Public Health NHS A&A

05/01/2026

Active and Sustainable Travel Intern, Carly Mullen is awarded the Bright Green Business and Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber of Commerce, Most Impactful Intern Award 2025

Carly, joined NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Public Health team in late January 2025 and completed her internship at the end of October, has a keen interest in the sustainability agenda and supported a range of work across East and South Ayrshire promoting active and sustainable travel options with NHS staff.

Carly delivered engagement activities at corporate induction, information stalls across different NHS sites, developed resources and communications, and presented at local strategic groups and to nursing students about to go on placement.

We are delighted that Carly has been recognised for her achievements and wish her well in her new position as Special Projects Officer with Ayrshire Roads Alliance, through which we will be able to continue collaborating with her on projects to improve health through active & sustainable travel.

05/01/2026

Making a Difference Through the Community Benefit Gateway.
The Community Benefit Gateway is an online platform that connects NHSScotland suppliers with third-sector organisations, helping meet the needs of local communities and improving health, social, environmental, and economic wellbeing across Scotland.

Irvine-based recycling firm CCL (North), part of the Optimum Eco group, generously donated five repurposed laptops to Ayrshire Cancer Support through the NHS Community Benefit Gateway.
These laptops will help the charity continue its incredible work providing free practical and emotional support for people affected by cancer across Ayrshire - including patient transport, counselling, and drop-in services.

A huge thank you to Bruce McLean, Martin Yeudall, and the team at CCL (North) for ensuring nothing goes to waste and for supporting vital care in our communities.

The Gateway connects suppliers with local needs, delivering real impact for Ayrshire’s communities.
Read more of our case studies here: https://www.nhsaaa.net/.../community-benefits-gateway/

05/01/2026

Here's what's on at Dalmellington Hub this week, Wednesday 7th January.

28/12/2025

If you are struggling financially, it is easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed. But you are not alone, help is available—and your life matters.

If you are struggling to buy food, visit
Find a food bank | Trussell

27/12/2025

Suicidal thoughts can happen to any of us at any time. If you are having thoughts of su***de – Tell, Talk, Seek Help and Hold on to Hope.

To hear from others who have been there and come out the other side, visit https://tinyurl.com/mper5ub5

To find out more about the support available, visit https://tinyurl.com/muzzx8hn

26/12/2025

🎄 The festive season can be tough — and that’s okay.

It’s normal to feel worried, anxious or overwhelmed at times. If you’re finding things difficult just now, support is available.

All the organisations listed in the graphic offer free, confidential help whenever you need it.

💛 You’re never alone.
Reaching out is a strength — and there’s always someone ready to listen.

❤️

24/12/2025

🎄 The festive season can feel overwhelming — and that’s completely normal.

If you’re experiencing stress or finding this time of year challenging, there are simple steps you can take to ease pressure and look after your mental wellbeing.

For helpful information and links to practical self‑help tools, visit: https://tinyurl.com/yfc96b72

24/12/2025

🎄 12 Days of a Safe Christmas Day 11 – Health & Wellbeing ⛄💙
Today’s all about self-care. The Day 11 visual shares simple ways to look after your mental health during the festive season.
Top tips:
• Ask for help if things feel overwhelming
• Do something you enjoy to boost your mood
• Talk about your feelings with someone you trust
• Keep active to support sleep and wellbeing
• Don’t freeze people out – stay connected
A little self-care can go a long way. Be kind to yourself this Christmas. ❤️

🎄 12 Days of a Safe Christmas Day 11 – Health & Wellbeing ⛄💙

Today’s all about self-care. The Day 11 visual shares simple ways to look after your mental health during the festive season.

Top tips:
• Ask for help if things feel overwhelming
• Do something you enjoy to boost your mood
• Talk about your feelings with someone you trust
• Keep active to support sleep and wellbeing
• Don’t freeze people out – stay connected

A little self-care can go a long way. Be kind to yourself this Christmas. ❤️

23/12/2025

🎄 12 Days Of A Safe Christmas Day 10 - Harm Reduction ♥️ 🩹

Continuing bite-sized tips & guidance, our partners at NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Prevention & Service Support Team (Prevention & Service Support Team - NHS Ayrshire & Arran) are today talking about harm reduction.

Small actions can make a big difference - and harm reduction means keeping people safer by reducing risks through education and support.

There were 1,017 drug-related deaths in Scotland in 2024 - 1,017 lives that could potentially have been saved.

If you, or someone you know, uses drugs, support is available across Ayrshire through recovery services, IEP provision, and naloxone training.

You can find all of these services easily by downloading the NHS Ayrshire & Arran Alcohol And Drugs Services app.

🎄 12 Days Of A Safe Christmas Day 10 - Harm Reduction ♥️ 🩹

Continuing bite-sized tips & guidance, our partners at NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Prevention & Service Support Team (Prevention & Service Support Team - NHS Ayrshire & Arran) are today talking about harm reduction.

Small actions can make a big difference - and harm reduction means keeping people safer by reducing risks through education and support.

There were 1,017 drug-related deaths in Scotland in 2024 - 1,017 lives that could potentially have been saved.

If you, or someone you know, uses drugs, support is available across Ayrshire through recovery services, IEP provision, and naloxone training.

You can find all of these services easily by downloading the NHS Ayrshire & Arran Alcohol And Drugs Services app.


North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership
South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership
East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership

23/12/2025

Short days and long nights can affect your mood. Try to get outside during daylight and keep a regular routine.

Sunlight and movement can help you to look after your mental wellbeing during the winter months.

22/12/2025

If you are having thoughts of su***de, please talk to someone. It may be hard to believe that these feelings will end, but help is always available to get you through it. If you feel you can’t talk to someone you know, there are organisations who will listen to you without judgement and provide support.

To hear from others who have been there and come out the other side, visit https://tinyurl.com/mper5ub5

To find out more about the support available, visit https://tinyurl.com/muzzx8hn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLCrN2_pRn0&list=PLKJG7VPyzMSmQUClg6D6PeHLkC791jiVC&index=2

Suicidal thoughts can happen to any of us at any time. If you are having thoughts of su***de, this video provides some advice and information about sources o...

22/12/2025

🎄 12 Days of a Safe Christmas Day 8 – THC 🌿⚠️
Today we’re looking at THC, the part of cannabis that causes the “high”.
Effects of THC can include:
• Mental health problems & psychosis
• Increased heart rate
• Hallucinations
• Difficulty concentrating
• Dependence
THC vapes & edibles:
• Vapes can contain up to 90% THC
• Some have been contaminated with spice or nitazines
• Edibles take longer to kick in (up to 3 hours), increasing the risk of re-dosing and overdose
Harm reduction tips:
• Be aware of THC strength
• Avoid mixing with ni****ne
• Use clean equipment
• Don’t overcharge vapes
• Don’t re-dose too quickly
Staying informed helps you make safer choices. ❤️
👉 Join us tomorrow for Day 9 – Naloxone & Overdose Awareness.

🎄 12 Days of a Safe Christmas Day 8 – THC 🌿⚠️

Today we’re looking at THC, the part of cannabis that causes the “high”.
Effects of THC can include:
• Mental health problems & psychosis
• Increased heart rate
• Hallucinations
• Difficulty concentrating
• Dependence

THC vapes & edibles:
• Vapes can contain up to 90% THC
• Some have been contaminated with spice or nitazines
• Edibles take longer to kick in (up to 3 hours), increasing the risk of re-dosing and overdose

Harm reduction tips:
• Be aware of THC strength
• Avoid mixing with ni****ne
• Use clean equipment
• Don’t overcharge vapes
• Don’t re-dose too quickly

Staying informed helps you make safer choices. ❤️

👉 Join us tomorrow for Day 9 – Naloxone & Overdose Awareness.