Things in the library 23 June 2017

Things happening today...
Stronger Together Vigil in Sheffield this Friday 22 June 2017
A vigil is being held in Sheffield for the victims of the Finsbury Park Mosque attack, Grenfell Tower tragedy and the London and Manchester attacks. It takes place at 6:30pm on Friday 23 June at Barker’s Pool in the city centre and has been organised by community leaders, working with the council. Shahida Siddique, Chief Executive of FaithStar, said: “We organised this event to enable people of faith and no faith to come together in solidarity and unity in the face of adversity."  Faith and community leaders will speak at the event, which will be opened by the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, followed by a minute’s silence. The Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Anne Murphy, said: “The people of Sheffield are coming together to show solidarity and to stand together to remember all those affected by the recent incidents and tragedy in Manchester, London Bridge, Grenfell Tower and Finsbury Park. “We will also be paying tribute to our emergency services and I will be asking people to join me in a minute’s silence.”

Things about mental health...
Localis, an independent cross-party think tank, has launched a new report on young people’s mental health. The report aims to identify what the system requires to be able to work better to both offer immediate help to those with serious conditions and a wide and flexible variety of support for all those who feel they need it. This was carried out with data obtained from Freedom of Information requests to CCGs and Foundation Trusts in England; interviews with experts in the field; roundtables of NHS and local government leaders; and focus groups with young people themselves. The Children’s Society and NSPCC also contributed as members of an advisory panel.

Things about digital therapies...
NICE is to start assessing new digital therapies that will help treat more people with anxiety and depression. Guided self-help, which can track people’s mood or advise on breathing exercises for example, is recommended by NICE guidance to help treat mild to moderate anxiety and depression. As part of NHS England’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme, NICE has been asked to assess digital applications or computer programmes, which will sit alongside face-to-face, phone and online therapy.

Things about prebiotics...
A consensus statement has been issued this week on pre-biotics. In December 2016, a panel of experts in microbiology, nutrition and clinical research was convened by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics to review the definition and scope of prebiotics. Consistent with the original embodiment of prebiotics, but aware of the latest scientific and clinical developments, the panel updated the definition of a prebiotic: a substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit. This definition expands the concept of prebiotics to possibly include non-carbohydrate substances, applications to body sites other than the gastrointestinal tract, and diverse categories other than food. The requirement for selective microbiota-mediated mechanisms was retained. Beneficial health effects must be documented for a substance to be considered a prebiotic.  Ultimately, the goal of this Consensus Statement is to engender appropriate use of the term 'prebiotic' by relevant stakeholders so that consistency and clarity can be achieved in research reports, product marketing and regulatory oversight of the category.

Things about Gypsy & Traveller communities...

Research in Practice offers advice to improve social work practice with Gypsy and Traveller communities. Key points include: work more collaboratively with agencies across geographical boundaries; recognise and support the distinct cultural identity and needs of Gypsy and Traveller children; when working with people who have fear and suspicion of Children’s services, ask if they would like to have an advocate from a local Gypsy and Traveller group or a trusted friend to join them in meetings and to offer additional support.

Things to eat...

So something healthy today...why not try this 

gloriously green summer soup packed with herbs, vegetables and flageolet beans - served chilled - which will give you two of your daily portions of fruit or veg.