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There are many questions that we may have this winter.
What can I do to stay safe and well? What can I do if I’m running out of money? What help exists to keep me warm at home? Who can I talk to if I feel isolated?
Find some answers to these questions, and many more, at www.dudley.gov.uk/winterwellbeing
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Winter can be a difficult time. If you are finding life overwhelming and need to talk, contact the Black Country 24/7 confidential helpline for advice.
This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are not alone this winter.
Freephone 0800 088 6516 or text 07860 025281.
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A new, simple, exercise routine has been developed by Dudley Council to help people build up their strength and balance throughout January.
Starting from 1 January, the 31 Days To Strong and Steady challenge features five simple movements, aimed at strengthening arms, legs and core muscle strength while reducing joint pain.
Each week the number of repetitions in the routine are gently increased. If done regularly the exercises should become easier to do and help prevent falls.
The A4 printed routine can be picked up from borough leisure centres or healthy hubs in the park. Or else it can be downloaded at the Dudley public health website.
No equipment is required, other than a chair and a wall.
The challenge is part of Dudley Public Health’s Let’s Get Moving campaign. The campaign urges everyone to move for at least 30 minutes throughout each day and provides support and resources to help people who don’t move much to work towards it.
Other challenges which can be downloaded include a morning dance routine, a one-mile walking route around Saltwells Nature Reserve and a sit to stand challenge.
Before starting any of the routines, residents are asked to complete a short online survey and then fill it in again six weeks later, to note their progress.
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No-one wants to think about this, especially during Christmas, but the norovirus that causes diarrhoea and vomiting, is circulating, as always, this winter.
You can usually treat yourself or your child at home. The most important thing is to rest and have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration. You will usually start to feel better in two to three days.
Find out how to treat diarrhoea and vomiting in children and adults.
Stay off school or work - or away from seasonal parties - until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days, as this is when you're most infectious. Do not visit hospitals or care homes during this time.
Practicing good hand hygiene is important – washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus.
Avoid going to your GP, as norovirus can spread to others very easily. Phone your GP practice or contact NHS 111 if you're concerned about severe symptoms or need advice.
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Pop-up vaccination clinics are taking place across the Black Country throughout December and January. Anyone aged 18 who is eligible can walk in with no appointment needed. Staff can answer any queries you have. Find out more.
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Dudley Council is asking residents who have items that are too good to throw away to gift them to a community sharing pilot.
We are holding a ‘Too Good to Throw Away’ event at Chawn Hill Church in Pedmore on Tuesday 9 January from 10am to 3pm. People will be able to donate unwanted household items that are in good working order including curtains, bedding, cushions, kitchenware, small electrical items, clothes, food and unused toiletries.
The items will then be shared between charitable organisations in the borough, including Provision House, which repurposes them for community use.
Find out more and see a full list of wanted items.
Residents are politely reminded that the scheme is not requesting furniture, soft furniture or white goods.
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Are you struggling to make ends meet at the end of the month?
Local charity Provision House is running a free financial resilience course to help you budget effectively and save money.
The course runs for six weeks and is open to people who are employed.
As part of the programme, they offer one-to-one sessions to talk through financial concerns and issues.
All courses start in January 2024. You can choose from one of three:
Friday 12 January 10am – 12pm
Friday 12 January 1pm – 3pm
Saturday 13 January 10am – 12pm
To enrol or find out more, contact Amy Aldridge at Provision House at training@provisionhouse.co.uk or call 0121 285 3970.
Find out more about training and work placements at Provision House.
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A local website is available for new parents.
Having a baby can be an amazing and joyful time. At the same time, it might feel overwhelming and perhaps even scary – especially if the news that you are having a baby came as a surprise. It can also be a confusing time, with clashing advice from family members, friends and online.
Over the coming weeks and months there will be many changes, not only for you but for your body and the baby growing inside you, or your partner. The biggest change will be meeting and learning to care for your new baby.
We know that needing to learn so much at once can cause extra stress, so we’ve collated all the best advice to help make this time easier in a website called Dudley Parents.
From conception until your baby’s second birthday, this can be your go-to source of information. It provides lots of practical advice, hints, and tips to help support you. It should be used together with the NHS website.
For further information contact CYPTeam@dudley.gov.uk
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Thinking of something to do for your children over the festive period?
Young people are being given the chance to win Amazon vouchers by taking part in a drawing competition.
The winning images will be used on Dudley Council’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Local Offer – an online one-stop shop website for children and young people with SEND and their families.
And the winners in each category will receive a £10 Amazon gift voucher.
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Season's greetings |
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