BSA SPRING ASSEMBLY May 2019
Theme: Social Activities for Health
Date: Wednesday 29th May 2019 from 10am to 2:15pm
Location: Woodhouse College, Woodhouse Road, North Finchley, London N12 9EY.
What a wonderful event we hosted at Woodhouse College, introduced by our Chair Nila Patel, opened by the Mayor Councillor Caroline Stock, with guest speakers including Seher Kayikci Senior Health Specialist, Sarah Mistry CEO of BGS, Lisa Robbins Age UK Barnet. We had Movement to Music by Wendy and our very own Peter Cragg as master of ceremonies. A special thanks to the Friends of BSA who hosted over 20 stands from various charities and organisations. We also want to give a special thank you to our BSA volunteers who made the day run so smoothly taking care of our guests.
Click here for more images of the days events.
People making a difference in Barnet honoured at Civic Awards ceremony
Our very dear Executive Committee Member and founder Peter Cragg was recognised for many years of community work across multiple organisations, including Victim Support, Friern Barnet Voluntary Care for the Elderly and Age Concern Barnet.
The Mayor of Barnet commended the hard work and dedication of some of the borough’s citizens during a special ceremony at Hendon Town Hall.
They were given Civic Awards across a range of categories during the event on Wednesday (April 3) after being nominated by the public for the good work that they have done.
The Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Reuben Thompstone, said: “These awards celebrate the contribution that these wonderful people have made to their community.
“It is enriching to live in a borough that contains such selfless and motivated citizens, who work endlessly to make Barnet a better place for others.”
Previous news items below
BSA-Special-E-Bulletin-3 (PDF, 3 A4 pages, 562 Kb) — 2nd November 2018
BSA-Special-E-Bulletin-2 (PDF, 3 A4 pages, 562 Kb) — 19th October 2018
BSA-Special-E-Bulletin (PDF, 3 A4 pages, 450 Kb) — 25th September 2018
BSA E-Bulletin No 45 (PDF, 7 A4 pages, 800 Kb) — 17th September 2018
BSA E-Bulletin No 44 (PDF, 6 A4 pages, 702 Kb) — 3rd September 2018
BSA E-Bulletin No 43 (PDF, 5 A4 pages, 650 Kb) — 20th August 2018
BSA E-Bulletin No 42 (PDF, 6 A4 pages, 702 Kb) — 3rd August 2018
BSA E-Bulletin No 41 (PDF, 3 A4 pages, 663 Kb) — 16th July 2018
It’s just the flu…
4 October 2020
You will have heard friends and family say it is “Just” the flu! Each year the flu kills on average 11,000 people and hospitalises thousands more. There’s no “just” about it!
What causes flu? Flu is caused by influenza viruses that infect the windpipe and lungs. And because it’s caused by viruses and not bacteria, antibiotics won’t treat it. However, if there are complications from getting flu, antibiotics may be needed.
How do we protect against flu? Flu is unpredictable. The vaccine provides the best protection available against a virus that can cause severe illness. The most likely viruses that will cause flu are identified in advance of the flu season and vaccines are then made to match them as closely as possible. The vaccines are given in the autumn ideally before flu starts circulating. During the last ten years the vaccine has generally been a good match for the circulating strains. It is more important than ever this year to have your vaccination to protect yourself, your loved ones and the NHS, and for those on the eligible list the vaccine is provided free.
You should have the flu vaccine if you:
· are 65 years old or over
· are pregnant
· are an adult or child with certain conditions
· live with someone on the shielded patient list
· are living in a care home or other long-stay facility
· receive a carer’s allowance, or you’re the main carer for an elderly or disabled person
· are aged two – three
· are in primary school, or the first year of secondary school (Year 7)
· are a frontline health and social care worker
The NHS will contact you directly if you are eligible, and will give you information about where to go to get the vaccine.
Will the flu vaccine protect me against COVID-19? The flu vaccine won’t protect you against COVID-19, but it will help protect you against the strains of flu virus that will be circulating this year. Helping to protect against flu is particularly important with COVID-19 in circulation because people vulnerable to COVID-19 are also at risk of complications from flu.
Is the flu vaccination safe?
The flu vaccination is safe and effective and must be given annually. It cannot give you the flu. Adults usually receive the flu vaccination in injection form, and children usually receive a nasal spray.
When can I get the flu vaccination?
We expect that the flu vaccination will be available from autumn 2020 onwards for those on the eligible list. You will be invited to book a vaccination appointment at around this time, but please contact your GP practice if not. It’s important that you have your vaccination as soon as possible.
Where can I get the flu vaccination?
Many people will receive their flu vaccination at a GP surgery as usual. This year some GPs are also looking at running clinics in other additional locations to ensure they can offer the vaccine safely to as many people at risk as possible. Your practice will give clear guidance on where you need to go when you book your appointment. Other people may choose to go to a pharmacy or another location in their community. School-aged children will receive their vaccination from a trained health professional at school. Health professionals will visit care homes to vaccinate residents and staff on-site and will also visit those who are house-bound.
Is it safe to attend appointments at health clinics?
The NHS is doing everything it can to make sure that vaccinations are given in safe environments and staff giving you your vaccination will be using the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). You will need to wear a mask unless you are exempt. All possible precautions will be to taken to make sure you, and staff, are protected and safe.
There has never been a more important time to make sure you, and those you care for, are protected against serious illnesses such as the flu. Where vaccines are available, it’s vital that we use them to help keep everyone safe. Look out for updates from your local GP or NHS team and book your vaccination as soon as you are invited to do so. Get the flu vaccination, stay well and protect yourself, your loved ones and the NHS.
More information can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/who-should-have-flu-vaccine/