Friday 28 September 2018

Things in the library 28th Sept...

Things that are exciting...

There is a real buzz around the launch of our Randomised Coffee Trial @ SCH. Join in today via this form and in late October you will be randomly matched to another member of SCH staff. You both then agree a time and place to meet for coffee (or other drink) during November and just chat for 30-40 mins.
Why?…it’s a good way to meet new colleagues, make connections and find out more about each other.
You can talk about anything you like ….it doesn't have to be a job related …but it can be...don't miss out!

Things about children & social care...

A strengths-based approach (SBA) to social care focuses on identifying the strengths, or assets, as well as the needs and difficulties of children, young people and families. This briefing from Social Care Institute for Excellence describes how SBAs work and assesses their effectiveness. The values and principles that inform this approach are not new, but there has been a rapidly growing interest over the last five years in such approaches. These approaches are also about co-production – people providing care working in equal partnership with those who need it to design and deliver services.

Things about Childhood Tuberculosis...
This article looks at The Changing Landscape of Childhood Tuberculosis in the United Kingdom. They describe the recent epidemiology of childhood TB in the UK, how this compares to TB in adults, and document changes with time (2000-2015).




Things about health inequalities...
The aim of this systematic review is to examine the effect of age on associations between household income and overall health from birth to adolescence, and whether age patterns vary by country. It is uncertain whether income-related health inequalities remain stable, widen, or narrow as children age, which impacts optimal timing of equity-focused interventions.

Things to have your say about...
Sheffield City Region (SCR) is working with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive to establish what the future of the Supertram system might look like. The consultation opens on Monday 24 September and runs until Monday 5 November. The consultation seeks views on three options:

  • Maintaining Supertram as it is through ongoing essential repairs
  • Renewing and modernising Supertram’s tracks, vehicles and information systems
  • Exploring alternative options to Supertram

They are encouraging as many people as possible to have their say in this consultation. For more information about the proposals on the future of Supertram and to take part visit this website

Things about war & peace...
This autumn, as the nation marks the 100th anniversary of the First World War armistice, Sheffield City Libraries are considering how Sheffield and the surrounding area has been shaped by conflict through the ages. From early Anglo-Saxons to the defense of Sheffield Castle, from Waterloo to rebuilding after the Sheffield Blitz; they will be revealing fascinating stories from our city‘s rich and complex history. a variety of events can be booked online.

Things to attend...
Reading group on Wed 3rd October 17:15 to 18:15 (discussing 'The Children Act') and Journal Club Thurs 4th October 8:00 to 9.00 (contact the library for details) both on F Floor of Stephenson Wing.

Things to enjoy...

I made this very simple French yogurt cake last night - can recommend it! from the first blog I ever subscribed to when they were a 'new' thing!



Friday 21 September 2018

Things in the library 21st Sept...

Things about social media...

A briefing paper, Social media, young people and mental health, from the Centre for Mental Health looks at evidence about the impact of social media use on the mental health of young people. It finds that while many studies have focused on the risks and potential harm caused by social media use, there is also evidence of potential benefits. And only by building a three-dimensional picture of the many ways young people interact with social media will we be able to reduce the risks and make the most of the opportunities they present.

The briefing notes that the potential risks to wellbeing include addiction or dependency on social media, often as a substitute for other kinds of social interaction, unhelpful comparisons and jealousy, and bullying. Potential benefits may include the creation of new social connections and opportunities to encourage greater mental health literacy and help-seeking.

The briefing calls on government departments, social media companies and charities to work together to find ways of preventing or mitigating the risks and maximising the benefits to young people’s mental health. This may include changing the way social media platforms work, but also supporting schools and families to help children and young people to navigate social media safely and making greater use of the opportunities to promote good mental health and speedy help-seeking.

Things about CBT...
This study investigated possible predictors of long-term treatment outcomes in youth with mixed anxiety disorders treated in community mental health clinics. Outcomes were loss of all inclusion anxiety diagnoses, loss of the principal inclusion anxiety diagnosis, and changes in youth- and parent-rated youth anxiety symptoms. Predictors encompassed youth, parent and demographic factors, and post-treatment recovery. The most consistent finding was that low family social class predicted poorer outcomes. Higher treatment motivation was associated with better outcome whereas a diagnosis of social anxiety was associated with poorer outcome. Identified predictors extend on previous findings from efficacy trials, and the results indicate a need for more specific treatment protocols.


Things about eating disorders...
This review addresses the question of whether the offspring of parents with past or present eating disorders have adverse outcomes. Given the relatively high incidence of eating disorder history in individuals of childbearing age, research into its potential effects on children is necessary. However, the methodological shortcomings and a limited evidence base caution in drawing conclusions. Nevertheless, mental health services should address the possible problems that these children face and offer tailored programs.

Things about health in England...
The second annual report combining data and knowledge with information from other sources to give a broad picture of the health of people in England in 2018. This report summarises the health of people in England in 2018 and provides an update to the first Health Profile for England (published 2017). A new addition for this year’s report is the inclusion of forecast data for several key indicators, for the 5 years up to 2023 and a separate chapter on the health of children in the early years.  As a society, people are living longer but often in poorer health and stubborn inequalities persist. Good health is about much more than good healthcare – a high-quality education, a warm home, and a good job are just as important to a healthy standard of living.

Things about Artificial Intelligence...
A new ‘state of the nation' report about the use of Artificial Intelligence in health and care has found that we are only beginning to unlock the potential of AI. The report spotlights some of the opportunities AI creates and shows where it is already being used in projects across the country. It also considers some of the barriers to wider deployment of AI and proposes solutions, including the creation of a “code of conduct” for the sector.


Things about a sustainable health workforce...
The toolkit is aimed at policy-makers, human resources for health (HRH) planners and professionals, and other stakeholders, such as education institutions and those implementing policy. It is intended to support 'Towards a sustainable health workforce in the WHO European Region: framework for action', which adapts the Global strategy on human resources for health: workforce 2030 to the context of the WHO European Region. It is framed around four strategic domains mirroring the themes of the global strategy – education and performance, planning and investment, capacity-building, and analysis and monitoring – and proposes policy options and implementation modalities. The toolkit is formulated to provide Member States with information and signpost to practical materials, such as HRH assessment, policy and planning tools, analytical approaches and case studies, to support their efforts to strengthen HRH in a sustainable way, including through investment in capital and recurrent expenditure. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or compendium.

Things about music...
Sheffield Makes Music this year forms part of the  Festival of the Mind events and celebrates the brilliant musical creators, contributors and talent our city has to offer. As part of the national celebrations for BBC Music Day they will be joined by BBC 6 Music's Steve Lamacq who will broadcast his 6 Music drive time show live from the Spiegeltent in Barkers Pool. Throughout the day all around the city centre they will be weaving the sounds of our city via a series of acoustic performances, Opera on the Town Hall steps and various brass, strings and voices in the St Paul's Place pop up band stand. Date: Friday 28 September 2018, 1pm-late

Things to make...
A recommendation from Sarah this week for Vegeree a kedgeree without fish but with roasted aubergines. There are two recipes on this link ...scroll down for the Vegeree.










Friday 7 September 2018

Things in the library 7th Sept...


Things about play...
The Children’s Commissioner for England has published a report looking at the importance to children of play and physical activity. Recommendations for government include: putting out-of-school activity at the heart of the plan to reduce obesity; and focussing on play and activity in policy responses to challenges faced by children, including mental health issues and excessive use of technology.

Things about Looked-after children...
This report by Social Market Foundation analysed inspection data from Ofsted, which assesses local councils’ services for children in need of help and protection, looked-after children and care leavers. The analysis showed that 63% of Local Authorities in England are providing services for these children which either “require improvement” or are simply “inadequate.” The calculations based on these figures show that this means that 47,085 children – 65% of all looked-after children – are looked after in Local Authorities that are deemed to be falling short of a good standard. Of those children, 13,790 are receiving care services judged as “inadequate”, the worst possible grade.



Things about infant-feeding...
Academics at Coventry University have created a new website to help midwives and health visitors support both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding parent. iFeed aims to fill a gap in the help offered to parents due to children’s centre closures, over-stretched maternity and health visiting services, as well as to ensure parents who bottle feed receive more support. The creators were inspired to build the website following their own research into infant-feeding and the information parents told them they wanted on the subject. It is hoped that it will provide a trusted resource for health professionals.

Things to give your opinion on...
The government is seeking views on whether the sale of energy drinks to children should be stopped. This consultation closes at on 21 November 2018.
It also asks for views on:


  • what products should be included in any restrictions
  • what age limit a ban should apply to
  • whether sales of energy drinks from vending machines should be restricted
  • whether there are any changes that would be more appropriate than a ban on sales to children or that could be applied as well as a ban


Things to read...
The next book we are reading for the meeting on Wed 3rd October is Ian McEwan's book 'The Children Act' (recently released as a film starring Emma Thompson) do come and join us for a chat about it along with drinks and nibbles. We meet in the Illingworth library (F Floor Stephenson Wing) at 17:15 for about 1hour.





Things to enjoy in Sheffield...
The full program for the Sheffield's 'Off the Shelf' literary festival (6-27 October) is now available. Some events book up very quickly so do check the website - something for everyone. Writing events, children's events and authors and poets to meet.




Things to eat...
(c) Jules Clancy 
I came across this free ebook this week with some nice recipes in it for 5 ingredient dinners. A nice feature is that she also gives variations for dairy-free, vegan where possible. I rather fancy the self-saucing ginger puddings! The author of this e-cookbook is Jules Clancy who lives in Australia and writes, blogs and photographs food.