We are in the middle of Self Care Week which runs from 13th to 19th November. As the name suggests, this is about encouraging people to take responsibility for looking after their own health and wellbeing which, of course, is the focus of Healthy Life Essex. Several organisations have also launched the #Scarfie campaign as part of Self Care Week activities.
Some asthma facts
5.4 million people in the UK are currently receiving treatment for asthma
That figure includes over a million children
Every 10 seconds someone in the UK is having a potentially life-threatening asthma attack
On average, 3 people die from asthma every day in the UK.
What is the #scarfie campaign?
Winter, with the onslaught of winter colds and viruses is a challenging time for people with asthma and
other respiratory problems . Additionally, most people with asthma also say that cold air triggers their symptoms. But that shouldn’t stop asthma sufferers getting out in the fresh air as there is a very simple way for people with asthma to stay safe during the cold snaps: wrapping a scarf loosely over the nose and mouth to warm up the air before breathing it in could save someone’s life!
The purpose of the #scarfie campaign is to create awareness of this simple tip: Please support Asthma UK and all the asthma sufferers in the country by wrapping up, snapping your pictures and sharing them on social media with the #scarfie hashtag: please spread the word.
Donate a scarf 
Could you knit or donate a scarf? CAVS (Castle Point Association of Voluntary Services) are asking for your support to provide people with scarves this winter, both as part of the #scarfie campaign for asthma sufferers and also for those needing warm clothing. Please leave scarves at the Tyrells Reception and they will be distributed as individual items to those who need them or as part of the 2017-2018 winter warmer packs.