Although we can now live safely with Covid-19, there is still some additional guidance in place in care homes. This is because many of the people who live in them are especially vulnerable to Covid-19 and other illnesses, due to age or underlying health conditions, and infections can spread quickly in communal places. One infection can turn into an outbreak, which can affect visiting and residents’ ability to take part in activities they enjoy.

There are simple things you can do to keep your loved ones, other residents and social care staff safe when visiting a care home:

• Avoid visiting if you feel unwell. Even if you just have mild cold symptoms or have tested negative for Covid-19, you could still have another illness such as flu or norovirus, which can also be very dangerous to older people or those with weakened immune systems. Avoid entering the care home until at least 5 days after you feel better
• Meet your loved ones outdoors or in a well-ventilated room. In colder weather, consider opening windows for 5–10 minutes every hour to let fresh air in
• Wear a face mask when moving through the home during the visit, and practice good hand hygiene, such as washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or  using hand sanitiser before and after touching anything
• Look out for potential symptoms of Covid-19 in your loved ones, including more unusual symptoms such as loss of appetite, falls, confusion, distress, or simply ‘not being themselves’. If you think your loved one may be displaying a symptom of Covid-19, alert a member of staff.

These steps are especially important during the winter, when illnesses are more common in the community. They can also help to protect staff in care homes from falling ill and not being able to care for your loved ones, and our NHS services from becoming overwhelmed, which can lead to the cancellation of appointments and operations for all of us.

Norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes sickness and diarrhoea. Following lower levels than normal throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we have now started to see an increase in norovirus, particularly among older people.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of norovirus, like vomiting or diarrhoea please don’t visit vulnerable people, particularly in care homes or hospital, while until 48 hours after your symptoms stop.

Limit the spread of the virus by thoroughly washing your hands regularly with soap and water – not hand gel - but especially after using the toilet or an episode of illness and before eating or preparing food.

The Samaritans’ Small Talk Saves Lives empowers people to trust their instincts and encourages everyone to act if they see someone who might need help.

A little small talk and a simple question like “Hi, where can I get a coffee?” can be all it takes to interrupt someone's suicidal thoughts and could help set them on the journey to recovery.

Delivered in partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail industry, Small Talk Saves Lives will run from 21 February to 12 March 2023. The campaign gives people the confidence to start a conversation, which could save a life. You can join thousands of people looking out for one another.

Self-Harm Awareness Day takes place around the world on 1st March every year. In 2023, organisations including Harmless and The Samaritans will join others from across the UK to raise awareness and dispel myths around this often misunderstood issue.

Self-Harm Awareness Day is an opportunity to highlight this issue and the work undertaken by different organisations to tackle it. By raising awareness of self-harm and the pain it causes to so many, we can work together to challenge the stigma surrounding the issue and save lives.

For further information or to book onto the Harm to Hope conference which takes place on 1 March, go to www.harmless.org.uk

No Smoking Day is fast approaching ad this year’s campaign focuses on the link between smoking and the risk of dementia. This is because if you smoke there’s an increased risk of the disease, but quitting substantially decrease the risk, in some cases similar to that of people who have never smoked.

Getting support really boosts your chances of quitting - you’re up to three times as likely to succeed.

Never give up on giving up. There are services available which can offer support. 

Times are tough for many people right now, especially for those of us living with mental health problems.  However, you could choose a career that changes lives. With the right support, from the right person, anyone with a mental health problem can thrive. You could be that person - giving that support.

Get paid to train as a mental health social worker, working alongside clinical professionals in NHS Mental Health Trusts and Local Authorities, earn a master’s degree from Middlesex University, and empower people to thrive.

Housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds from Avian Influenza are still in force across England and Wales. This means that legally, you must keep your birds housed and practice strict biosecurity. Find out more.

Whilst birds are housed, providing enrichment in their environment and caring for their welfare is crucial. You can help prevent boredom and feather pecking by adding items to keep them entertained. Read more tips on how to maintain the welfare of your birds.

The UKHSA advise that evidence suggests viruses currently circulating in birds in the UK do not spread easily to people and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. There is no impact on the consumption of properly cooked poultry products, including eggs.

Do not touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that you find and instead report them using the new online reporting system or by calling the Defra helpline.