The Big Pick spring clean: clothing appeal
The Big Pick is a regular used clothing event, which helps to address clothing poverty for the people of East Lothian.
Ahead of the next series of events, The Big Pick would like your clothing, shoe and accessory donations. Have you just completed a spring clean by any chance? Identified some clothing items that still have plenty of wear, are 'nearly new' or 'only worn a few times' ... well, bring them to one of our collection bins?
Big Pick events take place every few weeks in local community centres, where people can buy clothes by the kilo, as well as shoes and accessories, all at a reduced price and some kids items are free!
The community justice payback team, collect the items, sort through the donations and prepare them for sale at the Big Pick events as part of their community reparation. Any profit raised from the event is then donated to local charities .. so far over £3000 has been paid back into East Lothian communities already.
Where to donate
To boost our clothing reserves, we're placing clothes collection bins at:
- John Muir House
- Penston House
- The Brunton Hall
This is a prime opportunity for you to bring your (no longer) used clothing and accessories to work and donate them to this extremely worthy cause.
Let's all help to tackle clothing poverty, textile waste and support our local third sector charity organisations.
Next event
Do you know someone who might benefit from attending a Big Pick Event? Why not spread the word?
The next event is on Tuesday 13 May 11am to 2pm at Haddington Corn Exchange.
Help for musculoskeletal pain
Back pain, twisted ankles or knee problems – musculoskeletal (MSK) issues can literally be a pain in the neck.
NHS 24 is promoting musculoskeletal (MSK) resources and advice on Scotland's health website NHS inform. The information explains how to manage common MSK conditions and injuries, as well as details on when to seek further medical advice if needed. It’s available 24/7 and regularly reviewed by clinicians to make sure it is relevant and up to date.
Approximately 20% of calls made to NHS 24's 111 service about MSK conditions result in self-care advice, meaning the condition can be effectively managed at home without the need to further consult a health professional.
Reduce symptoms and improve strength
NHS inform’s MSK pages include self-management advice for various body parts and provide information on a range of MSK conditions such as ankle sprains and sciatica. It also offers exercises to help alleviate symptoms and aid movement and strength.
Jenifer Dallas, an NHS 24 Physiotherapist and Chair of NHS 24’s MSK Clinical Advisory Group, explains: “Many MSK injuries or conditions are not serious, but they can be painful and debilitating in the short term. NHS inform’s MSK resources include guidance on appropriate self-care, such as pain relief and exercises, so you can safely manage the problem at home.
“Each page also has advice on when to seek further help if needed and how to access MSK services in your area.”
Self-refer to local services
East Lothian residents aged 16 or over can also directly refer themselves, either by phone or email, to a locally-based MSK physiotherapy service without needing to see a GP first. A physiotherapist will be able to assess and help you over the phone, before making a plan for any ongoing management needed.
This may include offering a face-to-face appointment at:
- East Lothian Community Hospital, Haddington
- Musselburgh Primary Care Centre
- Dunbar Medical Practice
- Edington Community Hospital, North Berwick
Find out more:
NHS Inform MSK information
MSK services in East Lothian
What if a conversation about suicide could save a life?
Suicide is a topic that makes many of us nervous; it can feel like the hardest thing in the world to ask someone about. But here’s the thing lots of people don’t realise. Talking about suicide is the best way to prevent it from happening.
A new campaign
This new short film about suicide awareness in Scotland features four extraordinary people who share their own deeply personal experiences. The goal of this campaign is to normalise the idea of having a conversation about suicide and to give people the confidence to ask directly about suicide. This is the start of Scotland's biggest ever conversation about suicide.
As part of the campaign, Suicide Prevention Scotland has also launched a new website which provides information and key links to a range of centralised resources to support people experiencing thoughts of suicide, those who are worried for someone else or for those who have been bereaved by suicide.
Seeking support
If you, or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help, speak to someone you trust or call one of these helplines:
- Samaritans — 116 123 or use the online chat at samaritans.org
- Breathing Space — 0800 83 85 87
- NHS 24 mental health hub — 111
- PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 – 0800 068 4141 or text 88247
If you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself harm you should dial 999 and request an ambulance.