Tag Archives: NHS

News

Construction boss builds new career in poetry after landing major clients nationwide

A CONSTRUCTION boss turned storyteller is building a career in ‘lyrical marketing’ after turning to poetry in lockdown.

Originally from Crewe, Gareth Williams launched Rhymeology in the pandemic and has already written for a host of private and public sector clients, including the NHS, the BBC, Avanti West Coast, Cheshire East Council and even the Jamaican Tourist Board.

Now based in Conwy, Gareth’s unique and emotive narrative has also won heart and minds via his work with dementia and ADHD charities, live events, and memory capture workshops, attracting the readers and listeners far and wide.

His individual, creative approach is fast becoming the must-have communication tool for multiple sectors in North Wales, the North West and beyond.

The dad-of-two says the last year has been a whirlwind, and as his popularity rises the opportunity to use impactful rhythmic ‘street’ poetry as a force for positivity will continue to grow.

“The response I’ve had since the start has been heartening, it’s been some journey already,” said Gareth, who lives in the walled town with wife Rachel, and their children Harry and Jacob.

“I have always loved words but didn’t grow up writing poetry, it was in lockdown I produced my first – An Opportunity for Community – and from there I really had the bug.

“I began writing more and produced a book of street poetry – Stories from Crewe and Nantwich – and began using it to promote and celebrate work in my community, which is where the interest grew.”

He added: “To this point I’m creating what I term ‘lyrical marketing’ and working with many different organisations to get their message across in a contemporary yet traditional way.

“We do it in collaboration or I do it alone, inspired by their brand and brief, and the results have been so positive, I get a real buzz from seeing the reaction on people’s faces.”

To have already secured commissions from HS2, Crewe Railway Station and for the NHS’s 75th anniversary – which became powerful audio and video campaigns – was a huge step for Gareth and led to other work focused on localism and reality, real people, and their lives.

His award-winning business Construction Linx has been running for almost two decades, but Gareth is focused on touching lives and generating attention for customers with what is so much more than a hobby, it’s his passion.

With his orange shoes – he really does have poetry in his sole – and infectious personality, the 42 year-old has already worked on a series of dream projects, and there are more in the pipeline.

“It was especially humbling as a local lad to be asked to help celebrate 185 years of Crewe Railway Station, as someone born and bred in the town that was an honour, and I hope to be able to work on similar campaigns in Wales and further afield,” said Gareth.

“The poems have managed to capture people’s attention and emotions, with a cool twist, and they do so in a matter of minutes, or seconds, which is why more people are turning to it as a way of getting their message across.

“From international conferences to sitting in a room with a handful of people battling dementia and seeing the joy in their eyes when we produce poems together over a brew and biscuits, it’s all been an absolute joy and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.”

With thousands of people watching his videos on YouTube, the answer is up and up.

He is using myriad mediums to connect with readers and listeners and reaping the rewards.

“It’s quite incredible and unreal, I sometimes pinch myself to be doing what I’m doing after such a short space of time,” said Gareth.

He added: “Poetry has been around since the beginning of time, but how often do we read them? Most people only come across poems at weddings and funerals these days.

“Rhymeology is bringing it back to the masses, using words in an inspiring and engaging way to tell a story, celebrate a landmark, sell a product and far more. It is effective and I hope more people and businesses get in touch to find out how it can help them.”

For more information, visit the website www.rhymeology.co.uk and follow The Rhymeologist on social media. Alternatively, gareth@rhymeology.co.uk

News

Cadet programme in good health as college-NHS partnership celebrates anniversary

AN ACADEMIC collaboration between a leading college and the NHS is in good health and growing in stature after a successful first year.

The Healthcare Cadets programme launched by Coleg Cambria and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is attracting interest from potential learners across north east Wales following its launch last September.

Based at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, members of the debut cohort – all from the college’s Yale site – are now on placement in their second year having gained experience on different surgical and medical wards.

Cadets were able to choose which specific discipline they wanted to pursue – including A&E, gynaecology, and on Children’s wards – and from this month (Jan) will be able to support staff in the critical care and cancer units.

With up to 40 students across the two years, lead tutor Stefanie Matthews said the course is becoming popular with both male and female candidates keen to pursue a career in the health sector.

“We have built on the foundations laid over the last 15 months, so the programme has improved and covers a wider range of areas,” she said.

“Learners on the first year have the benefit of being able to gain feedback and advice from those on the second year, who can reassure and mentor them about what to expect given the nature of working in a hospital, the environment and pressure that comes with that.

“We will continue to grow the programme so both the hospital and the Cadets reap the rewards, both now and long-term, as many of them will go on to work for the NHS and in other healthcare roles in the future.”

Blending time in the classroom with one day a week on different wards, the learners are studying for a WJEC Level 3 Health and Social Care in Principles and Practice, WJEC Medical Science, and the Health and Social Care City and Guilds Level 2 Core Qualification.

Cambria also has a range of other courses covering health and social care.

Vicky Edwards, the college’s Vice Principal of Technical Studies, is thrilled with how the pilot initiative has progressed and is proud of how Cambria is helping to train the next generation of nurses and medical staff at a critical time for the NHS post-pandemic.

She said plans are in the pipeline for a Social Care Cadets process and added: “We’ve worked hard together to create a programme that is exactly what the hospital and our learners need, so we are absolutely delighted with how well it’s gone so far.

“Our focus is on providing students with the skills to be able to access the sector and be valuable to that sector, which this programme is delivering on.”

For more information, visit www.cambria.ac.uk or email enquiries@cambria.ac.uk. Alternatively, call 0300 30 30 007.

Appointments, News

Cambridge health technology consultancy gears for growth with new hires

Health Tech Enterprise (HTE), a Cambridge-based health technology consultancy, has expanded its team with two strategic new hires, marking a period of ongoing growth for the company. Joining HTE are Max Bardwell, Head of Business Development, and Ema Douksaite, Health Economist.

Max, formerly of the Medical Technologies Innovation Facility, has significant experience in technology development for both public and private sector organisations. Max will oversee domestic and international business development for HTE, focusing particularly on building new strategic partnerships with industry, academic and governmental organisations in the health technology space.

Ema has been appointed to further develop HTE’s Health Economics service offering. She will be delivering cost benefit impact models, costing tools and health economic evaluation reports to enable innovators to identify market opportunities, secure funding, and gain access to healthcare markets such as the NHS. Prior to joining HTE, Ema contributed to the OECD Strategic Public Health Planning COVID-19 model by analysing multi-country economic responsiveness to teleworking practices.

Commenting on the company’s continued expansion, Dr Anne Blackwood, HTE’s CEO said: “We offer a full-range of services to support medical technology innovators throughout the product development journey, from concept to commercialisation and final roll-out. The appointment of Max and Ema reflects our ability to connect more organisations than ever with the tools they need to provide future-ready innovations to international healthcare markets and our own NHS partners here in the UK.”

Medical innovators and the health technology community will have the opportunity to meet Max and Ema at the HTE MedTech FUTURES conference. The conference returns to Cambridge on 1 March 2023 with a stellar line up of speakers, which includes some of the biggest names in health and technology; Dr Pegah Salashouri Consultant Cardiologist, Royal Papworth NHS Foundation Trust, and Dr Louise Jopling, Eastern Academic Health Science Network, Dr Robert Tansley from Cambridge Innovation Capital and representatives from the University of Cambridge, Age UK and BIVDA.

This year’s conference, sponsored by Venner Shipley, will be held at Wellcome Genome Campus, and offers delegates a unique opportunity to hear from some of the leading experts in the fastest-growing areas of health and medical technology, alongside the perspective of clinicians on where the opportunities are for technology growth and adoption within the NHS.

To secure tickets to the conference please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/medtech-futures-conference-tickets-398794724757?aff=HTEwebsite

News

Public Sector IT specialists awarded place on framework to support NHS frontline workers

Public Sector IT specialists Kingsfield has announced its latest framework win to support The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s National Framework Agreement for the provision of Refurbished Electronic Devices and Repair Services.

In this new framework, IT specialists Kingsfield will provide crucial repairs over the next four years. This will ensure access to essential services for thousands of frontline workers across the entire NHS and wider Public Sector.

The framework is the first of its kind in the UK. Kingsfield has been awarded a place on lot one: ‘Repair Services’ – making the company a one-stop-shop for NHS frontline workers in need of repairs to mobile electronic devices.

Kingsfield Managing Director, Brian Boys, commented on being successfully awarded onto the Framework Agreement: ‘We’re delighted to have been awarded a place on this framework and we believe it will support so many Hospital Trusts, Local Councils, and Blue Light services across the country. All repairs will then be covered with an appropriate warranty. Our team will also offer access to loan devices under this agreement.

‘Our support will help significantly reduce the environmental impact caused by a high device turnover. In the long-term, we aim to save the Public Sector thousands by maintaining their existing IT estate to ensure a lengthy lifespan, as opposed to buying or upgrading equipment more frequently.

‘One thing that I really appreciate about this framework is the fact it’s been developed and managed by a Hospital Trust to serve the wider Public Sector.’

Kingsfield also provides IT consultancy and support to various other public sector bodies and organisations, working with clients such as the Ministry of Defence, Department for Education, BBC and the National Health Service to help elevate IT across Government bodies.

The Commercial Procurement Services National Framework Agreement for the provision of Refurbished Electronic Devices and Repair Services commenced on the 1st September 2022.

News

Inspirational Jess refuses to let multiple disabilities get in way of caring for people and pets

AN INSPIRATIONAL young woman refused to let multiple disabilities stop her from caring for both humans and animals in two important new placements.

Despite being both partially blind and deaf since birth, dyslexic and suffering with Labyrinthitis and chronic migraines throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Jess Watson continues to put others ahead of herself.

The 26 year-old travels weekly by bus with assistance dog Jingle to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan, where she spends time with patients on the stroke ward, playing games, listening and talking to them in her role as a support worker.

Jess, who grew up in Stoke, also gives her time as a volunteer at PetPlace’s Abergele dog play park.

After moving to Llandudno, where the family own St Hilary Guest House on the town’s promenade, she was put in touch with Conwy Employment Hub, who pointed her toward the Engage to Change, DFN Project Search one-year internship programme, encouraging people with a learning disability to gain vital skills and experience with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

After six months of training at Rhyl’s ASK Centre, Jess is now enjoying her time at the hospital, and said: “I think given my disabilities a career in the NHS was something I never considered, I thought there would be too many barriers.

“But this programme has shown me there is a role for me, and it’s something I find really rewarding, being there emotionally for people who have had a stroke and are on the road to recovery. To be able to help them in some small way makes me happy.”

She added: “I am driven to help others, that’s what I want to do with my life and that includes animals, which is why I’m volunteering some time with PetPlace, who have also been very supportive.

“I am partially blind, partially deaf and face other challenges, but nothing can stop me from doing what I want to do, I won’t let it.”

Mentor Susan Tracey said the interview for the internship proved that.

“There were only eight people selected so Jess has done incredibly well and proven that having a disability is no barrier to success,” she said.

“When the interviews took place, she was on holiday in Cornwall, so it all had to take place online; despite this she did brilliantly and impressed with her positivity and empathetic nature.

“That’s what the Employment Hub is all about, breaking down walls to jobs and education, and Jess has shown how much she has to offer.”

Jess added: “Whatever my future brings, whether it’s people or animals I want to be able to support and care for them, that’s so important to me.

“I am lucky to have had a lot of backing from my family, Conwy Employment Hub, the health board and others, which has given me the confidence to look ahead and explore the opportunities out there.

“There are platforms and programmes that can help you achieve your dreams – you just have to go for it.”

For more information, email ceh@conwy.gov.uk or call 01492 576280.

Visit Conwy Employment Hub – More information – Conwy County Borough Council for more on Conwy Employment Hub.

News

NEWS: Bath’s Sulis Hospital first year anniversary – UK’s first private hospital where 100% of the shares are owned by an NHS Trust

June 2022 marks the first anniversary of Sulis Hospital in Bath, acknowledged for providing outstanding levels of patient care, and twelve years of new thinking in healthcare. It’s the UK’s first private hospital where 100% of the shares are owned by an NHS Trust.

Sulis Hospital, formerly known as CircleBath prior to the Royal United Hospital acquisition, continues to offer the same high standards of care for both private and NHS patients.

The Covid-19 pandemic has created a heightened appreciation for health and wellbeing, reinforcing the need to re-evaluate healthcare environments. The revolutionary Sulis Hospital embraces and uses nature in its built environment to enhance wellbeing and improve recovery times for patients. Originally designed by Foster and Partners, the hospital’s inherently flexible design has allowed the building to adapt to the changing needs of covid safe pathways and continue to deliver a holistic approach to healthcare [more here: https://www.fosterandpartners.com/plus/biophilia-in-design/].

Sulis Hospital is the first private hospital in the UK where 100% of the shares are owned by an NHS Trust. The hospital’s private patient care model benefits all by allowing any additional income, earned through private care, to be reinvested in high-quality services for all patients at the two hospitals, Sulis and the RUH. The acquisition by the RUH has grown the hospital’s services, increasing capacity for both NHS and private patients. This is particularly important at a time of recovery for NHS waiting lists nationally.

Simon Milner, Hospital Director Sulis Hospital said: “This is a new way of thinking in healthcare, benefiting all. Collaboration with the RUH NHS Trust has excellent benefits. The true value of our ability to preserve and contribute towards the NHS while at the same time offering the same high level of private patient care is being realised. We benefit in terms of governance and best practice while at the same time creating extra capacity to treat NHS patients. 

“Our vision is to drive innovation in healthcare, transforming how patients are diagnosed, treated, and rehabilitated. Nationally acclaimed consultant surgeons choose to see and treat patients at Sulis Hospital because we’re different, attracting patients from around the UK. Sulis Hospital offers over 350 treatments across 40 different specialities from cardiology to orthopaedic and ophthalmology to general surgery. A combination of new surgical techniques, including robotic hip and knee surgery, and advances in anaesthesia has led to a shift to same day surgery for common procedures facilitating a faster recovery for our patients.”

Cara Charles-Barks, Chief Executive Royal United Hospital said: “The RUH and Sulis have a long-established positive relationship highlighted in 2020 when Sulis Hospital provided a COVID secure environment for RUH elective and cancer patients. The collaborative approach has helped cut NHS waiting times not just at the RUH but across Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire with over 1,000 NHS patients waiting for over 2 years, being seen and treated at Sulis over the past 12 months, taking them off the waiting list.” 

Tessa Cox, private patient at Sulis Hospital said: “I chose to be seen and treated at Sulis Hospital privately as I didn’t want to wait, however I was also aware that by opting to go private I was making space on the NHS waiting list for someone else. What I hadn’t realised but am delighted to understand is that as Sulis is owned by the RUH therefore any profits go back into the local health economy supporting both hospitals. It means I was contributing to the NHS not taking from it. This really is unique.” 

As well as always maintaining a positive culture Sulis Hospital benefits from one of the best clinician-to-patient ratios around. Staff benefits include competitive salaries, annual pay awards, life assurance, private healthcare, flexible working opportunities, and a commitment to supporting professional and personal development. In the 2022 staff survey, staff demonstrated high levels of staff engagement, especially around role clarity, trust, and teamwork.

Healthcare, News

PervasID to Present Solution for Tracking Medical Equipment and Surgical Instruments at Electronic and Biomedical Engineering Expo 2022

Company to exhibit and deliver presentation on solution which enhances decontamination, increases sterilisation processes, ensures mission-critical medical devices are available at the right place and time, for robust and efficient care saving billions of pounds across the NHS

Cambridge, UK – Friday 24th June 2022 – PervasID, the company providing best-in-class battery-free Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) reader systems for automating inventory and asset tracking, will be exhibiting and presenting its solution for the healthcare sector at the EBME Expo 2022. The company’s technology is being deployed in a number of NHS trusts as well as EU hospitals and is predicted to save billions of pounds and lives with a solution that delivers an ROI in under 12 months.

At the event PervasID founder and CEO, Dr Sabesan Sithamparanathan, and Steris Chief Digital Officer, Mark Capel will be delivering a paper titled: Next Generation Medical & Surgical equipment Tracking – RFID which will detail the opportunities for healthcare providers for tracking medical equipment as well as surgical instruments (tray level) across hospitals, all with a battery-less RFID system. The presentation is at 12:30 on Wednesday 29th June 2022 as part of the Operating Theatre Conference Programme, the company will also be exhibiting at the event on stand D12.

Based on pioneering research carried out at the University of Cambridge, PervasID’s unique passive (battery-less) RFID technology achieves unrivalled detection accuracy (near 100%) and responsiveness over all other existing solutions in the market. As such hospitals are able to track medical devices, medical records, surgical instruments (tray level) and patient flow with the highest degree of accuracy. This in turn reduces waiting times and heightens patient care through more efficient asset management.

“The need to keep track of assets and resources is never more critical than in a hospital setting, with the need for highly accurate traceability of medical devices and surgical instruments having become particularly prominent since the COVID-19 pandemic begun. PervasID solutions are being deployed at a number of hospitals across the UK as well as EU for tracking medical devices and surgical instruments,” said Dr Sabesan Sithamparanathan, PervasID founder and CEO. “The use of our tracking technology enhances decontamination and sterilisation processes and allows hospitals to track their assets to ensure that mission-critical medical devices are available at the right place and time, to support delivering robust and efficient care.”

To learn more or book a meeting at the event please contact info@pervasid.com

News

Pilot project vision to unify optometry services for future of eyecare in Wales

A UNIFIED approach to optometry will be the future of eye-care in Wales.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has been selected to pilot a new cluster programme focused on further strengthening primary eye care services nationally.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the sector, former Southeast Wales Regional Optical Committee Chair Ian Jones has been selected to lead the project, supported by fellow optometrist Danielle Mealing.

Funded by the Strategic Programme for Primary Care (SPPC), they will help realise the Welsh Government’s vision for a wholly clinical approach to eye care, providing more support closer to home and reducing unnecessary referrals to GPs and hospital emergency departments.

“For years we have worked closely with GPs and hospitals but there have been challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic has played a big part in accelerating the need for a more joined-up approach,” said Ian, a partner optometrist in a small independent group in the Rhondda and Vale of Glamorgan.

“We are already in discussions with colleagues and looking to move forward together with more signposting, collaboration, and a cohesive plan that benefits everybody, especially patients.

“As a profession, we are perfectly placed to do this and believe this is going to be the future for eye-care because we know there is a need – and an appetite – for optometry to integrate with other health professions and a great deal of Welsh Government support for this in partnership with local health boards and community groups.”

Ian added: “The pandemic has allowed us to be more innovative, widen our horizons and led to a natural amount of cross referral.

“An example of this was in putting independent prescribers within specialist practices, which made a tremendous saving. That system has been preserved, which demonstrates optometry can work within a cluster model.”

Ian said they will now look to harness interest and build momentum and engagement, garnering best practice and feedback from the optometry arena on next steps.

“We have recently introduced new technology which has been particularly valuable in remote and emergency situations in hard-to-reach areas, but the bigger picture is centred on widening the service overall,” he added.

“The clusters we have in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board area are a good mix of independent and corporate practices, engagement has been positive and because we know a lot of them personally there is a foundation to build on, with the aim of eventually rolling this approach out across Wales.

“The nature of our profession, especially in this area, is to rise up to the challenge, which reflects well on our industry and is the best way forward for the people under our care.

“Crucially, for me it’s about giving back, striving to try and improve things and recognising patients are the priority. We will work closely together for everybody’s benefit – that will be at the forefront of our thinking during this pilot scheme.”

Sali Davis, Chief Executive of Optometry Wales, welcomed Ian and Danielle to their ‘proof of concept’ roles and said they could provide the template for the way in which practices operate in the advent of contract reform.

“We will likely see mandated formations of optometric practices to form their own professional collaboratives and then feed into the wider primary care cluster in their area which will allow all practices to be involved in local pathways that are properly funded,” she added.

The pilot will be monitored and evaluated to harness lessons learned and will be reported on in 12 months’ time.

As part of the Welsh Government’s Help Us Help You campaign, NHS Wales is encouraging people to get to know the services available to them.

The way you access NHS services has changed but we are still here for you. Help Us Help You by getting to know the different ways you can access the NHS so you can get the right help at the right time by checking online using NHS 111 Wales. Every change you make will help us help you.

Visit www.cwmtafmorgannwg.wales for more news and information from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.

For more information on Optometry Wales, visit the website: www.optometrywales.org.uk.

Please use the hashtags #HelpuNiHelpuChi and #HelpUsHelpYou to support the Welsh Government’s Help Us, Help You campaign.

News, NHS News

Kinetik Wellbeing working with NHS’s Monitor My Health to provide at-home blood test kits

Redhill, UK, 28th February 2022: Kinetik Wellbeing, the UK company helping people to take control of their health, has joined with Monitor My Health to provide blood test kits to empower individuals to better monitor their health at home. Monitor My Health is a not-for-profit venture launched by the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust (RD&E) to provide an easily accessible, safe and regulated service that promotes disease prevention and wellness.

Thanks to this collaboration between Kinetik Wellbeing and Monitor My Health, people with health concerns, or who simply want to learn more about their health can have their blood checked by NHS Labs. Tests include a COVID-19 Vaccine Immunity and Antibody Test, a Full Screen Test (including Diabetes, Vitamin D, Cholesterol, and Thyroid), and a Healthy Heart Test, among others. Results are available via a personalised online portal within 24-48 hours of the sample being received by the laboratory.

Since the pandemic there has been an increased interest in home testing as people have become more proactive with monitoring their own health. But with many online providers it can be hard to know who to trust. This collaboration between Monitor My Health and Kinetik Wellbeing means that people can get quick and reliable test results with the confidence that comes with using a service from the NHS.

“I am on medication and like to keep a regular check of my hormone levels using Monitor My Health, especially as it is a service run by the NHS.” Said Jill Williams a Monitor My Health user. She added, “I used their kits before the pandemic but the service has proved even more valuable throughout lockdown. If I have noticed changes in my symptoms which the results confirm, I contact my GP to look at adjusting medication. From when I order a home pack, to receiving and sending back my bloods, it is very quick, I won’t go anywhere else.”

Adrian Harris, Chief Medical Officer at the RD&E said: “With the growth in public demand for online tests, we realised that we had the ability to provide a cutting edge, safe and reliable service in an unregulated market. These tests put patients in control through fast, accurate, NHS-approved test results, helping to identify health issues in order to try and prevent them getting worse. The Monitor My Health initiative is not-for-profit, and money from commercial activity is re-invested into funding patient care in the NHS Trust.”

James Grover, Director at Kinetik Wellbeing, commented: “Our work with the RD&E’s Monitor My Health service empowers patients to better manage their health at home, and gives them peace of mind that the tests are reliable and conducted in a regulated environment. At Kinetik Wellbeing, we are passionate about providing affordable, accessible, and reliable products that give patients the information they need to live well. We are thrilled to be partnering with the Monitor My Health team to continue this mission.”

The RD&E laboratory team behind Monitor My Health was recently awarded the HSJ Acute Sector Innovation of the Year Award for their ground-breaking direct to patient testing service. To learn more about Monitor My Health and the tests available, click here: https://monitormyhealth.org.uk/

News

Ramblers Cymru and NHS join forces to promote the outdoors for mental health

“EVERYONE has their own Everest to climb.”

Ramblers Cymru is encouraging people to put their best foot forward and get outdoors to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

Supporting the Welsh Government and Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB) Help Us Help You Campaign, the organisation urges residents of Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, Bridgend, and surrounding areas to explore the picturesque paths, forests, coastal routes, and valleys that connect the region.

Ramblers Cymru Engagement and Communications Manager Brân Devey hopes people will join one of several local walking groups or meet safely outside with friends and family to combat isolation.

“Being active every day has been tough during this period, and for some it is a case of starting again, building confidence and literally putting one foot in front of the other,” he said.

“With the NHS under increased strain during the winter months it is important to be extra careful when out walking, to wear the correct footwear, wrap up warm and take the necessary equipment – know your limitations.

“And from a mindfulness and mental health perspective it is vital we keep active; going for a walk does the world of good and you can do so from your front door. It costs nothing and everyone has their own Everest, whether it’s a local mountain, a national park or coastal path.”

Originally from Bethesda, Snowdonia, but now based in Cardiff, Brân added: “Walking side by side with others where possible is a great way to share any problems you might have, to ask people how they’re doing and show you care, which could be crucial at the present time.

“All of this will help ease some of that pressure on our hospitals and GPs, but it doesn’t have to mean over-exertion. Enjoying the sights and sounds of the local area – the peace and tranquillity – will all play a part in helping you to relax.

“And in the CTMUHB area there are so many amazing places to visit, from the Coast Path to the Brecon Beacons, and the popular Bunny Walks in Llantrisant we helped set up with the Community Council and Taff Ely Ramblers group volunteers.

“As an organisation we have seen so many benefits, with people venturing outside with their family or ‘bubble’ to take a walk when they might not previously have done so. That’s one habit we hope to see continue because it does make a huge difference to health and mindfulness.”

Brian Morgan, chair of Taff Ely (Llantrisant) Ramblers reinforced the message and said: “There is no downside to going out and having a good walk, except perhaps the cold weather at this time of year!

“Our group is primarily made up of people over 60 but we have a few younger members and the enthusiasm to get back together and out rambling again after lockdown was incredible, we all could not wait to do so and welcomed some new people as well.”

He added: “Walking is good for you physically and mentally, you can make new friends, see amazing parts of this region and there are endless benefits.”

Paul Mears, Chief Executive of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board echoed those words and said: “Even a short walk or physical activity outdoors can make a big difference in improving our wellbeing.

“Across this region we have so many beautiful walks of varying lengths and difficulty levels, so there is something for everyone. And as Brân says, taking a stroll will do the world of good in clearing the mind and introducing feelings of positivity while also having a positive impact on the heart, blood pressure and in supporting healthy weight management.

“It’s the perfect way to self-care and has been a lifeline for many families and individuals throughout the pandemic.”

Visit www.ramblers.org.uk/wales for more news and information from Ramblers Cymru, as well as details of walking groups and routes in your area.

If you are feeling low or struggling, contact the CALL Helpline for confidential listening and emotional support. Lines are open 24/7 on 0800 132 737 or text ‘help’ to 81066.

Please use the hashtags #HelpuNiHelpuChi and #HelpUsHelpYou to support the Help Us, Help You campaign.