 Let’s break the silence and smash the stigma around suicide
According to the National Suicide Prevention Alliance, between 6,000 and 7,000 people die by suicide every year. That’s someone dying by suicide approximately every 90 minutes.
The cause of suicide is complex, but it is preventable. Even just starting a conversation, could save someone’s life.
There are many support services available to help, day or night. If you need immediate help, call the Crisis Line on 0808 1963779.
Staying safe and well in extreme heat
As we are experiencing another hot spell, we are being reminded to keep ourselves and others, especially those who are more vulnerable - older people, those with underlying health conditions, babies and pets – safe and well in the heat.
Many of us enjoy the sun, but the hot weather can be difficult for some people. Remember to:
- look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people who may also live alone, and those with underlying conditions are particularly at risk
- stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
- try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
- walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
- avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
- make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
- check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly
- check medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging
- never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- take care and make sure to follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down.
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Let fresh air in to reduce spread of respiratory infection
It may be Summer and we’ve heard news reports that the number of infections is going down, but Covid-19 hasn’t gone away.
There are some simple things we can keep doing to keep ourselves and those around us safe. If you can, meet with others outdoors. If you’re not able to get outside, try to keep windows open to help get some fresh air in if you can. This can be done if you’re at home or working in the office.
It’s also a good idea to wash your hands frequently or have some sanitiser handy while you’re in the office or at work. This helps stop the spread and keep everyone safer, as there are more people and more shared surfaces in work environments.
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Vaccinations are still available
If you haven’t had a Covid-19 vaccination yet, it isn’t too late to get your first, second or booster dose.
Go online or call 119 to book your vaccination, or you can check if there’s a walk-in vaccination site in your local area.
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Do you need to get a test to travel?
If you’re planning to travel abroad for a break this summer, remember that there are still some countries that require you to take a test before you travel (fit to fly test), or have other Covid-19 entry rules in place. Check the government’s foreign travel advice for the country you intend to visit.
You can also find out how to choose a private Covid-19 test provider on the government website.
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Be tick aware this summer
Lyme disease is an infection caused by a type of bacteria that is carried by some species of ticks. You can get the disease if bitten by an infected tick and you’re most likely to be exposed to ticks when spending time outdoors in green spaces.
Ticks and the potential risk of Lyme disease shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the outdoors this summer, but there are various things you can do to avoid being bitten and to reduce the chance of being infected.
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