Welcome to the Health BOCS Update, the monthly update on Health and Wellbeing activities at the Brothers of Charity Services in England.
November Promotion
As part of Health BOCS, the Brothers of Charity Services’ health and wellbeing programme, throughout November, we promoted: Movember; Children in Need; Alcohol Awareness Week and Winter/ Flu Jab Promotion.
Movember
Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide. The Movember Foundation runs the Movember charity event.
The Movember Foundation is the leading charity changing the face of men’s health. We’re addressing some of the biggest health issues faced by men. They know what works for men and how to find and fund the most innovation research to have both a global and local impact. They are independent of government funding, so they can challenge the status quo and invest quicker in what works. In 15 years they have funded more than 1,200 men’s health projects around the world. By 2030 they will reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25%.
Click here for more information
Children in Need
BBC Children in Need is the BBC’s UK corporate charity. Thanks to the support of the public, they are able to make a real difference to the lives of children all across the UK.
Their vision is that every child in the UK has a childhood which is: safe, happy and secure; and allows them the chance to reach their potential. They provide grants to projects in the UK which focus on children and young people who are disadvantaged. They are local to people in all corners of the UK and support small and large organisations which empower children and extend their life choices.
They are currently supporting 2,400 projects all across the UK. The projects Children in Need fund, help children facing a range of disadvantages for example poverty and deprivation; children who have been the victims of abuse or neglect or disabled young people.
Click here to find out more information.
Alcohol Awareness Week
Alcohol Concern was founded in 1984 at the national charity working to help reduce the problems that can be caused by alcohol. In April 2017 Alcohol Concern teamed up with Alcohol Research UK to form the UK’s leading independent alcohol charity. Together, they are working to end the harm caused by alcohol.
Every hour someone in the UK loses a loved one to alcohol. It’s the biggest cause of death, ill-health and disability for people aged 15-49. We are doing everything in our power to make this stop.
Over the next year we will be releasing the new, merged organisation’s strategy. Join us by making a donation or beginning your fundraising today. This week will feature a range of messages on the dangers of mixing alcohol with drugs, the benefits of taking a quick alcohol MOT and highlighting information and support services available for those who need help for their drinking or someone they know.
Click here for more information
Winter Flu Jab Promotion
There are two ways of making sure we prevent the spreading of Flu.
-Hygiene- Hand Washing, Cleaning, etc.
- -Flu Vaccination
Good Hygiene
Preventing the spread of germs is the most effective way to slow the spread of the flu. Always:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
- Clean surfaces and door handles regularly to get rid of germs
- Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Put used tissues in a bin as soon as possible and wash your hands.
The Flu Vaccine
If you wish to be vaccinated you should make an appointment with your GP Surgery or go to your local Drop- in Centre or Pharmacy. General information about seasonal flu and flu vaccination is available from NHS Choices at https://www.nhs.uk/livewell/winterhealth/pages/fluandthefluvaccine.aspx.
Much more detailed information about flu vaccination is provided in Chapter 19 of ‘The Green Book’ from Public Health England. Click here to find out more
The flu vaccine is usually free to high-risk people, to protect them from flu. If the vaccine is not free to you then you will have to pay the prescription cost of £8.60.
Click here for more information.
December Promotion
As part of Health BOCS, the Brothers of Charity Services’ health and wellbeing programme, throughout December, we will be promoting: Festive Health and Safety Briefing and Christmas Jumper Day.
Festive Health and Safety
Christmas is a special time of year. However, this doesn’t mean health and safety is not important! Thousands of people every year are involved in Christmas related accidents around the home over the Christmas period.
Drink Aware
In the December period, it is no myth that people like to have a few more drinks than usual when visiting family and friends. Although, drink driving is just as dangerous as every other time of the year! If you are going to drink, ensure you walk or get public transport- don’t risk it.
Toy and Presents
Falls are the most common kind of accident in the home; imagine how much the likelihood rises when the clutter of presents is added to the equation. Keep walkways and stairwells clear and well lit, this needs to be taken into account especially if you have lots of guests over at Christmas.
When buying toys, make sure you check the packaging thoroughly to ensure that they are age appropriate. Keep an eye out for any small parts that could cause a child to choke. When opening the presents, make sure you don’t cut corners; use scissors rather than using anything that is available such as a knife.
Tree and decorations safety
Make sure you stay up to date with how old you Christmas lights are and if they are still in good condition. The newer the light the higher the safety standard will be. Like candles make sure that they are off when you leave the house or go to bed.
Un-watered Christmas trees can get very dry; this makes them a huge fire hazard. A small spark from a faulty light can cause a tree to go up in flames in seconds. Keep your trees watered to avoid potential injuries or fatalities.
Christmas Dinner
The additional hustle and bustle that comes with Christmas in your household can make the kitchen a much more dangerous place. It is important to be safety conscious throughout the day to prevent any accidents, Try not to rush around and keep people in the kitchen to a bare minimum to avoid spill, slips, trips, burns or cuts from food or cooking equipment.
Click here for more information
Christmas Jumper Day
Christmas Jumper Day is an annual fundraising campaign in the UK organised by charity Save the Children. On Friday 13th December, people are encouraged to make the world better with a sweater and raise funds for Save the Children. We will be celebrating Christmas Jumper Day across the Brothers of Charity Services, by wearing our favourite, festive Christmas Jumpers and making a small donation to the amazing Save the Children.
Click here for more information