Contents of the April 2025 edition
Ambition one: Give every child the best chance of maximising their potential
Ambition two: Create healthy and sustainable places
Ambition three: Everyone can access the right support to improve their health
Ambition four: Keep our communities safe and healthy
Ambition one: Give every child the best chance of maximising their potential
Nottinghamshire County Council’s comprehensive approach to the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP)
The National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) has made remarkable progress in Nottinghamshire this year, reaching 284 schools and 18,668 pupils. Focused on improving childhood health, the NCMP fostered strong school-family partnerships through clear communication, reducing stigma, and promoting healthier lifestyles. Key initiatives included consultancy events, animation videos, and easy-to-read materials, ensuring accessible information for all families.
Continuous feedback enabled refined resources, enhanced engagement and inclusivity, particularly for underserved communities. Tailored resources for diverse literacy levels and age groups ensured widespread understanding and participation. The NCMP’s dedication to innovation and adaptability, demonstrated through continuous resource development and proactive interventions, has greatly enhanced healthier outcomes for children and families.
For more information contact Nimisha Patel at Nimisha.Patel@nottscc.gov.uk
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Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) webinars
As part of efforts to increase the impact and reach of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), a successful trial saw two webinars run in January on the topics of Looked After Children and Care Leavers and Children Known to the Youth Justice Service.
Open to all interested professionals and stakeholders across the local system, they summarised the key findings and recommendations, provided an opportunity to ask questions, and encouraged participants to share their own insights and reflect on how they can use the JSNA to inform their work. Recordings have been published on Nottinghamshire Insight to sit alongside the full JSNA reports. Look out for information about future JSNA webinars in later editions of this bulletin.
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Breastfeeding rates across Mid Nottinghamshire at a record high
Breastfeeding rates are the highest they have ever been since records began in 2010. This reflects the well-established Mid Notts partnership approach taken between Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Healthy Families Team (which includes three lactation specialists who drive much of the work), Nottinghamshire County Council’s Family Hub Service (formerly Children’s Centre Service) and Public Health, along with Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust neonatal, midwifery and Lime Green Team.
Working to the shared approach of the UNICEF Baby Friendly Standards, at Gold Level, ensures families have access to support where they need it, to maintain breastfeeding and maximise all health benefits for mother and baby.
For further information please contact Diane Tinklin, Early Childhood Commissioning and Projects Manager, Early Childhood Services, Nottinghamshire County Council at diane.tinklin@nottscc.gov.uk or visit the breastfeeding information page on Notts Help Yourself.
How music is helping Mansfield children to learn, feel and create
Schoolchildren in Mansfield have been reaping the benefits of a pioneering council scheme to bring more classical music into classrooms. The three-year Musician in Residence scheme at Oak Tree Primary School has been running since 2023 thanks to Mansfield District Council funding as an Arts Council England backed National Portfolio Organisation.
A report into the effectiveness of the scheme in its first year has found that including more music in the curriculum has lead to improvements in pupils' concentration, behaviour, social interaction and created an excitement for learning. The scheme has been delivered by Nottingham-based MishMash Productions, a music engagement specialist which has various projects running around the UK.
A MishMash musician, Erika Zeckser Owen, is embedded across the curriculum at Oak Tree Primary to enhance learning and engagement for 10 days per term. The scheme has helped all year groups but has been slightly more focussed on the younger pupils.
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Ambition two: Create healthy and sustainable places
Happy to chat benches installed in Bassetlaw
According to census data, around 24% of adults in Bassetlaw have reported that they feel lonely with a further 7.6% reporting that they often or always feel lonely. Recognising these concerns, The Muslim Charity and Bassetlaw District Council have identified the need for community spaces that encourage social interaction.
In partnership with Bassetlaw District Council, The Muslim Charity has funded nine ‘Happy to Chat’ benches that will be installed at key locations frequented by elderly residents in the district. These benches will serve as a welcoming space for community members to sit and chat, fostering connections and alleviating feelings of loneliness.
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Active Travel study adopted by Newark and Sherwood District Council
Newark and Sherwood District Council are pleased to confirm their Active Travel Study has now been adopted and will be used going forward to inform any future planning policy, regeneration projects and active travel opportunities, including new and enhanced cycling and walking routes, across the District.
This Study was developed through a partnership approach and has collected real-life evidence from residents across Newark and Sherwood and gives a great snapshot of where future opportunities lie to help improve resident’s access to active journey routes. The Study has taken into account existing travel patterns, socio-economic indicators, future population changes and helped identify areas where improvements would be most impactful.
Gedling UKSPF Sports Facilities Fund
Several sports clubs across Gedling are set to benefit from a major boost thanks to funding secured from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The funding will enable much needed upgrades to the facilities enabling more members of the local community to enjoy Sport and physical activity opportunities into the future.
Community benefit from funding boost for Rainworth and Blidworth boxing club
On 25 January, Rainworth and Blidworth Boxing Club officially reopened for the community, following essential improvements undertaken on site. The Club has successfully raised over £120,000 to help fund works, with £100,000 awarded from Newark and Sherwood District Council through the Rural England Prosperity Fund and UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The project also includes £20,000 in match funding secured by the club via the County Council and was completed just in time for the formal re-opening.
The funding facilitated the construction of a mezzanine floor, the purchase of new equipment, and various electrical and safety works. These enhancements have significantly expanded the floor space, increasing the number of users able to safely access the Club by up to 75 individuals per week, whilst safeguarding it for existing local users.
Bridgford Park play area reopens with inclusive equipment
Bridgford Park play area in West Bridgford has reopened with new accessible and refurbished equipment, following investment from Rushcliffe Borough Council. The upgraded play area now includes an inclusive seesaw, wheelchair-accessible roundabout, pod swing and sensory play items.
This is part of the Council’s £1 million, five-year investment in parks and open spaces, with further improvements planned for Bridgfield Teen Park, West Park and Abbey Park. Last year a series of improvements were delivered at its play areas including Rushcliffe Country Park, Boundary Road, Greythorn Park and Adbolton Lane Playground.
The investment supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund follows the results of a survey conducted by the council where residents and parkgoers’ shared their views on what they want to see with features at their local parks. A consultation on play parks will also help to shape the council’s new Play Strategy, outlining investment in community facilities.
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Radio Nottingham visits Eastwood and Cotgrave
BBC Radio Nottingham breakfast show broadcast live from the library in Eastwood on 21 January and it was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the amazing groups and work going on in the community to improve the lives of local residents. As part of the programme, Yvonne Gregory, Community Development Officer for Rushcliffe Community Voluntary Service (RCVS) talked about how the Integrated Neighbourhood approach in Eastwood is working to combat loneliness and isolation.
BBC Radio Nottingham also had a focus on Cotgrave in their breakfast show on 22 January, talking about all things positive in Cotgrave, including the U3A group, the community garden and kitchen, social prescribing, volunteering and the Integrated Neighbourhood work, including the long-term conditions support group and the working group looking at ways to increase activities available for children and young people.
Arnold Integrated Neighbourhood Working teams jump into January
Joyful January at Arnold Methodist Church
Around 30 people joined the event which included activities such as seated Boccia, a quiz, circus skills with entertainment from Nottingham Rock Choir. Attendees reported they felt more connected and aware of support services and would welcome future events like this.
Jumpstart January at Killisick Community Centre
Around 80 people attended, with 45-50 children (including 16-20 teenagers). BBC Radio Nottingham also attended the day as part of their ‘Ey-Up Nottingham’ campaign and spoke to children and parents about the event.
Winter Wellbeing Festival at Mapperley Community Centre
The event included support from partners around fuel, benefits, activity, employment, fire safety and mental health. Attendees joined in a singalong with a volunteer who came to sing/play guitar and had an opportunity to try the djembe drums.
Fresh food pilot in Bassetlaw project shows significant health outcomes
Following opportunities shared through the Nottinghamshire Sustainable Food Network, Fresh Street Manton is a 25-week pilot project facilitated by BCVS in collaboration with the Universities of Nottingham and Reading.
For many households healthy foods, especially fruit and vegetables, are unavailable, unaffordable, or inaccessible. Fresh Street is an innovative area/place-based approach designed to support food and public health nutrition policy makers build healthier and fairer local food systems and is one of the initiatives taking place as part of the Public Health Investing In Communities Programme.
The weekly stall at the centre of events is held in Willow Community Garden in Manton and supplied by a local independent fruit and vegetable retailer Priory Fruit Shop. Using a Making Every Contact Count (MECC) approach with wrap around activities, there have been significant health outcomes and impact achieved after the first 20 weeks of delivery.
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Ambition 3: Everyone can access the right support to improve their health
Community Pharmacy Hot Topic Report: Healthwatch Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
Healthwatch Nottingham & Nottinghamshire's latest report on Community Pharmacy reveals the significant impact of medication shortages on pharmacy services and patient care across the region. Over 280 residents shared their experiences with Healthwatch, highlighting both strengths and areas in need of improvement in community pharmacies.
While most respondents found it easy to access their local pharmacy, more than two in five reported difficulties with medicine supply. These shortages led to repeated visits, long wait times and increased stress. Vulnerable individuals have been disproportionately affected, underscoring the need for improvement to ensure equitable access to essential medications.
Healthwatch urges policymakers and healthcare leaders to address these concerns by implementing the recommendations outlined in the report to improve patient care and pharmacy accessibility. These findings, alongside the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment which is currently being refreshed, will inform the development of the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Primary Care Strategy.
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NHS Complaints Handling: Hot Topic Report
In July 2024, Healthwatch published a report based on their survey-based study exploring how people engage with the NHS complaints process and the barriers they face. Findings revealed that many dissatisfied patients do not file complaints, with as many as two-thirds choosing not to report concerns. This highlights a gap in service feedback, limiting opportunities for improvement. Healthwatch urges providers to take a proactive approach in assessing patient satisfaction and encouraging complaints where necessary. Too many opportunities are lost to potentially improve services with patient feedback. Despite comprehensive NHS complaints guidance, significant gaps in implementation persist. Addressing these issues can enhance the complaints experience, improve patient satisfaction, and strengthen trust in the healthcare system by making patient feedback a more integral part of service improvement.
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Gedling and Hucknall Dementia Directory
A local directory providing support for those living with Dementia in the Gedling and Hucknall area has been created by local partners. The directory provides useful local information about activities/support groups in the local community including Memory Cafes as well as key information on practical support around benefits and entitlements and support specifically for carers.
Free skills courses for Rushcliffe residents and volunteers
Rushcliffe Borough Council recently launched a range of free courses for residents and volunteers in the borough to help them learn new skills and support their voluntary work within an organisation.
The comprehensive training programme will cover topics supporting the upskilling, safety and knowledge base for residents including:
- Computer and internet basics
- Staying safe online
- Emergency first aid
- CPR and defibrillator training
- Level 2 Award in Food Safety
- Introduction to volunteering
- Recruiting, retaining and managing volunteers
- Funding support
The sessions are funded by the Council’s allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and will take place in Cotgrave, Bingham, West Bridgford, East Leake and Keyworth.
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Work of the Mid Nottinghamshire Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INT)
A number of projects across Mid Notts are underway to support addressing health inequalities. The projects, funded through the Health Inequalities Innovation Investment Fund (HIIIF) include:
- Frailty prevention – targeting those with severe frailty that are not housebound and live alone to improve outcomes by reducing social isolation.
- Childhood vaccinations and immunisation – delivery of nasal flu vaccinations to 2 – 3 year olds in a nursery setting.
- Respiratory – delivery of asthma outreach services for secondary care services.
- Respiratory – identification of patients aged 65+ who smoke and haven’t had a spirometry test in within the past 24 months and offer a spirometry test.
- Smoking cessation – to support patients aged 45+ who are smokers that are not already under smoking cessation services and offer support.
- Frailty prevention/end of life – to increase advance care planning/RESPECT in Newark and Sherwood, upskilling of volunteers through the Best Years Hubs interventions.
For further information please contact Neeley Eddyshaw, HIIIF Programme Manager, Integrated Neighbourhood Working, South and Mid Notts Place Partnership at neeley.eddyshaw@nhs.net.
Listening Line relaunches in Newark and Sherwood
In February 2025, Best Years was expanded to include Listening Line, offering over 65s in Newark and Sherwood a weekly social telephone call with a dedicated volunteer. Many members often reported that they were lonely, and that they would benefit from regular conversation.
Other organisations charge a fee for this type of service, so Newark and Sherwood District Council are keen to offer it for free to Best Years members. They have already recruited a team of listening line volunteers, who have completed relevant training and a DBS check. Volunteers will be matched with individuals based on interests and suitability; and continuous support will be offered by Best Years staff.
Barbers Initiative
Over the last 18 months, the Health Improvement Team at Newark and Sherwood District Council have been working with 15 barbers across the district. With the aim of promoting prostate cancer screening initially, they provide information to support barbers with the conversations they are having with their customers.
The team visits every six months, seeking feedback on what how conversations are going, and have since expanded the resources which now includes information on mental health, suicide and debt.
One local barber recently said “The resources provided have been a big talking point amongst our male customers within the barbershop. Seeing the leaflets and cards has been the topic of many conversations, particularly prostate cancer and suicide. It’s enabled men to strike up a conversation that they normally wouldn’t be comfortable talking about, and in turn, has led to some deep and heartfelt conversations.”
Patient Participation Group Training Forum hosted by CVS
As part of the Community and Voluntary Sector’s contract with the ICB, Newark and Sherwood District Council provide training and support for the Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) within the district.
The team have historically held PPG meetings online each quarter covering various subjects, with members often requesting guidance or support on certain areas. In addition, they offer support to PPGs/GP surgeries by organising health events, training, and can provide support with community engagement.
In February 2025, the Council held their first face to face PPG Training Forum. These meetings ceased when Covid-19 hit, so it was their aim to get this back up and running, providing comprehensive support for all PPG groups. Training was provided on “what is a good PPG”, with a presentation from the NHS showcasing co-production by the MSK Team. Each PPG member was given an information pack. Meetings will continue online with two additional face to face events following the success in February.
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Health Protection Board
The Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Health Protection Board scrutinises the local health protection system to be assured that things are working well. It is co-chaired by the Directors of Public Health and includes representatives from NHS England (NHSE), UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and district councils. Regular updates from their meetings will be included in this newsletter.
At its March 2025 meeting, the Board discussed a recent blood borne virus (BBV) pilot project at Queens Medical Centre’s emergency department, where patients attending were routinely tested for BBVs. It has successfully detected a good number of cases of HIV and hepatitis, meaning that those patients could be quickly referred onwards.
The Board also looked at health protection issues faced within the criminal justice system. Updates from Board members highlighted ongoing challenges around vaccination uptake and local health inequalities, as well as successes in increasing numbers of children receiving the flu vaccination in schools and a stocktake of arrangements for the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis.
For any further information, please contact ph.response@nottscc.gov.uk.
Ambition 4: Keep our communities safe and healthy
Quality Service Improvement and Redesign Training
Mid Notts Place Based Partnership colleagues attended a one-day Quality Service Improvement and Redesign (QSIR) Fundamentals training session, which offers participants an introduction to a range of tried and tested service improvement tools and approaches, to increase confidence and skills in our Integrated Neighbourhood Working improvement journey and a framework/improvement tools for future community led projects.
The session was delivered by Ann Fewtrell, National QSIR Associate, from Sherwood Forest Hospitals Improvement Team enabling us to collectively build on our improvement projects using tried and tested quality improvement tools as well as encouraging reflective learning. Attendees from a variety of clinical and non-clinical roles from across the partnership attended the session, which was a great opportunity to network, learn new skills together and included practical exercises directly relevant to our projects.
For further information please contact Pamela Rumbell, Organisational Development Facilitator – Community Care at pamela.rumbell@nhs.net
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Better Housing, Better Health
Eligible households across Mid Nottinghamshire can be referred for a free home energy visit service (energy bills, insulation of property, heating systems), emergency fuel vouchers, small measures grant (provides energy efficient items to reduce energy bills) and case management service (for residents going through energy efficiency funding for insulation or heating system replacements).
Since the project began, 200 households have been supported via emergency fuel vouchers, energy advice, debt advice, home visits, small measures, and signposting. 115 emergency fuel vouchers have been issued with a total value of £6,174. For further information please contact Olivia Abson, Transformation Co-ordinator, Mid Nottinghamshire Place Team, NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB at olivia.abson@nhs.net.
Physical health checks for Severe Mental Illness patients
Across Mid Notts, 1,402 patients with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) have had all six physical health checks completed. This is 63% of all patients with SMI in Mid Notts. The six elements of the annual SMI physical health check are: alcohol consumption status; blood glucose (HbA1c test); blood pressure; body mass index; lipid profile; and smoking status. For further information please contact Olivia Abson, Transformation Co-ordinator, Mid Nottinghamshire Place Team, NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB at olivia.abson@nhs.net
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