The Things Tae Dae community group in Cumnock have been learning more about the importance of Covid-19 testing recently.
The community group for adults with learning disabilities wanted to find out more about how to take a test, and NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s Test and Protect team were only too happy to help.
Lynne McNiven, Director of Public Health, explained: “Testing helps us to identify more cases of the virus and gives us all a better chance of stopping it from spreading.
“But We know that many people, particularly those with learning disabilities, find it quite difficult to do a test. So, when the Things tae dae group asked us to give them a demonstration, we were delighted to do so.”
Those attending the group enjoyed the demonstration and service users told the board: “Amazing, helped me feel better about doing the test.”
“Informative, understandable and relatable. Didn’t use big words and wasn’t long-winded.”
“(Test was) quite easy to do once showed. It was a doddle.”
And Elena Whitham MSP for Cumnock and Doon Valley was also able to pick up some tips, as she had popped in to visit the group.
She said: “Testing can be difficult to do at best of times. Having the ability for partnership working by offering demonstrations and assisting others to learn how to carry out tests is invaluable. The more people see their peers carrying out tests, the more they will do it themselves.”
Even if you don’t have COVID-19 symptoms, it is still important to get tested regularly. And it’s easy to get a rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing kit with three options to choose from.
You can get tested or pick up a lateral flow test (LFT) kit at one of our test sites. You can also pick up a LFT kit from participating community pharmacies, or you can request a test kit to be sent to your home.
Lynne McNiven added: “Even those who are fully vaccinated should get tested regularly – this means twice a week. If you are a key worker and must attend work, it is even more important to get tested regularly.
“It is also really important of you are visiting a loved one in hospital or a care home, or if you are planning to travel further afield.”
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