scholarly journals Networks Amongst Syrians: Situated Migrant Positionalities and the Impact on Relational Embedding

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 243-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Speed ◽  
Tracy Scurry ◽  
Peter Edward ◽  
Mona Moufahim
Keyword(s):  
Social Relations ◽  
Personal Networks ◽  
Power Dynamics ◽  
Social Categories ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Opportunity Structures ◽  
North East ◽  
Immigration And Asylum ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

This article employs Yuval‐Davis concept of situated intersectionality to explore processes of relational embedding amongst Syrian migrants in the UK. By drawing on in‐depth interview data from 31 men and women living in North East England, we explore how varying social categories—or positionalities—intersect and shape personal networks and feelings of attachment amongst Syrians. We show how wider structural contexts and systems of social relations shape migrants’ sense of belonging and attachment which can serve to enhance or weaken opportunities for social and economic inclusion. The findings reveal how, for Syrian migrants, wider macro level contexts determine immigration and asylum routes which in turn shape place‐specific opportunity structures that impact on micro individual level processes of relational embedding. We develop the term “migrant positionalities” as a social category to capture the multiple experiences of migration and asylum and the power dynamics that determine opportunity structures and processes of embedding. We contribute to the debates in this field by demonstrating how the wider structural context can lead to a multiplicity of immigration and asylum experiences for individuals, resulting in differences in support and rights that go on to shape processes of embedding and personal networks. By employing a situated intersectional lens, we also demonstrate how and why processes of relational embedding differ amongst migrants of the same nationality on the basis of social positionings such as ethnicity, class, and religion, that are situated in context, time, and space.

scholarly journals Estimating the impact of reopening schools on the reproduction number of SARS-CoV-2 in England, using weekly contact survey data

BMC Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
James D. Munday ◽  
Christopher I. Jarvis ◽  
Amy Gimma ◽  
Kerry L. M. Wong ◽  
Kevin van Zandvoort ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproduction Number ◽  
Transmission Rate ◽  
Transmission Risk ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
School Settings ◽  
Contact Rates ◽  
Contact Survey ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Schools were closed in England on 4 January 2021 as part of increased national restrictions to curb transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The UK government reopened schools on 8 March. Although there was evidence of lower individual-level transmission risk amongst children compared to adults, the combined effects of this with increased contact rates in school settings and the resulting impact on the overall transmission rate in the population were not clear. Methods We measured social contacts of > 5000 participants weekly from March 2020, including periods when schools were both open and closed, amongst other restrictions. We combined these data with estimates of the susceptibility and infectiousness of children compared with adults to estimate the impact of reopening schools on the reproduction number. Results Our analysis indicates that reopening all schools under the same measures as previous periods that combined lockdown with face-to-face schooling would be likely to increase the reproduction number substantially. Assuming a baseline of 0.8, we estimated a likely increase to between 1.0 and 1.5 with the reopening of all schools or to between 0.9 and 1.2 reopening primary or secondary schools alone. Conclusion Our results suggest that reopening schools would likely halt the fall in cases observed between January and March 2021 and would risk a return to rising infections, but these estimates relied heavily on the latest estimates or reproduction number and the validity of the susceptibility and infectiousness profiles we used at the time of reopening.

scholarly journals 'Greenfields' and 'Brownfields': automotive industrial development in the UK and in Portugal

Finisterra ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 31 (62) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Pike ◽  
Mário Vale
Keyword(s):  
Industrial Policy ◽  
Automobile Industry ◽  
Industrial Development ◽  
Development Strategies ◽  
North West ◽  
Demonstration Effect ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

The industrial policy in the UK and in Portugal, as in most EU countries, seeks to attract new investment capacity, to create jobs and to promote the impact of the so-called "demonstration efect" of "greenfield" development strategies pursued in the new plants of inward investors on existing or "brownfield" plants. This industrial policy focus is particularly evident in the automobile industry.This paper compares the industrial policy oriented towards the automobile industry in the UK and in Portugal. Two recent "greenfield" investments are analised: Nissan in the North-East region (UK) and Ford/VW in the Setúbal Peninsula (Portugal), as well as three "brownfield" plants: Ford Halewood and GM Vauxhall Ellesmere Port in the North-West region (UK) and Renault in Setúbal (Portugal). The first part starts with a discussion of industrial policy in the automobile sector, the role of "greenfield" development strategies and the "demonstration effect" on "brownfield" plants. Then, the limits of new inward investment are pointed out, basically their problems and restrictions. Afterwards, the structural barriers to the "demonstration effect" within "brownfield" plants are outlined and some possabilities for alternative "brownfield" development strategies are presented.

Inequalities in awareness and availability of bereavement services in North-East England

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2020-002422
Author(s):  
Donna Wakefield ◽  
Elizabeth Fleming ◽  
Kate Howorth ◽  
Kerry Waterfield ◽  
Emily Kavanagh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase 1 ◽  
Waiting Times ◽  
Financial Strain ◽  
Web Based ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Referral Criteria ◽  
National Guidance ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesNational guidance recommends equality in access to bereavement services; despite this, awareness and availability appears inconsistent. The aim of this study was to explore availability and accessibility of bereavement services across the North-East of England and to highlight issues potentially applicable across the UK, at a time of unprecedented need due to the impact of COVID-19.MethodsPhase 1: an eight item, web-based survey was produced. A survey link was cascaded to all GP practices (General Practitioners) in the region. Phase 2: an email was sent to all services identified in phase 1, requesting details such as referral criteria and waiting times.ResultsAll 392 GP practices in the region were invited to participate. The response rate was 22% (85/392). Twenty-one per cent (18/85) of respondents reported that they do not refer patients, comments included ‘not aware of any services locally’. A total of 36 services were contacted with 72% responding with further information. Most bereavement specific support was reliant on charity-funded services including hospices, this sometimes required a pre-existing link with the hospice. Waiting times were up to 4 months.ConclusionsAlthough multiple different, usually charity-funded services were identified, awareness and accessibility were variable. This survey was conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, where complex situations surrounding death is likely to impact on the usual grieving process and increase the need for bereavement support. Meanwhile, charities providing this support are under severe financial strain. There is an urgent need to bridge the gap between need and access to bereavement services.

scholarly journals Reducing pressure ulcers across multiple care settings using a collaborative approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e000409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Wood ◽  
Bob Brown ◽  
Annette Bartley ◽  
Andreia Margarida Batista Custódio Cavaco ◽  
Anthony Paul Roberts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Ulcers ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Care Community ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Healthcare Improvement ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Breakthrough Series Collaborative ◽  
The Impact

In the UK, over 700 000 patients are affected by pressure ulcers each year, and 180 000 of those are newly acquired each year. The occurrence of pressure ulcers costs the National Health Service (NHS) more than 3.8 million every day. In 2004, pressure ulcers were estimated to cost the NHS £1.4–£2.4 billion per year, which was 4% of the total NHS expenditure.The impact on patients can be considerable, due to increased pain, length of hospital stay and decreased quality of life. However, it is acknowledged that a significant number of these are avoidable.In early 2015, it was identified that for the North East and North Cumbria region the incidence of pressure ulcers was higher than the national average. Because of this, a 2-year Pressure Ulcer Collaborative was implemented, involving secondary care, community services, care homes and the ambulance service, with the aim of reducing the percentage of pressure ulcers developed by patients within their care.The Breakthrough Series Collaborative Model from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement provided the framework for this Collaborative.In year 1, pressure ulcers were reduced by 36%, and in year 2 by 33%, demonstrating an estimated cost saving during the lifespan of the Collaborative of £513 000, and a reduction in the number of bed days between 220 and 352.

scholarly journals Impact of Universal Credit in North East England: a qualitative study of claimants and support staff

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e029611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandy Cheetham ◽  
Suzanne Moffatt ◽  
Michelle Addison ◽  
Alice Wiseman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Welfare Benefits ◽  
North East ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Community Sector ◽  
Roll Out

ObjectivesTo understand the impact of the roll-out of Universal Credit (UC) from the perspectives of claimants and staff supporting them in North East England.DesignQualitative study comprising interviews and focus groups.SettingGateshead and Newcastle, two localities in North East England characterised by high levels of socioeconomic deprivation, where the roll-out of UC started in 2017 as a new way to deliver welfare benefits for the UK working age population.Participants33 UC claimants with complex needs, disabilities and health conditions and 37 staff from local government, housing, voluntary and community sector organisations.ResultsParticipants’ accounts of the UC claims process and the consequences of managing on UC are reported; UC negatively impacts on material wellbeing, physical and mental health, social and family lives. UC claimants described the digital claims process as complicated, disorientating, impersonal, hostile and demeaning. Claimants reported being pushed into debt, rent arrears, housing insecurity, fuel and food poverty through UC. System failures, indifference and delays in receipt of UC entitlements exacerbated the difficulties of managing on a low income. The threat of punitive sanctions for failing to meet the enhanced conditionality requirements under UC added to claimant’s vulnerabilities and distress. Staff reported concerns for claimants and additional pressures on health services, local government and voluntary and community sector organisations as a result of UC.ConclusionsThe findings add considerable detail to emerging evidence of the deleterious effects of UC on vulnerable claimants’ health and wellbeing. Our evidence suggests that UC is undermining vulnerable claimants’ mental health, increasing the risk of poverty, hardship, destitution and suicidality. Major, evidence-informed revisions are required to improve the design and implementation of UC to prevent further adverse effects before large numbers of people move on to UC, as planned by the UK government.

The Influence of Dynamic Perspectives on Poverty Analysis and Anti-Poverty Policy in the UK

2004 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 395-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
PETE ALCOCK
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Analysis ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Policy Intervention ◽  
Structure And Agency ◽  
Dynamic Perspective ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Academic Debate

This article provides an overview of the academic debates and recent research on the dynamic perspective on poverty and anti-poverty policy. Renewed theoretical interest in dynamic analysis is discussed in the context of the more general debate about the roles of structure and agency in social relations. This is followed by a brief outline of some of the new empirical datasets now available for longitudinal research, in particular in the UK. The implications of dynamic analysis for our understanding of poverty are summarised, followed by a discussion of the impact of this on anti-poverty policy, again drawing largely on the UK, and some specifically English, developments. The article concludes that dynamic analysis and the role of agency has had a significant impact on both academic debate and policy intervention on poverty, but that this should not be interpreted as leading to an abandonment of policies for structural reform aimed at redistributing resources to the poor.

scholarly journals The impact of cycle proficiency training on cycle-related behaviours and accidents in adolescence: findings from ALSPAC, a UK longitudinal cohort

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Teyhan ◽  
Rosie Cornish ◽  
Andy Boyd ◽  
Mary Sissons Joshi ◽  
John Macleod
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Self Report ◽  
School Level ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Cycle Training ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Serious Injuries ◽  
Minor Cycle ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT ObjectivesIn the UK, some children undertake National Cycle Proficiency Scheme [NCPS]/Bikeability training in primary school. It aims to promote cycling and safe cycling behaviours but there has been little scientific evaluation of its effectiveness. We aimed to examine the impact of cycle training on cycle-related behaviours and accidents in adolescence using self-report and hospital episode statistics (HES) data. ApproachThe sample (n=5415) were participants in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children who reported whether or not they had received NCPS training. Self-reported outcomes at 14 and 16 years included: cycling to school, ownership of cycle helmet, use of cycle helmet and high-visibility clothing on last cycle, and involvement in a cycle accident. Hospital admittance due to a cycle accident from 11-16 years was also included for a subsample (n=2222) who have been linked to HES. The association between cycle training and each of the outcomes was analysed using multilevel logistic regression (individual level 1, school level 2 [pseudo-ID of school attended obtained from linkage to National Pupil Database]), adjusted for a range of potential confounders. ResultsApproximately 40% had received NCPS training. At 14 and 16 years, trained children were more likely to cycle to school (at 16 years: adjusted OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.20-2.02) and to own a helmet (16 years: 2.03, 1.72-2.41) than those who had not attended a course. They were also more likely to have worn a helmet on their last cycle at age 14 (1.26, 1.07-1.49), and to have worn high-visibility clothing at age 16 (1.70, 1.22-2.39). Training was not associated with self-reported involvement in a cycle accident, and only six participants with HES data had been admitted to hospital due to a cycle accident. Irrespective of training, results indicate very low use of high-visibility clothing (5%), very few girls cycling to school (<2%), and less than half of helmet owners wearing one on their last cycle. Ownership and use of helmets was particularly low in children from lower socio-economic position families. ConclusionCycle training for children can have benefits that persist into adolescence. However, the low use of cycle helmets and high-visibility clothing indicate the further potential for interventions to encourage safe cycling behaviours in young people. Our hospital admissions outcome only captures individuals who sustained serious injuries; more minor cycle injuries would have been treated in A&E but a lack of detail in admission codes precludes analysis of such data.

scholarly journals The UK’s hostile environment: Deputising immigration control

2021 ◽  
pp. 026101832098065
Author(s):  
Melanie Griffiths ◽  
Colin Yeo
Keyword(s):  
Social Relations ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
European Economic Area ◽  
Hostile Environment ◽  
The Public ◽  
Irregular Migrants ◽  
Individual Vulnerability ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Public Health And Safety

In 2012, Home Secretary Theresa May told a newspaper that she wanted to create a ‘really hostile environment’ for irregular migrants in the UK. Although the phrase has since mutated to refer to generalised state-led marginalisation of immigrants, this article argues that the hostile environment is a specific policy approach, and one with profound significance for the UK’s border practices. We trace the ‘hostile environment’ phrase, exposing its origins in other policy realms, charting its evolution into immigration, identifying the key components and critically reviewing the corresponding legislation. The article analyses the impact and consequences of the hostile environment, appraising the costs to public health and safety, the public purse, individual vulnerability and marginalisation, and wider social relations. We conclude by identifying the fundamental flaws of the policy approach, arguing that they led to the 2018 Windrush scandal and risk creating similar problems for European Economic Area nationals after Brexit.

scholarly journals A qualitative investigation of lived experiences of long-term health condition management with people who are food insecure

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flora Douglas ◽  
Emma MacIver ◽  
Chris Yuill
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
North East ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background As more people are living with one or more chronic health conditions, supporting patients to become activated, self-managers of their conditions has become a key health policy focus both in the UK and internationally. There is also growing evidence in the UK that those with long term health conditions have an increased risk of being food insecure. While international evidence indicates that food insecurity adversely affects individual’s health condition management capability, little is known about how those so affected manage their condition(s) in this context. An investigation of lived experience of health condition management was undertaken with food insecure people living in north east Scotland. The study aimed to explore the challenges facing food insecure people in terms of, i. their self-care condition management practices, and ii. disclosing and discussing the experience of managing their condition with a health care professional, and iii. notions of the support they might wish to receive from them. Methods Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted with individuals attending a food bank and food pantry in north east Scotland. Interview audio recordings were fully transcribed and thematically analysed.Results Individuals reporting multiple physical and mental health conditions, took part in the study. Four main themes were identified i.e.: 1. food practices, trade-offs and compromises, that relate to economic constraints and lack of choice; 2. illness experiences and food as they relate to physical and mental ill-health; 3. (in)visibility of participants’ economic vulnerability within health care consultations; and 4. perceptions and expectations of the health care system.Conclusions This study, the first of its kind in the UK, indicated that participants’ health condition management aspirations were undermined by the experience of food insecurity, and that their health care consultations in were, on the whole, devoid of discussions of those challenges. As such, the study indicated practical and ethical implications for health care policy, practice and research associated with the risk of intervention-generated health inequalities that were suggested by this study. Better understanding is needed about the impact of household food insecurity on existing ill health, wellbeing and health care use across the UK.

scholarly journals Living life in limbo: experiences of healthcare professionals during the HCPC fitness to practice investigation process in the UK

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Maben ◽  
Linda Hoinville ◽  
Dawn Querstret ◽  
Cath Taylor ◽  
Magdalena Zasada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Investigation Process

Abstract Background It is the responsibility of healthcare regulators to ensure healthcare professionals remain fit for practice in healthcare settings. If there are concerns about an individual healthcare professional they may undergo a fitness to practice investigation. This process is known to be hugely stressful for doctors and social workers, but little is known about the impact of this experience on other professions. This study explores the experiences of registrants going through the process of being reported to the UK’s Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and attending fitness to practice (FTP) hearings. We discuss the implications of this process on registrants’ wellbeing and, from our findings, present recommendations based on registrants experiences. In doing so we articulate the structural processes of the HCPC FTP process and the impact this has on individuals. Methods This study uses semi-structured interviews and framework analysis to explore the experiences of 15 registrants who had completed the FTP process. Participants were sampled for maximum variation and were selected to reflect the range of possible processes and outcomes through the FTP process. Results The psychological impact of undergoing a FTP process was significant for the majority of participants. Their stories described influences on their wellbeing at both a macro (institutional/organisational) and micro (individual) level. A lack of information, long length of time for the process and poor support avenues were macro factors impacting on the ability of registrants to cope with their experiences (theme 1). These macro factors led to feelings of powerlessness, vulnerability and threat of ruin for many registrants (theme 2). Suggested improvements (theme 3) included better psychological support (e.g. signposting or provision); proportional processes to the incident (e.g. mediation instead of hearings); and taking context into account. Conclusions Findings suggest that improvements to both the structure and conduct of the FTP process are warranted. Implementation of better signposting for support both during and after a FTP process may improve psychological wellbeing. There may also be value in considering alternative ways of organising the FTP process to enable greater consideration of and flexibility for registrants’ context and how they are investigated.

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