More mental health support in Nottingham

Two new support services have been set up to help people with mental health issues.

The Primary Health, Wellbeing and Recovery College has opened in Mapperley and offers a range of courses designed to show people how they can take control of their mental health, develop skills and boost their confidence.

Meanwhile, Wellness In Mind has opened as a central point in Nottingham for mental health services, with advice and information available. It will bring people together in a city-wide support network, challenge stigma and improve access to help, including housing, debt and employment issues.

The announcement came ahead of national Mental Health Awareness Week, which ran from Monday 16 May to Sunday 22 May.

Find out more about these new mental health services here…

Kids make a splash for Victorian celebration

Nearly 160 pupils took to the pool at Harvey Hadden for a Victorian-style celebration to mark 125 years of swimming on the school curriculum.

Instructors stepped back into the 1890s and dressed in Victorian swimwear to teach local children to swim.

Swimming continues to be a key part of the school curriculum, providing children with a vital life skill at the same time promoting the importance of keeping fit and healthy. It is a great way for youngsters to be active and have fun at the same time.

Galas, water safety sessions and fun lessons are all part of celebrations for the 125th anniversary.

Find out more about the swimming events here…

And more chances to be active this summer...

Nottingham residents will be able to take advantage of hundreds of free and fun activity sessions taking place across the city as ParkLives returns for a second year.

ParkLives, a programme from Coca-Cola Great Britain in partnership with Nottingham City Council, hosts the sessions in parks and green spaces.

This year the programme will offer more than 20 fun and informal activities, with new things to try like paddleboard yoga, Nordic walking and archery, alongside returning favourites such as basketball and Tai Chi.

The timetabled sessions are an hour long and led by a trained activity leader from the local area. The action started in May and will run through to October, with an extended programme running throughout the summer holidays.

Parks taking part this year include Forest Recreation Ground, Colwick Country Park, Radford Recreation Ground, Victoria Embankment Park and Highfields Park (pictured).

Find out more about our summer activities here…

Want to stay well? Wash your hands!

The World Health Organisation celebrated hand hygiene awareness day at the start of May. 

The aim was to inform people how they can reduce their risk of infection by using simple hand hygiene techniques.

The key thing to remember is to thoroughly wash hands at the right times, including before preparing and eating food, after going to the toilet, or after helping others with personal care.

This will reduce the risk of developing infections such as colds, flu and stomach bugs.

A 'Hand Hygiene Torch Relay' event is planned to take place on 18 June at Arnold Carnival, where more information will be available.

Have fun... but stay safe in the sun

Although the weather has been a little mixed of late, it’s important to remember that the sun is still very strong at this time of year.

As we move towards the summer months, hopefully we’ll get some hot, sunny days and there will be plenty of opportunity to get out and enjoy the many parks and attractions that Nottingham has to offer.

While not wanting to spoil anyone’s fun, the sun is in the sky for longer at this time of the year and its intensity is at its highest. To avoid sunburn ruining your day, and storing up long-term health problems, remember to:

• Apply high-factor sun cream, particularly to children or if you have fair skin
• Try to seek some shade in the middle of the day between 11am and 3pm
• Consider wearing a hat to shade the face, neck and ears
• Drink plenty of water

Get more tips on sun protection here…