Self-help groups Groups come in many forms and are often informal and in a community setting. They are usually facilitated by an organisation or led by volunteers. In some cases, they are peer led. At the heart of a group is the sense of it being a safe place for people to come and meet others who may be in a similar situation. This is a time where people can talk, listen and share ways of managing what is happening in their lives or situation. Some groups will be specific in the content and may be associated with a medical condition, addiction, mental health or to reduce loneliness and isolation. It is rare that self-help groups are time limited and there should be no pressure to attend. More and more groups are becoming creative in what they offer and may include things around craft or outdoor activities. Below is a small sample of what is available in Northamptonshire. If you feel you would like to engage in a group, an internet search will help you to find what you need or you can call your local council who can guide you in the right direction for your area.
healthcare. These treatments range from acupuncture and homoeopathy, to aromatherapy, meditation and colonic irrigation. It is sometimes defined as:
• When a non-mainstream practice is used together with conventional medicine, it’s considered complementary. • When a non-mainstream practice is used instead of conventional medicine, it’s considered alternative. Many complementary therapies are used with the intention of treating or curing a heath condition. It is important to look at evidence-based therapies and speak to a medical practitioner about the suitability for you. Some therapies are proven to work for a limited number of health conditions such as treating back pain with chiropractic intervention. Complementary therapies are limited on the NHS. When looking at complementary therapies, it is advisable to seek guidance from NICE www.nice. org.uk/guidance (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) and ensure you are supported by regulation as many practitioners in complementary therapies are not regulated and may not be qualified. This may be a risk, so it is important to understand what support you are looking for. When looking for a practitioner, consider these questions:
www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/peer-support-groups/
www.northnorthants.gov.uk/drug-and-alcohol-support
www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help/emotional-help/local-support- groups
• Cost of treatment and number of sessions needed. • If this is suitable for you and your condition. • What side effects may occur. • Whether there is anything you should do to prepare for the treatment. • What system the practitioner has in dealing with complaints. • Documentation for proof of qualification. • Proof that they are a member of a professional association.
http://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/stop-smoking-drug-and-alcohol-support
Employment Your rights in employment Flexible working
• Written references. • Proof of insurance.
Flexible working is a way of working that suits an employee’s needs, for example having flexible start and finish times, or working from home.
www.cnhc.org.uk/#gsc.tab=0
www.professionalstandards.org.uk
All employees have the legal right to request flexible working. Employees can request a change to:
• The number of hours they work • When they start or finish work
• The days they work • Where they work
This is known as ‘making a statutory application’.
Employees can make a request for flexible working from their first day in a job.
What employers must do
Employers must deal with requests in a ‘reasonable manner’.
Examples of handling requests in a reasonable manner include:
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