Keep Warm this Winter

Cold weather can affect your health. Find out how to keep yourself well and your home warm during winter.

Why is cold weather a problem?

When the temperature drops to below 8C, some people are at increased risk of:

  • heart attack
  • stroke
  • flu
  • pneumonia
  • falls and injuries
  • hypothermia

Cold weather can also affect people with mental health conditions, such as depression and dementia.

Who’s most at risk?

Very cold weather can affect anyone, but you are most vulnerable if:

  • you’re 65 or older
  • you’re on a low income (so can’t afford heating)
  • you have a long-term health condition, such as heart, lung or kidney disease
  • you’re disabled
  • you’re pregnant
  • you have young children (newborn to school age)
  • you have a mental health condition

Be prepared

The Met Office provides weather forecasts on radio and TV, so listen in to these bulletins regularly to keep up-to-date with the weather.

Severe weather warnings are also issued on the Met Office website, through the Met Office Twitter feed, or you can call the Weather Desk on 0370 900 0100 or 01392 885 680.

The Met office also has advice on getting ready for winter.

This includes suggestions for practical things you can do to prepare for winter weather, including cold, ice and snow, high winds and flooding.

How to keep your home warm

Follow these tips to keep you and your family warm and well at home:

  • if you’re not very mobile, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease, heat your home to at least 18C (65F)
  • keep your bedroom at 18C all night if you can – and keep the bedroom window closed
  • during the day you may prefer your living room to be slightly warmer than 18C
  • to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), babies should sleep in rooms heated to between 16C and 20C
  • if you’re under 65, healthy and active, you can safely have your home cooler than 18C, if you’re comfortable
  • draw curtains at dusk and keep doors closed to block out draughts
  • get your heating system checked regularly by a qualified professional

Protect your health in the cold

If you start to feel unwell, even if it’s a cough or cold, don’t wait until it gets more serious. Seek advice from your pharmacist.

Follow these tips on keeping well in the cold:

  • find out if you can get the flu jab for free on the NHS
  • wear several layers of clothes rather than 1 chunky layer – clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres help to maintain body heat
  • use a hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep warm in bed – but don’t use both at the same time
  • have at least 1 hot meal a day – eating regularly helps keep you warm; and make sure you have hot drinks regularly
  • try not to sit still for more than an hour or so indoors – get up and stretch your legs
  • stay active – even moderate exercise can help keep you warm
  • wrap a scarf loosely around your mouth when outdoors – add a hat and wear shoes with a good grip, too
  • if you have a heart or respiratory problem, stay indoors during very cold weather

Look in on vulnerable neighbours and relatives

Check up on older neighbours and relatives, and those with heart or respiratory (breathing) problems, to make sure they:

  • are safe and well
  • are warm enough, especially at night
  • have stocks of food and medicines so they don’t need to go out during very cold weather

If you’re worried about a relative or elderly neighbour, contact your local council or call the Age UK helpline on 0800 678 1174 (8am to 7pm every day).

If you’re concerned that the person may be suffering from hypothermia, contact NHS 111.

Ajuda speaking at the future of work conference 2023

Managing director of Ajuda Dawn Evans spoke at the Future of Work conference held at Techniquest in Cardiff. This conference hosts a range of companies that help assist with plans and strategies that help create a strong and resilient workforce.

Dawn spoke about the importance of mental health in the workplace, and why companies should invest in having mental health first aiders. Here is Dawn giving her talk at the conference.

More about our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Course

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a training course that teaches individuals how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use issues. The course is designed to give people the skills and confidence to provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

Participants in the course learn about common mental health conditions, how to offer initial help, and how to guide a person towards appropriate professional help. The course typically involves interactive activities, discussions, and practical skills-building exercises. The length of the course can vary, but most programs take between 12 and 16 hours to complete.

More about Ajuda Training Services

Ajuda is a multi-award-winning company and has been established for more than ten years. We provide accredited training courses from our classes based in Cardiff, providing training to areas all over Wales, the UK and in Europe.

Here at Ajuda, we are friendly teachers offering the highest customer service standards to all our clients. We can either teach our training courses from our training academy based in Cardiff Bay, or we can come to your location. Whatever the need we can deliver.

We can help equip your organisation with mental health first aiders

Investing in mental health first aiders can help the workforce in your company. Identifying someone who needs help and support with their mental health can prevent any long-term sickness leave. Our mental health first aid course helps people identify when someone needs help, and points them in the right direction connecting them to the right support.

Contact us

We regularly run mental heath first aid courses. We train people up to be mental health first aiders and certify people to help colleagues with their mental health in the workplace. Use the contact details below to get in touch and we’ll let you know when we are running our next course dates.

Tel: 029 2057 6883
Email:admin@ajuda.org.uk

Children’s Mental Health Week 2023

This year’s Children’s Mental Health Week is taking place on 6-12 February 2023.  This year's theme is Let’s Connect and  is about making meaningful connections. People thrive in communities, and this connection is vital for our wellbeing. Having healthy connections – to family, friends and others – can support our mental health and sense of wellbeing. 

Place2Be launched Children’s Mental Health Week in 2015 to shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s mental health. We hope to encourage more people than ever to get involved and spread the word.

Please add the dates to your calendar and sign up for email alerts for the latest Children’s Mental Health Week news.

Last year Children’s Mental Health Week focused on Growing Together.  Place2Be   encouraged children (and adults) to consider how they have grown, and how they can help others to grow…

It doesn’t have to be difficult. Our bodies and minds are connected, so simple things that we do to improve our physical wellbeing can help our mental wellbeing too.

We have our Youth Mental Health Webinar on 9th February and you can register for your FREE tickets here

Here at Ajuda Training Services we run regular Youth Mental Health First Aid training courses both Virtually and face to face. 

Find a date and book yourself onto a course today 

Click Here 

Become a first aider this February

The workplace can seem like a safe place, but, there are risks you wouldn’t think of until they happen. An accident can occur at any time and if it did, who in the workplace is trained to help? It is a legal requirement as a company to ensure your employees receive immediate attention. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider First Aid Training for employees. 

1. It can save lives

2. Reduce the number of workplace accidents

Image

3. Positive work environment

4. Your company will be safer place to work

Image

5. First aid kits are used properly

6. It can reduce recovery time

Image

7. It can keep employees safe outside of the workplace

8. It’s a great team-building exercise

9. It gives your employees confidence and clarity during an emergency
First aid training doesn’t just teach your staff how to treat patients in need of first aid, it also gives them confidence and effectively manage an emergency without fear, confusion or overwhelm.

10. The cost of a First Aid at Work Training course is nothing compared to that of potentially saving a live.
Providing first aid and CPR training doesn’t cost much, but it will go a long way to ensuring workplace health and safety.

If this has given you something to think about we have many Training Courses available at Ajuda Training Academy, take a look at our course calendar, give us a call on 02920 576883, or email admin@ajuda.org.uk

First Aid at Work 3 Day course

27th, 28th February & 1st March

27th – 28th March

24th – 26th April

£230 + vat per person

https://www.ajuda.org.uk/shop/courses/first-aid/level-3-award-in-emergency-first-aid-at-work-rqf/

Health & safety behind the curtains of Women’s World Cup

England Women’s Football Team’s victory gave us a reason to celebrate. This is the first time the England women’s team have won an international competition!

The whole world admires players’ exceptional skill throughout the tournament. In addition to their extraordinary performance, we should also shine some light on those who work in the shadows.

Given that football is one of the most popular sports around the world, the emphasis must be put on the health and safety aspects of it. Injuries are by far the greatest problem encountered in football in terms of their impact on players. This is especially relevant for women’s game, given the potentially greater occurrence of serious, long-term injuries such as knee ligament injuries, compared to male players.

An integrated and cohesive medical and physical performance team is essential for preparing players to maximise their availability for the coaches by optimising physical performance, whilst minimising injury risk. Knowledge of first aid procedures is extremely important for anyone involved in a football game, from members of the coaching staff and judges to the players.

Upgrade your emergency first aid training and be prepared to help people.

Medical emergencies can strike at any time whether you are on or off the football pitch. From common injuries to life-threatening situations such as sudden cardiac arrest, understanding basic first aid can help save lives.

Some treatments and injuries in sports first aid could include:
• Use of automated external defibrillators
• Head injuries and concussion
• Internal and external bleeding
• CPR
• Muscle and joint injuries
• Broken bones
• Asthma attacks and seizures
• Chest pains and heart attacks
• And many more.

Ajuda Training is pleased to offer a full first aid courses for coaches, PE teachers and anyone who is in need or wants to get those skills. We offer a whole range of certified first aid courses for you to choose from.

Make sure to check them out to gain the confidence and knowledge to help save lives.

#futbol #ladiesfootball #womeninsports #soccergirls #fawsl #soccergirl #women
#lionesses
https://www.ajuda.org.uk/product-category/courses/first-aid/

Dementia Action/Awareness Week May 16th – 22nd

Dementia Action Week is a national event that sees the UK public taking action to improve the lives of people affected by dementia. In 2022, the Week will take place on 16 – 22 May.

Stand up for your loved ones this Dementia Action Week

Coronavirus has exposed the fact that families facing dementia have been failed by a social care system that is inadequate, hard to access, costly and unfair. People with dementia have been worst hit by the pandemic, accounting for a quarter of all coronavirus deaths in the UK.

The time has come for governments to set right decades of unfairness and underinvestment and to build a social care system we can all be proud of.

This Dementia Action Week, Alzheimer’s Society needs your help to call on the Government to rebuild the social care system in 2022. Will you get involved and show you care?

34.5 million of us know someone living with dementia in the UK. Together we can bring about change.

One in three of us born in the UK today will go on to develop dementia in our lifetime, and there will be one million people living with dementia by 2025 making dementia care one of the greatest challenges facing our society. With few existing treatments, it’s social care not the NHS that people affected by dementia rely on. People with dementia represent the majority of social care users, so it is vital that the care system is made fit for purpose.

A new system we can be proud of

We need system that means every person living with dementia, and every carer, can get the support they need to stay happy, healthy and independent for as long as possible. This means quality care that is right for them, free and easy to get, no matter where you live – like the NHS.

The time has come to set right decades of unfairness and underinvestment and for Governments to create a legacy to be admired.

Alzheimer’s Society won’t stop until everyone can access the dementia care they so critically need, now and in the future.

Here at Ajuda we have a great offer on our Dementia Awareness Online Training??

Try this by Clicking here

Use SELFEDUCATE3 code at checkout and save 35%

10 Benefits of First Aid Training in the Workplace

The office can seem like a safe place to work, but, there are risks you wouldn’t think of until they happen. An accident can occur at any time and if it did, who in the workplace is trained to help? It is a legal requirement as a company to ensure your employees receive immediate attention. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider First Aid Training for employees.

1. It can save lives

This may seem like the most obvious reason, but it is proved that first aid saves lives. If there is an accident in the office is anyone trained to come to the rescue? First aid training gives your staff the confidence and ability to react immediately to an incident, injury or illness. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) has been reported that many lives have been saved due to fast reaction CPR. This would have been given during critical and life-threatening accidents, injuries or health complications in the workplace.

2. Reduce the number of workplace accidents

First aid training helps employees learn to be more conscious of safety in the workplace, leading to a reduced number of accidents and injuries. Minimizing risk to workers and decreasing workplace incidents is a benefit to everyone, but for employers it has implications within all aspects of business operations. All employees become more safety aware, helping to bring down the number of accidents.

3. Positive work environment

By making first aid training available to employees, employers can show their workforce that they care about providing a safe work environment. First aid training provided in the workplace can even be used as an excellent team-building exercise and morale booster. Employee morale is an integral part of any company. High morale leads to positive attitudes and positive attitudes lead to positive results. The happiness and wellbeing of your employees will help you build a strong relationship, ultimately resulting in a better working environment. First aid training will help ensure employee health and safety in addition to enhanced wellbeing and morale.

4. Your company will be safer place to work

Many large companies give first aid as part of employee training; this is a very wise option because it guarantees they can all look out for one another. If an accident happens at work; employees may be able to prevent further injury to the victim of the accident. First aid courses in the work place promote safer practice amongst employees.

5. First aid kits are used properly

Not only will your employees know exactly what should be in the first aid kit and be able to maintain it properly, they’ll be able to use them effectively in an emergency. They will know where to access it quickly – again saving time and reducing the impact of the illness or injury. First aid trainees know exactly what’s in their first aid kits, how to use the contents, and the various ways to react in an emergency. In a beneficial way, it makes each employee an unofficial health and safety risk manager.

6. It can reduce recovery time

Rapid reaction to illness or injury, before further aid such as an ambulance arrives can not only save lives, but in addition, will reduce recovery time of the patient. If that patient is a member of staff, that means they’ll be back to work quicker, with less impact on the business.

7. It can keep employees safe outside of the workplace

It’s not just in the workplace where good first aid training is paramount – employees will have those skills for life, especially if you maintain ongoing refresher courses. This means they can treat themselves, their family and friends and the public effectively in an emergency.

8. It’s a great team-building exercise

When your staff get the opportunity to learn a skill together, one that will help them look after one another, it brings them closer together. Many teams have reported more awareness of their co-workers wellbeing following first aid training.

9. It gives your employees confidence and clarity during an emergency

First aid training doesn’t just teach your staff how to treat patients in need of first aid, it also gives them confidence and effectively manage an emergency without fear, confusion or overwhelm.

10. The cost of a First Aid at Work Training course is nothing compared to that of potentially saving a live.

Providing first aid and CPR training doesn’t cost much, but it will go a long way to ensuring workplace health and safety.

If this has given you something to think about we have many Training Courses available at Ajuda Training Academy, take a look at our course calendar, give us a call on 02920 576883, or email admin@ajuda.org.uk

Or you can book a course online here

Follow us on Facebook or Twitter and see our tips and advice on all things #FirstAid

We all need to be more Cyber Security aware!!!

We all need to be more Cyber Security aware.

Here at Ajuda, we have launched a brand new online training course to give an insight around how we can all play our part in remaining cyber secure.

Our full suite of interactive video-based online courses can be white labelled and distributed by you.

Employees, managers and directors should all have a good understanding of the threat posed by cyber-attacks and the importance of guarding against data breaches.

This short online Cyber Security E-Learning course will explain why cyber attacks and data breaches happen and provide practical advice on how to set up effective defences.

First, the Cyber Security online course will identify potential ‘cyber threat actors’ who initiate cybercrime, along with looking at the main motivations behind cyber-attacks on individuals and organisations.

On a more practical level, you’ll learn how to recognise and deal effectively with phishing attempts. The online Cyber Security course will highlight the importance of keeping passwords secure and cover security for devices, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets or desktop computers.

You’ll learn how to report a suspected cyber attack, and what to do if you genuinely make a mistake.

Finally, the Cyber Security E-Learning course will underline the importance of cooperation and show how working closely together helps overcome a wide range of cybersecurity issue

Click here to book this course now 

Ajuda offers Free Defibrillator Training

Do you have a Defibrillator??  Would you know how to use it if there was  an emergency??

We will come out to your venue and train you and your team free of charge and ensure that you all know how to use your new Defibrillator.

Take advantage of our free training session when you purchase this specially created package for just

£1495+vat

This fantastic package includes:

•           1 x iPAD SP1 AED (Fully Automatic)

•           2 x Electrode Pads

•           1 x Wall Bracket

•           1 x Carry case

•           1 x AED Location Sign

•           1 x AED Location Sign Supporting Poster

•           1 x AED Emergency Response Kit

iPAD SP1 AED (Fully Automatic)

Endorsed by the British Heart Foundation Part Funding Program, this AED is ideal for schools due to its innovative Adult/Paediatric switch which automatically alters the shock strength without having to change electrode pads (Adult – 150 joules, Paediatric – 50 joules). The switch is housed under a safety cover to prevent accidental switching.

As a Fully Automatic AED, iPAD SP1 will read a casualty’s heart rhythm; if they have a shockable rhythm the AED will instruct the rescuer to stand back and will proceed to automatically shock the casualty if required. This means it is easy for anyone to use, even if they have not been trained.

The iPAD SP1 AED also features:

•           Voice prompts and flashing indicators guide the user through CPR and defibrillation, with built in Ambient Noise Detection (auto volume adjusting up to 90db) and Metronome (this feature can also be turned off if required).

•           Automatically senses when pads are due to expire of when

            connection has been lost and alerts the user.

•           Built in CPR Sensor to encourage responder to continue/perform CPR.

•           Durable device with an IP Rating of 55. 

•           Electrode Pad Life of 3 years from date of manufacture

•           Can be programmed if CPR protocols are altered.

•            7 Years Warranty

AED Emergency Response Kit

This kit has been created to contain everything required to help a rescuer to administer the required shocks as soon as possible when a casualty collapses. This should be kept alongside the AED at all times.

The kit includes:

•           1 x CPR Pocket Mask

•           1 x Pair of Medium Gloves

•           1 x Face Cloth/Flannel

•           1 x Disposable Razor

•           1 x Pair of Scissors

iPAD SP1 AED Wall Bracket

Ideal for storage when there isn’t a requirement for security – for example if the AED is stored in an office or reception area of a school – this wall bracket can be attached to a wall for quick, easy access to the defibrillator.

AED Location Sign and Supporting Poster

Including a sign to show the location of an AED and a supporting poster which provides basic information on how to use an AED, with the aim to give the rescuer greater confidence that they will be able to use it effectively.

Contact us today to order and arrange your free training session on 02920576883 or email admin@ajuda.org.uk

Cyber Essential Certified 

We are pleased to announce that Ajuda Training has achieved Cyber Essentials Certification!

Cyber Essentials is a government backed scheme that helps Ajuda protect against a whole range of the most common cyber-attacks and demonstrates our commitment to cyber security.

This certification gives you our customer peace of mind and reassurance that our defences will protect against the vast majority of common cyber-attacks and online threats simply because these attacks are looking for targets which do not have the Cyber Essentials technical controls in place.

Cyber attacks come in many shapes and sizes, but the vast majority are very basic in nature, carried out by relatively unskilled individuals. They’re the digital equivalent of a thief trying your front door to see if it’s unlocked.

After being subject to rigorous checks it has been found that our defences will prevent these attacks.

 

If you would like more information about this latest certification, please email admin@ajuda.org.uk

New Year, New Me? Take it easy

Going into the new year is often associated with introducing meaningful changes in our lives to achieve great goals. This might be a great motivational tool for some people or may bring in some difficulties for others. Setting new goals and expectations for the new year is one thing, but the trend of comparing them between one another, thus introducing a concept of competition into it, cannot do much good in the long run.

How should you approach it then?

The most important resolution we suggest for this year is to TAKE IT EASY.

Small Steps = Achievable Goals

The best way to accomplish your new year’s resolutions is to set a few small but concrete, attainable goals alongside long-term aims. Don’t set too many goals, as they might overwhelm you at some point and make you feel discouraged.

  • Do more than just taking a hopeful approach.
  • Be specific.
  • Understand why a specific goal is essential to you.
  • Make a plan.
  • Create a checklist.

Let us help you with setting specific goals and achieving them!

Learning new skills can boost your confidence and help you build a sense of purpose, and raise your self-esteem. These can then be reflected into your relationships with other people. Increased belief in your abilities and worth, improve your satisfaction in life and often helps boosts your optimism. This can not only make you happier and healthier but also can contribute to you being more successful.

In order to support you and your mental wellbeing from the beginning of the 2023 journey, we have prepared a wide range of events you can participate in to learn a new skill. 

We offer both face-to-face and online courses to suit you all!

Our Online Training platform is the perfect way for you to keep learning from the comfort of your own home. We offer many courses to suit all learning needs, such as:

Emergency First Aid Annual Refresher

Paediatric First Aid

Basic Fire Safety Training

Food Safety Level 2 (Manufacturing, Catering & Retail)

Level 1 Health & Safety in a Construction Environment (Leading to CSCS Green Card) – including an online exam

We have so many more courses so you can complete at your leisure, with courses to suit all learning needs.

Check our website to get a reduced price on all Online Courses. Please hurry up and get our bestselling courses with a 35% discount before we run out of space! Contact us now for your unique discount code 

Telephone 02920576883

Email admin@ajuda.org.uk