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As we head into the colder months, remember that COVID-19 and flu can be especially dangerous for those at higher risk of severe illness. You are more at risk if you have a long-term health condition, are older, or are pregnant.
Find out if you're eligible and book your vaccination now. Go to www.nhs.uk/seasonalvaccinations
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The UK Health Security Agency has published a blog post to update people on the newly identified strain of COVID-19.
In the blog the agency points out that it is normal for viruses to change and that to date only a small number of cases of the BA.2.86 COVID variant have been identified across the world. Because of this, more data is needed to draw conclusions of this variant.
Advice remains unchanged on what to do if people become unwell with an infection which could be COVID-19. If you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you should avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible. For those who absolutely can’t stay at home, the UKHSA’s Living with COVID guidance outlines how to prevent passing it onto others.
The key guidance is a reminder that vaccines remain our best defence against severe disease and hospitalisation from fu and COVID-19.
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If you have an interest in improving opportunities for older people, you are invited to attend The Connecting Older People networking and funding event, run by Dudley Public Health.
It takes place 10am – 1pm on Thursday 19 October at Wellington Road Community Centre, Dudley. Residents and community groups are welcome to listen, vote and share to improve the lives of older people in the borough.
Listen to ideas made by community groups on projects they would like to run to give older people opportunities to get out, join in and make new friends.
Vote on which projects should receive money from the Connecting Older People Fund. All project submissions should be received by Friday 11 November.
Share your ideas on what would help older people, how people and groups can work closer together and what facilities or skills can be shared.
The event is free and tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided.
For more information contact the healthy ageing team on 01384 816437 or email healthyageing@dudley.gov.uk
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A new resource has been launched by the NHS Black County Integrated Care Board (ICB) to support pregnant women and parents of children with a range of health advice. The new website contains health advice from local health professionals for families in one place.
There’s a directory of common childhood illnesses such as rashes, coughs, asthma, sickness, earache, conjunctivitis and head injuries, as well as information on maternity and mental health and wellbeing. The health information showcases a traffic light system so parents and guardians know the signs to look out for, where to seek help, what to do to keep an unwell child comfortable and how long symptoms should last.
It can be easily shared by print or by sending a link via SMS for free. It follows similar initiatives happening across the country, known as Healthier Together, which have shown a positive impact in that area by reducing GP appointments and A&E attendances.
Visit the site at www.blackcountry0-18.nhs.uk
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It’s Breastfeeding Week (18 – 24 September). Lots of support exists to help those who are breastfeeding, and their loved ones.
People to talk to include health visitors, midwives, peer supporters, helplines and grandparents. Plus, did you know that there is a Breastfeeding Friend support tool for voice, available on Amazon Alexa?
Partners and family members can be a hugely important source of breastfeeding support. Here are a few ways to help people who are breastfeeding:
- Attend antenatal or breastfeeding sessions
- Make them comfortable with extra pillows
- Bring them something to drink and a snack
- Share being involved in baby’s care, e.g. bath time and cuddles
For information and local support go to the Dudley public health website. For further help, there is a National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212.
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If you have a baby that cries a lot, it can be exhausting and lonely. You are not alone.
Speak to someone if you need support, such as your family, friends, midwife, GP or health visitor.
More advice on coping with crying babies is available on the ICON Cope national website.
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 For anyone who is struggling with their mental health, there is a range of local support services in the community.
Other useful resources
Better Health - Every Mind Matters
Get your free Mind Plan
There are also little things we can all do to look after our mental health.
The Every Mind Matters mind plan offers a free online action plan, approved by the NHS, that can provide you with personalised, practical tips to help you take care of your mental health. Your plan can help you to deal with stress and anxiety, boost mood, improve sleep quality and take control of your wellbeing.
People can also join a 4-week email support programme where they can get reminders, swap in new tips and are encouraged to make looking after their mental well-being part of their everyday routine.
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 Anyone who works or volunteers in the Dudley borough is invited to attend two free workshops on benefits and mental health.
Black Country NHS Foundation is working in partnership with Wolverhampton Council’s Welfare Rights Team to provide support to Dudley residents who claim benefits and have a severe mental health condition.
The partnership is offering free benefits training for services which work with people in Dudley with mental health conditions. The course will cover helping people to claim what they are entitled to, or getting the support they need to appeal decisions.
There are two workshops. They last three hours each and are available on MS Teams.
Workshop one covers available benefits. Workshop two covers why people don’t receive benefits they are entitled to and how to appeal benefit decisions.
Workshop one dates:
Tuesday 3 October 1.30 – 4.30pm
Thursday 5 October 9.30am – 12.30pm
Wednesday 18 October 1.30 – 4.30pm
Workshop two dates:
Friday 20 October 9.30am – 12.30pm
Tuesday 31 October 9.30am – 12.30pm
Thursday 2 November 1.30 – 4.30pm
Spaces are limited. Booking is required by emailing wrs.training@wolverhampton.gov.uk
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 If you’ve had a cough for three weeks or more, contact your GP practice.
It’s probably nothing serious, but it could be a sign of cancer. If it is cancer, finding it early makes it more treatable and can save lives.
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