Things in the library 29th January...

 Things about child marriage... 

Although not primarily a problem in high-income countries this systematic review in the Journal of Adolescent Health is interesting as it  assesses evaluations published from 2000 to 2019 to shed light on what approaches work, especially at scale and sustainably, to prevent child marriage in low- and middle-income countries. The results indicate that enhancement of girls' own human capital and opportunities is the most compelling pathway to delaying marriage. In contrast, low rates of success, scale-up, and sustainability of multicomponent programs requires reconsideration of this approach. This review supports global efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goal 5.3.1 target of ending child marriage by 2030.

Things to rate... 

If you have read or used one of our library books then you can let others know what you thought about it by rating it and/or writing a review on our catalogue, Simply login with your reader number and PIN to give a star rating. Logging in to the catalogue, whilst not essential for searching, does give you the ability to see what you have borrowed and manage your renewals, create lists and favourite searches, customise the display and share information with others. 

Things that have unexpected benefits... 

For many years we have wanted to enable people to be able to pay for their photocopying, library fines and hot drinks by card and (thanks to a pandemic) we now have the ability to do so. So for those of you arriving at the library counter and unable to pay your dues ("I have no money with me") we are now able to accept cards and other contactless devices!

Things to discuss... 

“Don’t you see that the whole aim of Newspeak is to narrow the range of thought? In the end we shall make thoughtcrime literally impossible, because there will be no words in which to express it.” 

This and other quotes from George Orwell's '1984' will no doubt be amongst our discussions at Reading Group on Wed 3rd Feb online at 18:30. If you would like to join us then please contact the library for the link.

Things about social media... 

The results of a study looking at social technology use from the perspectives of adolescents currently hospitalized for a recent suicide attempt or severe ideation. Results reveal both positive and negative social technology uses, with most participants reporting mixed (positive and negative) experiences. Negatives/risks included trouble regulating use, stress related to social media metrics, encounters with "triggering" content, hostility and meanness, self-denigrating comparisons, and burdensome friendship expectations. Positives/benefits included social connection, social support, affect-enhancing content, shared interests, and resources for mental health and coping. Overall, the documented risks and benefits of social technology use correspond with established (offline) risk and protective factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Participants generally valued the break from social technologies during hospitalization, and also viewed them as integral to social re-entry and identified related concerns. Future studies should test well-being focused 'digital hygiene' interventions for maximizing potential benefits and minimizing potential harms of social technologies for at-risk adolescents.

Things to make... 

We have been enjoying watching Rick Stein's Cornwall series recently and many of the recipes he demonstrates are available on his website. This Spiced poached pears sounds lovely - and if like me you are trying not to buy 'out of season' foods then you will be pleased that it uses frozen blackberries. 

Things in the library 9th October...

 Things to read...

Our online Reading Group met this last week and gave 'The Versions of Us' a score of 57%. Our next book is 'Ella Minnow Pea' by Mark Dunn. Ella Minnow Pea is a girl living happily on the fictional island of Nollop off the coast of South Carolina. Nollop was named after Nevin Nollop, author of the immortal pangram, "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog." Now Ella finds herself acting to save her friends, family, and fellow citizens from the encroaching totalitarianism of the island's Council, which has banned the use of certain letters of the alphabet as they fall from a memorial statue of Nevin Nollop. As the letters progressively drop from the statue they also disappear from the novel. The result is both a hilarious and moving story of one girl's fight for freedom of expression, as well as a linguistic tour de force sure to delight word lovers everywhere. If you want to read along and join us for a chat we will be meeting online on Wednesday 4th November at 18:30 - 19:30 - contact the library for the joining link.

Things to collect...

If you are searching our library catalogue for an item and want to ensure it is here ready for you then use our Click & Collect button. There is a short video here by the developers of our system to show you how it works. 

Things about self-harm... 

A report had been published by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Suicide and Self-Harm

Prevention supported by the Samaritans after their inquiry into the support available for young people who self-harm . Respondents to the inquiry made clear that the single most impactful change to improve the support available to young people who self-harm would be a system shift away from the current reliance on crisis interventions towards a preventative model of support. To facilitate this long term aim, planned investment in NHS mental health support for young people should be increased and brought forward more quickly than currently planned. Investment in community-based preventative services, often delivered by the third sector, will also be key.

Things about sugar...  

Public Health England publishes its third annual report on industry action to reduce sugar levels in products that contribute most to children’s sugar intakes. The latest report shows mixed progress across a range of food categories and sectors:

• 
  retailer and manufacturer branded breakfast cereals and yogurts and fromage frais have seen some of the biggest falls in sales weighted average sugar – around 13% – between the baseline (2015) and year 3 (2019)
• sugar levels in chocolate and sweet confectionery are relatively unchanged, while product sales have increased, growing 16% and 7% respectively between 2015 and 2019
• average overall sugar reduction across all food categories stands at 3%

The latest report also finds that marginal progress has been made in reducing sugar in products purchased and consumed in the eating out of home sector, such as cakes and puddings purchased from restaurants or cafes, although calories in these products have declined.

Things about kinship care...  

The report of the Parliamentary Taskforce on Kinship Care First Thought Not Afterthought has been published. There are more than 180,000 children across the UK who are being raised by kinship carers – relatives or friends who have stepped in to help. They are often grandparents but also aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, or even family friends. Many more children are raised in kinship care than in the care system and many more than are adopted, yet awareness of this element of children’s social care is low and support for families is variable and often very limited. This crucial third pillar of the children’s social care system is an afterthought.  This report sets out a vision for a good quality system of kinship care where family are the first point of call and where kinship carers are valued and properly supported to deal with the many challenges they face. They present a series of recommendations which they believe the government, local authorities, and others should consider as a means to achieving that. 

Things to enjoy ... 

Sheffield's Off the Shelf festival of words starts today until 31 October. Something for everyone, even if it is online this year. Examples include Live with the Sheffield Laureate - Otis Mensah and Warda Yassin in conversation with Magid Magid; Ladies Can’t Climb Ladders – Jane Robinson ; the Number Bias – Sanne Blauw in conversation with Professor Wyn Morgan ; Loud Black Girls ; Archeology of Sheffield Castle and Gender Swapped Fairy Tales. Some items are live and some pre-recorded find out more.

Things to make...

The branches of my apple tree are almost touching the ground this year with the weight of fruit, so its another apple recipe for me this weekend...and some more chutney. This one caught my eye this week from the National Trust - spiced toffee apple cake.  

Things in the library 2 Oct ...

 Treasure now available... 

We are so sorry to anyone who tried to take part in our Treasure Hunt and found they could not access the quiz (and huge thanks to the person who informed us of the problem this week). As a result we have extended the quiz deadline till 30th October this is the link and it's well worth competing as the prize is a £30 book token donated by Blackwells which can be used in store or online.

Things coming soon...

Our popular Randomised Coffee Trial will be running in November, details coming soon. If you have not taken part in one of these before do consider doing so as it is a great way to meet and chat to other opeople in the trust who you might normally never meet. You will be given a link to sign up then we will randomly match you to someone else...you then arrange to meet either on site or via Microsoft teams for a 30 minute chat about anything you like. Particularly at the moment it is a good way to 'bump' in to someone and have a conversation.

Things to attend...

Our next online reading group is on Wed 7th October at the new time of 18:30 till 19:30. Our book is 'Versions of Us'. If you like chatting about books do come and join us - you have to provide your own drinks and nibbles now we are not meeting in the library. if you are interested email the library to ask to be put on the mailing list.

More things to attend... 

Thursday Journal Club is re-starting- sadly without the home-made muffins - email the library if you cannot access a copy of the paper or if you require access details

• When: Thursday 8 October 8:00 am - 9:00 am
• Venue: Virtual & from the Lecture Theatre
• Presenter: Sahawash Jamali
• Paper: COVID-19 in children: analysis of the first pandemic peak in England

Things about sport... 

The NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit’s (CPSU) annual campaign to raise awareness of the importance of parents' involvement in youth sport takes place in the week 5-11 October 2020. The theme is ‘Let’s talk about keeping children safe in sport’. During the week the CPSU will be sharing guidance on the types of things sports clubs should have in place to keep children safe and how parents can get help with any concerns they might have.

Things about disability...

Temporary Coronavirus Act provisions debated in the House of Commons on Weds 30 September could substantially restrict or curtail important, hard-won rights that disabled people rely on for their quality of life, says a new report by the Women and Equalities Committee. The Committee insists that they must not become new norms, setting back disabled people’s rights by many years. Read the Report: Unequal impact? Coronavirus, disability and access to services: interim  Report on temporary provisions in the Coronavirus Act  There are implications for Education, Health and Care Plan duties to young people with SEND.

Things about self-harm... 

In September 2020, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Suicide & Self-Harm Prevention launched their report on the inquiry into support available for young people who self-harm. This inquiry was carried out by a panel of parliamentarians on behalf of the APPG on Suicide and Self-Harm, with support provided by Samaritans.

Things about childhood... 

The Children's Commissioner has published a report into Childhood in the time of Covid. Children have fewer health risks from Covid-19 and yet they have suffered disproportionately from the nation’s efforts to contain the virus. This report aims to set out, in one place, the key ways in which children’s lives have been impacted as a result of the Covid-19 crisis – the nation’s biggest test since the Second World War. In doing so, it provides a roadmap for what must be done to enable children to recover from their experiences, and how their needs must be put first in the event of further lockdowns.

Things to make... 

Instead of a pasta bake why not use gnocchi for a change - you can probably substitute them for pasta in any recipe or try this easy vegitarian recipe for Gnocchi & tomato bake

Things in the library 7th June...

Things about the NHS App...
The NHS App went into the Apple App and Google Play stores on Monday 31 December, with a web based version due to launch in the coming months.
During testing between September and December, NHS England and NHS Digital teams listened to feedback from patients and practice staff and used this to make improvements to the app and plan the national rollout. Changes included improving the online registration process, how GP appointment information is presented, and changes to the information patients see before accessing their GP medical record.

The app is now being rolled out across England, with individual GP practices needing to review some of their system settings before they can go live and all the functions of the NHS App will be available. These actions and the gradual rollout will ensure patients have the best possible user experience of the app.
When the GP practice is connected patients will be able to use the NHS App to:

• book and manage appointments at their GP practice
• order their repeat prescriptions
• securely view their GP medical record
• check their symptoms using NHS 111 online and the health A-Z on the NHS website
• register as an organ donor
• choose whether the NHS uses their data for research and planning

Until the GP practice is online patients will be able to use the NHS App to check their symptoms using NHS 111 online and the health A-Z on the NHS website.
Most practices will go live between April and June 2019, [I just checked and no Sheffield GPs on yet] the NHS App was expected to be fully rolled out to practices and patients by 1 July 2019 so I don't know if that is still the target. It's not getting great reviews on the App stores at the moment but its something you might need to know about.

Things about opening hours...
We always try to stay open for our core hours of 8:45 - 17:00 Mon - Fri but over the summer there will be occasions when we cannot open in the 17:00 to 19:00 (Mon - Thurs) time slot due to staff holidays. if you are planning to come to the library in the evening do give us a ring to check to avoid a wasted journey. In the next couple of weeks we will be closing at 17:00 on the following days:
Thurs 13 June, Mon 17 June, Wed 19 June,  Mon 24 June, Wed 26 June.

Things to read...
If you are going on your summer holidays don't forget we have a good selection of leisure reading books available for you to loan - fiction and non-fiction. We have just finished reading Stephen Fry's 'Mythos' at our reading group and out next book is Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult discussed at our meeting on July 3rd at 17:15 (drinks and nibbles provided).
 "The warm fall day starts like any other at the Center—a women’s reproductive health services clinic—its staff offering care to anyone who passes through its doors. Then, in late morning, a desperate and distraught gunman bursts in and opens fire, taking all inside hostage. Jodie Picoult is one of the most fearless writers of our time—and tackles a complicated issue in this gripping and nuanced novel. How do we balance the rights of pregnant women with the rights of the unborn they carry? What does it mean to be a good parent? A Spark of Light will inspire debate and conversation." [Goodreads website]

Things about social media...
ScHARR are running a short 1 day course on 27th June "An Introduction to Using Social Media to Communicate Research" the aim of the workshop is to offer an introduction to the many tools you can use to help you communicate research and work smarter. The purpose of the day is to help attendees come away with a variety of tools and artefacts they can use to help communicate and share their work. They will teach you basics of social media in an academic setting and demystify some of the barriers that may have put you off from using these tools in your work.

Things about self-harm...
In the news this week an increasing number of people, especially girls and young women, are turning to self-harm to cope with painful feelings. The full study can be read in The Lancet Psychiatry The following points are made on the NHS behind the headlines site :
 "...the study has some limitations. The overall number reporting self-harm, especially in the 2000 survey, is fairly low (65 men and 105 women in 2000), which means the results may not be an accurate picture of the overall population level of self-harm. Also, although the same questions were asked in each survey, people's understanding of self-harm is likely to have changed since 2000. 
People may be more likely to report self-harm, or see certain acts as self-harm, than they were when the survey began. Also, we do not know whether the people who declined to take part in the survey were more or less likely to have self-harmed than those who did participate. We also crucially do not know how often people were engaging in self-harm. Because they were asked if they'd ever self-harmed, we do not know whether they were reporting a single event or an ongoing pattern of behaviour. Previous studies of self-harm have focused on people who were in contact with medical services as a result of self-harm. As the study discovered, more than half of people who self-harm do not seek help, so this study improves our knowledge of the scale of the problem. Despite its limitations, the study seems to have found a worrying increase in self-harm, especially among young women."

Things to eat...
I rather feel I should be posting salad and cooling drink recipes but with the rain lashing down outside and a colleague off on a UK holiday (always a sign of impending rain) I feel more like hunkering down with something warm and comforting! How about a slow classic ratatouille from Jamie Oliver served with some crusty bread, couscous or rice?

Things in the library 31st Aug...

Things about mental health...
Health chiefs have drawn up new guidance to encourage doctors to place mental health therapists in practice surgeries – bringing more mental and physical health services under one roof. These new therapists will be integrated into primary care teams and focus on common mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, particularly where this occurs in patients with a long term physical health condition such as diabetes, respiratory or heart problems. Evidence suggests nine out of 10 adults with mental health problems are supported in primary care and broadening the range of services for patients, means local health services are better equipped to deal with patients’ physical and mental health needs.

Things about well-being...
The Good Childhood Report 2018 has been published by The Children's Society.
This report examines the state of children’s well-being in the UK. It finds that one in six (16 per cent) of more than 11,000 children aged 14 surveyed reported self-harming. It looks at the reasons behind the unhappiness which increases the risk of children self-harming. The report urges the Government to make sure that every child can talk to a counsellor in their school.

Things about Duchenne muscular dystrophy...

• This article in Acta Paediatrica looks at parent-child communication and the timing of interventions in Duchenne muscular dystrophy care.
• In the news this morning a possible treatment option is hitting the headlines - it is based on research using gene editing in dogs - if you want to read more the the details of the study are here and some comments on it here

Things about prenatal opioid exposure...

This american article discusses direct neurotoxic, indirect, and stress-related pathophysiologies of prenatal opioid exposure on neurodevelopment of children.

Things after a no-deal Brexit...

The Government has put together a collection of information and guidance relating to health and care organisations and industry about planning for a potential no-deal Brexit.

Things to do...

The annual Art in the Gardens event, held in Sheffield Botanical Gardens, is arguably the largest outdoor art exhibition in the north of England with artists, craft makers and visitors coming from throughout the UK. This event is an opportunity to buy the perfect piece of art or craft direct from the artists, whilst enjoying the perfect surroundings that the gardens have to offer.  Thousands of pieces of art and craft on show and for sale. Sheffield Botanical Gardens, 1 - 2 September 2018 10.30am - 5.30pm

Things to eat...

September always makes me thing of autumn woods and fungi.....not suggesting you collect your own unless you really know what you are doing...but this Jamie Oliver vegetarian and gluten-free Mushroom Bourguignon sounds worth making.

Things almost back to normal...

We will be open evenings again next week Mon-Wed until 7pm.