IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Older People day

'Older People Day' takes place on 1st October and events planned include the launch of a new grand parenting programme of events, gardener's question time, and in Stornoway a walk around the Castle Grounds and Town with recollections of the past.

For further information please contact: Tina Burgess, Senior Health Promotion Officer (Lewis & Harris), tel. 01851 702712, Kenna Macinnes, Senior Health Promotion Officer (Uists & Barra), tel. 01870 602588, or John MacLean, Western Isles Community Care Forum.

Alcohol Awareness Week

'Alcohol Awareness Week' takes place during 4th-10th October and offers a joint programme of events designed to provide useful information about responsible drinking.

The aim of this campaign is to drive awareness amongst Scots - and show - that by making positive lifestyle choices, changing drinking habits and drinking more responsibly you can get more out of your day, week or weekend. This year's campaign aims to show that by making a few simple changes to your drinking habits, it's easy to manage the amount of alcohol you consume.

This can help you get more out of your time, relationships and activities. It's also important to understand how much you're drinking, and how that compares to the sensible drinking guidelines. These are that men should drink no more than 3-4 units of alcohol per day, and women no more than 2-3 units. Regularly drinking more than this can cause health problems. If you overdo it, it's a good idea to give your body 2 days without alcohol - in fact, Scottish Government advice is that we should all aim to have at least 2 alcohol-free days per week.

For further information about activities planned in the Western Isles please contact Suzanne MacAulay, Substance Misuse Officer, tel. 01851 702712 .

Mental Health Awareness

A range of activities and events is being planned in the Western Isles to promote Mental Health Awareness. For further information please contact Kenna MacInnes, Senior Health Promotion Officer, tel. 01851 602588, or Elaine Campbell, Choose Life Coordinator, tel. 01851 702997.

Living Life Promotion

Information to further promote Living Life, a telephone-based support service, based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), will be carried out during week commencing 11th October within the Western Isles. Live and pre-recorded interviews about Living Life will be heard on both Isles FM and Radio nan Gaidheal, a posters and leaflet mail out distribution will take place, and information will also be distribute to local press/media.

Living Life, which offers supported self-help and CBT from qualified professionals, includes benefits such as receiving treatment and support tailored for you, speaking with someone on a regular basis, and support in the privacy of your own home at a time that suits you.

If you would believe you would benefit from the Living Life service please contact them direct, tel. 0800 328 9655, or ask your doctor to refer you. For further information please contact Mike Hutchison, Head of Mental Health & Learning Disability Services, Western Isles Hospital, tel. 01851 704704.