A new research consortium with £5 billion of funding has been set up to investigate the use of anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of depression and dementia.

Recent evidence suggests an unavoidable link between the immune system's inflammatory response mechanisms and the onset of depression. The next step is to examine the possibility of modifying existent anti-inflammatory drugs and testing their effectiveness in intervening in mental health problems. #dementia #depression #elearning

http://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/dec/20/anti-inflammatory-drugs-could-fight-depression-immune-disorders

Chief social worker for children and families, Isabelle Trowler provides a preview of what 2015 will bring to social work. Overall her vision is a bright one: "2014 has seen social work move from a hidden profession to one which ministers prioritise ... for key speeches ... 2015 will be a very busy, exciting time ..." The highlights include:

- the development of the new national assessment and accreditation system for approved child and family practitioners, practice supervisors and leadership

- the building of evidence-based practice frameworks by 26 local authorities

- a stronger focus on checks and balances in the system

- a re-examination of "rules which tie up resource and practitioner time"

http://www.theguardian.com/social-care-network/2014/dec/29/isabelle-trowler-2015-big-year-social-work

Embrace-learning: http://goo.gl/Di7ciT

Embrace-learning offers an e-learning course pack for carers. We designed and produced the materials with Carers UK, and it includes:

About Me: building resilience for caring

Carer Awareness: supporting frontline practice

Supporting Carers at Work: a line managers' guide, and

The Care Act Unpacked: frontline support for carers.

To find out more, please click here:

http://www.embrace-learning.co.uk/Website/Pages/Guest/subscription_offer.php

Would you like to learn or develop skills, and gain nationally-recognised qualifications, to open opportunities for you to work and/or advance further in the health and social sector? If so, please follow these links. Our team of advisers look forward to hearing from you. #elearning #socialcare #careact

http://www.embrace-learning.co.uk http://www.embrace-learning.com

By employing more pharmacists in GP surgeries, the anticipated shortage of doctors should be offset. The proposal also aims to help reduce the amount of medication that is currently wasted. Embrace-learning

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/dec/18/nhs-gps-incentives-pharmacists

Guest blogger for the BBC, Charlotte Walker, talks about how Christmas can be a challenging time for many people with mental health problems. She suggests approaching the festive season by letting go of our usual perceptions about what Christmas ‘should’ be like. She has accepted that: “Christmas is here whether I like it or not - and so is my bipolar disorder.” Embrace-learning

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-ouch-30433361

Would you like to learn or develop skills, and gain nationally-recognised qualifications, to open opportunities for you to work and/or advance further in the health and social sector? If so, please follow these links or give us a call on 0161 928 9987. Our team of advisors look forward to hearing from you. #elearning #socialcare #careact

http://www.embrace-learning.co.uk or http://www.embrace-learning.com