THURSDAY, 1 APRIL, 2020

For Immediate release:

New service helps Tayside to ‘Get Nourished’

A new helpline, ‘Get Nourished’ has been launched to provide practical tips and advice on how to stay nourished.

Get Nourished is open to members of the public living in Tayside who are experiencing unintended weight loss or poor appetite, and are concerned about the impact this is having on their health and wellbeing.

The helpline is also available for carers and family members who are concerned about an individual they are supporting. The advice line will provide food advice and support to help prevent

undernutrition and will signpost callers to appropriate services and partners within the community.

Gemma Johnsen, Health Improvement Practitioner with NHS Tayside, said, “The helpline has been set up by the NHS Tayside Nutrition and Dietetic Service, and is supported by staff who are able to provide evidence-based information or signpost callers to further support and advice.

“Losing weight without meaning to can be a sign of undernutrition. It is important to be aware of your weight and appetite, particularly if you are older or have a pre-existing medical condition.

“Around one in ten people over the age of 65 are undernourished. There are many things which can affect our nutritional wellbeing including loneliness, mental health conditions and recovery during illness. We recognise during the COVID-19 pandemic that these physical and social factors are likely to increase, and in turn, the risk of undernutriton will increase. This is why the time to set up the helpline is now.”

The Get Nourished team can be contacted on 01738 450556. Opening hours are:

Monday 9:30 - 12:30

Wednesday 3:00 - 6:00pm

Friday 12:00 - 3:00pm

More information about the service can be found on their Youtube channel.

Contact:

Cara Longmuir

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740716