The online Wellbeing Diary is a self-help tool which will ask you questions about your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing each time you log on, to help you map changes in your wellbeing over time. 

Tracking your wellbeing in this way can help you to make sense of how you are feeling and identify the things in your life which help to maintain your health and mood. The diary also signposts you to further support for the things that you may be struggling with.

To use the diary, visit: https://www.mypersonalwellbeing.co.uk/ 

World MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Day is observed on May 30 every year and aims to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis and bring together those who are living with the condition to share their stories.

MS is a neurological condition that affects the brain, optic nerves and spinal cord causing a range of symptoms such as problems with balance, vision and muscle control. It is one of the most common causes of disability in younger adults and while it can develop at any age it’s more commonly diagnosed in people in their 20s or 30s. It is about three times more common in woman and slightly reduces life expectancy. The cause of MS is currently unknown, and at the moment there is no cure. However, research is progressing quickly in the hope of finding one.

Nicola Hyslop, was appointed as the Advanced MS Champion for North Cumbria in July 2019, as part of an MS Trust funded pilot which established six Advanced MS Champions at sites across the UK. Nicola’s role is to focus solely on the needs of people with advanced MS, as these people are often least able to access MS services, but have complex needs and are most vulnerable to otherwise avoidable complications. 

Nicola said: “The goal is to deliver proactive, holistic care and work across boundaries to coordinate and develop care pathways, which address the needs of this group of people.”

Nicola was recently invited to speak at the 24th annual virtual MS Trust, and delivered a workshop about “optimising respiratory function in patients with advanced MS”, and received lovely feedback from her peers. 

One lady, called Nicola, who is living with advanced MS, said: “Since accessing this service (my Advanced MS Champion), I have felt a sense of complete support, relief and comfort, especially during the current climate. I have had a number of health issues that have caused various problems with my MS including a recent hospital admission with suspected COVID-19. Nicola has fully supported me all the way and I don’t think I could have coped without her support. I no longer feel at a loss with my condition. This service is invaluable to myself and individuals dealing with MS.”

Read the full article here...

A Whitehaven-based student has been honoured for her commitment to local healthcare after winning an award in memory of a much-loved local doctor.

Lucy Rowley is this year’s winner of the Olu Orugun Award, a prize that is a given annually to a physician associate student from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) to honour the late Dr Orugun, North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust’s associate medical director and consultant physician, who passed away in 2017.

The award is given each year to a student who has shown dedication, compassion, teamwork and resilience in their work, qualities that Dr Orugun was known for during his time as a consultant physician based at the West Cumberland Hospital.

Read the full article here...

FREE Suicide and Self-harm Resource Tins

The Every Life Matters Suicide Prevention Resource Tins provide organisations vital at-hand information for someone experiencing thoughts of suicide or who is self-harming, as well as where to get help and support, both in a crisis and longer term.

They also provide information for people who are worried about someone else, and what they can do to practically help, as well as information for people who have experienced a suicide bereavement.

To order a Tin contact ian.alcock@every-life-matters.org.uk or order online here...

FREE Half Day Online Training: Suicide Alertness

This three hour online training session is aimed at anyone who wants to understand more about suicide, how to know when someone may be having thoughts of suicide, how to talk directly and comfortably about suicide, and what we can all do to offer practical support. The training qualifies you as an Orange Button Holder. 

Find out more about all available courses here...

Self-harm Safe Kits

The Every Life Matters Self-harm Safe Kits are a resource for anyone wanting to understand, and begin to find ways to manage, their self-harming behaviour.

If you would like to order Kits for use in your school, primary care practice or other organisation please contact Every Life Matters direct at info@every-life-matters.org.uk