 Contents of the November 2025 edition
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
Other items related to the strategy
Local updates
Ambition one: Give every child the best chance of maximising their potential
Pilot - Primary Schools Mini Health Roadshows
The Health Improvement team piloted a series of Primary Schools Mini Health Roadshows throughout the summer organised with the help of the Junior Town Council in Ollerton and Boughton.
Each event took place straight after school allowing students to visit each stand with their parent and learn about the different services available to support the family’s health and wellbeing. The services in attendance were Community Dental Services, Your Health Notts and NottAlone.
Investment boost for youth mental health and community safety in Gedling
A mental health partnership project, launched in 2024, has led to new investment in youth-focused activities in Gedling.
Positively Empowered Kids CIC (PEK) partnered with Gedling Borough Council, the Youth Service, school mental health teams, and now Nottinghamshire Police - supported by funding from Police and Crime Commissioner, Gary Godden - to address antisocial behaviour in the area. The initiative, known as ‘Next Move’, invites local young people to co-design activities that reflect their needs which can boost confidence, promote health and wellbeing, offer safe alternatives to anti-social behaviour, and create safer public spaces. Through engagement activities, it empowers young people to make positive and safer choices.
The funding will enable Positively Empowered Kids CIC to collaborate with a wide range of partners and expand on the 2024 pilot. Jackie Wilson, Director of PEK, says “We know young people thrive when their voices are heard. Through our ‘Next Move’ project, supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner’s fund, we’re co-designing activities with young people in Arnold that meet their real needs, reducing antisocial behaviour while helping them feel confident, connected, and valued.”
For further details contact pekcic@positivelyempoweredkids.co.uk.
The Household Support Fund
The seventh round of the Household Support Fund is worth £9.9 million in total and has been provided by the UK Government to cover a period of a year (April 2025 to March 2026).
The fund continues to be administered by Nottinghamshire County Council in partnership with local district and borough councils. The support payments, worth around £110 per household (based on number of eligible household occupants), will continue to support households in receipt of Pension Credits and households with children entitled to Free School Meals, as well as other households and individuals struggling with rising costs.
Professionals can make referrals for families with a similar economic situation but who don’t have school-aged children, by making a Professionals Referral for white goods etc.
Ambition two: Create healthy and sustainable places
Keyworth Leisure Centre reopens after full refurbishment
Keyworth Leisure Centre has reopened with a fresh new look, following Rushcliffe Borough Council’s £5.2m investment in refurbishments and energy-efficient improvements across its leisure centres. The popular centre on Church Drive has undergone a full refurbishment to enhance the visitor experience, including:
- a modernised, more spacious gym
- refurbished changing rooms with new lockers, cubicles, flooring, doors and lighting
- a refreshed reception and new seating area with improved views of swimming lessons
- relined pools, roof repairs and upgraded ventilation and air conditioning
- updated signage and external appearance.
This investment builds on earlier improvements at Cotgrave Leisure Centre, which benefitted from low-carbon technology, solar panels, upgraded fitness studios and refreshed changing facilities.
East Leake Leisure Centre welcomes new refurbishments
East Leake Leisure Centre has recently benefitted from a series of improvements to enhance the experience for residents and visitors. Refurbishments include a refreshed gym with new equipment and flooring, upgraded reception with modern desk, carpets and signage, refurbished toilets and sports hall changing rooms shared with East Leake Academy.
These upgrades form part of Mitie’s ongoing commitment, on behalf of Rushcliffe Borough Council, to deliver high-quality leisure facilities for the community.
Rushcliffe tackles gum litter with Chewing Gum Task Force grant
Rushcliffe Borough Council has removed hundreds of pieces of chewing gum from local streets, supported by a £27,500 grant from the Chewing Gum Task Force, run by Keep Britain Tidy. The funding allowed the Streetwise team to add three electric gum removal machines, targeting town centres in Bingham, Cotgrave, Radcliffe on Trent, Ruddington and West Bridgford, as well as areas around Trent Bridge and Holme Pierrepont.
Rushcliffe is one of 54 councils nationwide benefitting from the scheme, which supports long-term behaviour change to reduce gum litter. Monitoring shows a lasting drop in gum litter six months after clean-up and prevention measures.
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Rushcliffe rolls out new glass recycling bins
Rushcliffe Borough Council is delivering over 55,000 new purple-lidded glass recycling bins to residents, as part of the Simpler Recycling programme. The new 180-litre bins will allow households to recycle all glass colours together, with kerbside collections starting from 1 December 2025. Until then, residents are encouraged to continue using existing glass bring sites.
The new system simplifies recycling, reduces energy use and means most trips to bring sites will no longer be necessary. Collection schedules will align with grey bin days every six weeks, with further plans being developed for communal bin stores and flats.
More information, including FAQs, is available on Rushcliffe Borough Council's website.
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Newark's first Festival of Food is a success
Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Health and Wellbeing team organised the first Newark Festival of Food, delivered in partnership with We Are Newark and Newark Town Council.
Local chefs, including Jason from Burnt Toast, a Leith’s-trained chef with over 15 years of industry experience, showcased budget-friendly recipes designed to inspire healthier, affordable cooking. The Council’s own Chop and Chat team provided practical tips and hands-on guidance throughout the event. The festival also included themed days such as Meat-Free Monday, make-your-own picnic workshops, and healthy snack drop-ins. Families enjoyed interactive activities like granola bar making, seed bomb crafting, and oral health games, all designed to promote nutritious eating in a fun and accessible way.
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The Great Newark and Sherwood Cake Bake Challenge
A highlight of the district council’s summer programme was The Great Newark and Sherwood Cake Bake Challenge, which invited young people aged 10 to 16 years old to design and bake their own summer-themed cakes. This initiative not only encouraged creativity and participation but also served as a valuable opportunity for teenagers to develop practical cooking and baking skills.
The challenge complemented the Council’s wider programme of teen and family cooking sessions, which have been running throughout the year to support families in building confidence in the kitchen, understanding nutrition, and making informed food choices.
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Active Neighbourhood Scan in Hawtonville
In July, several partners came together to host the first Active Neighbourhood Scan in Hawtonville, starting with the Best Years Hub. This work highlights the lived experiences of older residents and the barriers they face in simply moving around their estate.
The aim was to identify small but meaningful changes that could improve daily life, and inform wider regeneration and health strategies. More scans are being planned with families and young people.
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Adult Social Care/Housing workshop
The Adult Social Care/Housing workshop was organised to strengthen collaboration between the Newark and Sherwood Adult Social Care Team and Newark & Sherwood District Council (NSDC) Housing directorate. It allowed time away together to identify shared challenges and opportunities, understand each other’s service better and develop actions for working better together in the future.
With limited resources, both services work with complex residents each day and the aim of the workshop was to explore ways in which we can maximise impact.
Parish Councils supporting Sherwood Forest Hospitals to reuse and recycle walking aids
A walking aid collection point was run alongside the annual ‘Know Your Numbers’ event at Collingham Healthcare Centre on Friday 12 September 2025. Around 12 people attended for a blood pressure check and 15 people dropped off a walking aid. The walking aids were then collected by the District Council and delivered directly to Newark Hospital.
An additional two sessions have been run by parish councils, with a number of sessions being planned currently with Newark Town Council and additional parish councils.
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Tuesday's Together in Leamington
Ashfield Voluntary Action (AVA) has been granted a pilot for our Community Kitchen. Working with CLEO (Community Led Enabled Outcomes) Lottery funded team and residents, AVA was asked to provide hot meals at the right prices. Helping people access nutritious affordable food in the community also helps them with fuel bills.
AVA will be working with DWP to have volunteers from the ward who are furthest from the job market. They will provide training and assist, where possible, to get volunteers back into work. The pilot will run on Tuesdays but will extend to a seven-day provision. Future developments will be to have volunteer drivers to take meals to self, GP or social prescriber referrals, known as Leamington Lunches.
For further information, please contact Una Key, Chief Executive Officer, AVA at u.key@ashfieldvoluntaryaction.org.uk.
Ambition three: Everyone can access the right support to improve their health
Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy Quarterly Reporting
Each quarter, a report which provides an overview of activity undertaken to deliver the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JHWS) is brought to the Health and Wellbeing Board. This includes a highlight report, which outlines the breadth of work taking place to deliver the JHWS’s nine priorities, within its four ambitions. It also includes a deep dive on a particular ambition.
The deep dive that was brought to Health and Wellbeing Board in September focussed on Ambition three (everyone can access the right support to improve their health), highlighting fantastic partnership work taking place across priorities including mental health, alcohol reduction, smoking and tobacco, and healthy weight, as well as raising any challenges in delivery and areas where the Health and Wellbeing Board could support.
You can access the report within the meeting papers for the September Health and Wellbeing Board meeting via the link below (item 5).
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Health partners come together to support vaccination conversations
A small cohort of partners undertook the Royal Society Public Health Level 2 award in Encouraging Vaccination Uptake, hosted by Newark & Sherwood District Council. Four district council colleagues completed the training and assessment, alongside colleagues from the health sector. The training has equipped learners with the knowledge and confidence to promote vaccination uptake.
Smoking in pregnancy - planned health promotion campaign
A six-week local health promotion campaign is being planned to help encourage pregnant women, and people planning a pregnancy, to give up smoking.
Data shows that local smoking at time of delivery (SATOD) rates are higher than the national average. From the end of October, the campaign will promote local stop smoking services, specialist maternity services for pregnant women, or community stop smoking services for people planning a pregnancy, partners or household members of pregnant women, or anyone else.
The campaign will also support professionals who have contact with women of reproductive age and could help by having healthy conversations on the topic. Professionals will be offered the opportunity for Making Every Contact Count (MECC)-style training delivered by community stop smoking service provider Your Health Notts.
Your organisation can help by resharing the social media messages during the campaign on your own platforms / channels.
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Heart Smart Gedling event
Heart Smart Gedling was an outreach event held in a community setting in Arnold with a focus on cardiovascular disease. NHS Health Checks were provided to local residents through close partnership working with our two local GP surgeries, as well as several partner organisations attending to offer support and signposting around physical and emotional wellbeing.
Partner organisations included Social Prescribing, Every Turn Talking Therapies, Connect Health Physiotherapy, Gedling Borough Council Leisure Team, Your Health Notts, Your CVS, Boditrax, Active Notts and our Local Patient Participation Groups.
This was a successful event with 112 local residents attending on the day for blood tests as well as additional numbers having their blood pressure, body mass index and Boditrax readings calculated.
More details available on request from nnicb-nn.arnoldinw@nhs.net.
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GP Access Desktop Study
Healthwatch Nottingham & Nottinghamshire reviewed 59 GP practice websites (covering around two-thirds of local patients) to assess how practices are implementing the NHS England Delivery Plan for Recovering Access to Primary Care.
Findings show wide variation in call waiting times and online response rates, with fewer than 40% offering a call-back option. Most practices offer a range of appointment types, though choice is often decided after triage. Many websites lack clear guidance on booking processes, response times and accessibility support. Recommendations include improved telephony systems, full enablement of NHS App booking, and clearer, more inclusive online information.
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Eastwood Community Hub
The Eastwood Community Hub, known as CEDARS (Community Employment Dementia Awareness Resource Service) officially opened in June 2025 at 47 Nottingham Road, Eastwood. Developed to enhance the quality and accessibility of local support, the hub brings essential services closer to where people live.
Through strong partnership working, the hub will aim to offer a range of support including key health and leisure services, the Probation Service, Citizens Advice, Green Doctors, employment specialists and housing support, and dedicated resources for carers. Local people have already benefited by having NHS Health Checks in the hub and getting access to lifestyle support.
For more information contact Finlay Lowe, Project Manager at finlay.lowe@broxtowe.gov.uk.
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The Heart of Cotgrave
The Heart of Cotgrave is a new community hub, which launched in September 2025 at the Cotgrave Welfare site (Cotgrave Club, NG12 3PJ) and serves as a central point for community connection and activities.
It offers free activities and support every Monday (for people over 65) and Wednesday (for people under 65) from 11am to 3pm and provides a welcoming space for socialising, health checks, career advice, mental health support, fitness sessions, and opportunities to get involved in community projects.
For further details, or to get involved, contact Louise Casey, Chief Officer, YourCVS at louisecasey@yourcvsnotts.org.
Broxtowe Dementia listening event 2025
Moving into a care home, preparing for the end of life, and partnership working, were the main topics covered at the Broxtowe Action Network on Dementia (BAND) listening event on 26 September. The annual listening event brings professionals together with people with lived experience of dementia care in Broxtowe. It looks at important topics that concern a lot of people, shares information about what is available and identifies where there is room for improvement. The BAND steering group then works on these priorities.
More than 60 carers, professionals, volunteers and people living with dementia attended the event at the Royal British Legion, Beeston. Their evaluation was overwhelmingly positive. One carer said of a professional she met that “we gained more information from her than we have had in the last three years of caring for mum”. Professionals also found the day “very informative and resources are helpful”.
Respiratory care specialist expertise within community and primary care settings
Sherwood Forest Hospitals, working with Mid-Notts Place Based Partnership and system partners, has developed a delivery-ready proposal to transform respiratory care by embedding specialist expertise within community and primary care settings.
This programme responds directly to national NHS priorities and local ambitions by delivering proactive, integrated care closer to home, targeting those most at risk of poor outcomes, to deliver a proactive, integrated respiratory service embedded in local neighbourhoods that improves health outcomes, reduces avoidable hospital use, and actively addresses health inequalities. By working as a single system, we will enable people with respiratory conditions to access the right support at the right time, making the best use of our collective expertise to improve patient outcomes and experience.
For further information please contact nnicb-nn.midnotts.psos@nhs.net.
Save the date - New Year networking event in Bassetlaw
Following our recent Save the Date for 4 February 2026 (World Cancer Day), Bassetlaw District Council are pleased to share more about our upcoming New Year networking event. The event will bring together colleagues and partners for a day of connection, collaboration, and shared learning.
Where: Muslim Charity, Eaton Hall, DN22 0PR
When: Wednesday 4 February 2026 from 11am to 2.30pm
We are currently finalising a programme that will include guest speakers and interactive activities focused on cancer awareness, prevention, and support. It is a valuable opportunity to start the year by building relationships and exchanging ideas. The full agenda will be shared soon and a delicious hot buffet will be provided. We look forward to welcoming Bassetlaw and Nottinghamshire colleagues on the day.
Ageing Well Integrated Neighbourhood Teams
Ageing Well Integrated Neighbourhood Teams have been set up in Mid-Notts to offer an extended multi-disciplinary approach to improve communication, reduce emails, reduce referrals, and to improve the care we offer to our residents across Newark, Sherwood, Mansfield and Ashfield.
Local organisations including those from secondary care, the voluntary and community sector, friends and faith groups, meet weekly to discuss any residents/patients that may require the support of our wider integrated neighbourhood team. The weekly panel meeting invites have also been extended to the emergency services, such as the Police, to help tackle any social issues relating to our older population that they may come into contact within their role, to facilitate a true multi-disciplinary approach to some of our cases.
Ambition four: Keep our communities safe and healthy
Stay safe and well this winter
As temperatures drop, it is vital to protect yourself and others from the health risks of cold weather. The UKHSA’s updated Cold-Health Alerting System provides early warnings to help communities respond effectively. Vulnerable groups including older adults, young children, and those with long-term health conditions, are especially at risk. Simple steps like heating your home to at least 18°C, wearing layers, and checking on neighbours can make a big difference. If eligible, get vaccinated against flu and Covid-19.
Explore key resources:
UKHSA Adverse Weather and Health Plan [PDF]
UKHSA Cold weather guidance for professionals (GOV.UK)
UKHSA Top tips for keeping warm and well (GOV.UK)
Stay informed via Met Office forecasts (Met Office) and UKHSA alerts (GOV.UK)
Stronger Roots - growing a recovery friendly future
Stronger Roots is a movement dedicated to changing the story of how addiction and recovery are understood across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Too often, stigma keeps people stuck - not because they haven’t changed but because the world around them hasn’t. We are using co-production to change that, by helping communities and organisations grow into places where recovery is welcomed, understood, and respected.
The movement was successfully soft launched last month at a series of regional community events led by our recovery community (pictures below). Looking to the future, we plan to grow a network of allies - workplaces that hire with empathy, services that act without judgement, and communities that champion recovery.
Please check out our new website and join the movement.
Enter and View visit to Annesley Lodge Care Home
Healthwatch Nottingham and Nottinghamshire carried out an Enter and View visit to Annesley Lodge Care Home in Hucknall, to gather residents’ views and observe care in practice. Residents spoke highly of the support they receive, and the team observed many examples of caring, person-centred approaches.
The visit resulted in six recommendations aimed at enhancing communication, activities, and overall wellbeing. The provider responded positively, reaffirming their commitment to delivering safe, compassionate, and individualised care. The report provides valuable insight into the home’s strengths and opportunities for further improvement.
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Health Protection Board September 2025
The Board received a joint presentation from local public health teams and the NHS sexual health service, highlighting key developments in sexual health. In response to increased sexually transmitted infection and HIV diagnosis rates, efforts were being made to increase prevention initiatives, testing and treatment. A new integrated sexual health service launched in October 2024, offering consistent services and online testing. The service has seen high demand for new Mpox and gonorrhoea vaccination programmes. Other service priorities include expanding outreach and tackling inequalities and stigma.
There was an update on prison healthcare contracts, highlighting tuberculosis (TB) infection risks, low routine vaccination rates and the importance of blood borne virus screening. Members discussed changes to the routine vaccination schedule, as well as the winter vaccination programmes, and received updates on national screening programmes and suggestions to enhance local governance arrangements.
Sexual Health Services training and new website
The Sexual Health Service (City and County) is offering training and resources to system partners around sexual health. These can be found on the new website, which has lots of useful resources for both residents and professionals.
There are also bite-sized training events being held, led by members of our sexual health service. These short sessions explore a range of topics, from key sexual health issues to the services we provide. Whether you are new to sexual health outreach or looking to refresh your knowledge, there is something here for everyone. Register now for the next session using the link below.
Meet the Sexual Health Promotion & Outreach team on Thursday 11 December 2025 from 11am to 11:45pm (Microsoft Teams)
Smokefree Sidelines launches in Nottinghamshire
A new initiative has been launched to make grassroots football in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire healthier and more family-friendly. The Smokefree Sidelines programme aims to discourage smoking and vaping at football clubs, promoting positive role models and protecting young people from harm.
This joint effort between Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, and Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Football Association supports clubs in creating clean-air environments where children can thrive. We are pleased to have signed up 11 football clubs already. Participating clubs receive free Smokefree Sidelines footballs, bibs, banners, posters, guidance, and water bottles.
By visibly committing to Smokefree Sidelines, clubs are helping to foster active, healthy lifestyles and ensure football remains a safe, welcoming space for all. Together, we’re championing a future where young people grow up free from the influence of smoking and vaping.
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Other items related to the strategy
Bassetlaw District Council create their draft 2025/26 Health and Wellbeing Action Plan
Bassetlaw District Council has developed a draft Health and Wellbeing Action Plan for 2025/26, shaped by our overarching strategy and focused on improving outcomes across our communities.
The draft plan is structured around eight key pillars: ensuring the best start for children (0–16 years), improving healthy lifestyles, enhancing the places people live, tackling physical inactivity, supporting mental health and suicide prevention, responding to the cost of living crisis, meeting the needs of an ageing population, and strengthening partnership working.
This draft reflects our shared ambition for a healthier, more equitable future, and we welcome continued collaboration as we finalise the plan.
Newark and Sherwood Community and Sports Awards 2025
The Newark and Sherwood Community and Sports Awards 2025, organised by Newark and Sherwood District Council in partnership with Radio Newark, took place on Friday 26 September at The Renaissance at Kelham Hall in Newark.
The event honoured incredible individuals who have gone above and beyond to support the community and champion the growth of sports. This year, 13 worthy winners were awarded for their exceptional contributions in various categories.
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