Director's Welcome
Hello and welcome to our Tea Break December round-up!
A very warm welcome to our December ‘round-up’ issue of The Tea Break!
As we prepare to head off for the Christmas holidays, I hope you’re looking forward to some well-deserved quality time with friends and loved ones.
While this issue may be slightly shorter than usual, it’s still packed full of great stories for you to enjoy as you sip your (hopefully Christmassy) coffee.
EAVAWP Annual Conference
This month our East Ayrshire Violence Against Women Partnership held its annual conference, with speakers from across the partnership, Police Scotland and Public Health Scotland to name a few. I was delighted to be able to attend and heard some excellent discussion about the harmful societal attitudes that often precede gender-based violence, and what we can all do to tackle them.
However, the most affecting part of the conference came when survivors from The STAR Rape Crisis Centre bravely stood before attendees and told their stories. These stories were incredibly moving and hard to listen to, and it was a privilege to bear witness to such courage and I’m sure I speak for all attendees when I say this.
East Ayrshire Alcohol and Drugs Partnership
East Ayrshire Alcohol and Drugs Partnership also held their annual conference this month, where we were joined by David Best, the world’s first Professor of Addiction Recovery, Linda Nisbet, Children’s Services Manager for Barnardos East Ayrshire, and Alison Douglas, Chief Executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland. We were also treated to some great lunchtime entertainment from EA Recovery Hub’s band, Recovery Rocks!
Christmas party fun
Following our chat with them last month, we caught up again with the ‘Ayrshire Am-asn Warriors’ ASN children and families group for their first ever Christmas party. Looks like everyone had a ball and is more than ready for Santa to pay a visit.
Amazing achievements
Congratulations are in order for our senior nurse, Lauren Speirs, who recently received the Queen’s Nurse Award from the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland (QNIS). Well done Lauren on this fantastic accolade – we are all very proud of your achievements
There’s all this and so much more to get stuck into in this issue.
As you enjoy our final Tea Break of 2022, may I wish you and your friends, family and loved ones a fantastic Christmas and a 2023 filled with health and happiness.
See you next year!
Craig McArthur
Director of East Ayrshire Health and
Social Care Partnership
VAWP Conference asks What Next for protecting women and girls
The East Ayrshire Violence Against Women Partnership’s Annual Conference took place this month, asking ‘What Next?’ for protecting women and girls in East Ayrshire from gender-based violence.
The event took place on Tuesday 6 December at Kilmarnock’s Take A Bow Opportunity Centre, and was attended by over 100 elected members, staff from EAHSCP, Women’s organisations, Police Scotland, Public Health Scotland, entertainer and activist Becky O’Brien, and staff and survivors from the STAR Centre.
Read this story on our Living Well website.
ADP Conference explores social connection in addiction recovery
East Ayrshire Alcohol and Drugs Partnership held their annual conference this month, with a variety of guest speakers discussing different aspects of recovery.
The event took place at The Park Hotel, Kilmarnock, and was attended by Professor David Best, the world’s first Professor of Addiction Recovery, Linda Nisbet, Children’s Services Manager for Barnardos East Ayrshire, and Alison Douglas, Chief Executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland.
We also heard from Patchwork Recovery Community, East Ayrshire Recovery Hub, and The Zone Inititative, as well as great musical entertainment from Recovery Rocks.
Read this story on our Living Well website.
Babychat Group provides support and friendship to East Ayrshire mums
An East Ayrshire mother and baby group is providing invaluable support, relaxation and friendship to mums in Kilmarnock and surrounding area.
The Babychat Group was set up by the EAHSCP Health Visiting Service and is delivered at East Ayrshire Community Hospital by Health Visiting Support Workers, Carolyn Wells and Senga Leggat.
Read this story on our Living Well website.
Festive fun at ASN children's group's Christmas party
A local group for children with additional support needs recently held another fantastic, inclusive family event.
Ayrshire Am-asn Warriors, which organises events for ASN children and their families, recently held their Christmas Party at Jam Street Dance Studio, Kilmarnock, featuring bouncy castles, a raffle, a Santa’s grotto, fancy dress fun and even a visit from Rudolph and a Christmas penguin.
Read this story on our Living Well website.
Kilmarnock nurse receives Queen's Nurse Award
Congratulations to NHS A&A senior nurse Lauren Speirs, who recently received the prestigious Queen's Nurse Award from the Queen's Nursing Institute Scotland (QNIS).
Lauren was nominated for her work in the implementation of Community Treatment and Care services and in supporting newly qualified practitioners joining the service, receiving the accolade at an awards ceremony in the Sheraton Grand Hotel, Edinburgh.
Read this story in our full length article.
Scottish Government selects EAHSCP as GIRFE pathfinder
We’re pleased to announce that EAHSCP has been selected as a ‘Getting it Right for Everyone (GIRFE)’ pathfinder.
This builds on our long-established work on GIRFEC in children and young people and our approach to self-directed support.
Erik Sutherland, Head of Locality Health and Care Services, told us more.
Read this story in our full length article.
Fun and games at CHATmas party
East Ayrshire Vibrant Communities’ Community Health Activity Team (CHAT) recently held a ‘CHATmas’ party, for people who have been referred to the service through the Activity on Prescription scheme (AOP).
The event was the group’s first in-person gathering since 2019, and brought together participants who attend CHAT exercise classes and organised walks.
Read this story on our Living Well website.
Student nurse praises ‘lovely and welcoming’ staff
A student nurse who recently completed her second year of placement has provided glowing praise for staff in the hospital where she was based.
Following her placement in the Burnock Ward of East Ayrshire Community Hospital (EACH), she submitted feedback via QMPLE (Quality Management of the Practice Learning Environment).
Read this story in our full length article.
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