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September is World Alzheimer’s Month, a chance to raise awareness of dementia and encourage people to seek support if they are concerned about changes in memory, thinking or everyday activities.
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Symptoms can include memory loss, confusion, difficulty finding words, changes in mood, or finding familiar tasks harder to manage. These changes do not always mean dementia, but speaking to a GP early can help people access the right advice, support and services.
Richmond residents can access local information, support groups and guidance for people living with dementia, as well as their families and carers.
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Know Your Numbers Week (8-14 September) encourages people to check their blood pressure and understand what it means for their health.
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High blood pressure often has no symptoms, but it can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions. A quick check could help identify problems early and support you to make positive changes.
If you're aged 40 to 74 and do not have an existing cardiovascular condition, you may also be eligible for a free NHS Health Check, helping you understand your risk of conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and dementia.
You should be invited to an NHS Health Check by your GP or local council every 5 years. If you have not been invited for an NHS Health Check and think you're eligible, contact your GP practice.
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World Heart Day on 29 September is a reminder that small lifestyle changes can have a big impact on your heart health.
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Being active, eating well, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol intake and not smoking can all help lower your risk of heart disease. Knowing your blood pressure and attending regular health checks can also help identify potential issues before they become more serious. Richmond residents can access a range of services and support to help improve their heart health and wellbeing.
National Fitness Day Fun
To get started on your healthy heart journey, why not join the fun on Wednesday 16 September, for National Fitness Day at Pools on the Park and our leisure centres in Teddington, Shene, Hampton and Whitton. Free and low-cost taster activities are on offer designed to help you get moving. Want to know more? Sign up to get tailored emails about local resources and activities.
Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any age, at any time. Quick access to a defibrillator can dramatically improve survival rates.
We've worked with The Richmond Heavies Foundation and The Paul Alan Project to install the three new public-access AEDs in Heathfield Recreation Ground, Old Deer Park, and Carlisle Park.
Over 4,200 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in London each year, and effective use of an AED can significantly improve someone’s chances of survival. By placing AEDs in our parks, we’re helping create environments that encourage healthy activity while ensuring vital support is close at hand.
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Richmond Council is inviting residents, local organisations, professionals and people with lived experience to share their views on the borough’s draft Suicide and Self-harm Prevention Strategy for 2026 to 2029.Â
The draft strategy sets out how the Council and its partners will work together to help prevent suicide and self-harm, improve access to support, reduce stigma, and help create a borough where people feel connected, valued and supported. The consultation survey closes on 15 October.
World Suicide Prevention Day, (10 September) highlights the importance of reducing stigma, encouraging open conversations and helping people access support. If you're struggling with your mental health, or worried about someone else, support is available through local services, the NHS and crisis support organisations.
Residents can also support the #ZeroSuicideLDN campaign by taking free online training. The training only takes 30 minutes and helps people know what to do if a loved one, colleague or stranger is feeling suicidal.
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This Stoptober, take the first step towards a smoke-free life. The benefits of stopping smoking can be immediate. Quitting smoking can improve your health, increase your energy levels, reduce your risk of serious illnesses and save you money.
With free, tailored support from the borough’s Stop Smoking Service – including one-to-one advice, vape starter kits, and nicotine replacement therapy – smokers are three times more likely to succeed at quitting. Explore your options and get personalised support.
Contact us to get support:
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Call the 24/7 freephone 0800 011 4558
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Local support:
Drop-in sessions
- Every Monday throughout October at the Twickenham Civic Centre - 10am - 3pm
- Saturday 3rd and 17th October, and Thursday 29th October at the Twickenham Library - 10am to 3pm
Book an appointment at St George's Hospital by calling 020 8725 4234 for any of the following days:
- Friday 2nd, 16th and 30th October - 1:30pm to 5pm
Come along to our free Health Pop-ups and speak to local professionals about the smoking support and other health services in Richmond.
đź“ŤThursday 17 September, 10am-3pm, Twickenham Library
đź“ŤTuesday 13 October, 9am-2:30pm, Whitehouse Family Hub, Hampton
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The pop-up offers free NHS Health Checks, blood pressure checks, stop smoking support, and healthy living advice. Whether you're looking to improve your health, get practical advice or learn more about local services, the team will be there to help. No appointment needed.
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Have a child in school or nursery? Check your child is up to date with their vaccines before the school year gets underway. If your child isn’t vaccinated, they’re not protected. Childhood vaccinations give your child the best protection and prevent around 5,000 deaths every year in England.
Preventable childhood infections can have a huge impact on a child’s life: they can miss out on education due to time spent unwell, be hospitalised, and have life-long complications such as deafness, blindness, encephalitis (infection of the brain) and paralysis. Sometimes these infections can cause death
Help protect your child from measles, whooping cough and other serious illnesses.
Check the NHS vaccination schedule and if you are unsure your child has had all their vaccines, you can check their red book or speak to your GP practice or if your child has missed out on a vaccination usually given at school (e.g. flu), they can catch-up at a community clinic near you
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