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Welcome. In this issue, the following topics are covered:
- Too good to throw away event
- Got a dental emergency?
- Stay warm and well with Winter Wellbeing support
- Cancer information and support event
- NHS app
- Ladies – get stronger for longer
- Free exercise opportunities
- Mental health assistance
- Protect yourself from flu
- RSV vaccination
- Stroke – know the signs
- Drinking during the festive season
- Diabetes – what’s your risk?
- Breast screening
- We can prevent cervical cancer
- Do babies need to wear hats indoors?
- Break the nappy habit
- Free courses for parents, grandparents and carers
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Have you had a sort out ready for Christmas? Dudley Council is asking residents to gift items that are too good to throw away to its community sharing scheme next month.
The local authority is holding one of its ‘Too Good to Throw Away’ events on Monday 12 January at Kingswinford Methodist Church on Stream Road.
People will be able to donate unwanted household items that are in good working order between 10am and 1pm. Items accepted include curtains, bedding, cushions, kitchenware, small electricals, clothes, children’s winter coats, food and unused toiletries.
Anything collected will be shared between charitable organisations in the borough, including Provision House, which repurposes them for community use.
Residents are politely reminded that the scheme is not requesting furniture, soft furniture or white goods. People can find out more, and see a full list of wanted items online.
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Do you need to see a dentist urgently?
If so, visit NHS111, or phone 111. You do not need to be registered with an NHS dentist.
Find a list of conditions and other information on the NHS website.
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Anyone struggling this winter can get help from Dudley Council’s Winter Wellbeing resources, There's assistance, information and advice on staying well, benefits, keeping warm at home, home security, and staying connected with other people over the winter months.
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Have you been diagnosed with cancer, had treatment or living with cancer? Or are you a relative caring for someone with cancer?
If so, you are invited to join The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust’s cancer information and support event, which will take place every two months between January and July at Kingswinford Community Centre.
At each event there will be health professionals, including specialist nurses, information and support. Advice will range from information on different cancers, treatment side effects and financial support, to advice on exercise and nutrition.
Drop in or book a place. Contact the Living With and Beyond Cancer Team on 01384 456 111 ext 5315, or email dgft.lwbcteam@nhs.net
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Event dates
10am to midday on:
Thursday 29 January
Tuesday 24 March
Tuesday 12 May
Tuesday 7 July
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With winter pressures rising, the NHS app offers a quick, convenient alternative to calling or visiting your GP.
The app lets you:
- Order repeat prescriptions
- Book and manage appointments
- View your GP health record (including test results where available)
- Book and manage vaccinations
- Access NHS 111 online for advice and help
People without a smartphone can access the same services via NHS login at nhs.uk/nhs-app. The NHS App is free on the App Store and Google Play. It will never ask for payment details. To use it, you must be registered with a GP in England and aged 13 or over.
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The start of a new year is the perfect time to invest in your health and wellbeing. If you’re a woman aged 40 to 55, now is your chance to make 2026 the year you get stronger, healthier, and more confident.
1 in 2 women over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. The good news is that you can take action today to protect your bones and boost your strength for the future.
Free group classes
Healthy Dudley is offering FREE weekly women-only exercise classes designed especially for you. These fun, friendly sessions will help you:
- Build strength
- Improve balance
- Support long-term bone health
When: Saturday mornings
Where: Park Activity Centres across Dudley:
- Silver Jubilee Park Activity Centre, Coseley
- Mary Stevens Park Activity Centre, Stourbridge
- Netherton Park Activity Centre
- Huntingtree Park Activity Centre, Halesowen
Booking: Reserve your space today via Eventbrite. Visit the Healthy Dudley Stronger For Longer webpage for booking links.
Exercise from home
Prefer to exercise at home? We’ve got you covered, You can access a free exercise video and downloadable instructions featuring the same exercises taught in the classes, so you can build strength and confidence in the comfort of your own space.
Make this your year to feel stronger, healthier, and ready for anything.
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Some of the free healthy moving activities in the borough will take a break during the Christmas holidays. But they will all be raring to go to help everyone enjoy exercising inside and outside in the new year.
Find out about free exercise opportunities that exist at the borough on the Healthy Dudley website.
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It’s hard to know what to do or who to talk to if you’re in a mental health crisis.
To get 24/7 advice and support from a mental health professional in the Black Country, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
In addition, the following organisations can provide help.
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The Samaritans: 116 123 - 24 hours / 365 days www.samaritans.org/
Black Country 24/7 Urgent Mental Health Helpline: 0800 008 6516 or text 07860 025281 - This free phone service is open 365 days a year and no referral is required. Support is available to people of any age living in the Black Country and experiencing urgent mental health difficulties or concerns. Click here for further information.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – for men: 0800 58 58 58 - 5pm to midnight / 365 days https://www.thecalmzone.net/
Papyrus - for people under 35: 0800 068 41 41 – 9am to midnight / 365 days https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
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The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds. While the symptoms are mild for many, it is particularly dangerous for infants and the elderly.
Pharmacies across the Black Country are offering the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine for those aged 75-79 and pregnant women
How to get the vaccine
Speak to your local pharmacy or GP. Book online or walk in to selected pharmacies with no GP registration needed. Find your nearest pharmacy or book an appointment online
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The holidays are a time for joy, but did you know stroke risk can rise over winter? Cold weather, rich festive meals, and stress can all affect your blood pressure and heart health.
Protect yourself this Christmas:
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Keep moving: Take a brisk walk after dinner or dance to your favourite carols.
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Balance indulgence: Enjoy treats, but mix in fruit, veg, and plenty of water.
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Manage stress: Pause, breathe, and make time to relax.
Most importantly, know the signs and act FAST:
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Face drooping
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Arm weakness
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Speech slurred
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Time to call 999 immediately
Quick action saves lives. Share this with family and friends — because nothing matters more than health.
For more details on stroke risk go to the Healthy Dudley website.
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Christmas can be a time of excess, especially when it comes to drinking alcohol, but planning ahead can help us look after ourselves, our friends and family.
Visit Healthy Dudley for tips to stay safe this festive season.
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Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Finding out your risk only takes a few minutes using the Diabetes UK risk tool.
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About one in seven women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer. The good news is that breast screening, using an X-ray test called a mammogram, can find breast cancer early on when it is too small to see or feel.
If you are given an appointment, please do attend. If cancer is detected early, treatment is far easier.
For information and reassurance go to www.bscreen.org.uk
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Cervical screening (smear tests) saves lives. But who needs to have one?
- Every woman, or anyone with a cervix, aged 25 to 64
- Even if you have had the HPV vaccine
As with all cancers, early diagnosis is key to the best recovery. If you are invited by your GP practice to attend, please go. If you are nervous, tell the nurse and they can reassure you. If it helps, you can also bring a friend to hold your hand.
What can I do to prevent my chances of having cervical cancer?
- If you are eligible, have the HPV vaccine
- Stop smoking
- Practice safe sex
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The ideal room temperature for babies under one is 16-20 degrees. It can be tempting to think that babies will get too cold and overwrap them, even indoors.
Babies lose heat though their heads, so always remove your baby’s hats or hoods when indoors, including in shopping centres or in a car, so they don’t get too hot.
When they’re sleeping indoors, remove any outdoor clothes.
For more information, visit The Lullaby Trust.
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Did you know research shows it is better for your child’s bladder and bowel health to stop using nappies between 18 and 30 months?
The longer you leave it, the harder it can be for your child to learn this new skill and accept not having a nappy on anymore. By starting the process early and gently, when the time comes to stop wearing nappies, your child will already have some skills to make this transition easier and less daunting for you both.
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Want to help your child eat well, move more and grow up healthy? Join a free HENRY workshop near you — for families in the Dudley borough with children aged 0–12, and those expecting a baby.
- Boost nutrition
- Build healthy habits
- Support your child’s wellbeing
Book now.
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