Christmas

We hope that everyone has a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

See you all in 2013. 

New SMP Worker: Karen Barbour

Hi there – just taking this opportunity of introducing myself as the newest member of the BHC team based here in the Machars.

My remit is to focus on our exciting new self-management programme for people with long term conditions, older people and carers.  I will be helping to support people in communities through improved access to information, advice and services with a view to promoting independence, and addressing issues such as isolation and financial hardship.

Our programme is funded through ‘Putting You First’, which places people at the centre of the services they receive and which supports people and communities, “to design, develop and deliver new ways of working that deliver sustainable, high quality services for the future”.

Our first event for 2013 is a drop in session in Newton Stewart Golf Club on 14 January from 10.15am to 12.15pm.  We are looking for your ideas in setting up a new social group, hope to see you there.

I am new to the area, and really looking forward to getting to know our local communities.   If there is anything you would like to chat over with me, you can contact me via our Whithorn office on 01988 501111, or email karenbarbour@nhs.net

Penninghame School – Feedback

Staff received a lovely Thank You card and a “Good Food” poster designed by Carinne, following the “Healthy Bodies” course delivered to P4. All the staff and volunteers involved thoroughly enjoyed their time at the School and hope to return at a later date.

Thanks P4!!

Riverside Day Centre Volunteers Christmas Dinner

Wednesday evening saw many of the people who volunteer at the Riverside Centre enjoying a Christmas Dinner at House o’ Hill, Bargrennan.

This was a thank you from all the Centre users.  (Click on picture to enlarge)

The Riverside Centre provides a warm, welcoming and friendly environment for people to socialize, enjoy activities and have a reasonably priced lunch, every weekday. They are always looking for new volunteers, especially drivers.

If you have some time to spare to volunteer or know someone that would benefit from using the Centre, please contact the BHC staff or Susan McCalman, Centre Manager, on 01671 402010 or by email: river-side@supanet.com

Rainbow, Brownies and Guides

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides

1^st Whithorn Group are looking for Volunteer Leaders for all 3 sections.  Full training will be given to any volunteers and they will not be left to run a unit unless they are ready and feel confident enough to do so.

This is a great opportunity to get involved in the local community. 

If you are interested please contact the BHC office or Sue Fielding (sue.fielding@live.co.uk)

Times are as follows,

Mondays                                Ages                            Time

Rainbows                                5 to 7                           4.30 to 5.30

Brownies                                 7 to 10-1/2                   5.30 to 7.00

Guides                                     10-1/2 to 16                 5.30 to 7.00

All of the above will take place at the Whithorn Community Centre.

Penninghame School Healthy Bodies Week 6

The sixth and final week of the “Healthy Bodies” course took place yesterday.  This was a repeat of week 5 with the groups swapping. 

Kirsty and Richard from the Health Improvement Team led the session which was well received by the children.

Thanks to BHC volunteers Fiona, Mioara and Luke for supporting the sessions and a big thanks to Penninghame School staff for their added input.

We are in the process of making a photo album for P4 outlining their involvement in this important project.

Love Food Zero Waste

Some BHC staff and volunteers last week attended a training course on Zero Waste, Love Food Hate Waste run by DGZero Waste. This involved looking at ways of reducing waste by composting and looking at ideas around why food is wasted in Scotland.  The course itself was very factual and enjoyed by all.  Linda Irving, DGZero Waste Volunteer Coordinator, presented facts, figures and wonderful food recipes made from leftovers. You can follow Love Food Zero Waste on Facebook with the link given below and send in any tips that you may have.  There is also a weblink on the side of the blog to look at.

http://www.facebook.com/dgzerowastevolunteers

Congratulations Heartstart!

Heartstart 1000

Heartstart (Newton Stewart & The Machars), a voluntary group, affiliated to the British Heart Foundation, this week celebrated training their 1000^th person in Emergency Life Support when Emily Keenan took part in a course at the Douglas Ewart High School.

Heartstart has been one of the initiatives supported by BHC over a number of years and congratulations are in order to David Hirst for his dedication to this project.

Creetown Youth Club Fruit and Chocolate Night

On Thursday, 6^th December, BHC attended Creetown Youth Club and facilitated a Fruit Kebab and Chocolate Sauce evening. Delicious!

 Fruit Kebabs and Chocolate Sauce

      Ingredients

• Small pieces of Fruit of your choice
• 300ml pouring cream
• 250g block milk chocolate broken into squares

Thread small pieces of fruit onto skewers. In a small saucepan, combine 300ml pouring cream, bring just to the boil, then add a 250g block of dark chocolate, broken into squares. Remove pan from heat, stand for a few minutes until chocolate is melted, then stir until smooth.

Pour the warm sauce into a bowl or just dip your fruit into it.  YUM YUM!!

OR

                        ·         Fruit, 8–10 oz / 250–300 g dark chocolate

      Cut large fruits into chunks, if necessary, then put all the fruit in a bowl or on a large platter. Break the chocolate into pieces, and put it in a bowl set over a pan of hot, but not boiling, water. Leave it to melt. Keep the chocolate hot.   

Penninghame School Healthy Bodies Week 5

Week 5: Healthy Plate and Healthy Cooking.

Kirsty McKie and Richard Line from the Health Improvement team split the class and had the children involved in cooking a healthy dish and food recognition and classification. This was greatly assisted by BHC staff and volunteers. Thanks Luke and Fiona!

 Recognising Foods and Food Groups.

Cutting Skills

Help from the Staff and Volunteers.