The View from Where I Sit

Tag: UK

  • Medical House Ltd.

    Medical House’s Managing Director is Mickey Robinson. Mickey started Medical House in 1995.

    Mickey’s greatest joy is when our customers of all ages communicate how Medical House staff have helped them get through and overcome challenges in their homes or workplaces.

    Medical House is a reliable and caring company that provides the very best products and services in the industries we represent. We are leaders in Medical Supplies, Home Health care, PPE supplies, Uniforms and Footwear; and Restaurant, Janitorial and Safety supplies. Our established and professional team are here to serve you. They are similar to BACES in Bradford.

    SERVICES

    • We offer skilled consultation with our occupational therapy, physiotherapy and nursing team.
    • Assessments, CPAP and Oxygen services by self referral or health care provider

    For example, as a disabled customer, I’ve also purchased other items from them like Urine Off spray to clean my wheelchair and new wheelchair cushions.

    They also encourage Compression Therapy. Compression therapy is an effective treatment used to help increase blood circulation in the lower legs, ankles, and feet. The elastic in the stockings helps provide compression to prevent blood from pooling up and fluid from building up in the legs, ankles, or feet. There are different categories of pressure depending on the condition of the individual and how much compression they require.

    CONTACT PERSONTinee Furbert
    PHONE NUMBER4412923622
    EMAIL ADDRESSmedicalhouse@medicalhouse.bm
    WEBSITE ADDRESSmedicalhouse.bm
    PHYSICAL ADDRESS22 Mill Reach Lane Pembroke HM 05
    2 Bakery Lane
    Pembroke HM 07
    Bermuda
    MAILING ADDRESSPO Box DV56, Devonshire, DVBX
    HOURS OF OPERATION9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday; Extended Hours Uniform Dept. 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Medical Sales 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

  • ‘Home Automation for Physically Disabled People in the UK’

    CareFree Smart Homes began from a desire to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. As a disabled-owned company, we recommend all of our products to anyone disabled who is looking to utilise technology to enhance their level of independent living. During an interview with CEO Josh Porritt, this is what he said:

    1. What is a Care Free Smart Home?

    A CareFree Smart Home is one that provides the occupants with useful automation and voice controlled features that make it easier to control their home.

    2. Are Care Free Smart Homes wheelchair accessible? How?

    Products available at CareFree Smart Homes can help wheelchair users by enabling them to do more from their chair without having to move around as much or stretch for switches.

    3. Are Care Free Smart Homes digitally accessible? How?

    CareFree Smart Homes is all about technology. Whether you want to control your home whilst you’re there, or somewhere completely different. We have a website and are available on all major social media platforms plus live chat and WhatsApp.

    4. Do Housing Corporations know about your company?

    We are open to working with housing corporations and welcome them to contact us.

    5. Are Care Free Smart Homes legal?

    All our products and services comply with the law.

    6. When did you start Care Free Smart Homes?

    CareFree Smart Homes was incorporated in July 2022 and began operating in September 2022.

    7. Does a Care Free Smart Home, work without Wifi or Internet connection?
    Sort of, at the moment. The ability to control your smart home without an internet connection is becoming more and more possible every day. There will come a time where every smart home accessory can be controlled independent of an internet connection.

    8. You say that you like solving problems. Which problems arose for you to start building Care Free Smart Homes?

    It’s often difficult for disabled people to navigate properties, whether it’s fully adapted or not. As a disabled person, I understand this problem first hand. Coupled with the fact I’m obsessed with technology, I’m ideally placed to advise on how smart technology can be used in the homes of everyone, including disabled people.

    9. How do you build Care Free Smart Homes?

    Whilst there’s a broad range of smart products available, we focus on providing products and solutions that are ‘plug and play’. We believe that ‘plug and play’ products, if they can’t be installed by the purchaser, are suitable to be installed by family members, friends, carers, handymen, and for certain products, a short visit from an electrician

    10. Do you eventually wish to go global/international?

    At this time we are focused on establishing our name within the United Kingdom and making life easier for as many people as possible through use of technology.

    For more information about his company, you can check out his website at: Home Automation For Disabled Persons | CareFree Smart Homes https://www.carefreesmarthomes.co.uk/

    Seen by Josh Porritt at 14:35

    Enter

    Write to Josh Porritt

  • Television Coverage at the London 2012 Paralympic Games

    If I had to rate the amount of TV Coverage given to the London 2012 Paralympic Games overall, I would give it a five. As I have viewed various newspaper websites, I have noticed the complaints of interested viewers expressing their disappointment of not being able to watch the Paralympic Games on channels like Cable Vision.

    Since I was apart of the Bermuda media team, I was right in the middle of all the excitement. As London was the host country for the Games, I think that Channel 4, and many other British channels really did a great job in televising the Paralympic events and athletes. It was really well supported, well attended and an overall success.

    As someone with a physical challenge, I find this personally disheartening as many Paralympians, like Jessica Lewis, have worked extremely hard to get to this platform and it seems as if only a few people care.  They’ve firstly had to overcome their disability before overcoming the challenge of mastering a sport. Comparing Paralympians with Olympians, I think that the Paralympians had just a bit more courage and determination to compete at such a high level in sport. They refused to let people take pity on them, and refused to let their disabilities stop them from competing at such an advanced and sophisticated level.

    I’ve had the wonderful privilege of witnessing the Games for myself and it was phenomenal. Just to see these Paralympians give it all they’ve got is amazing. I think it’s a shame that some either didn’t know or don’t even care about what’s going on in this part of the sporting world.

    For those who wanted to watch it and were unable to, you missed out. I saw wheelchair users doing track and field, sitting volleyball, the partially sighted doing judo, swimmers with either no arms and no legs or one arm and no legs as well as the blind doing long jump. They’ve all done an outstanding job.

    I personally and strongly feel that both the Olympics and the Paralympics should have received equal TV coverage, regardless of whether the public feel it is important or not, because it shows equality and fairness. These Paralympians are doing extraordinary things to outshine their physical challenges. They have put hours of blood, sweat and tears into preparing for various events, just like their non-disabled counterparts and it should be recognised!

  • Mental Resilience: Zoom Etiquette- Maximising its use as a tool!

    It’s a video world these days, and we have been thrust into it, with very little preparation. What was previously the domain of Hollywood, celebrities and politicians is now commonplace for all of us at work and play. Here are a few tips for becoming a video conferencing star or at least avoiding some of the common mistakes.

    Family Cyber Clinic is a YouTube channel to help parents enhance their skills so that they are up to speed with the rest of the world and the younger generation.

    It is by a Cyber Security Expert; Lawrence Idem, a Pastor who loves God and married with three children/daughters, that hosted the Zoom meeting. He also uses Skype and Microsoft Teams. However Skype has been more popular pre-pandemic.

    Etiquette

    • Know when your microphone is muted and when it’s not. Even when you’re not speaking an open (not muted) microphone injects noise into the sound track. Mute when you are not talking!

    • Try not to interrupt or talk over someone else. The result is often unintelligible.

    It’s all about effective communication! With a little bit of planning and attention, the results will be

    immediate, and your techniques will become second nature.

    Looking Good on Web Cams

    Furthermore, avoid Backlight – An open window behind you, with daylight streaming in, and

    insufficient light on your face will create a dark silhouette that obscures your face.

    Actually, any overly bright background can cause this problem.

    Solutions:

    • Close the curtains, shade or move the Computer/Webcam to a new location.

    • Add some front lighting such as a lamp or general room lighting.

    • Use that problem window by facing toward it.

    • The screen of a Laptop or Tablet will actually light up your face, but the screen contents may be

    colours, and be changing constantly.

    Takeaways:

    • Avoid bright lighting behind you

    • Soft (diffused) light is better than hard, focused beams of light

    • Bright ambient light is good, but Fluorescent lighting is often unflattering for humans. Warm

    lighting is best.

    Frame Yourself Correctly

    Video Conferencing is normally about people’s faces. Correct framing will maximize expressive delivery of what you have to say and minimize distractions.

    Adjust the camera (if it can be done) or move physically closer to produce a chest to hair closeup. Unless of course a wider or specialized shot is specifically required. Do not leave too much headroom and centre yourself in the frame.

    The Eyes Have It!

    “The eyes are the mirror to the soul” and eye contact is critical to engagement with your audience. To achieve that in video conferencing set up your web cam/yourself so that you can speak to it the same way you would address a person in front of you.

    Imagine the web cam is a face. Then use direct eye contact as much as you can.

    Background Replacement

    Most modern video conference offer the ability to replace your background with a picture or even a video, without a traditional “Green Screen”. This allows you to present yourself in any environment that you have a photo of, and additionally avoids revealing the state of your housekeeping. If you use a virtual background, use a green screen.

    • Tip – Avoid waving your hands around to avoid distracting video artifacts.

    • Tip – Slow movements track well and fast movement increase bandwidth requirements.

    • Tip – Light yourself properly.

    • Tip – Do not use wardrobe colours that blend into your environment. The A. I. gets fooled and does not do a clean cut-out.

    Clothing

    • Avoid intense colours and in particular, avoid bright red or hot pink. These colours can blur and bleed with some cameras.

    • Fine grained patterns, complex prints and fine horizontal lines can also cause problems in some

    situations.

    • Always wear pants in case you have to stand up!

    Sounding Good in a Video Conference

    Generally, web conference sound leaves much to be desired. Hears a few tips for sounding good.

    Choose the Best Location

    • Avoid environments that are noisy – close your eyes and really listen.

    • Shiny smooth walls, ceilings and floors often make your voice sound “hollow” because of echoes and “boomy” resonances.

    • Control interruptions – silence your cell phones and let the people around you know you are “ON AIR”.

    Microphone Technique

    • Know where the microphone is located if it is embedded in your Computer/Laptop/Tablet/Phone.

    • Staying physically close to the microphone is good. Too far away sounds faint, hollow and noisy.

    • Speak clearly, articulate, and don’t turn away from the microphone.

    • Maintain a good volume – Don’t shout and don’t whisper.

    • Consider using a headphone/microphone combination.

    Why Zoom?

    Zoom is now more popular because of the pandemic and Microsoft teams is enterprise/business bound. He stated that virtual meetings/events are an immersion of the real thing/scenarios which cuts down on actual time that was supposed to be spent. As such social interaction requires respect, etiquette, manners, undivided attention, mental resilience, and concentration.

    However, over 80% of people who attend Zoom meetings, don’t come on camera and this not fair on the host because Zoom meetings lay down ground rules. If you don’t follow ground rules, you tell the host you don’t care about them. Zoom fatigue is a thing. We don’t like the format of the meeting hence we’re tired.

    Therefore, he stated that we need mental resilience. Preparation is key. Be presentable. For example, if you don’t want to be recorded you leave the meeting. Imagine going to a party and leaving your head behind?

    Choose a good background so we can see you. It’s disrespectful when you eat, drink and don’t look presentable on a Zoom meeting. Give undivided attention. Don’t fall asleep. Try not to multitask. When you multitask, you’re not giving your undivided attention.

    If you’re not prepared to speak, don’t attend the meeting. It creates a bad host-guest relationship.

    If you want to sound your best use a speaker phone, especially if you’re using your phone instead of your laptop. Get close to your microphone if you’re using a laptop.

    Update tools you use to deliver meetings. If you host a Zoom meeting, don’t do it without a waiting room, breakout room or password. This will prevent lateness.

    Don’t put meeting ID or password on a flyer. Zoom bombers can ambush the meeting and disturb it. The wrong people may attend your meeting. The host will be upset by uninvited guests crashing the meeting. Zoom etiquette demands that you show your screen. Don’t wear your pyjamas to a Zoom meeting, even if it’s at night.

    If you don’t follow these rules, it will impact interviews and business meetings. You must prepare. Bad habits become bad behaviour!

    However, in-person meetings are different. You wouldn’t multitask if you are in person.

    Virtual events can never replace in person events!

  • How to become a Disability Confident Employer and Why?

    Here in the UK, we have ‘The Disability Confident Scheme.’ The Disability Confident scheme helps employers recruit and retain great people, and to:

    • challenge attitudes and increase understanding of disability
    • draw from the widest possible pool of talent
    • secure high-quality staff who are skilled, loyal and hard working
    • improve employee morale and commitment by demonstrating fair treatment

    It also helps identify those employers who are committed to inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

    The scheme has 3 levels designed to support employers on their Disability Confident journey, these are:

    • Disability Confident Committed (Level 1)
    • Disability Confident Employer (Level 2)
    • Disability Confident Leader (Level 3)

    All employers join the scheme at Disability Confident Committed (Level 1), and progress through the levels to achieve the one that’s right for their organisation.

    For more information about signing up for the Disability Confident scheme, and how it can help your business check out the detailed guidance on gov.uk.

  • ‘Through the Roof Charity’

    Did you know that, there are 1 billion disabled people living in the world today, and 12 million in the UK (18% of the population)? Statistics show that globally a disabled person is more likely to live in poverty and isolation and to be a victim of crime and discrimination.  They are less likely to be in employment and have less access to education, transport, appropriate housing and the internet (Office of Disability Issues).  The cost of bringing up a disabled child is three times greater than bringing up a non-disabled child (Scope). 

    Through the Roof is a registered charity that exists to ‘transform lives through Jesus with disabled people’.
    The charity’s name comes from the Bible account where some men break through the roof to help their disabled friend meet Jesus according to Luke 5. We recognise that every person is made in the image of God and has inherent value and worth, which includes people who have personal experience of disability.

    “they went up on the roof and lowered the paralysed man on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus”-Luke 5

    Many of our dedicated trustees, staff team, volunteers and donors have personal experience of disability and seek to make a positive difference to the lives of disabled people and their families by:

    • Providing life-changing opportunities for disabled people
    • Equipping the Christian community to fully involve disabled people

    We achieve these aims by delivering three activity programmes:

    Through the Roof is part of the Churches for All network. Follow this link to find out more about CFA. 

    According to the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, “90% – 95% of the world’s disabled people never hear the Gospel“. It is vitally important that our churches and ministries include them.

    This ministry is the brainchild of Joni B. Eareckson Tada. She is an international author and speaker and the founder and Chief Executive of Joni and Friends International Disability Centre in the USA.  We are privileged at Through the Roof to be an affiliate of JAF since being founded in 1997, after Joni’s European speaking tour in 1994.

    At the age of 17 a diving accident left Joni quadriplegic and in a wheelchair. She founded Joni and Friends in 1979 to provide Christ-centred programmes to families with disabled children, as well as training to churches. Joni and Friends serves thousands of families with disabled children through Family Retreats, and has delivered over 100,000 wheelchairs and Bibles to disabled people in developing countries, as part of their Wheels for the World programme, which Through the Roof UK ‘imported’ in 1997. Joni’s lifelong passion is to bring the Gospel to the world’s one billion disabled people. What a great way to Deal with Disability in the Church!

    Joni survived stage 3 breast cancer in 2010, yet keeps a very active ministry schedule. She and her husband Ken were married in 1982 and reside in California.

    You can learn more about Joni’s ministry at www.joniandfriends.org or can write to her at response@joniandfriends.org.

  • Stop the Pressure: Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Management Virtual Conference

    I learned alot at this year’s Healthcare UK Conference. It started at 10:00 with the Chair’s Welcome and Introduction. Then at 10:20, I learned about The New National Pressure Ulcer Surveillance System. At 11:00, they discussed Supporting Learning with frontline staff in pressure ulcer prevention. By 11:30, I had a Comfort Break and Virtual Networking. By 11:45, I was learning about Pressure Ulcer Assessment, Reporting & Management. At 12:15, there was a presentation about Case studies in Small Breakout Groups. During the 12:35 session, I was Addressing Diversity in Pressure Ulcer Prevention.

    At midday by 13:00, I had a Lunch Break and Virtual Networking. Again, at 15:30, I had another Comfort Break and Virtual Networking. At 15:45, I learned about Nutritional Assessment and Pressure Ulcers. And to end the conference at 16:15, there were Question and answers. This included a survey to grade each session.

    During this conference, I also learned about Erythema and how it contributes to pressure ulcers. http://www.healthcareconferencesuk.com.

    Erythema

    Erythema is a type of skin rash caused by injured or inflamed blood capillaries. It usually occurs in response to a drug, disease or infection. Rash severity ranges from mild to life threatening. https://www.drugwatch.com/health/rash-and-skin-disorders/erythema/#:~:text=Erythema%20is%20a%20type%20of,from%20mild%20to%20life%20threatening.

    National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)- They provide national guidance and advice to improve health and social care. https://www.nice.org.uk/.

    National Wound Care Strategy Programme- The National Wound Care Strategy programme (NWCSP) seeks to improve care for people with wounds. http://www.nationalwoundcarestrategy.net.

    Model Health System- The Model Health System is a data-driven improvement tool that supports health and care systems to improve patient outcomes and population health. It provides benchmarked insights across the quality of care, productivity and organisational culture to identify opportunities for improvement. The Model Health System incorporates the Model Hospital, which provides hospital provider-level benchmarking. Access to the Model Health System is currently available for all NHS commissioners and providers in England. http://www.model.nhs.uk

    My Improvement Network are committed to investing in education for health care professionals and are proud supporters of RCN Projects. http://myimprovementnetwork.com.

    Pressure-Ulcer-March-2022Download

  • Inclusive Communication at the Paralympic Games

    Inclusive communication is about how to produce publications that include, accurately portray, and are accessible to disabled people.

    This guidance aims to help you to:

    • communicate using inclusive language and know which words to use and avoid when writing about disability
    • include disabled people in your communications and campaigns and make sure that they’re portrayed positively and realistically
    • make sure your communications are accessible
    • choose and use appropriate communication channels to reach disabled people
    • There are over 11 million people with a long term illness, impairment or disability in Great Britain. Communicators must be confident their messages will reach everyone, including disabled people. This can be done by ensuring all communications are inclusive and accessible.

    The Office for Disability Issues wrote this guidance for government communicators but it may also be useful to others. This is predominantly used in employment, but has also been used in disability sport like the Paralympic Games.

    For example, when I represented Bermuda at the London 2012 Paralympic Games as a reporter, we were expected to use inclusive communication. We we’re expected to indicate the difference between a Paralympian and a Para-athlete.

    As per the official IPC website and catalogue on terminologies for para sportspersons, the Preferred term is Para Athlete. If however a person does compete in the Paralympics, then they become a Paralympian. If a person competes in the Paralympics once, then they will always be called a Paralympian.

    We weren’t allowed to use the term ‘disabled’, especially when writing articles and headlines. We say ‘person with disabilities’ instead of ‘disabled person’.

    This is in place to target labelling and stereotyping. It also gets rid of the stigma centred around disability.

    https://www.facebook.com/bdaparaassoc

    http://www.paralympic.org

    /https://thebridge.in/tokyo-2020-paralympics/paralympians-paralympics-tokyo-term-olympian-24595

    https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/disability-confident-campaign#become-a-disability-confident-employer

  • Let’s Work Together to Stop The Pressure!!!

    https://www.shasbah.co.uk/spina-bifida/spina-bifida-pressure-ulcers/?fbclid=IwAR1g0wzmeyBLMxAs78HfH9CZrUD0A4lf6C52TP3w-O3EMutQuLDXv1qBfMk


    MY PRESSURE ULCER JOURNEY

    I never knew what pressure ulcers were until I got one for almost all pressure points. I am currently facing possible amputation. If this happens what am I gonna do?

    24 hour support will be needed. I don’t like the idea of amputation. The problem is, I’ve been having pressure ulcers, foot x-rays and MRIs/CTIs. I’ve had a series of meetings about my right foot. I’ve got antibiotics to take. Blood sugars, protein levels, blood circulation, feet pulses and kidneys all contribute to the feet. I also got to see photos from MRI scans. I got permission to take photos of them. The heel bone is infected. I know what it’s like to be cured of pressure ulcers, but they keep returning, especially on my feet. What’s going on?

    As a result, I have chosen to join the fight against pressure ulcers.

    During my first year of college, the pressure ulcers started. When this happened, I got a social worker, carers, District Nurses from the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London while studying. I also have a Tissue Viability Nurse and a Podiatrist. Before the pandemic, I visited the doctor’s office for appointments. Now I get home visits.

    One day, the wound on my right foot seemed smelly to the nurse as if it’s infected so I was on antibiotics for 7 days. Sensation and movement is limited from the ankles down as a result of lower spine damage due to Spina Bifida. Pressure ulcers can also be caused by bed mattresses or wheelchairs. Bermuda has a lack of resources and a lack of information. There are no Spina Bifida clinics/specialists in Bermuda. Lived with parents. Swimming in the salt ocean in Bermuda beaches has contributed to the healing process. Before England and College, I had no pressure ulcers.

    Pressure wounds usually take 3 months to heal. My wheelchair has a ROHO Cushion with air pockets. Now my footrests have air pockets. It’s ultimately an airbag under my feet. https://www.permobil.com/en-us/products?category=SeatAndPositioning

    Podiatry and District Nurses tend to clash from time to time. District Nurses visit three times a week while Podiatry only visited once. District Nurses know how to dress my foot correctly. Which one is more important?

    Pressure Sores (also called bedsores or decubitus ulcers)
    Pressure sores, also called bedsores or decubitus ulcers, are areas of broken skin and underlying tissues that have been damaged by pressure. Pressure (such as sitting in the same position for too long) restricts blood being supplied to the area, so the tissues become deprived of oxygen and toxins build up, which causes the skin and tissue cells to die. People with Spina Bifida may not feel this damage beginning because of reduced feeling in parts of their body.

    PURSUN GROUP IN LEEDS
    Prevention is better than cure! You must have tough skin. Pay attention to pressure points. Additionally, make sure you have good quality, well-fitting shoes that do not cause red marks on your feet. You may want to ask your GP to refer you to an orthotics centre to have shoes made especially for you. The styles are much better than they used to be!

    Make sure you have a well-fitting wheelchair with a pressure-relieving/ reducing cushion. Pressure mapping in the wheelchair cushion. Always use your footplates to support your feet and stop your legs from ‘hanging down’, which is bad for the circulation. Ergonomic Assessment required.

    Feet must be elevated above the head, especially in bed, for good circulation. Check your wheelchair does not leave red marks on your legs or body. When you see a reddened area of skin, tell your GP straightaway. Don’t wait to see if it improves on its own. If left untreated they can take a lot longer to heal. If you do have a skin breakdown, make sure your health professionals look at the reasons why it happened, and don’t just apply dressings. Change your sitting position frequently throughout the day and have a chair at home to sit in other than your wheelchair. Try to spend part of each day off your bottom. Check your skin regularly for pressure sores using a mirror to see areas of your body you cannot see otherwise. Pay particular attention to areas of skin where you have little or no feeling.

    Massage is now advised against as recent evidence suggests that it is not beneficial for pressure areas and may be harmful.

    https://www.nursingtimes.net/clinical-archive/tissue-viability/does-massage-help-to-prevent-pressure-ulcers-15-08-2011/https://www.nursingtimes.net/clinical-archive/tissue-viability/does-massage-help-to-prevent-pressure-ulcers-15-08-2011/


    Hygiene: Access to Showering facilities instead of bathing facilities in England. District nurses clean and dress wound 3x a week maximum, in addition to personal daily showering. Skin care included Aqueous cream. No scented creams are allowed on broken skin. I shower daily but due to pressure ulcers and a PICO, I also use a LIMBO to cover my damaged foot to keep it clean and dry.

    Why does immobility cause pressure ulcers?
    Poor mobility/immobility: Patients who are unable to independently change position are at increased risk of developing a pressure ulcer, due to pressure exerted over bony body parts which results in reduced blood flow to the tissues and subsequent hypoxia.

    CURE

    I also use a Profile bed, I prefer loose clothing vs tight clothing like dresses or sweat suits. Compression socks/stockings/orthopaedic shoes/socks because sensation and movement is limited from my ankles down.

    Incontinence can also contribute to pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers must be kept clean and dry.
    Previously during the first four months of my first year in college, I skipped meals for the sake of my studies. I was also given a Dietician who put me on a high protein diet. My meal plan looks something like this:


    Breakfast
    Mid-morning snack
    Lunch
    Mid-afternoon snack
    Dinner
    Dessert

    Why does malnutrition cause pressure ulcers?

    Unplanned weight loss is a major risk factor for malnutrition and pressure ulcer development. Suboptimal nutrition interferes with the function of the immune system, collagen synthesis, and tensile strength.

    Pressure Ulcer Prevention at Home

    • Treat your skin gently to help prevent pressure ulcers.
    • When washing, use a soft sponge or cloth.
    • Use moisturizing cream and skin protectants on your skin every day.
    • Clean and dry areas underneath your breasts and in your groin.
    • DO NOT use talc powder or strong soaps.
    • Try not to take a bath or shower every day

    https://tvs.org.uk/stop-pressure/

    https://www.shinecharity.org.uk/self-care/skin-and-tissue#Sores

    https://nhs.stopthepressure.co.uk/patients.html

    https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-institute-clinical-trials-research

    Click to access SHASBAH-news-summer-2021.pdf

    Every day has to be a STOP THE PRESSURE day when you are a person living with skin vulnerability or reduced mobility.

    LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO STOP THE PRESSURE!!!

    STOP THE PRESSURE, START THE RELIEF!!!!

    STAY TUNED FOR THE REST OF THIS SERIES ON PRESSURE ULCERS!

  • Understanding and making a difference to tackling Disability Hate Crime

    Hate Crime vs General Crime

    Any crime can be prosecuted as a hate crime if the offender has either demonstrated hostility based on race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity
    Or

    been motivated by hostility based on race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity
    Someone can be a victim of more than one type of hate crime.

    These crimes are covered by legislation (Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and section 66 of the Sentencing Act 2020) which allows prosecutors to apply for an uplift in sentence for those convicted of a hate crime.

    The reason for failed investigation is ineffective reporting.

    Be more specific. Provide more details.

    victim vs perpetrator- responsibility falls on the victim

    Victims are seen as vulnerable and insignificant not equal. https://bradfordforeveryone.co.uk/

    It’s the first day of Hate Crime Awareness Week and we are encouraging victims of hate crime to speak out.

    What is being done to fight this?

    Monday, 11th October

    Bradford District’s Hate Crime Strategy 2021-24 Launch Event

    The event will bring together key partnership organisations, groups identified as one of the 5 ‘Protected characteristic’ groups, community and faith representatives.

    Tuesday, 12th October

    Hate Crime Conference

    Hate Crime Awareness Week is week of actions to encourage local authorities, key partners and communities affected by hate crime to work together to tackle local hate crime.

    Wednesday, 13th October

    Coffee and Cake Morning

    The Equity Centre is a Hate Crime Reporting Centre, however this event provides people with a chance to meet others over a hot drink and some cake/biscuits.

    Eastern European Community Hate Crime Awareness

    Several of the Districts main organisations working in the hate crime space such as Bradford Council, Bradford Hate Crime Alliance, West Yorkshire Police and Victims Support will be there to explain their roles, explain what is hate crime, where and how it can be reported and Q&A session

    Thursday, 14th October

    Hate Crime Question Time

    The Panelists will explain what type of hate crime-related work they are undertaking and will answer questions from the online audience.

    Hate Crime Awareness event for the Bradford African Community

    Several of the Districts main organisations working in the hate crime space such as Bradford Council, Bradford Hate Crime Alliance, West Yorkshire Police and Victims Support will be there to explain their roles, explain what is hate crime, where and how it can be reported and Q&A session.

    Friday, 15th October

    Make Sure It Adds Up – Bradford District Anti Rumour Strategy

    A chance to learn more about the Bradford For Everyone campaign to reduce rumours and increase critical thinking with the aim to reduce hate crime overall. Find out more about our online resources and forthcoming pledge.

    Saturday, 16th October

    Bradford City Football Club

    BCFC have invited 30 members from the ‘emerging communities’ to attend the match, take the Root Out Racism banner onto the pitch before the game, players will be supporting the hate crime awareness week in the days leading up to the game.
    For more information on reporting hate crime check out this website at: https://www.cps.gov.uk/crime-info/hate-crime.

    Being different is not a crime. Victimisation is prejudice!