
Languishing in the lobby? Fret no more but turn to this quick start guide to Microstoft Teams – here.
Languishing in the lobby? Fret no more but turn to this quick start guide to Microstoft Teams – here.
NHS 24/Inform is providing alternative formats to help people with communication differences access COVID-19 information:
The Browsealoud tool helps users access information on NHS inform by: reading this aloud, highlighting and magnifying text, creating audio files. Find out more here: www.nhsinform.scot/accessibility
We’ve developed new tools, giving people a choice of how to get the COVID-19 information they need:
People with communication differences can access the COVID-19 helpline (and all other NHS 24 phone services) in a number of ways:
See toolkit here.
‘As I said last week, we can’t live this way forever. We all want to get back to some semblance of normality – whether that’s seeing our friends and family, getting back to work or school, or just being able to spend our free time in the way we want to.
‘This document sets out the steps that will take us there. It doesn’t have all the answers and it doesn’t set exact timescales. That’s because we are still learning about the virus. We will have to move carefully and gradually to ensure we keep it under control and develop the best ways of doing so.’
Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland
Read the Route Map document here.
From Sue Cairns
In the May edition of the ELTRP newsletter, you will find articles on:
You can read the full newsletter here.
STV are showcasing Our Community Kitchen from 5.30 pm on 23 May 2020 as part of their Local Lifelines campaign. Hope to share link on Monday’s blog, if you don’t catch tomorrow.
From Lorraine Congalton, Community Development Officer, ELC
Hi there
I hope you are all well in these uncertain times.
Please find the link below to our first Connected Communities e-bulletin. This first bulletin will focus on youth services and information to support mental wellbeing.
Please share round your networks.
Many thanks
Lorraine
Lorraine Congalton
Community Development Officer
07976 596 112
The Justice Social Work Unpaid Work Team is still looking for old bikes to refurbish – find out why here. So, if you have a bike that has seen better days but might be of use, give Davie Rutherford a ring on 07776 170 478 or drop him a line at drutherford@eastlothian.gov.uk
STV’s Laura’s Laura Alderman were interviewing Clair, Suzanne and Sarah about life in Eskgreen during lockdown this afternoon for a piece for STV News at Six to broadcast next week.
After seven years as CEO of COEL, Andrew Tweedie left in April to take up a new post as CEO of the Royal Society for the Support of Women of Scotland
Jess Wade has been appointed the new chief executive officer of Carers of East Lothian (CoEL) and Company Secretary, following an open and competitive selection process.
Jess brings to the organisation a wealth of knowledge and skills from working in the Scottish voluntary sector since 2004, with particular expertise in project management and strategic planning. She was previously manager at the umbrella charity Self Directed Support Scotland (SDSS).
Jess is currently a Board Member of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), Barony Housing Association and Home-Start Edinburgh West and South-West. She is also a long-term human rights activist and campaigner, a mother of two, and, growing up in Liverpool, a committed Beatles fan.
Jess says:
“I am delighted to be heading CoEL as we continue to provide support to carers in these challenging times. I look forward to working with colleagues across health and social care and in partner agencies, as well as carers themselves, to make life better for carers and the people they care for now and in the future.”
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, Jess added:
“CoEL is providing information, advice and emotional support to carers over the telephone. We are also assisting carers with welfare rights issues and benefits applications. Please call us on 0131 665 0135 if you care for someone else and need help. We have a carer support worker available Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, to respond to new enquiries.”
Congratulating Jess on her appointment, Carers of East Lothian Chair, David Binnie says:
“I am thrilled that Jess has joined CoEL and look forward to working with her. I am confident she will relish the new challenges and use her experience and skills to inspire the staff team. Together they will continue to develop quality services and provide essential support to unpaid carers across East Lothian.”
Contact Jess at:
0131 653 1056 (direct line)
07810 541 634
Jess@coel.org.uk
East Lothian Health and Social Care Primary Care Clinical Lead Alastair Clubb says:
‘These are very challenging times and we know there are many people finding it hard at the moment. There are a lot of extra pressures right now for people, including additional caring responsibilities, and worries about money or work. People may also be struggling because they are cut off from family or friends. As a result, we’re aware that people may feel anxious or depressed, and unsure of where to turn for help.
‘That’s why we set up the CWIC Mental Health Line. We have established one number for everyone across the county to speak with a specialist Mental Health Practitioner and get support. We are working closely with GP surgeries to make sure people get support from the right person at the right time.’
The new ELHSCP Mental Health line is open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday. You don’t need a referral from a GP or other clinical professional to use it. It’s for anyone aged 18 and over.
If you are feeling anxious, depressed or have other worries about your mental health, call us on 01620 642 963 between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday. An experienced worker will take your details and make an appointment for you to speak to a specialist mental health practitioner, who will ring you back at a at time that is convenient for you within the next 36 hours. The practitioner will assess you over the phone, and provide help and support and sometimes a referral on to other services.
This service is not designed for:
· people already being seen regularly by a Community Mental Health Nurse in the Community Mental Health Team
· people who are experiencing a mental health emergency—in this case, please phone your GP or emergency mental health support immediately.
Alastair adds:
‘The lockdown experience, along with the everyday stresses of life, can be very difficult to deal with and really affect your mood and emotions. We have an experienced team of Mental Health Practitioners who can offer support and advice to improve your well-being, so if you’re finding it hard to cope we would encourage you to give us a ring.’