1. home and garden

Minor Injuries
Service
Care for less serious
injuries
Page 12 & 13
NHS sites are
‘Smokefree’
New campaign
launched
Page 19
LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR LOCAL SERVICES • SPRING 2015
Help a child grow
Foster care campaign and
Gardening Scotland
Page 14
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Be a part
of a recordbreaking
Big Read
World record attempt
Children and parents from across Fife will be
getting ready to settle with a story this May,
when they attempt to break a world record for
reading together.
Organisers are looking for more than 4450
families to read their way into the record book - an
attempt to break the Guinness World Record for
the most parents reading simultaneously with their
child, with free tickets for the event available from
April.
The record attempt is part of the Take Time for a
Story campaign, which aims to encourage parents
to spend more time storytelling with their child in
the early years, boosting brain development and
strengthening the special bond between parent
and child.
Continued on page 3
Published by Fife’s Community Planning Partners: Fife Council, NHS Fife, Police Scotland, Skills Development Scotland, Fife Voluntary
Action, SEStrans, Fife College and St Andrews University. To find out more, visit www.fifedirect.org.uk
Welcome to the spring edition of Fifelife
As always partners across the public sector have come together to bring you news and information on services
across Fife.
Check out the progress we’re making on bringing more affordable housing to Fifers on page four and take some
time to remind yourself of who to turn to if you’re looking for medical advice on the centre pages.
There’s an update on the progress we’re making on bringing health and social care services together on page 12
and now that the weather’s getting better there are plenty of ideas and opportunities to get out and about and make the most of
all Fife has to offer. More info on the back page.
Contents
‘TAKE TIME’ CAMPAIGN
4
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
5
NEW DAY SURGERY UNIT
OPENS6
EXPLORING FIFE ON TWO
WHEELS8
SPRING HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES 9
JOB CLUBS NEAR YOU
10
BREAST SCREENING
11
MINOR INJURIES SERVICE
12
FOSTER CARE
14
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
15
BIPOLAR SUPPORT
17
NHS SITES SMOKEFREE
19
DEMENTIA BUS STOPS
20
FORTH BRIDGE - WORLD
HERITAGE STATUS
21
OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
22
SHARPS DISPOSAL SAFETY 23
HIP FRACTURE WARD
For any enquiries regarding Fifelife, or
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Editor, Fifelife, c/o Corporate
Services, Fife House, North Street,
Glenrothes, Fife, KY7 5LT.
Enjoy the issue.
Cllr David Ross - Chair of the Fife Partnership
PUBLIC CONSULTATION HELPS
SHAPE COUNCIL BUDGET
3
Enquiries
24
HAVING
PROBLEMS?
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Public consultation helps shape council budget
Budget news
A major public consultation on how Fife Council
tackles the budget challenges it faces has helped
shape a realistic budget for difficult times.
Councillors set the budget in February. They agreed
service and policy changes which will make savings of
£8.8million in 2015-16, rising to £35.6m in 2017-18.
This will leave an estimated budget gap of £44m by
2017-18.
Fifers were asked for their opinions on savings
proposals over the winter months and according to
Council Leader David Ross it’s clear people value their
public services.
Fife Council has agreed to a set of savings and
investments to balance its budget for 2015-16 and
make inroads in to the financial challenges facing the
Council.
Council Leader David Ross said public consultation
had been worthwhile and helped shape a realistic
budget for difficult times.
“We’ve listened to parents and communities
who were concerned about an uncertain future for
education and removed proposals for £27m savings
from this budget. We’ll keep talking to parents, pupils,
teachers and the Scottish Government about how
we create a sustainable future for education, which
accounts for over half our spending.
“We won’t raise council tax this year as we would lose
Scottish Government funding. However, it’s interesting
to note that many people told us they would be happy
to pay more towards local services if this wasn’t the
case.
“Conflicting views were raised about car parking
issues so we’ll be doing more work in this area as part
of the transportation review over the coming months.
“I want to thank everyone who got involved in the
consultation - I know it’s a challenging exercise but
balancing our budget is complicated, and will become
increasingly difficult. As we continue to tackle our big
change challenge I hope more Fifers will get involved
in conversations about the future of our local services.”
The council has agreed savings of £8.8m in 2015-16
including:
•• £5.3m efficiency savings from across the council
•• £1m by introducing a new seven-day shift pattern
for mechanical street sweeping and reducing
management, operational and support staff in parks,
streets and open spaces
•• £0.7m by increasing fees and charges (excluding car
parking) in line with inflation
•• £0.2m by increasing the cost of school lunches
•• The council will invest £13m in health and social care
and a further £6m that will come from the Scottish
Government and NHS Fife.
•• Other investments include:
•• £0.15m for community broadband in rural Fife,
•• £0.3m to help communities take responsibility for
local assets,
•• £0.3m for Quid a Kid summer swims
•• £0.15m for an anti-poverty programme in schools
The approved revenue budget papers are
available at www.fifedirect.org.uk/budget
Take Time for a Story
(continued from page 1)
Carrie Lindsay, Area Education Officer explains: “We
want as many parents and children as possible to
come along to this Big Read event and experience
what it’s like to be part of a one-off record-breaking
attempt, and possibly help get Fife into the record
books!
“Not only will Fife’s parents and children be able to
come along and enjoy a fun event, but they’ll also have
the opportunity to learn more about the benefits of
storytelling together and the impact this can. We’d love
to break the record – any families who are interested
in going along on the day should watch this space and
make sure they register to attend in April.”
Read your way into the record books is being held
at Michael Woods Leisure Centre in Glenrothes, and
will be hosted by a special guest. The Children who
go along to the event with their parent or carer will
receive a brand new book and a goody bag, as well as
a certificate to say they took part in a Guinness World
Record attempt.
Families in Fife are being encouraged to Take Time to Eat Well Together
Take Time to Eat Well
Together
Advice
Fife families are being encouraged to Take Time to
Eat Well Together this spring, and make the most of
time together around the table.
The Take Time to Eat Well Together campaign, which
is part of the Take Time series, will give parents ideas
on eating together as a family, quick and easy recipes
the whole family will enjoy, and hints and tips to deal
with fussy eaters.
Launching on the Fife Families website, the
campaign will give parents and carers the opportunity
to download recipes, ask the experts questions and
read blogs with ideas for eating together. They will also
be able to access tutorials on getting confident in the
kitchen.
Belinda Morgan, Head of Health Inequalities Team
from NHS Fife says: “Eating together as a family has
huge benefits for children, parents and your purse –
buying food for the whole family to enjoy can make
meal times cheaper too.
“There are enormous benefits to eating together
with your children - children who eat together with
their families are less likely to become obese, or have
eating disorders, and are more likely to perform better
at school. In addition, eating together gives families a
chance to catch up, talk about their day and create a
special bond between parent and child.”
For more information on Take Time to Eat Well
Together, visit www.fifedirect.org.uk/families
Parents should look out for news and updates
on the event from their local nursery or on the
Fife Families Information Service website (www.
fifedirect.org.uk/families) and Facebook page –
www.facebook.com. Tickets will be available from
www.readfife.eventbrite.co.uk/fifefamilies from
April 1st.
Fife’s Affordable Housing Programme
Fife’s Affordable Housing Programme is delivering
on its commitment to provide 2700 new affordable
homes by 2017. Over half of these are now built
and occupied by tenants or under construction!
Watch our short film at www.fifedirect.org.uk/
newbuild to see how these new homes are already
changing tenants’ lives.
This programme is a collaboration between
affordable housing providers including Fife Council,
Housing Associations, private developers and a
number of Scottish Government initiatives. As part
of this, Fife Council has delivered seven new housing
developments so far.
Where are we currently building?
The Council have eight housing developments
currently under construction.
North Fod, Dunfermline
No. of
Homes 49
Estimated
Completion Date
Spring 2015
Abbey Park, St Andrews
29
Autumn 2015
Silverdykes, Anstruther
21
Autumn 2015
Ostlers Way, Kirkcaldy (phase
2: extra care and specific needs
housing)
26
Autumn 2015
Leuchatsbeath,
Cowdenbeath
49
Winter 2015
Hall Street, Lochgelly
16
Winter 2015
County Buildings, Cupar
18
Spring 2016
Orebank Terrace, Thornton
31
Spring 2016
Development
How can I get one of these properties?
Where possible, new build properties are allocated
to existing tenants in housing need - such as those in
overcrowded or under-occupied houses. This also frees
up the homes that the tenants have moved from so the
needs of more households can be met.
New Council properties are allocated through the
Fife Housing Register (FHR). If you are a tenant of Fife
Council or one of our FHR partners (Kingdom Housing
Association; Fife Housing Association; Ore Valley
Housing Association; Glen Housing Association) and
you wish to be considered for one of these new homes,
please complete an FHR application form. These are
available from any Local Office, Home4Good Centre or
as a downoad from the Fife Direct website. Remember
to select the areas where new properties are planned
or under construction so that you are considered for
these when they become available.
Fit for the future
The homes Fife Council is building have not just met
industry standards. They include important features
such as sprinkler systems, innovative technologies,
increased insulation standards and high air tightness.
This helps to tackle fuel poverty and, in turn, improve
living standards.
A disused piece of land on the former Bell Baxter High School site in Cupar
has been regenerated and is now home to 21 houses.
In several cases the council is also bringing
derelict land (like brownfield sites) back into use or
redeveloping derelict buildings into modern day
housing. We’re also creating more local employment
opportunities and giving the council’s apprentices
some great experience!
www.fifedirect.org.uk/newbuild
State-of-the-art Day Surgery Unit opens at Queen
Margaret Hospital
Queen Margaret Hospital
The new Day Surgery Unit at Queen Margaret
Hospital is the latest clinical facility to open as
part of development work on-site. The unit, which
opened earlier this year, follows the opening of
the Regional Endoscopy, Urology and Clinical
Intervention units in 2014.
The unit, which replaced previous facilities on site,
provides treatment for a variety of conditions, with
patients admitted, treated and discharged within 23
hours.
Over 500 patients receive day surgery treatment
at Queen Margaret each month and that figure is
expected to increase further, with the unit carrying
out the majority of day surgery work in Fife.
The unit includes:
•• a 12-bed recovery area for patients who require
an overnight stay made up of six single rooms and
two three-bedded bays
•• two pre-assessment rooms
•• excellent recovery facilities
•• separate patient sitting rooms for day and
overnight patients
•• an education/seminar room for staff
Access to this clinical corridor on Level 2 is
restricted to designated staff, with no general access
available to members of the public.
Information on the access restrictions and finding
your way around is available from the main
reception, the Meet and Greet volunteers, key
areas around the site and on the NHS Fife website
at www.nhsfife.org/queenmargaret , where you
can also find out more about developments onsite.
As part of the development, a new ‘clinical corridor’
has been created to improve the privacy and dignity
of patients using Day Surgery services, particularly for
those moving between theatre and recovery areas.
Members of the
The day surgery ward
day surgery team
Simplified
visiting times
help support
hospital visiting
Support
If you have ever wondered what times you can visit
loved ones in an NHS Fife hospital, recent changes
have made things that little bit simpler.
Where many of Fife’s wards previously had variations
on visiting, the Health Board has introduced standard
visiting times of 2pm until 8pm, across all wards. The
changes are informed by patient feedback and make
visiting as accessible as possible. Of course, there will
still be some situations where 2pm – 8pm is unsuitable,
and NHS Fife will continue to be as flexible as possible
in these cases.
In another move to make life on wards easier for
patients and visitors, new Ward Welcome boards
have been put up across hospitals. The boards give
all the information needed to ensure patients can
communicate their needs, with details including
visiting hours, ways to feedback experiences, and a
picture of the senior nurse in charge of the ward.
Patients consistently feedback that being kept
informed as to their care is central to a positive
experience on the wards. Ward Welcomes have been
specifically designed with this in mind, and ensure
that patients and families know exactly what to expect
and who to turn to, regardless of which hospital they
happen to be in.
Senior Charge Nurse Gillian Kirkpatrick with one
of the new Ward Welcome boards.
7
Exploring Fife on two wheels
Cycling
Already voted Scotland’s ‘Number one outdoor
destination’ for eight years in a row by Scottish
Natural Heritage, a series of mountain bike
route cards have been produced to show
cyclists how to see the very best of Fife.
Whether you’re a super-fit rider or just enjoy a
leisurely family afternoon cycle, there’s a route
to suit everyone.
There are nine in the series including Tentsmuir
Forest, Crail to Kingsbarns, Dunnikier Park,
Pitcairlie Hill and Pitmedden Forest. All have
detailed maps and useful information and can be
easily downloaded from outdoorFife.com so you
can have them during the ride.
One of the routes – Fife Coastal Path at
Newburgh – is a fantastic 9.5 km ride with stunning
views above the River Tay, accessing Norman Law,
one of Fife’s highest hills and the eastern most
peak in the Ochil Fault. With some challenging
climbs and exposed hill sides, this one is for the
more experienced riders.
Alistair Bruce, Chair of Fife Tourism Partnership
said, “What better way to see round the number
one outdoor destination than cycling through the
Kingdom. With so many great things to see and do
it’s no wonder cycling has become such a popular
choice for visitors, as well as a healthy way to enjoy
family days out.”
And you won’t want to miss Fife’s Summer of
Cycling festival including children’s and adults
races, leisure rides, introductory sessions, tasters
on a variety of bike styles – tandems, recumbents,
trikes, mountain bikes and a whole lot more!
The festival will start with the legendary Squirrel
Crit, a fast and furious race through the centre
of Dunfermline. This amazing spectator event
will bring the thrills and spills of all our best local
club riders to our streets in a criterium race with a
difference. There will also be the chance for the
community to have a go on the circuit before the
competitors hear the start gun.
For more information, visit www.
welcometoFife.com
Tom Durham, Collective Training
Time to Spring into action!
Spring holiday activities
A popular scheme which makes it more affordable to get kids active during
school holidays is once again on offer this Easter.
Fife Sports and Leisure Trust – the region’s leading provider of sports and leisure
services – will continue to deliver its Quid-a-Kid programme offering juniors aged 17
and under the chance to swim and play racquet sports for just £1 during the Easter
school holidays.
The Quid-a-Kid scheme is available in the Trust’s facilities across the region and is
part of the organisation’s drive to get more young people active more of the time
and is supported by Fife Council.
As well as Quid-a-Kid, there will be range of great activities on offer from 3rd
to 19th April in leisure centres across the region. Programmes include, swim and
gymnastics camps, football coaching, fitness classes and racquet sports to name just
a few great ways to keep kids active this Easter holidays.
Swimming is not only fun, but it’s a great way for the whole family to get active. The
Trust has some fantastic parent and child swimming classes on offer, as well as the
full range of Scottish Swimming accredited classes for all ages, which are well worth
joining.
No matter which area of Fife you are in, the Trust has lots going on – for example,
East Sands Leisure Centre has a great gymnastics club for kids as well as junior and
adult triathlon training, Carnegie Leisure Centre in Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy Leisure
Centre both have soft play areas for active fun and Levenmouth Swimming Pool is all
about splashing out with its wave machine, aqua flumes and much more.
And don’t forget, Quid-a-Kid Weekends is available all year around giving the same
great deal to juniors. Parents can also benefit from discounted prices on racquet
sport fun – so there’s no excuse not to get active and have fun together!
For full details on Fife Sports and Leisure Trust’s Easter holiday activities, visit
www.fifeleisure.org.uk
Job clubs near you
Do you need support to find a job or get back to work?
Community job clubs are held weekly across Fife. They are open to anyone looking to
get back into work or learning. The clubs are run by trained staff - they can explain what
employers are looking for, help you to complete online application forms and point you
towards other support available locally.
You can see the times and locations of your local job club in the table below. And
you can find out more by visiting www.fifedirect.org.uk/jobclubs or phoning 01592
583659.
Area
East Area
Glenrothes
Levenmouth
Location
Time
Area
Location
Time
Cosmos Learning Centre, Abbey Walk, St
Andrews
Thursday 13.30-15.30
Marwood House, 59 Viewforth Street,
Kirkcaldy
Friday 09.30-12.00
Cupar Library, Crossgate, Cupar
Friday 10.00-12.00 &
14.00-16.00
Templehall Learning Centre, Templehall
Avenue, Kirkcaldy
Tuesday 13.00-15.00
Anstruther Town Hall, Ladywalk,
Anstruther
Wednesday 10.00-12.00
Burntisland Library, 102 High Street,
Burntisland
Tuesday 10.00-12.00
Dolphin Centre, 4 Gladstone Square,
Tayport
Wednesday 14.00-16.00
LinkLiving, Westbridge Mill, Bridge St,
Kirkcaldy
Wednesday 10.00-13.00
Auchtermuchty Community Centre, 1
Distillery Street, Auchtermuchty
Tuesday 9.30 - 12.00
Community Hub, East Fergus Place,
Kirkcaldy
Thursday 10.00-12.00
Tayside Institute Community Centre, 9092 High Street, Newburgh,
Tuesday 9.30 - 12.00
Abbeyview Tryst, Duncan Crescent,
Dunfermline
Thursday 13.00-16.00
Auchmuty Learning Centre, 81 Alexander
Road, Glenrothes
Wednesday 18.00-20.00
& Friday 13.30-16.30
Music Institute, East Port, Dunfermline
Wednesday 9.30-12.30
Lomond Centre, Woodside Way,
Glenrothes
Tuesday 16.00-18.00
Tuesday 9.30 - 11.30
Dell Farquharson Centre, Nethertown
Broad Street, Dunfermline
Tuesday 13.00-16.00
Glenwood Library, Glenrothes
Monday 13.00-16.00
& Thursday 13.00-15.00
Inverkeithing Civic Centre, 10 Queen
Street, Inverkeithing
Oakley Library, Station Road, Oakley
Thursday 13.30-16.30
Exit Community Centre, Glamis Centre,
Glenrothes
Wednesday 12.30-14.30
Valleyfield Community Centre, Chapel St,
Dunfermline
Monday 12.00-14.00
Buckhaven Community Centre, Kinnear
St, Leven
Wednesday 10.00-12.00
Rosyth Library, Parkgate, Rosyth
Wednesday 13.00-16.00
Adam Smith College, Leven campus,
Victoria Road, Buckhaven
Wednesday 14.00-16.00
Tuesday 09.30-13.00
Bowhill Community Centre, 145 Station
Road, Cardenden
Sandy Brae Community Centre, Sandy
Brae, Kennoway
Monday 13.30-15.30
Thursday 14.00-16.00
Cowdenbeath Library, 41 High Street,
Cowdenbeath
Moray Institute, 92 Main Street, Kelty
Methil Community Education Centre,
Bowling Green Street, Methil
Wednesday 9.30-11.30
Wednesday 14.00-16.00
Tuesday 14.00-16.00
East Wemyss Library, School Wynd, East
Wemyss
Benarty Centre, Flockhouse Avenue,
Lochgelly
Monday 9.30-11.30
Kirkcaldy
Dunfermline
South West
Area
Cowdenbeath
Area
Don’t Get
Scared - Get
Screened
Breast Screening
Every three years NHS Scotland
invites women aged between
50 and 70 for breast screening.
Evidence shows that the risk
of developing breast cancer
increases with age and breast
x-rays (mammograms) are an
effective form of screening
in women who have reached
menopause.
The mobile screening unit will
be in a number of locations in
Fife in the months ahead.
If you meet the screening
criteria and are due an
appointment, you will
automatically be sent an
invitation for screening which will
be sent to your home address.
Not all invitations are sent at
the same time, an appointment
will normally arrive about three
weeks before your appointment
date.
Invitations to the Scottish breast
screening programme are not
sent to people over the age of
70, but you do remain at risk of
developing breast cancer at that
age so are welcome to attend
every three years.
Women aged over 71 can
phone (0131) 537 7400 for an
appointment.
For further information on
breast screening visit www.
nhsinform.co.uk
Know who to turn to
when you are injured
What is a Minor Injuries Service?
We’ve all had our fair share of
bumps, bruises and grazes but what
can you do when self care isn’t
enough?
The Minor Injuries Service can help
you deal with less serious injuries that
you may have thought required a trip
to Accident and Emergency (A&E).
There are four Minor Injuries units
across Fife - at Victoria Hospital,
Kirkcaldy; Queen Margaret Hospital,
Dunfermline; St Andrews Community
Hospital, St Andrews; and Adamson
Hospital, Cupar.
The vast majority of those who attend
the Minor Injuries service will need
help with common injuries, suspected
broken bones and wounds.
You can attend a Minor Injuries
service with injuries to ligaments,
tendons and muscles which include
things like a sprained or twisted ankle
and a suspected broken bone. In
addition, bites and stings, minor burns
and scalds and cuts and wounds that
require stitching and dressing can also
be treated.
You can find a list of what can and
can’t be treated on the next page.
Minor Injuries services are staffed by
Emergency Nurse Practitioners (ENPs)
who are highly skilled.
Christine Harley has been an ENP for
14 years and works at the Minor Injuries
units at Queen Margaret Hospital and
Victoria Hospital.
She said: “We are
able to deal with
many injuries that
are not serious or
life-threatening but
requiring medical
help. We are able
to assess a person’s
injuries, providing
the care and
treatment each patient requires.
“For example, patients who present
with a possible fracture - broken bone
- can be helped. The patient may not
even realise it’s broken until they come
to us but we can provide the care
and treatment required for a simple
fracture.
“We can also refer patients to a
specialist for treatment when necessary.
“Attending the Minor Injuries service
instead of A&E means you will get the
care and treatment you require and
will often be seen quicker, especially
at busy periods such as evenings and
weekends.
“If you attend and we are unable to
help you, we will advise you of the best
alternative service for your needs.”
Where are the Minor Injuries services?
Victoria Hospital
Hayfield Road
Kirkcaldy
KY2 5AH
Queen Margaret Hospital Whitefield Road
Dunfermline
KY12 0SU
Located within A&E at Victoria Hospital,
walk in service operates 24/7
Minor Injuries Unit, walk in service
operates 24/77
St Andrews Community Hospital
Largo Road
St Andrews, KY16 8AR
Adamson Hospital
Bank Street
Cupar, KY15 4JG
A walk in service operating Monday to
Friday from 8am to 6pm. Outwith these
times and on public holidays call NHS
24 on 111.
A walk in service operating Monday
to Friday from 8am to 6pm. Outwith
these times and on public holidays call
NHS 24 on 111.
A quick guide:
What the Minor Injuries Service can and can’t treat:
Minor Injuries Service CAN treat the following:
✔✔Arm, wrist and hand injuries
✔✔Knee, ankle and foot injuries
✔✔Back, shoulder and rib injuries
✔✔Head and neck injuries in people who are fully conscious
✔✔Cuts and wounds which may need dressing and stitches
✔✔Minor burns and scalds
✔✔Eye injuries
Minor Injuries Services CAN’T treat the following:
✘✘ Breathing problems
✘✘ Chest pain
✘✘ Drug overdose
✘✘ Severe allergic reaction
✘✘ Illnesses which a GP would normally treat
✘✘ Gynaecological or Pregnancy problems
✘✘ Alcohol and drug related problems
✘✘ Mental Health problems
Anyone who attends the Minor Injuries service who can’t be treated will be advised of the best alternative service to use.
Remember A&E and calling 999 should only be used for serious
illnesses and injuries so that essential treatment is given as quickly as
possible to those who need it most.
More information
There are leaflets available about the Minor Injuries service which can be found at your local GP, pharmacy and libraries. Alternatively, you can find
the leaflet on the NHS Fife Website – www.nhsfife.org/knowwhototurnto
For more information on what services are available to help you when you are ill or injured and to find your nearest service please visit the NHS Fife
Website on www.nhsfife.org/knowwhototurnto
If you would like a copy of the leaflet in an alternative format or community language please call 01383 565142 or email [email protected]
Help a
child grow
Fife Council’s new “Help a child to grow”
campaign which promotes foster caring in Fife
will be unveiled at Gardening Scotland between
29-31 May 2015.
As part of their new campaign, Fife Council will
display two mobile allotments at the show. The
campaign highlights the importance of nurturing
children to help them grow and reach their full
potential. When children are unable to live with their
birth parents, foster carers can provide them with a
healthy and nurturing home environment with all the
stability and support that children need.
After Gardening Scotland, the allotments will travel
around Fife so young children can learn how to care
for plants and vegetables.
Service Manager Rae Ormiston, said:
“There are lots of people in Fife who would make
great foster carers and many children who would
really benefit from being part of a loving family.
“There is no such thing as a typical foster carer – we
have couples whose children have grown up, young
families and single people of all ages. As long as the
main carer does not work full time, you have a spare
bedroom available and a genuine desire to help
children then get in touch with the team.
“If you could make a positive difference to a child’s
life, I would encourage you to get in touch with
our team or come along to one of our information
sessions.”
Have you thought about foster caring? Perhaps it’s
something you’ve considered in the past, or maybe
you’ve never thought about it before but would like
to learn more.
There is a wealth of information about foster caring
on our website: www.fifedirect.org.uk/fosterforfife
Fife Council also hosts Foster Care information
sessions on the last Thursday of every month where
you can meet the team, learn more about what’s
involved and chat with foster carers about their
experiences. The sessions take place at St Bryce
Church, Brycedale Avenue, Kirkcaldy.
www.fifedirect.org.uk/fosterforfife #fosterforfife
You can sign up to attend an information
session online or by calling 01383 602235.
ADAPT… Recovery from substance misuse
Recovery service
ADAPT is a recovery service for the Fife community
provided by a partnership of Fife Alcohol Support
Service and the Fife Community Drug Service.
It offers help for anyone concerned about alcohol,
recreational drug use or the misuse of prescribed
medications. ADAPT matches services to the
person to help them move away from alcohol and
drug related problems. It also supports carers and
concerned family and friends. ADAPT provides
free, confidential advice, counselling and onward
referrals to other services.
ADAPT has grown from strength to strength over the
past three years and currently operates eleven open
access recovery clinics across Fife on a weekly basis
in Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline, Lochgelly, Glenrothes, St.
Andrews and Leven.
Co-ordinator Lami Atta-Ahmed commented: “We
offer help to people unsure of what to do, or where to
turn. We offer a practical and realistic way forward for
anyone concerned about his or her own, or a loved
one’s substance misuse problems.”
For more information contact Lami AttaAhmed on 01592 321 321, email: Info@ADAPTFIFE.
org.uk or online at www.fassaction.org.uk/index.
php/en/adapt
“I was nervous
about telling what
had happened, but
I knew that I would
not have been
judged”
“I didn’t know ADAPT would
help me with other issues apart
from my drug issue, I am glad I
was in the right place at the right
time”
“I very much appreciate the help
ADAPT gave me, I had been
suicidal and found counselling
helped greatly to sort out my
drinking and my life”
Stress management course offers
support
Step on Stress
An innovative Fife programme is provides practical
support in coping with stress.
‘Step on Stress’ is a free course for adults which aims to
help understand stress and provide practical tools for use in
everyday life.
The course examines how stress affects physical reactions
and thoughts and provides relaxation techniques to help
participants to deal with their worries.
NHS Fife Clinical Psychologist, Dr Marie Ferguson, said:
“Everyone feels stressed from time to time but it can
become a problem when we can’t shake it off.
“It is important that we learn to manage stress and learn to
recognise the early signs so we can prevent it taking hold.
“As well as learning handy tips, participants receive
handouts so they can get the most out of our classes and
can read these at their own pace at home.”
Courses are currently running in Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy
and Leven.
For further information or to book a place, visit www.
moodcafe.co.uk, email [email protected]
or call (01383) 565442.
Don’t delay – Make
sure you can have
your say in the
General Election
Your vote matters
Will you be able to have your say in
this year’s UK general election on 7
May? To make sure you can, you have
to be registered to vote by Monday
20 April.
“Time is running out and if your name
isn’t already on the electoral register,
you only have until Monday 20 April to
register to vote. If you’re not registered,
you won’t be able to vote”, warns Linda
Bissett, Fife’s electoral registration
officer.
It only takes a few minutes to register
to vote, or to choose to vote by post or
proxy, where someone votes on your
behalf. To vote by post or proxy you
must register to vote first.
You can register to vote online
and find out how to apply for a
postal or proxy vote by visiting www.
fifedirect.org.uk/registertovote or
calling the electoral registration team
on 03451 55 55 11.
Pole to Pole - Bipolar
support initiative
Healthcare Programme
Exploring experiences at one of the Pole to Pole workshops
An initiative which supports
individuals with bipolar and their
friends and family is going from
strength to strength.
Pole to Pole, a joint initiative between
NHS Fife and Fife Bipolar Group, seeks
to support awareness and understanding
of high and low mood states, alongside
promoting improved communication.
The programme consists of three group
sessions, with activities and discussions
which encourage participants to look
at how they react in different situations
and identify what is important to them.
The approach includes concepts such
as acceptance, mindfulness and living
according to values.
Clinical Psychologist, Dr Laura Walton,
said: “Pole to Pole is an opportunity
to explore experiences of bipolar,
communicate about living with these
experiences and support each other.
“We deliver sessions across Fife and so
anyone with an interest in taking part is
encouraged to contact us.”
To find out more about the Pole
to Pole programme or to book a place
on the next course email fife-uhb.
[email protected], or call 01334
696336.
Safe, Secure and Supported at Home
Support at home
Fife has a range of new services to help women and
children affected by domestic abuse. Safe, Secure
and Supported at Home is a partnership project
funded by the Big Lottery for five years with the aim
of helping families to live safely in a place of their
choosing. This service compliments and enhances
services provided by Fife Cares, Police Scotland,
Housing Providers and Fife Women’s Aid
Victims of domestic abuse can have hard choices to
make about their safety, with many continuing to live
in fear after their relationship ends. Many perpetrators
continue to stalk their victims leaving women and
children feeling very vulnerable. This project aims
to help women to feel safe by offering a range of
additional services to address practical and emotional
concerns:
Have your say on how flood
risk is managed in Scotland
Help shape how flooding is managed in Scotland and contribute
towards Scotland’s first ever flood risk management plans.
Have your say
Health and social care
Integration of health and social care is the
Scottish Government’s ambitious programme to
improve services for people who use health and
social care services.
In the months ahead, NHS Fife and Fife Council
services for adults will come under a new Health
and Social Care Partnership for Fife, with full
integration on or before April 2016.
•• Housing options (Homeless Advice and Prevention
0800 0286231),
•• Police response, including specialist support from
the Fife Domestic Abuse Unit (Police Scotland 101)
•• Practical and emotional support, including meeting
new people (Fife Women’s Aid 0808 802 5555)
•• Fife Cares home security advice and equipment (Fife
Council Contact Centre 01383 441177)
You can ask for help with one thing or a range of
services. It is good to check out options as early as
possible.
Dougie Dunlop, Chair of Fife Domestic and Sexual
Abuse Partnership explained: “Across Fife there are far
too many women and children who are not and do not
feel safe in their own homes. Many feel they have no
choice but to leave the family home, possibly to stay
in Council Homeless accommodation or Women’s Aid
refuge. We want to change that and help women and
children to be safe in their own communities.”
“Our vision is to ensure
accessible, quality
services that are
designed with and for
the people of Fife.
“By listening to users of
services and using the
collective knowledge,
experience and skills of
the people of Fife, we
are developing new and
more innovative ways of
working at community
level. Together we
can help people live
safe, independent and
fulfilling lives regardless
of age, ability or where
they live.”
Working with partners
We’re already engaging with those who use and
deliver services and with staff. In February we gave
over 60 carer, charity group, public and patient
representatives an opportunity to come together
to discuss, describe and start to shape the future
of public engagement in Fife. Another event will
be held in Spring and forms part of our ongoing
engagement programme.
Visit https://frm-scotland.org.uk/ to find out more about
flood risk in your area and give us your views.
Issued on behalf of all Scottish local authorities and SEPA.
Visit www.fifedirect.org.uk/integration for
more information.
NHS sites - a place to be smokefree
Smokefree campaign
A new NHS Fife campaign has been launched
urging smokers to refrain from lighting up on
hospital and health centre sites.
A Place to Be Smokefree’ seeks to remind smokers
that they are not permitted to light up outside
hospitals, health centres and GP surgeries and in NHS
car parks and gardens. The campaign, which began on
No Smoking Day, has seen new signage erected across
all hospital sites in Fife.
All NHS sites across Scotland have been smokefree
since 31 March, with, patients, visitors and staff asked
to wait until they are off NHS grounds before lighting
up.
Smoking is not allowed inside buildings or on the
grounds including gardens, footpaths, car parks, staff
residential areas, entrances, bus stops and in any
vehicle whilst on NHS sites.
NHS Fife Tobacco Issues Coordinator, Kay Samson,
said: “Every visit to our health service is an opportunity
to promote and improve people’s health.
“Unfortunately, many staff, patients and visitors to
NHS Fife sites are currently exposed to second hand
smoke as a result of people smoking on our sites,
particularly around the main entrances to buildings.
“We recognise how much effort is required from
smokers to refrain from smoking on NHS grounds
and we have staff available who can provide support
and nicotine replacement products to help reduce
cravings.”
NHS Fife Stop Smoking Services offer a variety of
support to smokers who do wish to quit. These services
are free and are available across Fife.
For more information contact NHS Fife Stop
Smoking Services on 0800 025 3000.
New bus stop initiative supports
patients with dementia
Healthcare Innovation
A new initiative which aims to support patients with dementia has been introduced
at St Andrews Community Hospital.
The indoor ‘bus stop’ provides patients with dementia with a place to go when they feel
agitated or have a need to go somewhere, for example, patients may wish to go home
when they are in hospital for care and treatment.
Patients who are disorientated or experiencing periods of confusion can feel
increasingly frustrated, however, actively sitting and waiting at the bus stop provides
reassurance and purpose, with the patient becoming calmer.
The equipment was kindly donated by Mears Group to mark the 5th anniversary of the
opening of St Andrews Community Hospital.
Lynn Barker, Hospital Services Manager, St Andrews Community Hospital said: “The
creation of the bus stop area will be a benefit to dementia patients for many years to
come.”
Similar bus stops are in use by health and care providers around the UK. The idea
originates from Germany where it has been successfully used to support patients.
Forth Bridge aims for World
Heritage status
Forth Rail Bridge
2015 is another big year for one of Fife
and Scotland’s most famous landmarks, the
magnificent Forth Bridge, as it reaches its 125th
birthday.
Recognised the world over, it’s a wonderful gateway
to Fife, along with the Forth Road Bridge which was
50 last year and the Queensferry Crossing which will
open in 2016.
Hopes are high that the iconic bridge will be
awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status later this
year, joining world famous sites like Stonehenge and
the Taj Mahal.
For Fifers the bridges are part of everyday life but
they also attract lots of visitors to the area to view the
unique and impressive site.
At the moment you can walk across the road bridge,
and Network Rail’s planned Forth Bridge Experience
will allow people to go onto the rail bridge via a
panoramic lift and viewing platform at the North
Queensferry side and a bridge walk and climb to
the top of the southern tower. There are also plans
for a visitor centre right under the bridge in North
Queensferry.
North Queensferry is a beautiful little village
steeped in history, and well worth a visit. Let the
train take the strain, or take a walk along the Fife
Coastal Path for some great views of the bridges. The
section from North Queenferry to Burntisland passes
underneath the Forth Road Bridge and very close to
the rail bridge and you can catch glimpses of both at
several points along the route. Watch out too for the
wildlife at Carlingnose Nature Reserve. You can also
visit the world’s smallest working Light Tower on the
Town Pier or just stroll round the village, investigating
its history, and taking in the views.
For more information go to: www.forth-bridges.
co.uk and www.nqht.org
Open Championship set to return to Fife
Golf
Preparations for the 144th Open Championship at St Andrews in July this year
are well underway and Fife is teeing up for the thousands of visitors who will
be coming from all over the globe to watch the world’s best players compete
at the home of golf.
This will be the 29th time that the tournament has been staged at the Old Course
and not only will it bring the biggest golfing stars, but also a huge boost for the Fife
economy.
St Andrews is known all over the world as the home of golf but Fife has many
other fine courses too and the Fife Golf Partnership will be using the worldwide
interest in The Open to promote the whole of the Kingdom to visitors.
If you are a golfer or would like to get into the sport, Fife has golf courses to suit
every taste, ability and budget.
There are seven Fife Golf Trails with courses specially selected to suit particular
interests from families to hidden treasures. www.visitfifegolf.com
Links with History is a unique golf pass offering the opportunity to play top quality
championship golf at great value. It includes Crail Golfing Society, Ladybank,
Lundin and Scotscraig golf clubs. www.linkswithhistory.com
The First in Fife Golf Pass gives you access to 11 of the finest parkland
courses, all bookable online at www.firstinfifegolf.com
New service to manage sharps
disposal safely
Community Pharmacy Initiative
A new Pharmacy Prescribed Sharps Disposal
Service is launching across Fife, with all 85
community pharmacies taking part.
Prescribed sharps are required by anyone who uses
a needle to inject prescribed medication or who self
test eg for blood sugar levels. The new service will
enable safe and easy access to special plastic sharps
containers – these will be given directly to patients
by the pharmacy to store used sharps in the patient’s
home, before returning them to the pharmacy for safe
disposal.
The service aims to:
•• Provide patients with a safe and convenient route
for the disposal of sharps.
•• Reduce the amount of sharps stored in patients’
homes, by providing a convenient route for
disposal, thus reducing the risk of accidental
needle-stick injuries.
•• Reduce the environmental damage caused by
inappropriate disposal methods for sharps
The new pharmacy service aims to complement the
existing sharps disposal service which operates in
some GP practices in Fife.
From left - Andrea Smith, Lead Pharmacist; Kevin Murphy, Pharmacist; and Margaret Vass, Pharmacy Technician Team Leader - Community Services; highlight the new service
Members of the multidisciplinary team, working on the hip fracture ward
Fife hip fracture recovery ward
a first for Scotland
Dedicated Ward Pilot
As life expectancy continues to rise, it is predicted
that the number of people experiencing hipfracture will also increase.
Hip fracture, which is a crack or break in the top
of the thigh bone, is more common amongst older
people and is often the result of a fall. However, many
people are unaware of the complications that it can
bring, and the importance of specialist care during
treatment.
With this in mind, NHS Fife is trialling a new
initiative aimed at helping patients recover quicker
and leave hospital sooner. The year-long pilot has
seen the creation of Scotland’s first dedicated acute
hip fracture ward at the Victoria Hospital, which
brings together occupational therapy, physiotherapy
and pharmacists, to create a specialised recovery
environment for patients.
Previously, any patient who experienced a hip
fracture would visit accident and emergency before
being transferred to general trauma wards. The new
dedicated acute hip fracture ward has created a
unique environment that is specifically designed to
support patients in their recovery.
NHS Fife General Manager, Susan Fraser, said:
“This innovation comes when Scotland’s population
has access to ever-evolving healthcare and, as a
consequence, is living longer. The acute-hip fracture
ward will be a fantastic asset to patients in Fife.”
Looking for something to do over the next few months? Look no further.....
t
Don’ S
MIS
Dates for your diary
Looking for something to do now that spring is here? Then check out the whole range of
events taking place throughout Fife, with more being added all the time.
For more information go to www.fifedirect.org.uk
ONGOING
UNTIL 31/05/15
KIRKCALDY
Artist Rooms: Diane
Arbus
20 APRIL
GLENROTHES
An Evening of
Mediumship with
Tony Stockwell
Tel: 01592 611101
Tel: 01592 583204
boxoffice.rotheshalls@onfife.
com
www.onfife.com
APRIL
25 APRIL
UPPER LARGO
3 APRIL – 17 APRIL
FIFE WIDE
Tel: 01577 863551
[email protected]
www.onfife.com
Puppet Animation
Festival
Tel: 01592 611101
[email protected]
www.onfife.com
15 APRIL – 20 APRIL
KIRKCALDY
Kirkcaldy Links
Market
Balcormo Races
Make Music at
Earthship Fife
Tel: 01592 891884
[email protected]
www.sci-scotland.org.uk
16 MAY – 17 MAY
SALINE
McRae Rally
Challenge
Tel: 01383 723337
24 MAY
CUPAR
Crafty Market &
Indoor Car Boot Sale
Tel: 01592 650246
[email protected]
MAY
Tel: 01592 611101
18 APRIL
KINGHORN
[email protected]
www.burntisland.net
26 APRIL
BUCKHAVEN
17 APRIL
DUNFERMLINE
[email protected]
www.alhambradunfermline.com
Tel: 01592 872121
[email protected]
02 MAY & 14 MAY
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Tel: 01383 740384
Burntisland Annual
Heritage Exhibition
[email protected]
www.knockhill.com
Tel: 03451 555555 Ext:
472711
Sing-a-Long-a-Dirty
Dancing
09 MAY – 29 AUGUST
BURNTISLAND
69 Shades of Black
boxoffice.rotheshalls@onfife.
com
www.onfife.com
03 MAY – 05 MAY
NORTH FIFE
Open Studios North
Fife
Tel: 01337 827087
[email protected]
www.openstudiosfife.co.uk
Scottish Italian Car
Day
Tel: 01383 851274
[email protected]
www.onfife.com
27 MAY – 30 MAY
LOCHGELLY
LADAMA
Presents: Broadway
and Back
Tel: 01592 583303
[email protected]
www.onfife.com
29 MAY – 31 MAY
ANSTRUTHER
Anstruther Harbour
Festival
Tel: 01333 310573
www.anstrutherharbourfestival.
co.uk
03 MAY – 05 MAY
NORTH FIFE
30 MAY
DUNFERMLINE
Legends of Rock
06 JUNE – 07 JUNE
FALKLAND
Rob Roy Jacobite
Weekend
Tel: 01337 857397
falklandpalace&gardens@nts.
org.uk
Useful contacts
13 JUNE
CAIRNEYHILL
Tel: 01592 751667
www.shga.co.uk
Burntisland
Summer Fairground
JUNE
07 JUNE
MARKINCH
Markinch Highland
Games
www.ticketmaster.co.uk
www.fifedirect.org.uk/events
12 JUNE – 14 JUNE
CRAIL
East Neuk Festival
Open Studios North Fife
23 MAY – 23 AUGUST
BURNTISLAND
27 JUNE – 05 JULY
EAST NEUK
11 JUNE – 14 JUNE
CULROSS
Culross Festival
Crail Food Festival
Cairneyhill Gala
Tel: 07734 867985
[email protected]
www.cairneyhillgala.co.uk
13 JUNE
CUPAR
Cupar Highland
Games
Tel: 01592 611101
Tel: 01334 476413
www.culrossfestival.co.uk
[email protected]
www.cuparhighlandgames.org
12 JUNE – 14 JUNE
CRAIL
20/06/15
NEWBURGH
Crail Food Festival
Tel: 01333 450935
[email protected]
www.crailfoodfest.co.uk
Newburgh Highland
Games
Tel: 01337 840041
Email: evelyn.ferrans@btinternet.
com
www.newburghgames.co.uk
NOTE: Fife Council have changed their phone numbers from 08451 to 03451
FIFE COUNCIL / NHS
General enquiries (8am-8pm)...............................................................*03451 55 00 00
Closures – schools & facilities (24hrs)..................................................*03451 55 11 99
Faults & repairs – housing, road & lighting (8am-8pm).................*03451 55 00 11
Emergencies (24hrs).................................................................................*03451 55 00 99
24hr homeless emergencies....................................................................0800 028 6231
NHS 24............................................................................................................111
NHS Inform....................................................................................................0800 22 44 88
OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS
Gas emergency.....0800 111 999
Scottish Power.......0845 272 7999
Scottish Water.......0845 600 8855
SEPA pollution.......0800 807 060
SEPA floodline.......0845 988 1188
* Calls to 03 numbers cost no more than 01 or 02 numbers and are part of any landline or mobile call package inclusive minutes.