably worrying about the risk to yourself and family members. 

Given the rapid spread of the virus globally it is normal to be concerned about coronavirus, remember that anxiety often works to protect us from harm, but if it begins to overwhelm you to the exclusion of your normal daily activities then this could be a problem.

It can be hard to shift your thoughts about something that is currently happening around you, so distraction is a good way to help reduce your levels of stress and anxiety.

Here are some activities that may help:

·       Download an image for adult colouring and create a masterpiece – this is a soothing

activity.

·       Put on your favourite song and sing along with the lyrics.

·       Watch a film or game show and turn the sound up to immerse yourself in the action,

alternatively start a new game on your game console.

·       Learn new words in different languages, or learn a new language.

·       Call or FaceTime a friend and chat about the latest film you watched or book you read.

·       Attend or do some yoga or tai chi exercise, or even take yourself for a stroll in your local

park.

·       Spend time with a pet if you have one.

·       If you can’t resist, spring clean the kitchen or clean the oven.

·       Use the link to Public Health England to check for reputable updates on what to do.

Harvard-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon, philanthropist and Founder of R.E.S.T.O.R.E Worldwide Inc. Foundation, Dr Michael K Obeng, has been recognised as one of the 2020 EBONY Power 100 honorees along with other powerhouses.

Obeng who was described by EBONY as a humanitarian, health-care consultant and a true visionary, who has transcended barriers and all stereotypes; continuing to trail-blaze paths that many only dream of.

Apart from his reputation as a “Surgeon to the Stars”, numerous philanthropic and entrepreneurial ventures, Dr. Obeng founded R.E.S.T.O.R.E (Restoring Emotional Stability Through Outstanding Reconstructive Efforts) Worldwide in 2008, an organisation that provides free reconstructive surgeries in various African countries to children and adults with disfiguring deformities from birth, accidents, and diseases, involving not only the head and neck region but also the extremities, trunk and breasts. R.E.S.T.O.R.E also educates local healthcare professionals on the latest techniques and safety measures in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Dr Obeng, originally from Ghana, is the only African plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. He frequently consults with governments and multilateral organisations to strategically advise on health policy and related matters. 

He is also the President of Global Health Solution, a healthcare consulting firm that is bridging the gap between morbidity and healthy living.

Others on the 2020 Ebony Power 100 list include Mayor of Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot; Co-Founder, FUBU, J Alexander Martin; Vice President, Global Partnerships, Google, Incorporated, Bonita Coleman Stewart, amongst many prominent African American and Africans.

Dr Obeng was mentioned in the “Community Crusaders” category for the Ebony Power list, for his efforts aimed at providing free reconstructive surgery to children with disfiguring deformities on the African continent.

Since R.E.S.T.O.R.E’s inception a decade ago, Dr Obeng and his team of volunteers and health professionals have travelled to several developing countries around the globe including Nigeria, Gabon, Guatemala, Mexico, Vietnam, Laos and Ghana. To date, R.E.S.T.O.R.E has provided over 700 surgeries in three different continents to a tune in excess of $35 million USD over a span of a decade.

Last year Dr Miko, as he is fondly called along with a team of twenty health-care volunteers from five different countries and three different continents, embarked on another medical mission to Gabon where they provided 88 free reconstructive surgery and screened 162 patients. This was their second medical mission in the country and a celebration of the 10th anniversary of R.E.S.T.O.R.E.

In 2020, EBONY is celebrating 75 years of serving the Black community, showcasing the stories and achievements of Black people in all areas of American society and culture. In 1971, EBONY introduced the “Most Influential Black Americans List”, which has evolved into the annual EBONY Power 100 List.

“We are thrilled to be able to recognize those who are making a difference for our people around the world,” said Willard Jackson, EBONY Chairman and CEO. “Every name on the list is a leader and have had a positive impact on the African-American community. They shape perceptions, influence culture and galvanize communities. They are game-changers at a time when we need people to get in the game.”

Ebony magazine, founded in 1945 by John H, Johnson, is a monthly American publication that focuses on news, culture, and entertainment. Its target audience is the African-American community, and its coverage includes the lifestyles and accomplishments of influential black people, fashion, beauty, and politics.

The publication is renowned globally for the focus it gives to African-American issues, personalities and interests in a positive and self-affirming manner.

City of Wolverhampton Council is highlighting the support and advice on offer to the self-employed during the coronavirus outbreak.

The government announced yesterday (Thursday) evening a Self-employment Income Support Scheme to help people through this difficult time.

Information on the scheme and how it will be administered by HMRC can be found at bit.ly/SelfEmployedSupport. There is also an FAQs section to refer to at https://bit.ly/SelfEmployedFAQs.

Councillor Harman Banger, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “I am delighted the government has taken these steps to help protect the self-employed during these difficult times.

“I would urge anyone in Wolverhampton who is self-employed to look at the online guidance and ensure they have everything in order to meet the criteria.

“As a council, we are also continuing to work with regional partners to provide targeted advice and guidance or sign-post businesses to the best source of help.”

For all the latest government business support measures visit: http://bit.ly/2IUD02v

The council has also outlined where to seek local and regional help.

The council’s Business Rates Team is taking the following steps in relation to the recovery of business rates:

• Suspending court action for recovery of business rates after March 19
• Issuing reminder notices to encourage contact from businesses, so that we can understand their individual situation
• Suspending the issue of new cases for enforcement agent action
• Negotiating repayments where possible and/or agree to a hold in recovery action for a period where businesses are struggling

For any businesses/tenants that rent property from the council and wish to discuss their position, please contact the Estates Team, Corporate Landlord, by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and options will be discussed.

The Black Country Growth Hub has information on local business support programmes and business advice: https://bcgrowthhub.com/coronavirus-covid19

The Federation of Small Business has information for small independent traders: https://www.fsb.org.uk/

Access to Business helps new businesses or if you are in the process of setting up in business: https://access2business.co.uk

The Black Country Chamber have online advice and a business helpline (01902 912322): https://www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/campaigns-projects/covid19-business-support/