Greater Manchester's health news

Greater Manchester Health & Social Care Partnership sent this bulletin at 31-10-2019 01:13 PM GMT

October News

Improving the life chances of children and young people

We want to see Greater Manchester become one of the best places in the world to grow up, get on and grow old.

To make that goal a reality we need to ensure all children and young people in the city region have the best start in life, have access to support and that their ambitions are nurtured.

We know that the first 1,000 days of life are critical to the future health prospects of children. That’s why our commitment to improving the lives of the city region’s youngest residents has been with us since the start of devolution.

Last week’s Greater Manchester Health and Care Board, Friday 25 October, heard how the life chances and health of young people across the city region are getting better, right from maternity through to early adulthood.

The meeting highlighted the progress that’s been made in early years, physical activity and physical and mental health.

Our chief officer and chair of the Greater Manchester children’s health and wellbeing board, Jon Rouse, has written about the positive steps that have been taken to change the lives of babies, children and young people in the city region since 2016.

Read Jon Rouse’s blog

Help us help you this winter

The nights have begun to draw in and the weather has taken a turn for the worst. Yes, winter is upon us.

And with the cold comes added pressure on the health and social care system.

We are making preparations to make sure people across Greater Manchester stay well this winter and can get the help they need if they do fall ill.

Yet, we all have a part to play and you can Help Us Help You as the mercury drops.

Try your local pharmacy first if you’re feeling under the weather. They’re your fastest route to help and advice.

Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home, and take all medicines that are prescribed to you.

Keep warm and eat well to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems – cold weather can be harmful, so heat your home to at least 18°C.

Look out for family, friends and neighbours who may be more at risk over winter.

Book a free flu jab if you’re a carer, over the age of 65, pregnant, or have a long-term health condition like asthma or diabetes.

Toddlers aged 2 and 3 should have the free nasal flu vaccination – available at GP surgeries. Children (from reception up to year five) will receive the flu vaccination at school, with parental consent.

If you need medical help and it’s not a 999 emergency, call NHS 111, go to 111.nhs.uk or download the new NHS app (from the Google and Apple app stores).

We’re moving more than ever before

New figures from Sport England have shown that nearly 15,000 more people in Greater Manchester are active for at least 30 minutes a week compared to last year.

The research shows that 73.3% of adults in the city region are active for a minimum of half an hour a week, which equates to 1,630,000 people.

Sport England’s annual survey has consistently shown a year-on-year increase in activity among Greater Manchester’s population - with more than 68,000 people becoming more active since the survey began in 2015.

The findings are a step towards the target set out in the Greater Manchester Moving plan of getting 75% of the local population active for a least 30 minutes a week by 2025.

The plan is supported by an investment of £12 million, including £10 million from Sport England and £2 million from the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership’s population health plan. This aims to make movement a normal part of everyday life in the city region, addressing the significant health impacts and inequalities linked to inactivity.

At the recent Greater Manchester Health and Care Board, 25 October, Sport England refreshed the Memorandum of Understanding with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, aimed at getting 75% of the city region’s population active by 2025.

Every Mind Matters

Public Health England has launched the first ever national NHS mental health campaign, Every Mind Matters.

The campaign asks that we think about physical and mental health in the same way - being aware that there are things we can all do to protect ourselves and prevent problems escalating.

The new Every Mind Matters campaign encourages adults to be more aware of their mental health and helps them to discover simple steps to look after their mental health and wellbeing.

Every Mind Matters offers a range of useful resources that help spot the signs of common mental health concerns, provides practical self-care tips and guidance and, importantly, explains when to seek further support.

There is also a free NHS-approved online tool on the Every Mind Matters website, which helps people build an action plan to deal with stress and anxiety, boost their mood, improve their sleep and help them feel more in control.

Find out more

Greater Manchester Suicide Bereavement Information Service

Do you know about the Greater Manchester Suicide Bereavement Information Service?

The service has been commissioned by the Partnership and is being provided by Six Degrees Social Enterprise.

It offers advice and information about services for those bereaved and affected by suicide.

The impact of bereavement through suicide can be devastating for family, friends and the community. The service has been set up to answer questions, whether someone is seeking advice on immediate issues or looking for ongoing support.

It is available to all residents or those registered with a GP in Greater Manchester.