Tag: health

Teesside Charity Aims To Raise Awareness Of Dyspraxia

By on 25th January 2016in Lifestyle

A Teesside charity is launching a new support group which aims to help young people affected by dyspraxia…

Roseberry Community Consortium has set up Dyspraxia Support Group, which will offer assistance and a wealth of support for anyone in the region, aged between 13 and 25, suffering from the condition.

Pritthijit Datta, the brains behind this new group, suffers from dyspraxia himself, and has been a trustee of the Stockton-based charity for five years.

He said: “The support group will give members the opportunity to share their experiences with others who are affected by dyspraxia, and also help to build their confidence levels and social skills.

“There will be numerous activities which members can get involved in, ranging from art to one-on-one sessions, workshops and more.

“The charity has gone from strength to strength, and we would like to see this continue by getting as many people involved with the support group as we can.”

Dyspraxia is a life-long condition which specifically affects a person’s co-ordination. It is thought to affect around 3% of adults in the UK, and is more common in men.

Pritthijit – who was diagnosed with dyspraxia at a young age – has played a pivotal role in moving the charity forward, but believes the condition is still misunderstood.

He said: “I hope the support group will help us raise awareness of dyspraxia across the Tees Valley, and also help not only those affected by it, but also the people around them.

“Our aim is to educate people so they get a better understanding of the condition.”

Roseberry Community Consortium was established in 2009, and offers guidance for disadvantaged young people across the Tees Valley through numerous projects, including music tuition, dancing, heritage, education and life skills.

The charity also runs a horticultural project, Plot to Plate, which is transforming a once derelict piece of land between Stockton and Middlesbrough into a vibrant garden and horticulture resource.

“Plot to Plate encourages young people to think about healthy eating and wellbeing, and also aims to help members build their self-confidence,” said Pritthijit.

“It’s a fantastic project, and we’re hoping the area will become a community hub for the region.”

Roseberry Community Consortium wants to develop the Plot to Plate further, and is looking for volunteers to join the project in March.

Dyspraxia Support Group will launch on Saturday 30th January at Arc, Stockton, at 1pm and is currently looking for volunteers and new members.

For more information about the forward thinking charity, or to become a member or volunteer with Dyspraxia Support Group, visit www.roseberrycommunityconsortium.org.

County Durham Cracks Down On Public Smoking

By on 22nd January 2016in In & Around

A crackdown is being launched on smoking in County Durham bus stations…

 

Durham County Council officers are teaming up with bus companies Arriva and Go North East to send out the message that smoking will not be tolerated in the county’s stations.

The campaign, which runs until February, will see staff visiting bus stations and issuing fines to anyone caught smoking.

Since 2007, almost all indoor public places and workplaces, including vehicles, have been required to be smoke free by law.

Smoking is also prohibited in all enclosed or ‘substantially enclosed’ public places and workplaces, including bus stations.

But despite the law, some people continue to smoke in and around county stations.

A recent survey carried out at some of the county’s bus stations revealed that over 71% of people have seen smoking in or around the sites.

Public Protection Officers and Neighbourhood Wardens will be visiting stations at Durham, Consett, Stanley, Peterlee and Bishop Auckland while the campaign is running.

They will be reminding people that it is against the law to smoke in bus stations, issuing fixed penalty notices to anyone caught doing so, and providing advice and guidance on smoke free issues.

Information posters will also be displayed in the stations.

Arriva and Go North East are supporting the campaign by spreading the message among their staff, especially those who work in county stations.

Joanne Waller, head of environment, health and consumer protection, said: “Smoking in bus stations is illegal, and yet some people continue to do it.

“It is a health hazard and a nuisance to other station users, and we will be taking action against anyone we catch flouting the law.”

Ramside Spa Offers Exclusive Valentine’s Packages

By on 20th January 2016in Lifestyle

Couples looking to pamper themselves this Valentine’s Day can indulge in a special spa day at a leading North East venue…

The Spa at Ramside, Carrville, Durham, is offering a range of spa packages to help guests to celebrate the most romantic day of the year.

All the Valentine’s packages include full use of the spa facilities and a two course lunch or dinner in the venue’s Fusion restaurant.

Guests can choose from the ‘Spa Struck – Valentine’s Twilight for Two’, which includes a 60 minute Balinese massage, and the ‘Two Peas in a Pod’ package which includes, a Mud Rasul ritual for two, and 45 minute back, neck and shoulder massage.

There is also a selection of packages, such as the Precious Moments Together and the Sheer Indulgence together – which also includes a 90 minute four hands sheer indulgence for two, and exclusive use of the spa’s newest addition, the light relax room and private balcony infinity pool.

“Valentine’s spa experiences are becoming increasingly popular, and what better way to treat your loved one? It’s the ideal gift,” said Jill Russell, spa director at Ramside Hall.

“Our packages have been specially designed to give couples some quality time together, and really help them to relax and enjoy themselves in our state-of-the-art facilities.”

The spa, which is part of Ramside Hall Hotel, includes five heat experiences, an outdoor vitality pool, a 25-meter swimming pool, balcony infinity pool and one of the UK’s largest hydrotherapy pools.

All the packages will run throughout February and March, excluding the Spa Struck package which will run exclusively between February 12th and 15th.

Prices start from £150 per couple. For further details please visit www.ramsidespa.co.uk.

Prestwick Care Unveils New Platinum Range Care Home

By on 15th January 2016in Local Biz

An award-winning North East care home provider has unveiled a state of the art facility overlooking Newcastle racecourse, following a £6.5m investment…

Melton House, Melton Park, Gosforth, is the latest addition to the portfolio of homes owned and operated by Prestwick Care, a division of the privately-owned, Newcastle-based Malhotra Group PLC.

Business leaders and health professionals were among those invited to watch group chairman Meenu Malhotra officially open Melton House, which is due to welcome its first residents within days.

They were then given a tour of the 67-bedroom home, which is aimed at those requiring residential care, as well as general and dementia nursing, and boasts a range of services and facilities, including in-house physiotherapy, a cinema, full laundry service and hairdressing salon.

Among the guests was Kingsley Smith OBE, chairman of Newcastle Hospital Foundation Trust, who said: “The facilities here are quite remarkable, and what is really impressive are the specialist services and nursing care for people with dementia.

“What we have here is a fantastic example of integrated care in the community, and I have been enormously impressed.”

More than 80 jobs have been created by the development of the purpose-built home, on the site of the former Northumberland Records Office.

Established in 1991, Prestwick Care provides a combination of nursing and residential care for elderly and vulnerable people in homes across the North East.

Prestwick Care’s director of care, Bunty Malhotra, said: “I am delighted to be able to introduce the eleventh home in the Prestwick family.

“It is the first in our new, Platinum range of homes and, in terms of care and quality of accommodation and facilities, I would like to think it is one of the best homes in the north of England.

“My joy has been doubled in that, by opening this facility, we are able to save 50 jobs being lost as a result of the imminent closure of a nearby care home.

“And, most importantly, we will be able to provide the continuity of care for that home’s elderly and vulnerable residents that is critical to their welfare.”

Building work is already underway to create the second home in Prestwick Care’s Platinum range; an 87-bedroom facility in the centre of Alnwick.

Work will also begin in the summer on a new care facility at Sunderland, with the company planning to open a further three new care facilities over the next three years.

The company is also involved in a range of other initiatives, working closely with Occupation Therapy students at Newcastle University and with Northumbria Health Care Trust on research around the therapeutic value of medication.

For further information visit www.prestwickcare.co.uk.

Council To Close 12 Adult Day Care Centres Across County Durham

By on 14th January 2016in In & Around

Changes to council-run adult day services in County Durham have now been agreed…

 

Members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet agreed a reorganisation of services that will result in the closure of 12 centres by September 2016.

People using the 12 centres which will close will be supported in finding alternative provision to meet their needs in the independent and/or voluntary sector.

All people who are assessed as needing a service will continue to receive one, and any changes will be carefully planned.

The decision was made in response to significant changes to the way in which people choose day services, which has led to drop in demand for traditional council-run centres, as well as the need to make £1.59m savings during 2016/17.

The council will continue to run five centres from across the county in order to continue to offer specialist services to people with complex needs. Around 101 people currently fall into this category.

Cllr Lucy Hovvels, cabinet member for adult and health services at Durham County Council, said: “This was not an easy decision to make, and we recognise that it will be disappointing for many of those affected.

“However, we must respond to the changing demand for these services, as well as the financial pressures we face, and therefore we must make these changes.

“Many people are already choosing alternative care services in the community and voluntary sector – particularly as a result of national changes such as the introduction of Direct Payments, which enables people to make their own choices about where and how to get support.

“Our staff are very experienced in helping people to make the right choices for their needs and in supporting people through the move to a new service.

“We will continue to work with people to understand their needs, and any concerns they have so that we can support them through any changes.”

The five centres which will provide specialist day services are Durham Pathways, Pity Me; Spennymoor Pathways, Spennymoor Leisure Centre; Newton Aycliffe Pathways, Aycliffe Leisure Centre; Peterlee Pathways; and Stanley Pathways, Louisa Leisure Centre.

The 12 day services which will close are Ebony Woodwork Unit, Consett; Chester-le-Street Pathways; Crook Pathways; Proudfoot Centre, Bishop Auckland; Annfield Plain Pathways; Silver Street, Spennymoor; Consett Pathways; Harmire Unit, Barnard Castle; Bishop Auckland Pathways, Tindale Crescent; Bracken Hill Centre, Peterlee; Bede Day Centre, Barnard Castle; and Stanhope Pathways.

All people who use the existing 17 centres, their carers and staff at the centres have been consulted on the proposals, and their feedback was included in the report to Cabinet.

Bannatyne Health Club Invests In New Facilities

By on 7th January 2016in Local Biz

Bannatyne Health Club in Durham has received a boost to its equipment levels and facilities thanks to extra investment…

The club has installed state of the art equipment on the gym floor following refurbishment. This includes upgraded CV and resistance equipment at the club, based on Eden Terrace in Belmont near Durham City. The club also has an expanded free weights section, which contains new plate loaded equipment.

The Bannatyne Group has also invested in a brand new function area at the health club, which includes Technogym Omnia 3. This is a new functional training system that is designed to maximise interaction. The system covers all aspects of training, including strength, endurance, stability, flexibility, coordination and speed. Improvements have also been made to the CV equipment, which now include interactive televisions.

A new Spa recently opened at the Durham health club, further enhancing the facilities, with five treatment rooms, three of which are individual treatment rooms and two dual treatment rooms, which enables users to share their relaxation with friends or family.

Matthew Emery, General Manager at the Durham health club, said: “The new gym floor at Bannatyne Health Club Durham is a great addition to the club. The new equipment is state-of-the-art and will help members achieve their fitness and health goals even more effectively.

“The company has developed and improved the gym floor, and installed fantastic new equipment to further enhance the range of functional training equipment available to members.

“Functional training is the way the industry is progressing, and focuses on training movement patterns rather than isolation individual muscle groups. The new equipment provides fantastic fat burning workouts, and will improve strength, endurance, and boost metabolism.”

He added “Bannatyne Health Club Durham’s new gym floor is just one of the amazing facilities available at the club. Alongside the gym, the club offers a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and a spa pool. With such fantastic new facilities and a brand new Spa, it’s a great time to join our improved club.”

County Durham Gets Fit For Free In 2016

By on 30th December 2015in Lifestyle

Friends could win the chance to improve their fitness for free as part of a three month effort urging more people to exercise this New Year…

 

Durham County Council is committed to improving the health of families, and is introducing new offers across its 10 managed leisure centres.

To celebrate, the authority is seeking one individual or two friends to take up the challenge and try out the centre of their choice for three months, with their progress tracked to inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Further encouragement will come in the form of free exercise classes, open to all members of the public, from Monday 4th January to Friday 15th January.

The sessions – which will include new Body Combat classes – will give visitors a chance to try out new things, and learn techniques and routines.

Then, on the weekend of 16th and 17th January, all 10 centres will be hosting a free workout weekend, with open access to gyms, swimming pools and classes.

That will include Spennymoor Leisure Centre, which on 20th December will see its pool re-open following essential maintenance and improvements to its changing rooms.

If visitors choose to join as swimming or gym members during the free weekend, they will receive their first month’s membership for free.

To be in with a chance of getting fit with a friend for free, email your details to sportandleisure@durham.gov.uk by Friday 8 January 2016.

Full terms & conditions are available on the Durham County Council website at www.durham.gov.uk/leisurecentres.

Council Provides Essential Winter Weather Tips

By on 29th December 2015in In & Around

Following the continued wintry weather, people in County Durham are being urged to stay warm, well and safe…

 

Durham County Council is reminding everyone that online resources are available at www.durham.gov.uk/warmandwell to ensure that no one is left out in the cold this winter.

As well as advice on staying healthy and looking after elderly or vulnerable neighbours, there’s also information on coping with the snow and ice. This includes everything from finding out the location of your nearest salt bin, to tips for driving in wintry conditions.

There’s also guidance on how to make sure your home is warm and energy efficient, including information about the Government’s Warm Homes Discount Scheme, whereby energy companies must offer extra help to their most vulnerable customers, with a possible one-off rebate of £140 on energy bills to those who qualify.

Cllr Eddie Tomlinson, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for assets, strategic housing and rural issues said: “With the winter weather well and truly underway, we’d like to remind everyone that a range of advice and information is available on our website to keep people warm, well and safe.”

Pantomime Star Joins Durham Park Run

By on 21st December 2015in In & Around

Amateur athletes were bright as Buttons as they were joined by a pantomime star for Durham Park Run…

 

With the Gala Theatre’s Cinderella half way through its run, the cast must dig deep ahead of the more than 20 performances still to come.

But showing he still has the stamina for the weeks ahead, writer, director and actor Paul Hartley pulled on his trainers and dashing blue Buttons costume to start the 5km course at Maiden Castle.

Cinderella, which Paul wrote and directed alongside Neil Armstrong, has been praised by audiences and critics alike, with many performances sold out over the Christmas period.

The show runs until Sunday 3rd January. Tickets, priced from £8, are still available – with the best availability for performances on the final weekend. For more information, call the Gala Box Office on 03000 266 600, or visit www.galadurham.co.uk.

Hadrian House Care Home Stars In Pioneering Medical Film

By on 11th December 2015in Local Biz

A North East care home, which has taken a pioneering approach to medication, has starred in a film about the subject…

Hadrian House, Wallsend, which belongs to Prestwick Care, part of Newcastle-based Malhotra Group PLC, has been working with pharmacists and GPs to look at ways of reducing the medication being taken by its 50 residents.

And now the newly commissioned care home’s visionary approach has been featured in the first of a series of five films, launched by independent health charity the Health Foundation, looking at ways of tackling the challenges faced by the NHS nationally.

Pills: Reviewing Medication in Care Homes, reveals how the lives of residents were improved when they and their families became more involved in decisions about their medication.

As a result of the review, the amount of medicines prescribed to residents was reduced by 17%, not only saving money but also improving quality of life, by reducing the likes of drowsiness.

“I am delighted that not only were we chosen by Northumbria NHS Trust to be a pilot for this review into medication, but that the results were so impressive,” said Sylvia Dixon, Clinical Governance Manager for Prestwick Care.

“As the film shows, a great deal can be achieved when people work together with a common interest – not least, a better quality of life for the elderly.”

The Power of People films can be viewed on the Health Foundation’s website, and each depicts an innovative project to improve care and show the positive impact good health care can have on people’s lives.                                                                   

Will Warburton, director of improvement at the Health Foundation, said: “These films show what can be achieved when people are given the time and resources to transform and improve patient care.

“There is a lot of excellent work being done in the NHS and beyond, and it’s important to celebrate that. We hope these films will be shared widely and inspire others to recognise the power in themselves to generate change.

“The demands on the NHS are growing. The ideas of the people working in the health service will be essential in meeting this challenge.”

The other four films in the series are Flo: Telecare With a Human Touch, about a project that enables people to better manage their health and wellbeing through the use of text message reminders, and Bottoms Up: Everyone Can Influence Safety, which showcases projects led by health professionals at Ulster Hospital in Belfast.

Recovery College: From Mental Health Patient to Recovery Student shows how the lives of people with serious mental illness can be turned around when they gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to manage their condition.

Gold Line: Bringing Healthcare Home is a moving account of a 24/7 telephone service for people in their last years of life, and highlights the experiences and depth of personal courage shown by people and their families who use the service.

To view Pills: Reviewing Medication in Care Homes, visit http://www.health.org.uk/pills.

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