Issue #9
Welcome to the ebulletin Welcome to the 9th edition of the Public Health Network Cymru Ebulletin. This month’s spotlight topic is Veterans Health in readiness for Remembrance Sunday, which falls on 13 November 2016. It is a day for the nation to remember and honour those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom. The National Service of Remembrance, held at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on Remembrance Sunday, ensures that no-one is forgotten as the nation unites to honour all who have suffered or died in war. Advisory Group member, Phill Chick, talks to us about his areas of expertise and services available across Wales for Veterans. Our next seminar taking place on 30 November will be ‘Planning for Better Health and Wellbeing’. This will be held at Mercure Cardiff, Holland House Hotel. There will be a Research in Wales event taking place on 2 March 2017 at Cardiff Atrium. We have a conference planned for 15 March 2017 focusing on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) which will be held at Cardiff City Stadium. Finally if you have any news or event items that you would like to see included in next month’s issue please email publichealth.network@wales.nhs.uk
www.publichealthnetwork.cymru @PHNetworkcymru
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Health on the
e Home Front Spotlight on Veterans Health This month’s ebulletin focuses on Veterans Health. The potential adverse impact of active military service on health and wellbeing has long been recognised with physical and psychological symptoms being commonly reported by veterans. Concerns regarding impaired health and wellbeing amongst veterans has achieved a high profile recently because of the current service demands made of military personnel. http://www.veteranswales.co.uk/
Celebrating Reserves Day Cardiff and Vale University Health Board highlighted the valuable contribution made by their staff in the Reserve Forces on Reserves Day on Thursday 8 September. Reservists play a central role alongside regular units to meet defence requirements, providing assistance in specialist areas such as the medical and communication fields. Reserve units train alongside regular units and, when required, work alongside them. Reserves Day is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the important part that Reservists play in supporting the UK’s defence capability. Reservists have always played – and will continue to play – a key role in the Armed Forces, making a valuable contribution to the nation over and above their day jobs. Reservist staff wore their uniforms to work on 8 September, showing pride in their service. Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has many Reservists such as Paddy Keogh. Paddy is an IT Systems Administrator in the Maternity Unit at the University Hospital of Wales, and his primary role is to look after the IT systems for maternity. In his day job, he is working on a project installing a computerised system to replace the paper notes that are currently used. As a Reservist, Paddy is a Warrant Officer and a Troop Commander for the Royal Signals Unit, 53 (Wales and Western) Signal Squadron, the only Welsh Signal Squadron in the UK. He has served in Northern Ireland and Bosnia, each tour being 12 months in duration. Paddy said: “The primary role of the 53 Signal Squadron is providing cutting edge information and communication systems to Armed Forces, Emergency Services and other Government Departments. “We’ve helped out with the Olympics, during the NATO summit, when there has been inclement weather such as floods, and any time there is a national emergency the unit will step in to provide communications. “I love being a Reservist. The Army helps to pay for qualifications which give you knowledge in the field as well as giving you experience to bring back to your day job. I have been in the Army since I was 16 years old so I’ve served for 31 years in total. “There are so many memorable moments, both happy and sad. “Being part of tours has been amazing, the team spirit and camaraderie is something else, but along with the good times come sad times. I lost a close friend in Afghanistan to gunfire; this will always stay with me and brings home the realism of being part of the Army.” Dr Fiona Jenkins, Executive Director for Therapies and Health Science and Executive Lead for Armed Forces and Veterans at Cardiff and Value University Health Board said: “I’d like to thank our Reservist staff for the valuable contribution they make to our National Defence System. “I’d like to encourage more of our staff to join the Reserve Forces as it gives you the opportunity to enjoy some new and exciting experiences that you wouldn’t get in your day-to-day life or work. “There are all sorts of different and exciting roles in the Reserves that you will find both challenging and rewarding. “Staff can use some of their existing skills or do something completely different from their day-to-day life or work.” For more information on becoming a Reservist please visit http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/mr or https://www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment/
www.army.mod.uk
Veterans’ NHS Wales Each Local Health Board (LHB) has appointed an experienced clinician as a Veteran Therapist (VT) with an interest or experience of military (mental) health problems. The VT will accept referrals from health care staff, GPs, veteran charities and self-referrals from ex-service personnel. The appropriate VT can be contacted by going to their LHB page on this website and using one of the contact methods including telephone, email or fax. Appointments will be arranged as close to the veteran’s home as possible in a suitable venue. The service is not able to respond to emergency referrals. Veterans in crisis should contact their GP or the Out of Hours Service. There is a Psychiatrist on-call at all Accident and Emergency Units in District General Hospitals. Alternatively call these 24/7 help lines: CALL - 0800 132 737, or Rethink - 0800 138 1619. Following the assessment the veteran may be offered treatment by the VT or referred on to other NHS teams or departments for further treatment. The VT will also refer to veteran charities for help with debt management, benefits and war pension/armed forces compensation claims as indicated. The service is unable to provide a diagnosis for Armed Forces Compensation Scheme claims. Veterans’ NHS Wales have just completed their Annual Report 2014-15 and are in the process of analysing the data for 2015-16.
Change Step Veterans’ Gardening Change Step provides support, activities, comradeship and camaraderie for veterans and their families. Change Step peer mentors operate throughout Wales, supported by dedicated volunteers and administrators. Change Step Veterans’ Gardening is funded by the Royal British Legion, and provides a productive and social outlet, allowing participants to develop new skills, pick up formal qualifications, and contribute to communities throughout Wales. Members of the public can nominate veterans who need help with their garden — and our team of volunteers will do the work in exchange for a donation to our project. We also work in open spaces, including public parks, village greens and hospital gardens. Interested? Please get in touch to tell us about a veteran who could benefit from our work, or a public area which needs a bit of attention. We’ll be happy to pay a visit, introduce the work of Change Step, and turn an overgrown patch into a manageable and enjoyable garden. There are lots of ways you can help us — please get in touch on 0300 777 2259 or email ask@ change-step.co.uk For more information http://www.changestepwales.co.uk/veterans-gardening/
Poppies Weeping Window Poppies Weeping Window by Paul Cummins and Tom Piper Designer The National Assembly for Wales is pleased to announce that it will present Weeping Window by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper as part of 14-18 NOW’s UK-wide tour of the iconic poppies. The installation will be at the Senedd from 5 August to 25 September 2017. The presentations by 14-18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the First World War centenary, will give people across the UK the chance to experience the impact of the ceramic poppy sculptures in a range of places of particular First World War resonance. The National Assembly has committed to commemorating World War 1 through a series of events on its estate, and across Wales. This installation will form part of the programme. “It is a great honour for the Senedd, and the National Assembly, to host this iconic installation,” said Llywydd, Elin Jones AM. “The Senedd is the focal point of Welsh civic and political life and is fitting that we mark the sacrifice made by so many Welshmen during World War 1 by hosting this poignant piece of work. “The installation has played a central role across the UK in commemorating this brutal conflict. We must never forget the terrible toll that it took on so many people across Wales and the world.” Jenny Waldman, Director of 14-18 NOW, said: “The poppies have captivated millions of people across the UK, and we are delighted to present Weeping Window at the Senedd in Cardiff in 2017 as part of the ongoing tour. Artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper have created two enormously powerful artworks of national significance that continue to inspire all who see them.” Weeping Window is from the installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red – poppies and original concept by artist Paul Cummins and installation designed by Tom Piper – by Paul Cummins Ceramics Limited in conjunction with Historic Royal Palaces. The installation was originally at HM Tower of London from August to November 2014 where 888,246 poppies were displayed, one to honour every death in the British and Colonial forces of the First World War. The two poppy sculptures being presented across the UK, together totaling over 10,000 poppies, have been saved for the nation by the Backstage Trust and the Clore Duffield Foundation, and gifted to 14-18 NOW and Imperial War Museums. Financial support for the presentations has been received from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and fundraising for the presentations is ongoing. DAF Trucks are the transport sponsor for the UK presentations, and 14-18 NOW are delighted to partner with DAF on making this historic project a reality. The learning and engagement programme for the poppies tour is supported by the Foyle Foundation.
Annual population survey: UK armed forces veterans residing in Great Britain This is an annual publication providing estimates on the size and socio-demographic characteristics of the UK veteran population living in households in England, Scotland and Wales. This publication uses responses provided in the 2015 annual population survey (APS) produced by the Office of National Statistics (ONS). Summary figures and comparisons, to the UK population residing in Great Britain, are presented on: people characteristics; regional location; health; employment status; education and accommodation.
Employers supporting Armed Forces strike gold with Prince William Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, has presented twenty-two companies with the Ministry of Defence’s highest recognition for employer support to the Armed Forces. The Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) awards ceremony was hosted by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon at the Royal Hospital Chelsea - a retirement home for hundreds of army veterans, on Wednesday evening. The Duke of Cambridge thanked twenty-two companies for their work in the area by handing them a Gold award. Recipients included firms from a wide range of sectors, ranging from large corporate companies to small and medium-sized enterprises. The scheme is designed to recognise and thank employers who support the Armed Forces community and their families, and to inspire others to do the same. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: Employers across the country are ensuring our military get a fair deal including by helping veterans to have successful careers after leaving service. These companies are rightly being recognised for the support they offer under the Armed Forces Covenant and encouraging other firms to go the extra mile. Engineering firm AECOM, one of the winners of the gold award, has doubled the number of Reservists it employs in the last 12 months through new hires and its own employees joining. It allows 15 extra days leave for them, as well as Cadet Instructors. Additionally, it has invested in a specific service for recruiting those leaving the service, which has increased the number of veterans it employs from 40 to 70 spanning all ranks and services. Steve Morriss, Chief Executive of AECOM and former Officer, said: As a former Officer myself, I have seen first-hand the breadth of highly transferable skills our Armed Forces can bring to a company like AECOM. We remain committed to recruiting servicemen and women looking to leave the military and providing them with a rewarding second career. DJ Rees, a small decorating company with 21 staff based in South Wales, has worked with Reservists for a number of years. The company recruits apprentices into its team exclusively from the Armed Forces Employability Pathway scheme, helping improve employment prospects for young, unemployed people. Watch a video of the story of DJ Rees employee Paul Matthews here. Paul was homeless until DJ Rees gave him a job and training, which gave him the transferable skills he needed to fulfil his dream of joining the Army. Welcoming the award, Managing Director Mr David Rees said: We were tremendously happy just to be nominated for a Gold Award, let alone to actually win one. It’s such an achievement, and I’m so happy. This is our 25th year of trading and winning this award has to be one of my proudest moments in business. As an employer I believe in supporting the Armed Forces. It’s important to be flexible and understanding with my staff who are committed to their service. It’s a priority to me and will continue to be so in the future. The full list of employers recognised for their outstanding support for Defence personnel includes: AECOM, Atos UK Ltd, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Boeing Defence UK Ltd, Bureau Veritas, DJ Rees Decorating Services Limited, Doncaster Council, Dundee City Council, Hampshire County Council, HSBC, Kier Group, KPMG, Nationwide Building Society, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Pertemps, QinetiQ, Holt’s Military Bank/NatWest/Royal Bank of Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, Surrey County Council, TA Plastic Supplies Ltd, United Utilities and Waves Training Solutions Ltd.
On The Spot This month we have Public Health Network Cymru Advisory Group member Phill Chick on the spot. Phill has a social work background but has particular expertise on mental health policy and legislation.
Where do you currently work and what is your area of expertise?
I have a social work background having worked variously as a child care, child protection and mental health specialist practitioner and manager. I have also worked within mental health and substance misuse as a service commissioner, planner, strategist and performance manager. I have particular expertise on mental health policy and legislation having been involved in policy and legislative implementation.
Why did you join the PHNC Advisory Group?
I joined the PHNC because I am passionate about public mental health and improving wellbeing at a population level through the integration of positive mental and physical health.
What do you perceive the challenges will be for the Advisory Group?
The greatest challenges for the Advisory Group are improving reach within both the wider public and the various agencies that can influence wellbeing. This includes not only staff working in a range of statutory and non-statutory services but employers, the media, faith communities and other community groups. A well informed public and service system committed to enhancing wellbeing is essential but remains a challenge to achieve.
This month’s e-bulletin spotlights Veterans Health, what services are available in Wales and who is eligible to access them?
Wales is fortunate to have the Veterans NHS Wales service, which provides treatment in each Health Board in Wales delivered by specialist Veterans’ Therapists. It has a hub in Cardiff co-ordinating provision and engaging at a national level on Veteran health issues. It is a primary care service allowing self-referral by Veterans, and the referral of veterans by family and friends as well as the various agencies used by and working with Veterans. Veterans NHS Wales is open to any veteran living in Wales who has served at least one day with the British Military as either a regular service member or as a reservist who has a service related psychological injury.In addition to this NHS service there are a significant number of specialist services such as Cais (Change step), Combat stress, Help for Hero’s and other third sector services which meet the range of Veteran’s mental health, physical health, employment and social needs. Agencies such as the Royal British Legion, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) provide further sources of support. Whilst there are a range of specialist and generic Veterans agencies our core services strive through the Armed Forces covenant to ensure fair access to mainstream health social care and other related services. For a more complete summary of Veteran’s services see cobseo.org.uk the web site for the Confederation of Service Charities.
What tips would you give our members to actively promote Veterans Health?
I would recommend that members familiarise themselves with the range of issues that may confront those that have served in the armed forces and the needs they may have to gain and retain positive health and wellbeing. I would also recommend that they understand the “service culture”. Using appropriate language and approaches serves to enable the engagement of veterans and the organisations they use and represent them. Actively working with organisations set up for veterans such as the Royal British Legion ex-servicemen and women’s groups and specialist services can help to improve reach. Finally when members are developing and promoting programmes keep Veterans and their families in mind as stakeholders and as a target audience. In particular members should familiarise themselves with the armed forces covenant and with the appointed Veteran’s Champions in each Local Authority, Local Health Boards and other sectors.
If you were granted 3 wishes what would they be?
To be able to play guitar, To see mental and physical health gain parity and become fully integrated within our health and social care systems. To see a targeted and concerted effort from all necessary agencies to significantly reduce adverse childhood experiences.
What are your personal interests?
I have a number of personal interests, the most significant of which are watching live music and sport
The Grapevine This section of the ebulletin is dedicated to news from the network members. You can submit news on the work being undertaken in your area, write us an article, showcase an upcoming project or show off your achievements! If you would like to submit an article for the Grapevine, please email publichealth.network@wales.nhs.uk The article should be no longer than 500 words and pictures are always welcome!
Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015: For a Happier, Healthier, Fairer and Sustainable Wales. “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs...” Brundtland Report. The Well-being of Future Generations Act aims to improve our social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being. Public Health Wales and other public bodies, including Natural Resources Wales, local health boards and local authorities, must work better with people and communities and each other, think more about the long-term, look to prevent problems and take a more joined-up approach. This will help us to create a Wales that we all want to live in, now and in the future. The Act is the first legislation in the world to link with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by putting in place seven well-being goals for Wales to make sure we are all working towards the same vision.
The Act also puts in place a ‘sustainable development principle’ which means that Public Health Wales must think about future generations when we plan and carry out our work. There are five ‘ways of working’ which Public Health Wales will need to think about to show that the organisation has applied this sustainable development principle: long term, prevention, integration, collaboration and involvement.
With the Act now “live”, the ‘Health and Sustainability Hub’ in Public Health Wales has several supporting roles in maximising the opportunities for public health from this pioneering legislation. The Hub’s work programme includes supporting Public Health Wales to meet its duties under the Act and to become a champion for the Act; supporting the public health community in its role on the Public Services Boards to enhance the potential to improve health and well-being in local areas; and working with other public bodies and cross-sector stakeholder organisations to strengthen the impact of the Act on health and well-being, including environmental sustainability. Please get in touch with us: • If you want to sign up to our e-bulletin; • If you want to find out more about the Act or the Hub’s work. This news article is the first in a series to connect with our citizens and stakeholders in sustainable development and provide support to deliver well-being for future generations. Please let us know if there are topics which you would like to see covered or if you have ideas on how we can work with you to make the most of the opportunities provided by the Act. Find out more In the meantime, to find out more about the Act we recommend ‘The Essentials’ guide and ‘Megan’s Life’ animation: ‘The Essentials’ guide http://gov.wales/docs/dsjlg/publications/ 150623-guide-to-the-fg-act-en.pdf ‘Megan’s Life’ animation http://gov.wales/topics/people-and-communities/people/future-generations-act/future-generations-act-video/?lang=en You can also visit our page on the Public Health Network Cymru web-site: www.publichealthnetwork.cymru/en/topics/policy/well-being-of-future-generations-walesact-2015/ Contact us We can be contacted at: publichealth.sustainability@wales.nhs.uk
News Round-Up Welcome to the News-Round-Up. Click on the headings of the news item to take you to the full news story on the Public Health Network Cymru Website.
Substance Misuse Programme launched to help people recovering from substance misuse and mental health conditions into work An EU-backed programme to help 6,000 people recovering from substance misuse and mental health conditions into work has been launched by Minister Rebecca Evans.
Physical Activity First complete UK map series Sustrans have completed the first series of cycle maps to cover the whole of the UK. The last four maps in a 56-map series of pocket guides have been published.
Cardiovascular New Royal College of Physicians report highlights inconsistencies in diagnosis and management of COPD in Wales COPD inflicts a huge toll on individual patients, their carers, and on the NHS. In total, 1.2 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with COPD, making it the second most common lung disease in the country.
Health Professionals Choosing Wisely Wales Choosing Wisely Wales was launched by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges in Wales.
Mental Health Together for Mental Health: Delivery plan: 2016-19 Together for Mental Health was published in 2012. It is a 10-year strategy for improving mental health and wellbeing and improving the care and treatment of people using mental health services their carers and their families.
Click Here for more news on the Public Health Network Cymru website
November
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Welsh Association of Sexual and Contraceptive Health (WASCH): Autumn Symposium Future Inn, Cardiff Bay Why good work matters: the role of good quality work in reducing health inequalities Dublin Promoting positive outcomes for adoptive parents and children: recent evidence, emerging knowledge, future challenge University of Sussex
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Priorities for sports policy in Wales - funding, facilities and participation Cardiff Health Impact Assessment: Health and Housing Cardiff
Working with Fathers Rhyl Public Health: Prevention in Practice Manchester Conference Centre
Planning for Better Health and Wellbeing Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel and Spa
Click Here for more events on the Public Health Network Cymru website
Contact Us Publichealth.network@wales.nhs.uk Capital Quarter 2 Floor 5 Tyndall Street Cardiff CF10 4BZ www.publichealthnetwork.cymru If you have any news or events to contribute to the next edition please submit them to publichealth.network@wales.nhs.uk deadline for submission is the 3rd friday of every month.
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