Read about the various initiatives to provide local support during the Covid-19 crisis.

The Well

The Well has adapted to a virtual approach to support local people during Covid-19. The Well ‘Near Me’ allows the public to have a video conversation with our staff from their own home. We are aware that not everyone will have access to technology or internet, so we are trying to explore other ways to reach members of the public who would benefit from a conversation with The Well staff.

The Well ‘Near Me’ will run every Wednesday and Thursday from 10am till 12noon, starting from Wednesday 4th November 2020.

To access a video conversation, visit www.fifehealthandsocialcare.org/the-well and then click on the ‘start video call’ button.

Fife Health & Social Care Partnership Community Support Team

Prescription Collection & Delivery

Following the wind down of the Fife Voluntary Action prescription delivery service, Fife Health & Social Care Partnerships Community Support Team and Fife Council Contact Centre have organised a smaller discrete service ready to help with deliveries for our elderly and most vulnerable population who may still be in a position that they have no-one to pick up prescriptions for them.

SHOUT

‘SHOUT’ is a text messaging service for times when people feel they need immediate support, available 24/7, for those of all ages. It is free and confidential to text the service from the following major networks: EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. These include – BT Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile, iD Mobile, Sky, Telecom Plus, Lebara and GiffGaff.

Shout supports people experiencing any type of personal mental health concern, such as anxiety, isolation or grief. They may be experiencing eating or body issues or substance misuse. Perhaps they have experienced bullying, depression or sadness, or have relationship worries, or self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Sexual, physical or emotional abuse or concerns about sexual identity may also be prompts for texting in.

Anyone in need of support should text ‘SHOUT’ to ‘85258’. An automated text will be received asking them about the nature of their problem. This text will also let the individual know that they are being connected to a trained Shout Volunteer. The aim is to respond to all texters within five minutes, and then the texter can communicate back and forward with the volunteer via text message, using Shout’s secure platform. The Shout Volunteer can provide resources that provide further help and support for longer-term mental health experiences.

For further information about this service, go to https://giveusashout.org/about-us/faq/.

Every Life Matters

Scotland’s national suicide prevention action plan Every Life Matters is working towards a vision where suicide is preventable in Scotland. Where help and support are available to anyone contemplating suicide and for those who have sadly lost a loved one to suicide.

Keeping Connected provides a directory of services available throughout Fife who offer help and support on a range of issues.

Below is a list of helpful websites and helplines if you, or someone you know, needs support:

• NHS inform
• Moodcafe Fife
• Access Therapies Fife
• Breathing Space Tel: 0800 83 85 87 (Open Monday to Thursday 6pm – 2am; Friday to Monday 6pm – 6am)
• Samaritans Tel: 116 123 (24-hour support service)
• “Stay Alive” is a Suicide Safety App which is available and free to download

NHS Education for Scotland developed short animations which provide information on suicide awareness and what to do if you are concerned about someone:

• Ask, Tell – look after your mental health: this animation explores what mental health is and that we all have mental health.
• Ask Tell – save a life, every life matters: this animation explores the issue of suicide, including statistics and facts about suicide in Scotland.

If you are concerned for an individual’s immediate safety do not leave the individual alone and call 999 immediately.
For further information, contact: fife-uhb.fifesuicidepreventionnetwork@nhs.net

Dementia Friendly Fife Project

The Dementia Friendly Fife Project started on the 5th November 2018, as a 2-year project funded by the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, scheduled to finish on the 31st October 2020. The project was an extension of the Dementia Friendly Glenrothes Project which took place between 2016 and 2018.

The aim of the project was to get as many organisations and individuals across Fife to become dementia friendly. The process involved an environmental assessment of physical premises and staff and volunteers were asked to become dementia friends. Organisations which followed the process were awarded a Dementia Friendly Fife window sticker.

To date there are 300 organisations which hold the award and over 6000 individuals registered as dementia friends across the Kingdom. The project has been particularly successful as it has been supported by members of STAND which is a peer support group for people living with younger onset dementia and their families and friends.

The project was suspended in the early part of the pandemic but is now back up and running again. Following a very positive external evaluation carried out by a team at St Andrews University, it has been extended into 2021.

Individuals and organisations can become dementia friendly by watching the DVD Standing Up for Dementia in Fife. This takes the form of a “virtual” dementia friends’ session with very powerful messages delivered by members of STAND.

If anyone would like to know anything more about the project or would like to get involved, please email Ruth.McCabe@fife.gov.uk or call 07341 842567.

Policing

The Herbert Protocol

Protecting vulnerable people from harm is a priority for Police Scotland Fife Division. The Herbert Protocol is here to give families and care givers some reassurance and help to keep those they care for safe. This is a new initiative to Fife and is a system that provides the Police with everything they would need to know to search for a vulnerable person in the event they went missing.

It’s a form that is kept at home containing important information regarding known routines, habits, as well as descriptions of your friend/relative and details of their and others involved with their care. It can be handed to Police so that you do not have to worry about gathering the information during what can be a very stressful time.

Read the Herbert Protocol document for more information or contact the Fife Missing Person Coordinator Sgt Pete Wordie on 01592 411982.