Edward’s Trust is a specialist bereavement charity based in Birmingham, providing counselling and holistic support to families in
the West Midlands.
Edward's Trust recognises the diverse needs of our families and communities and seeks to offer support in an accessible and inclusive way. Use the link below to see The Edwards Trust leaflet with more information.
There's a lot of jargon and fake news in the world of health and social care. We provide trustworthy information in plain English to help you understand your options.
Young carers are children and young people aged 8 to 18 who help care for someone in their family because of a mental health illness, physical illness or disability or because of drugs and alcohol issues.
NHS are keen to hear the views and thoughts of women in the West Midlands on breast screening services. So they can look at how and if current services could either be improved or offered more efficiently to increase awareness and attendance once invited to breast screening.
As Muslims begin to prepare for Ramadan, the NHS has shared a reminder about how to stay safe and healthy during the holy month.
Ramadan is expected to start on Friday 28 February and end on Sunday 30 March, during which time many Muslims will fast and not eat or drink during daylight hours. Fasting during Ramadan can be challenging, especially for those living with a long-term health condition such as diabetes, those who take prescribed medicines or anyone who needs a medical appointment during the holy month.
The NHS has issued important advice to ensure a healthy and safe Ramadan, including:
• If you have a long-term health condition:
Having a medical condition doesn’t mean people can’t fast, but they may need to take precautions such as reviewing their med cation and closely monitoring how they’re feeling. There is also an exemption for people with diabetes, especially for those on insulin or those with any medical complications. If you have diabetes and want to fast during Ramadan, please speak to your GP or diabetes nurse about the safest way to do this. If you monitor your blood glucose levels, you should continue to do so while fasting.
• If you take prescribed medication:
If you are taking prescribed medicines to control an illness, you should continue taking them during Ramadan to prevent further, serious complications developing. You can check with your GP or pharmacist if the doses need to be adjusted or the times that you take them need to be changed. This will allow you to control your illness while completing a fast safely. Those who are unsure about fasting should always seek advice from their healthcare professional.
• If you have a medical condition:
It is important that people keep all medical appointments where possible in Ramadan. If you feel you are unable to keep your appointment, please contact your GP or hospital to re-schedule your appointment for as soon as possible after the holy month ends.
