 Contents of the August 2025 edition
National updates
Local updates
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
National updates
Fit for the Future: The 10-year plan for England
In July, the UK Government released ‘The 10 Year Health Plan for England’ which aims to transform the NHS and improve healthcare delivery in the UK by making the most of opportunities afforded by new technologies, medicines, and innovations.
It is proposed that the NHS will be transformed through three key shifts:
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from hospital to community: more care will be available on people’s doorsteps and in their homes
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from analogue to digital: new technology will liberate staff from admin and allow people to manage their care as easily as they bank or shop online
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from sickness to prevention: reach patients earlier and make the healthy choice the easy choice.
To learn more about plans for the future of health and care in the UK, read the Fit for the Future: 10 Year Health Plan for England policy paper on the GOV.UK website.
Joint Capital Resource Use Plan 2025/26
The National Health Service Act 2006, as amended by the Health and Care Act 2022 (the amended 2006 Act), requires ICBs and their partner trusts to:
- prepare a plan setting out their planned capital resource use before the start of each financial year (by 1 April)
- publish the plan and give a copy to their integrated care partnership, health and wellbeing boards and NHS England.
NHS England (NHSE) require agreement and publication of the Joint Capital Resource Use Plans (JCRUP) by 30 June 2025. Following approval by the ICB Board, this has been added to the ICB website.
Local updates
Ambition one: Give every child the best chance of maximising their potential
Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) webinar
Giving children the best start in life is a fundamental part of improving health and wellbeing and reducing inequalities. The earliest years of a child’s life have a significant impact on their long-term development and their life chances. In particular, the first 1,001 days (from conception to the age of two) are a critical period of development.
The draft Best Start Strategy for Nottinghamshire was recently endorsed by the Nottinghamshire Health and Wellbeing Board at their March meeting and a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) has been published on this topic, setting out the local picture and recommending action to improve outcomes.
The full report is available on the Nottinghamshire Insight website where you will also find a webinar recording that summarises the key findings.
For more information, please contact William.Leather@nottscc.gov.uk
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UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative
Nottinghamshire County Council’s Family Hub Service has joined colleagues from Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Healthy Families Team in securing
re-accreditation at Gold Standard as part of the prestigious UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative, the nationally and internationally recognised benchmark for quality in infant feeding support.
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
Stop smoking support for pregnant women
Your Health Notts has been piloting a stop smoking clinic for pregnant women in Eastwood since June. Offering behavioural support, advice and information to women and their partners, the clinic is based at Eastwood Citizens Advice on Wednesday afternoons by appointment.
For more information, please contact alex.mcleish@broxtowe.gov.uk
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Maternity Tobacco Dependency Treatment Service
Sherwood Forest Hospitals Maternity Tobacco Dependency Treatment Service has supported 100 mothers to have ‘smokefree’ babies this year. The percentage of mothers smoking at the time of delivery has reduced from 12.4% reported in 2023/24 to 8.9% in 2024/25. Out of 3424 mothers giving birth, just 304 were smoking at the time of the delivery.
This is a great success for the Phoenix team and a fitting tribute to Claire Allison, RN RM Interim Maternity Matron Outpatient Services and Tobacco Dependence Maternity Lead for The Phoenix Team, who retired in May. The work of the team was highlighted in the national launch by NHSE by focusing on one of their families.
Ambition two: Create healthy and sustainable places
Investing in inclusive play across Rushcliffe
Rushcliffe Borough Council is investing in inclusive, accessible play spaces to support the health and wellbeing of residents.
At Butt Field play area in East Bridgford, over £30,000 from the council’s Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) and £13,000 from East Bridgford Parish Council helped deliver sensory equipment, wheelchair-accessible swings, roundabouts, and a wheelchair-friendly trampoline. A further £90,000 from the FCC Community Fund will improve entrances, surfacing, and add Braille signage.
At Wharf Lane Recreation Ground in Radcliffe on Trent, £27,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), matched by nearly £12,000 from the Parish Council, funded resurfaced paths and new inclusive equipment such as a seesaw and basket swing.
Rushcliffe Country Park saw inclusive play equipment and resurfaced paths installed in April.
Works are also underway at Abbey Park, West Bridgford, to install an inclusive outdoor gym encouraging physical activity for all ages and abilities.
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Building Blocks of Health interactive session with bipolar support group
South Nottinghamshire Place-Based Partnership (PBP) colleagues delivered a face-to face interactive session to members of the Bipolar Lift support group, using the concept of the Building Blocks of Health to explain the wider determinants of health and the impact they have on overall health and wellbeing.
Members of the group were encouraged to use the Building Blocks of Health to discuss issues that impact people living with bipolar disorder, and how they can be better supported.
Downloadable resources are being created, to be made available on the Bipolar Lift website.
Spatial Planning and Health Framework launch workshop
On 19 June 2025, Nottinghamshire County Council held a workshop for partners from across the region to launch the revised Spatial Planning and Health Framework (SPHF) 2025–2030 and explore how planning can be a powerful tool in tackling health inequalities and promoting wellbeing.
You can now watch the SPHF launch workshop video to:
- discover the revised SPHF and its alignment with the Building Blocks of Health initiative
- see real-world examples of good practice in planning and health from across Nottinghamshire
- hear insights from breakout sessions where participants reflected on how to apply the framework in their work
- learn about the ongoing support, training, and collaboration needed to ensure successful implementation.
This refreshed framework is the result of independent evaluation and strong collaboration between county, district, and borough planners. It represents a shared commitment to making health a priority at every stage of the planning process.
For more information about the SPFH, please contact jennifer.charles@nottscc.gov.uk
Your Space Leisure Centre decarbonisation
With support from the UKSPF, Harworth and Bircotes Leisure Centre have had their solar panels installed and switched on. This is already having a positive impact by saving energy and reducing cost.
Bassetlaw District Council has been awarded £3.2 million to help to reduce carbon emissions from Worksop and Retford Leisure Centres in what could be the single largest carbon reduction project carried out by the council.
Rushcliffe's move to greener transport in its operational fleet
Rushcliffe Borough Council is making significant progress in its commitment to sustainability by introducing new electric vehicles into its operational fleet. Four frontline vans used by the Facilities and Environmental Health teams have replaced diesel models with electric alternatives, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by around four tonnes each annually.
This is part of the Council’s wider Carbon Clever initiative and Environmental priority, aiming for carbon-neutral operations by 2030. Additional electric vehicles, including those for the Streetwise Team are planned for later this year. Building on this, last year the Council switched its waste collection vehicles to hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO), cutting emissions from those vehicles by 90%. These measures contribute to reducing the Council’s carbon footprint, tackling climate change and improving air quality. In turn, this supports healthier, more sustainable communities and promotes the long-term wellbeing of residents across Rushcliffe.
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Improvements to Bassetlaw parks and open spaces
Bassetlaw District Council is bringing a more accessible, community friendly outdoor gym to The Canch in Worksop. The new equipment has been made in accordance with Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) guidelines, which recognises products designed with accessibility in mind, and includes an app people can download to log and track their own workouts.
Work has been undertaken to remove most of the existing exercise equipment in the Adizone area and replace it with eight brand-new pieces, including a PowerSmart hand bike, seated shoulder press, a recumbent bike, new surfacing and the creation of a new floor painted workout area.
Cotgrave Leisure Centre upgrades complete and refurbishment begins at Keyworth Leisure Centre
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s £5.2m investment in local leisure facilities reached a key milestone with the completion of refurbishment works at Cotgrave Leisure Centre. The centre now features fully refurbished poolside and changing rooms, wider corridors for improved accessibility and two new dedicated studios for group exercise and spin classes. A Changing Places toilet has been installed to enhance inclusion for all users. Significant decarbonisation measures include a new low-carbon air source heat pump and solar panels. This green technology is expected to boost energy efficiency by 250 - 300%. These upgrades support the Council’s aims to promote active lifestyles and reduce environmental impact with Lex Leisure continuing to operate the centre.
Meanwhile, major refurbishment works have commenced at Keyworth Leisure Centre which will close for around 10 weeks during the summer for essential improvements.
Gedling UKSPF Sports Facilities Fund
Funding for improvements to local sports facilities through UKSPF has helped to improve accessibility for residents and the quality of provision for local sports clubs. The project has seen contributions to Melish Rugby Club, Paviors Rugby Club, Calverton Miners Welfare Football Club, Conway Road Tennis Courts, Lambley Lane Recreation Ground and Carlton Forum leisure Centre.
These improvements support Gedling Borough's ongoing strategic aims to increase local sports participation and to ensure that residents have access to high quality facilities across the borough.
Ambition three: Everyone can access the right support to improve their health
Free financial help for Ashfield residents as new programme launched
Ashfield residents needing some help with taking control of their finances can now take advantage of free support. Ashfield District Council is offering the Ashfield Financial Resilience Programme, which has been funded through the £1.3 million UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The programme will support residents struggling with their finances to help keep them out of crisis and increase their long-term financial resilience. Support is available in increasing their income, reducing spending, improving budgeting, building a safety net and protecting their assets. It is being delivered by Citizens Advice Central Nottinghamshire on behalf of the Council. Residents will be able to access in-person support, giving them the opportunity to build an individual action plan with mentoring from a financial resilience worker, as well as receiving customised help from a range of project partners and workshops.
Autism Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA)
Autism is a spectrum condition that affects people in different ways. Like anyone, autistic people have a range of strengths and challenges, and every autistic person will have their own unique experiences of being autistic. Autism is currently recognised as a lifelong disability which may affect how people communicate and interact with world.
A Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) has recently been published on this topic, setting out the local picture and recommending action to improve outcomes. The full report is available through Nottinghamshire Insight, where you can also watch a webinar recording summarising the key findings.
Free integrated lifestyle support across Nottinghamshire
Your Health Notts is a free Integrated Wellbeing Service commissioned by Nottinghamshire County Council.
It provides stop smoking support (with free Nicotine Replacement Therapy) and weight management support for children and young people, families and adults, as well as strength and balance sessions for those at risk of falls.
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Collaborative project to support Eastwood women with menopause
As part of the Integrated Neighbourhood Work (INW) in Eastwood, a menopause support group has been established to provide ongoing help and advice for women. The group aims to create sustainable support by connecting partners and organisations who can provide resources and assistance.
Your Health Notts (YHN) recently collaborated with the INW team by providing blood pressure checks to support cardiovascular prevention. Of those who received the checks, two were referred to their GP for further support. Also, based on feedback after attending the walking group to connect with members and explore interests, YHN delivered a yoga-inspired stretch and strength session designed to be low-impact, emphasising strength building and mindful breathing through stretches.
Preventing vaping in young people: new locally commissioned animation
Vaping can be a tool to help adult smokers to quit, but at the same time, is not recommended for non-smokers or young people. To promote this message, an animation designed for young people has recently been developed by the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Smoking and Tobacco Control Alliance.
The animation ‘Think you know about vaping? The truth behind the clouds’ was developed with input from local young people using a health promotion model. It aims to provide accurate information and promote discussion, to encourage young people to take control of their own health. Partners who work with young people are encouraged to share the animation with colleagues and promote it to young people aged 12 years and over.
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Rushcliffe disposable vape collection trial
Rushcliffe Borough Council, in partnership with Veolia and Lex Leisure, has launched a disposable vape collection trial at select leisure centre sites to assist with the proper disposal of the devices. Self-extinguishing vape bins are now available at Rushcliffe Arena, Bingham Arena, Keyworth Leisure Centre and Cotgrave Leisure Centre in an effort to help combat incorrect disposal.
With the sale of single-use vapes now prohibited in the UK, following the introduction of a disposable vapes ban on 1 June 2025, this initiative helps reduce incorrect disposal which can cause waste fires. A 2023 report found that 73% of UK vapers bin their vapes with only 17% recycling them. Collected vapes will be transferred to Veolia’s treatment partner, Haz Tech, where components such as plastic tips, LEDs and batteries will be recycled.
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Smoking in vehicles
Smoking in vehicles in which under 18s are present has been illegal in England since 2015, but recent surveys of local children showed there were still some Notts children being exposed to second-hand smoke inside cars. In response, work is underway to raise awareness, highlighting the reasons for the law, and encouraging people to consider giving up smoking to protect others as well as improve their own health.
Adverts about smoking in cars were placed on some local buses operating in areas of higher smoking prevalence to reach drivers on the road. A social media campaign aimed to raise awareness of the law with the public. There are new local resources for staff who interact with parents and families, to help them have conversations on the topic, and a leaflet for parents (pictured).
If your organisation is interested in helping to raise awareness, please contact kay.massingham@nottscc.gov.uk for more information.
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Additional strength and balance classes in South Notts
Your Health Notts are supporting three of the four Integrated Neighbourhood Working areas across South Nottinghamshire (Arnold, Cotgrave, and Hucknall) to provide an increase in strength and balance groups over a 12-month period. These classes, led by a Community Falls Prevention Co-ordinator, combine structured exercise with educational content, peer support and introductions to local groups to support the continuation of activity at the end of the programme.
Promotion of the Arnold classes by the Community Development Worker generated such significant interest among local residents that an additional class had to be considered to meet the demand. This highlights the value of engaging with the Community Development Worker and demonstrates the positive impact their involvement had on community participation in Arnold.
For more information, please contact jennie.hastings@nottshc.nhs.uk
'Footy Fun' engaging young people through sport
Active4Today have teamed up with NCC Youth Service to provide a 'Footy Fun' programme, funded by the Community Alcohol Partnership Innovation Fund. Held at Hawtonville Young Peoples Centre, Newark, the sessions offer fun social football activities, coached by Nottingham Forest Community Trust, alongside other activities offered by partner organisations.
This fantastic session not only provides physical activity to keep young people mentally and physically healthy, but offers a range of social support from youth workers, local police, antisocial behaviour teams, and community officers alongside a volunteer/workforce development pathway.
Since starting in February, the sessions have been a hit with young people who have enjoyed a range of positive experiences including driving remote control cars through obstacles whilst wearing 'drunk goggles' to highlight the dangers of alcohol, making yummy food and learning about water safety and nutrition.
For more information, please contact kelly.evans@Active4Today.co.uk
The Director of Public Health and Communities Annual Report 2024-2025
Vivienne Robbins, the Nottinghamshire County Council Director of Public Health and Communities, has published her 2024–2025 Annual Report, focusing on women’s health. Although women in Nottinghamshire live longer than men, they spend more years in poor health. The report is in video format and draws on stories shared by women living and working in Nottinghamshire, highlighting challenges such as difficulty accessing services and not feeling heard. Insights from surveys, interviews and data have shaped 10 key recommendations to improve healthy life expectancy and reduce inequalities.
A Health and Wellbeing Board Women’s Health workshop on 25 June 2025, brought partners together to discuss the findings and begin shaping an action plan. This marks a vital step toward a healthier future for all women in the county.
For more information, please contact Ellie Story, Senior Public Health and Commissioning Manager, Public Health & Communities, Nottinghamshire County Council ellie.story@nottscc.gov.uk
New mental health and wellbeing service
A new service is available for people aged 17 ½ years and over with mild common mental health needs in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. The Wellness in Mind service is being provided by Framework, who will complete an assessment of each person’s needs and develop a personalised care and support plan. The Wellness in Mind service will take referrals from professionals or self-referrals via the website.
The service replaces the previous mental health social prescribing pathway that ended in December 2024 and has been developed following engagement with stakeholders, including people who provide mental health support in the community, GPs, social prescribing link workers and others, to provide a more consistent offer across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
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Older and Wiser guide
A guide dedicated to supporting older people in South Nottinghamshire with their health and wellbeing has been rolled out across health and care settings. The guide was the idea of local GP Caroline White. She said: “I created this resource to support colleagues across health and care in South Nottinghamshire in their care of older people. It has been carefully written in patient friendly language and has lots of information focusing on maintaining health and independence in older age, seeking support and care planning."
This guide is now available at GP practices and other community settings in South Nottinghamshire. You can also read and download the Older and Wiser guide online [PDF]
South Notts PBP are seeking feedback about how useful people think the guide is, to improve on it for further editions. If you would like to give feedback, please complete the Older and Wiser feedback form (Microsoft Forms)
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Ambition four: Keep our communities safe and healthy
Raising awareness of health protection in Nottinghamshire
Did you know that there is a dedicated team within the county council’s public health division to provide support and advice on heath protection, from flooding to flu vaccinations, hot weather to hepatitis?
An online Health Protection Hub is also being developed, with guidance and answers to common questions about health protection issues, as well as a range of resources including videos, posters, audio clips and real-life examples of local issues. For any queries not covered in the Hub, there is an email response service available Monday to Friday for help on general health protection queries: ph.response@nottscc.gov.uk.
The Health Protection team also have a growing network of health protection advocates across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to help share messages about local health protection issues as they come up. If you would like to join the network, please complete the Health Protection Advocate Form (Microsoft Forms) and the team will be in touch.
Volunteers’ Week was a real celebration at Your CVS
Your CVS celebrated Volunteers’ Week in true style! In partnership with Newark and Sherwood District Council (NSDC), a week-long programme of events that truly honoured the incredible work of volunteers across the district was delivered. From parties and volunteer fairs to surprise visits with gifts, the week was filled with gratitude, laughter, and plenty of opportunities to say a big thank you to those who give their time to make a difference in their communities. It was a fantastic week that truly highlighted just how vital volunteering is across Newark and Sherwood.
To all the volunteers who make this work possible, thank you. Your time, energy, and kindness are changing lives.
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Hot weather guidance
Periods of hot weather can be harmful to health. At this time of year, most of us look forward to some warm, sunny weather and the chance to spend time outdoors but it’s important to remember that some people struggle to cope in the heat.
The good news is, we can all take precautions that allow us to enjoy the hot weather safely and help people who might be more vulnerable when the temperatures rise.
There are lots of hot weather guidance and resources available on the GOV.UK website:
Beat the heat: hot weather advice (GOV.UK)
Beat the heat: advice for hot weather (GOV.UK)
Beat the heat: keep cool at home checklist (GOV.UK)
There is also additional information on hot weather and other environmental hazards on the Nottinghamshire County Council website.
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Listening skills for future Social Workers
In May 2025, Community Friendly Nottinghamshire (CFN) delivered what students described as an inspiring Skills Training Day for first-year Social Science students at the University of Nottingham. Part of a partnership launched in 2021, the session introduced the Heart, Head, Hands listening model, an empowering approach rooted in community organising and aligned with social work values. Students praised the interactive format, real-life stories, and especially the Back-to-Back exercise, where they created their own “Guide to Effective Listening.”
Led by experienced trainers who’ve supported thousands across Nottinghamshire since 2018, this training equips future professionals with vital communication skills and fosters stronger, healthier communities. Feedback was unanimously positive, with all participants planning to use what they learned in future practice.
To find out more about the Heart, Head, Hands model or CFN’s work, contact community.friendly@nottscc.gov.uk and sign up for a free Listening Skills Workshop on Thursday 11 September.
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