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20 October 2026

Your Health and Wellbeing News

Quick links:

• Discover local activities and simple ways to move more, every day, your way with Richmond Moves.
• Use the NHS App to order prescriptions, book appointments, see test results and more.
• Explore the NHS App step-by-step guide to get help with downloading the app, creating an NHS login and verifying your identity.
• Register for the Full of Life Fair - The Fair on 30 October is a chance for residents aged 55+ to connect with local organisations, enjoy activities and workshops and meet other local residents.
• Share your views on the draft Suicide and Self-harm Prevention Strategy for 2026–2029.
  
  

Free support in Richmond can make you three times more likely to quit smoking

Stoptober is a great opportunity to begin a healthier, smoke-free life, and you do not have to do it alone. Richmond Council’s free Stop Smoking Service will help you choose an approach that feels right for you, including one-to-one advice, nicotine replacement therapy and vaping to quit starter kits and supplies for up to 12 weeks for eligible adults. Local support makes you three times more likely to quit successfully. Complete the online contact form, call the free 24-hour advice line on 0800 011 4558 or email StopSmokingteam@richmond.gov.uk. You can also find local support sessions, health pop-ups, the Smoke Free app and savings calculator online.

Protect yourself with winter vaccinations

Flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness, particularly for older people and those with certain health conditions. Eligible residents are encouraged to take up their free NHS vaccinations this autumn to strengthen protection ahead of winter.

Flu vaccination is available to a wider range of groups, including children aged 2 to 18, people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, carers and people with certain long-term conditions. Autumn COVID-19 vaccination is offered to people aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents and people aged six months or over who are immunosuppressed. If you are eligible for both vaccines, you may be offered them at the same appointment.

Children in Reception to Year 11 will be offered the flu vaccine at school. The South London Children and Young People's Community Immunisation Service are running webinars for parents and carers to answer any questions you have about the flu vaccine and guide you through the consent form. 

These sessions will take place on:

• Tuesday 10 November, 13:00 - 14:00
• Thursday 19 November, 16:00 - 17:00

Parents and carers can register for either webinar by completing this short form. If your child has missed their vaccination at school, they can also catch-up in community clinics.

Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways we can protect our health and the health of those around us.

Book your free NHS breast screening

Eligible women aged over 50 are invited to take part in the National NHS Breast Screening Programme. Screening can save lives by finding cancer early making it more likely that treatment will be successful. 

If you have been invited for breast screening (mammogram), you can book, change or cancel your appointment by contacting your local breast screening service or calling 020 3758 2024. If you are eligible for breast screening but have not received an invitation, you can also contact your local breast screening service to arrange an appointment. 

Mammograms are usually done by a specialist called a mammographer, who will be female.

Taking up your screening invitation is an important way to look after your health and can help identify changes before symptoms develop.

Lower Your Risk

Around four in ten cancers could be prevented through lifestyle changes. There are practical steps you can take to lower your risk of serious illness and disease, including eating well, being active, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking and reducing alcohol.

Visit the My Health and Cancer London to explore the resources and choose a realistic change that works for you. Small, sustainable actions can support your wider health and help reduce your risk of developing some types of cancer.

Local updates

Parking changes at Teddington Memorial site

There are new parking arrangements at Teddington Memorial Hospital and Teddington Health and Social Care Centre. There are now more Blue Badge Bays in the front car park, more patient drop-off spaces and a new bike shed  by the Friends of Teddington Memorial Hospital.

At the rear car park, parking charges and a pay-on-exit system will be introduced, so patients and visitors can pay when leaving rather than estimate their stay in advance.

The changes aim to improve accessibility, reduce congestion and make better use of limited parking.