Joining the Dots - Episode 16 - Loneliness, how can we build connections?

Joining the Dots - Episode 19 - ARFID, RSV vaccines and pet loss

ARFID, Avoidant or Restrictive Food Intake Disorder impacts between 0.5% and 5% of the population. According to the National Eating Disorders Association [https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/avoidant-restrictive-food-intake-disorder-arfid/], individuals with ARFID limit the volume and/or variety of foods they consume, but unlike other eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia, food avoidance or restriction is not related to fears of weight or distress about body shape, size or weight. Instead, in ARFID, selective eating is motivated by a lack of interest in eating or of food itself, or what is called sensory sensitivity (e.g., strong reactions to taste, texture, smell of foods), and/or a fear of aversive consequences (e.g., of choking or vomiting). ARFID Awareness UK [https://www.arfidawarenessuk.org/about-us] offers support and resources online, as does the Cardiff and Vale Eating Disorders Service. [https://www.eatingdisorderscardiff.co.uk/] Happy birthday to the National Health Service for July 5th – 78 years old! Established in 1948 by Welshman Aneurin Bevan, Britain was the first western country to offer free at the point of use medical care to the whole population. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support our local NHS, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board here at Hospital Radio Glamorgan and the people who work there, including Charis Joyce [https://www.facebook.com/share/v/181W8mYp1M/], an immunisation co-ordinator who explained why over 75 year olds and babies would benefit from the Respiratory Syncytial Virus [https://phw.nhs.wales/knowledge-article/rsv-vaccine/] vaccination. GP’s surgeries and walk-in clinics are being held this month, including across Cardiff and the Vale [https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/news/latest-news/rsv-vaccine-walk-in-clinics-taking-place-for-older-people-and-pregnant-women-this-july/]. And pet loss, something many of us struggle with. Would you know where to get support? * Pet Loss Support Group [https://www.petlosssupportgroup.co.uk/] * Blue Cross [https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-loss-support] * Pet Bereavement Support [https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/our-services/bereavement-services/helping-you-through-your-grief/pet-bereavement/]

Joining the Dots - Episode 18 - Why talking matters; volunteer opportunities, foodbank success and Armed Forces Day

The final part of our interview with Samaritans volunteer, Adam, focuses on loneliness and why there is no ‘typical’ caller to the 24/7 listening service. Could you take part in a fundraising event for the Samaritans [https://www.samaritans.org/wales/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/]? The charity is asking people to join its 24 minutes a day challenge [https://www.samaritans.org/wales/support-us/events-and-fundraising/virtual-events/facebook-challenges/]. Can you join with others and commit to 24 minutes of daily activity for 24 days from July 1 to 24 – it can be any activity from running to crafting, walking to knitting? If you can, Samaritans would love you to help them raise vital funds. Cardiff Foodbank [https://cardiff.foodbank.org.uk/news/metallica-donation-to-cardiff-foodbank-will-help-tackle-hunger], which a couple of weeks ago appealed for help in restocking its bare shelves, has received a significant £20,000 donation from American hard rock band Metallica [https://www.metallica.com/], who played the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday night (28 June 2026). The band’s charitable foundation, All Within My Hands [https://allwithinmyhands.org/], routinely donates to local food banks while on tour, to make a positive impact in the communities they visit.And if you’re local to Cardiff and have some time on your hands, there’s a volunteering opportunity [https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/our-services/voluntary-services/volunteering-with-cardiff-vale-health-charity/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSvOkFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBudlVjWWE2emRKYzNKVFFnc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHovWBhGZd7xjYFjTzdIFf9K7_TGaNJWVSe6ayBae8u8KAY6w1avCZJCqWyMX_aem_2Q9snuP9M-moskgXNONn9w] available on our doorstep here at the University Hospital of Wales. Armed Forces Day [https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/] was marked on June 27 this year and it was celebrated with a range of activities taking place across Wales. It is a chance to show appreciation for those who form the Armed Forces community, from currently serving personnel to service families, veterans and cadets.

Joining the Dots - Episode 17 - Samaritans and protecting ourselves and our pets in the heat

We all know the name Samaritans [https://www.samaritans.org/wales/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/], and many of us know what they do - or do we? We hear from Adam, a volunteer with the Samaritans. Our conversation follows on from last week’s loneliness awareness theme and we discover more about the charity, what it takes to be a volunteer and why the Samaritans are always available for those who want to talk. Samaritans provide a listening service 24/7 for those who want to talk. Whatever you're going through, the call to them is free any time, from any phone, on 116 123. And, as we in Wales and the rest of the UK experience a heatwave, there are some useful reminders on keeping cool, whether you are a human or an animal. Advice from the Met Office includes: * Keep out of the sun and avoid any exercise between 11am to 3pm when the sun is the strongest * Drink plenty of fluids * Close your curtains in rooms that face the sun * Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk. * If you are going out, take water with you, keep in the shade, wear sunscreen and wear a wide brimmed hat And animal charities, including Dogs Trust [https://www.dogstrust.ie/about-us/media-centre/dogs-trust-warns-of-danger-of-walking-dogs-in-heat] and RSPCA [https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/seasonal/summer], warn against walking dogs in extreme heat and offer advice on keeping pets safe, including: * Making sure they have shade * Giving them constant access to fresh water * Putting ice cubes in their water bowl * Giving them damp towels to lie on

Joining the Dots - Episode 16 - Loneliness, how can we build connections?

Loneliness Awareness Week, an important date in the calendar and a time for us to focus on what the World Health Organisation [https://www.who.int/groups/commission-on-social-connection/report] has called a pressing global health threat. Its report on social connection showed that social isolation and loneliness are widespread, with serious but under-recognized impacts on health, well-being, and society. It called for social health to be treated with the same urgency as physical and mental health. Dealing with loneliness isn’t just about joining a club, making a phone call, reaching out to others - although we know those things can help. At the men's mental health hub Helpu [https://helpu.org.uk/], one of their founding principles is 'connection is protection', ie strong, healthy relationships can keep us safe, supported and resilient during times of difficulty. We also heard from Natalie Ereira-Guyer, of Steps to Togetherness [https://www.civilsocietytogether.org/32-steps], a national grassroots organisation seeking to help build connections.

Joining the Dots - Episode 15 - Volunteers Week (Part 2)

Where would we be without volunteers? What would happen to many of our charities and community-focused organisations without the people who give up their time to keep them running? If you volunteer, THANK YOU, for all that you do and for the sacrifices you make. We're continuing to celebrate those who give to our communities ... We're shining a light on some of those who give their time and energy, expertise and commitment to help others. We hear from volunteers at the Salvation Army donation centre [https://salvationarmytrading.org.uk/location/cardiff/] in Cardiff, as well as representatives from Hope Rescue [https://www.hoperescue.org.uk/] and Wales Air Ambulance [https://www.walesairambulance.com/]. University of South Wales Media, Culture and Journalism student, Rosie Clay [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-clay-90504b256/], has been busy interviewing volunteers at the Salvation Army donation centre, finding out why they give up their time to help and what they get out of it. Vanessa Waddon, the CEO of Hope Rescue, shares a message of thanks for the selfless work of volunteers in helping discarded and mistreated dogs across south Wales. And we hear from Steven Stokes, director of strategic communications at Wales Air Ambulance, about the impact volunteers have on the charity.