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Uncategorized Catherine

Support for Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS)

If you or someone you know has been affected by the loss of a loved one to suicide, local support is available. Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS) is a national charity offering peer support to those who have lost a family member or friend to suicide. The SoBS Clitheroe group is here to help individuals from Clitheroe, Longridge, Whalley, and the Ribble Valley.

Starting on Wednesday, 6th November 2024, the group will hold monthly support sessions for adults (18+) who have experienced bereavement through suicide. The sessions are designed to offer a safe, supportive space where you can connect with others who have faced a similar loss and share your experiences.

These sessions are not intended as a counselling service for those contemplating or who have attempted suicide, but rather for those who are grieving after a suicide. Meetings will take place on the 1st Wednesday of every month at different locations around the area.

If you are affected by suicide or know someone who may benefit from this support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch:

📧 Email: clitheroe@uksobs.org
🌐 Website: uksobs.com

We are committed to helping build a supportive community for those impacted by suicide bereavement. If you feel this group may help you or someone close to you, please reach out.

#SupportAfterSuicide #SoBS #BereavementSupport #PeerSupport #YouAreNotAlone #MentalHealthAwareness #Clitheroe #RibbleValley

Uncategorized Catherine

Virology Disease Surveillance – for Respiratory illnesses this Winter

Important Information for Our Patients: Respiratory Swab Testing for Disease Surveillance

As we approach the winter months, if you experience symptoms of a cold, flu, or any respiratory illness, you may be invited to participate in a virology surveillance programme by providing a nose and throat swab. This is entirely voluntary, but it plays a crucial role in monitoring the spread of respiratory viruses such as flu and COVID-19.

What is Disease Surveillance?
Disease surveillance involves collecting virology swabs from volunteer patients to help monitor the population’s immunity to infectious diseases. Currently, we are focused on COVID-19 and respiratory viruses, and your participation will assist public health authorities in understanding how these illnesses are affecting our community.

Why Am I Being Swabbed?
If you are asked to provide a nose and throat swab, it’s because your clinician suspects you may have, or have recently had, a respiratory illness such as flu, COVID-19 or RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). These samples help track the spread of these viruses and assess how well vaccines are working.

Why is Virology Surveillance Important?
The anticipated impact of flu and COVID-19 on the NHS during the winter is significant. By taking part, you will help inform key public health decisions that could influence how we manage these illnesses and protect vulnerable groups.

What Happens Next?
If you consent, you will be asked to provide a nasal and throat swab. The sample will then be sent to the laboratory for testing. These results will be used to monitor the spread of respiratory viruses and provide important data for vaccine research.

Confidentiality and Your Data
Your privacy is important to us. While your swab will be labelled with your details, your identity will not be shared with researchers. The data will be securely processed, and your information will be anonymised to protect your privacy.

Do I Have to Take Part?
Participation is entirely voluntary. If you choose not to provide a swab, it will not be collected. You are under no obligation to take part.

Your contribution is invaluable in helping to protect public health. Thank you for your participation!