Next week is Mental Health Awareness Week, an annual campaign focussing on improving mental health and highlighting the support available to anyone who may be struggling.

Led by the Mental Health Foundation, this year’s theme is about celebrating community and the positive benefits it has for our mental health.

The Five Ways to Wellbeing are small steps you can take in your community to improve and look after your mental wellbeing:

• connect with people – people who are more socially connected are happier, healthier and live longer
• be active – find local activities you enjoy and places to visit
• keep learning – join a local group or start a new hobby
• give to others - acts of kindness or volunteering help build social networks
• be aware – notice your feelings and surroundings.

Visit our website for more information on looking after your mental wellbeing and to watch our mental health awareness video collection.

NottAlone is launching something exciting: The NottAlone podcast, just in time for Mental Health Awareness Week next week. Hosted by NottAlone co-founders and educational psychologists, Dr. Orlaith Green and Dr. Maddi Popoola.

The podcast will dive into mental health topics, featuring real-life stories, practical advice and insights from local professionals, in the hope to normalise discussions, break stigmas and raise awareness of the free local support available across the city and county.

Follow NottAlone on Instagram @NottAlone1, Facebook @WeAreNottAlone and TikTok @NottAlone to be the first to hear when the show launches next week, and join the conversation #NottAlone.

The SEND Local Offer website brings together information and services all in one place to help support children and young people from 0-25 years old with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families.

This includes short breaks, health and social care, preparing for adulthood, education, getting around and things to do.

May half term vaccination clinics

The school aged immunisation service (SAIS) provides vaccinations to children in schools across the county. They also offer community clinics during school holidays for anyone who might have missed a vaccination in school or is home educated.

There will be clinics across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire during the May half term school holiday. Visit our website for details, including the vaccines available and how to book an appointment.

May is National Walking Month and to celebrate all things walking and wheeling, Active Notts is holding the first ever Walk Notts Festival. Head to their website to find a range of walking events around Notts to suit everyone, as well as fun challenges and resources.

Walking can help improve physical health as well as having mental health benefits like reducing stress, improving sleep quality and boosting mood. To help you get walking, check out Rides and Routes and Health Walks on the Travel Choice website, or find walking routes in your local area.

Community and voluntary sector groups can apply for a grant to provide activities or support for local people to improve mental wellbeing.

The scheme is open to groups or organisations in Nottinghamshire for grants of between £500 and £6000.

Closing date for applications is 30 May 2025.

Although it doesn’t quite feel like summer yet, it is on its way. And most of us are looking forward to the long sunny days. However, some people don’t do too well in extreme heat and need to take extra care. The key thing is to be prepared.

There are things you can do to make sure that everyone who struggles when it’s very hot is safe from extreme heat when it does occur.

Check on older family members and neighbours, particularly those who live alone, who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated during the hot weather.

Remember to keep an eye on children, pets and people with underlying health conditions, to make sure they’re properly hydrated and that there is decent shade available or somewhere they can cool down safely.

Adult social care drop-in sessions

If you’re looking for information or advice on adult social care, come to our monthly drop-in session at Worksop library on the second Tuesday of every month.

We’ll be there next week, on Tuesday 13 May from 10am until 4pm, to help you with information on:

• wellbeing and independence
• community activities and day opportunities
• mobility equipment and technology enabled care
• local support services
• finding a care home.

There’s no need to book, just drop in and speak to one of our friendly team.

We’re hoping to launch a new monthly session in Gedling soon, so watch this space for details!

Be Tick Aware

Ticks are most active from March to October, with most bites generally reported during May and June. Ticks can carry microorganisms that cause disease, such as Lyme disease.

Ticks live in many different outdoor environments, but they are particularly common in grassy and wooded areas. You are more at risk of being bitten when taking part in activities like hiking, cycling or camping, but ticks can also sometimes be found in urban gardens.

To help prevent tick bites:

• apply a repellent
• wear long sleeves and trousers to reduce direct skin exposure
• keep to clearly marked pathways when outdoors
• regularly check for any ticks and brush off any you find immediately
• continue checking for ticks when back indoors on yourself, your children and pets.

If you find a tick on your body:

• remove the tick as soon as you can, either using a tick removing device or fine-tipped tweezers
• grab the tick as close to the skin as you can and pull upwards
• clean the area with soap and water
• keep an eye on the bite area for a few weeks in case of any changes
• if you see a spreading bullseye rash developing, or you become unwell with flu-like symptoms or a headache, contact your GP or NHS 111 immediately.