 Contents of the May 2026 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
Local updates
Ambition one: Give every child the best chance of maximising their potential
Free 'Learn to Ride' sessions are back in Bassetlaw
In April, Bassetlaw’s popular Learn to Ride sessions returned to local parks in Harworth and Worksop, giving more children the chance to develop cycling skills in a safe, supportive environment.
The Harworth session welcomed 30 attendees, while 40 children took part in Worksop, making full use of our green spaces. Family feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with parents praising the calm, knowledgeable instructors and the confidence boost their children gained. Many were delighted to see children active, off their phones and enjoying the parks.
One more session will take place in Langold this May as part of our Move More in May initiative.
Extreme wheels
During the recent half term, Extreme Wheels delivered two exciting sessions in our local parks, featuring drift trikes and KMX karts, and giving children the chance to be active outdoors.
These sessions were introduced directly in response to feedback from children last year, who told us they wanted more action-based activities, and we listened. Seeing young people enjoying the parks in new and engaging ways has been hugely positive. We’re now looking ahead to our summer programme, where Extreme Wheels will return for weekly sessions including body zorbing, skate park activities, KMX karts, drift trikes and laser tag. A skate park jam is also planned, featuring pro BMX demos, competitions and free riding.
Youth mental health support in Gedling
An event at Killisick Community Centre in January marked the official opening of the new Arnold Wellbeing Hub, bringing local young people together. Co-designed with young people through the Next Move initiative, the hub provides a safe, welcoming space for connection, support, and wellbeing opportunities.
Young people met Nottingham Forest Community Trust representatives, joined in boxing, games, music, nutrition, arts and crafts activities, explored the youth bus, accessed youth workers and mental health support, and enjoyed free food. Staff from the Gedling Mental Health Support Team also attended.
Working across South Nottinghamshire schools, the teams provide early support for children, young people and families with low level emotional wellbeing needs, including anxiety, low mood, managing emotions and sleep.
To find out more about Wellbeing Hubs contact: pekcic@positivelyempoweredkids.co.uk
For information about Child and Adolescent Mental Health Support Teams visit their website.
Rosewood Primary Care Network (PCN) Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) project
The MMR project taking place in Rosewood PCN targeting children and young people aged 6-25 year old saw 40 patients receive either a first or second dose of MMR during January and February 2026.
There were 150 appointments made and so, unfortunately, a high number of patients not attending. Follow on telephone calls will be made to these patients again to offer a further appointment time that suits availability.
Young Carer Awareness training
The Nottinghamshire Carers Association has delivered Young Carer Awareness training in Quarter Four (January – March 2026). The training was aimed at Health and Social Care Teams and was delivered over three webinars. A total of 119 members of staff from across Mid Nottinghamshire attended.
Connected Communities, Empowering Boys
On 5 January 2026, NSDC in partnership with Magnus Academy, hosted its first Boys’ Conference, Connected Communities, Empowering Boys, as part of its INSET programme.
The event brought together staff, other schools, and external partners to explore the barriers, opportunities, and long-term strategies for improving the aspirations and attainment of local boys and young men. Following the conference, a working group was established and is working with partners to develop a shared theory of change to guide next steps.
This conference reflects Magnus Academy’s and its community partners’ ongoing commitment to addressing gender disparities in education and promoting a more inclusive understanding of masculinity within the school and wider community.
A whole day approach to wellbeing
The Easter Extravaganza organised by BCVS, delivered a whole day approach to health and wellbeing in Worksop.
The day began at St Paul’s Church bringing families and older people together. Creative activities and a shared space supported intergenerational connection and wellbeing, with 27 adults and 56 children attending, supported by a volunteer team.
BCVS then led a community scavenger hunt around Manton, encouraging physical activity. 32 people took part before arriving at Bassetlaw Food Bank for family friendly activities, crafts and a free lunch. Further creative and active sessions at the Family Hub promoted play, movement and social connection, with many families extending their day outdoors.Trained walk leaders led a group walk to Manton Sports Club, where young people took part in a scavenger hunt and darts session.
The event increased physical activity, strengthened community connections and reduced barriers, demonstrating the impact of collaborative, wellbeing-focused working
Ambition two: Create healthy and sustainable places
Rushcliffe Borough Council to invest £400,000 in football facilities across the borough
Rushcliffe Borough Council is providing a £400,000 funding boost to improve football facilities. The grant will support the development of high-quality artificial turf (3G) pitches, changing rooms, and pavilion upgrades, helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of local football. This investment aligns with The Football Association’s Local Football Facility Plan (LFFP) and supports Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Leisure and Playing Pitch Strategies.
The sites associated with these projects will be invited to apply for the new funding from 1 April. Subject to approval, the areas set to benefit include Bingham, Cotgrave, East Leake, Keyworth, Radcliffe on Trent, Ruddington, and West Bridgford.
The funding will improve access to grassroots football, unlock new facilities, and support local sport for years to come, helping meet increasing demand driven by population growth.
Gedling Leisure health activity pathways
Gedling Leisure is expanding its health activity pathways to better support local people living with long-term health conditions. Weekly DNA heart cardiac rehabilitation sessions are running at Carlton Forum and Redhill, with new referrals coming through. DNA Heart Plus, a follow on to DNA Heart, has also restarted and welcomes self-referrals.
Work is underway to develop a new cancer rehabilitation pathway, in partnership with Nottingham City Hospital, ensuring high-quality and specialist support. Instructors have begun falls prevention training, with Strength and Balance classes launching soon at Redhill and Carlton Forum.
The DNA health referral programme continues to grow and is moving to a single digital referral system, Refer All, making access easier. Cardiovascular disease referrals will join this pathway from spring.
Kirkby Pride in Place
Kirkby’s £20 million Pride in Place investment plan has been approved by Government, with the first projects set to begin over the coming months. The funding, awarded in 2023 and spread over ten years, is being overseen by the Kirkby Neighbourhood Board, supported by Ashfield District Council, following extensive consultation with residents and organisations.
Around 40 initiatives are being developed across areas including the high street, heritage and regeneration, skills and employment, health and wellbeing, transport, safety, and education.
Three projects have now been approved: a digital inclusion pilot providing Chromebooks to Year 10 students at Outwood Academy from September 2026; a new all weather multi use games area at Morven Park; and major improvements at Titchfield Park, including a new pavilion, upgraded netball courts, floodlights and resurfaced footpaths.
EMCCA funding to support Leamington community
£220,634 has been successfully secured through the East Midlands Mayoral Community Development Fund, to support community development in Leamington. The funding will be delivered over a period of up to three years from February 2026 and will enhance community facilities, expand volunteering and social action, improve health and wellbeing, and strengthen community cohesion.
Following a collaborative process led by the Leamington Community Partnership and local residents, ATTFE College has been appointed as the lead organisation and will manage the fund, comply with EMCCA requirements, and provide quarterly progress updates. A programme of projects has been agreed, focusing on local priorities including improvements to Willetts Court, increased activities for children, young people and families, enhanced access to advice and services, skills development, community food provision, and improved communication with residents.
Walk Notts Festival May 2026
The Walk Notts Festival is back for its second year in 2026 designed to encourage as many people as possible to walk and wheel during May.
Please help us to promote the Walk Notts Festival by doing one or more of the following:
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Cancer Champions driving cancer awareness and early diagnosis through community partnership working
Cancer Champions in Bassetlaw recently delivered a large community networking event at the Muslim Charity Centre in Retford, timed to coincide with World Cancer Day. The event was delivered in partnership with Retford and Villages PCN, local voluntary organisations and the Prostate Cancer Support Group, and focused on improving cancer awareness, screening uptake and body vigilance.
The session combined practical education on breast, bowel and cervical screening with lived experience testimony from people affected by prostate cancer, supported by interactive activities and opportunities for open discussion.
Engagement on the day was strong, with over 100 attendees reached and multiple meaningful conversations prompted around symptoms, screening eligibility and how to access support.
Introducing MECC
The Health and Communities Team delivered their first presentation to the Housing Directorate, introducing the principles of Making Every Contact Count (MECC) and highlighting the importance of recognising and utilising the assets within our local communities.
The session aimed to strengthen cross departmental understanding of how everyday interactions can be used to support residents’ wellbeing, while also showcasing the wide range of community resources and strengths that can help improve outcomes for tenants.
This collaborative approach marks a positive step towards embedding MECC across housing services and fostering more connected, community-focused ways of working.
Rollout of Five Dinners
The team is preparing to launch an exciting new meal planning platform, Five Dinners, for everyone who lives and works in Newark and Sherwood.
Delivered in partnership with celebrity chef Theo Michaels, this rollout will give families easy access to healthy, low-cost recipes while also generating personalised shopping lists to make weekly planning simpler.
The platform is designed to help reduce food waste, support healthier eating habits, and make nutritious home cooked meals more achievable for households across the district.
Age-friendly Communities
Newark and Sherwood District Council is delighted to announce that it has officially joined the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities, a growing national movement of places committed to making their communities great places to age in, working in partnership with the Centre for Ageing Better.
By joining the Network, we become part of a group of forward-thinking areas across the UK that are taking action to improve the physical and social environments that enable people to remain healthy, active and independent as they grow older.
This commitment places the district within the World Health Organisation’s Global Age-friendly Cities and Communities framework, an evidence-based, internationally recognised approach to creating places where everyone can age well.
Volunteering for Wellbeing: Celebrating Volunteers’ Week in Bassetlaw
Volunteers’ Week highlights the powerful role volunteering plays in supporting health and wellbeing in Bassetlaw. From boosting confidence and reducing isolation to supporting mental health, volunteering is a great way to improve wellbeing. This year, our plans focus on accessibility and celebration, with a volunteer roadshow and a Volunteer Awards ceremony on 5 June.
Volunteering helps people feel connected and valued, particularly those experiencing loneliness or long-term health conditions. In Bassetlaw, volunteers support wellbeing through social/creative activities, access to food, advice and physical activity.
During Volunteers’ Week, BCVS will host a volunteer roadshow to make getting involved more accessible. By reducing barriers, the roadshow supports social connection and positive first steps.
On 5 June, the BCVS Volunteer Awards and will celebrate volunteers whose dedication makes a lasting difference, reminding us that wellbeing is built through shared community action.
Ambition 3: Everyone can access the right support to improve their health
Rushcliffe Dementia and Carers Roadshow 2026
The Rushcliffe Dementia and Carers Roadshow took place on Thursday 23 April at Rushcliffe Arena. This year’s event continued to provide vital information, advice, and support for people living with dementia, their carers, and families.
The roadshow brought together a range of local services and organisations, offering attendees the chance to connect with support networks, access practical guidance, and explore resources, all in one accessible location.
It was an excellent opportunity for residents and carers to find out about local services, share experiences, and get the help they need to live well with dementia.
Rushcliffe Big Green Book Spring/Summer 2026
The Spring/Summer 2026 edition of the Rushcliffe Big Green Book is now available. Packed with local contacts and information, the Rushcliffe Big Green Book helps residents, groups, and organisations discover health and wellbeing opportunities right on their doorstep.
It highlights nature-based activities and green spaces, encouraging residents to get outside, explore their local environment, and enjoy the benefits for both mental and physical health.
Move More in May encouraging active communities across Bassetlaw
Move More in May is a campaign delivered in partnership with local community and voluntary organisations, encouraging Bassetlaw residents to be more active throughout May.
Participants are asked to record their approximate number of moves, such as walks, cycles or active play, and submit them via the dedicated Move More in May website for a chance to win prizes including National Trust passes, leisure centre passes and air fryers. Schools and local businesses have also been invited to take part, competing to win a Move More in May trophy for their organisation.
The campaign will be celebrated with a family fun day at the end of the month in one of our Green Flag Award winning parks. Activities will include a climbing wall, face painting, balance bike safari, led walks, axe throwing, a pop-up food hub and an entertainment programme showcasing local organisations such as dance schools.
Healthy Hearts Hucknall award recognition
Six Healthy Heart events have taken place across Hucknall since August 2024. These events have made a real difference to the community by bringing accessible, community-based health checks and wellbeing support into one welcoming space. Participants report greater awareness of their health, positive lifestyle changes and improved connection with local services.
The programme was recently recognised as Runner-Up in the Phenomenal Project category at The Discover Ashfield Awards, celebrating its innovative approach and community benefit.
Next steps for the programme include expanding to new venues, reaching younger audiences, introducing wider wellbeing support such as dental and mental health elements, and offering a mix of bookable and drop-in sessions.
A huge thank you to everyone involved for helping create a healthier, happier Hucknall.
Improving vaccination uptake in South Nottinghamshire
Work is taking place across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to help more people access the vaccines they’re eligible for. A recent survey of 443 people showed strong trust in healthcare professionals but also highlighted common barriers, such as worries about side effects, past negative experiences, and difficulty getting appointments.
To support people in making informed choices in South Notts, we’ve improved online vaccination information for local practices and are strengthening how adults are invited for vaccines like shingles, pneumonia and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) - a common virus causing severe pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
Work is now underway to help practices send invitations more reliably and at the right time, making it easier for people to stay protected. In the coming months, we’ll continue sharing helpful guidance with GP teams and exploring ways to make adult vaccinations even more accessible across South Nottinghamshire.
Cotgrave NHS Health Checks
440 additional NHS Health Checks have been offered to Cotgrave residents at risk of developing a long-term condition, or diagnosed but currently not on any treatment, to enable earlier identification of cardiovascular risk.
28 people were diagnosed with hypertension and two with diabetes. 49 people commenced medication or treatment, and several were referred to key support programmes, including the National Diabetes Prevention Programme and the Adult Weight Management Programme.
These interventions aim to reduce long-term health risks and improve overall outcomes through early and sustained lifestyle change. Feedback was gathered from 54 participants, with the vast majority reporting a positive experience, finding it useful for understanding and maintaining their health. 80% felt they received good-quality information about services that could support lifestyle changes and 87% said they were given helpful advice on how to improve aspects of their lifestyle to benefit their overall health.
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) Global Health Grand Rounds: Improving cancer screening uptake in South Asian communities
NUH are developing a Global Health collaboration with Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital in Pakistan. As part of this programme, they are hosting a short series of three Global Health Grand Rounds focused on improving uptake of bowel, breast and cervical cancer screening in South Asian communities in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
The programme has been designed to align with current ICB transformation priorities around screening uptake and health inequalities, and will bring together perspectives from primary care, public health, community engagement and cancer specialists from both the UK and Pakistan.
The three sessions will explore:
- early symptom recognition and help-seeking behaviour
- communication, language and trust in cancer pathways
- family dynamics, stigma and cultural beliefs affecting screening engagement.
Each session will include short talks followed by discussion. Sessions used to develop practical educational resources for clinicians and healthcare teams.
Ambition 4: Keep our communities safe and healthy
Carlton Active
Gedling Borough Council is continuing to progress the Carlton Active programme, a significant investment in leisure, health and wellbeing infrastructure for the borough.
The project will deliver a new modern leisure and community facility on the Richard Herrod site in Carlton, replacing ageing facilities and creating a hub designed to support healthier lifestyles, physical activity and community wellbeing.
The proposed Carlton Active facility will include an 8-lane swimming pool, teaching pool, gym, group exercise studios, assisted exercise suite, community space, café and a children’s soft play area, providing opportunities for residents of all ages to engage in physical activity and social wellbeing activities. The centre will also support preventative health initiatives and provide opportunities for partners to deliver wellbeing services in a community setting.
Citizens Advice supporting Bassetlaw residents through benefit and wellbeing outreach
Citizens Advice North Nottinghamshire working with local partner organisations, delivered a Benefit and Wellbeing event for Bassetlaw residents on 5 March 2026. The event focused on helping people to better understand welfare benefit entitlements alongside providing access to advice on energy efficiency, debt, housing and wider support services.
24 residents received specialist advice during the event, with half reporting increased confidence in managing their circumstances independently following the support received. Two particularly vulnerable individuals were also supported on the day to complete urgent benefit applications, ensuring timely access to financial assistance. More than one third of attendees engaged with multiple organisations, highlighting the event’s holistic and collaborative approach.
The event was supported by 25 staff and partner representatives, and forms part of Citizens Advice North Nottinghamshire’s ongoing programme of outreach activity across Bassetlaw.
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Health Protection Board
The Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Health Protection Board met in March 2026.
Members heard from the UK Health Security Agency on how chemical, environmental and radiation incidents in the UK are managed, with reassurance that expert advice is available 24/7 should a local incident occur.
The Board received an update on prison healthcare, including how infection prevention and control measures are being strengthened and work is taking place to improve the identification and management of active tuberculosis cases.
The performance of local vaccination programmes was a major focus, with discussion on the importance of improving uptake of both child and adult routine vaccinations.
Screening services continue to improve, with progress noted in antenatal, newborn and cancer screening, alongside actions to address capacity and access challenges.
The Board reviewed winter infection pressures and agreed to keep potential risks, including measles cases elsewhere in the UK, under close oversight.
Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy quarterly reporting
Each quarter, the Health and Wellbeing Board receives a report outlining progress against the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JHWS). This includes a highlights report setting out activity across the Strategy’s nine priorities and four ambitions, alongside a deep dive into one ambition.
In March, the deep dive focused on Ambition two: creating healthy and sustainable places. It highlighted strong progress, including the relaunch of the Spatial Planning and Health Framework, sustained good air quality through coordinated action, publication of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and significant investment in housing retrofit and fuel poverty support.
Strengthened strategic partnerships are supporting delivery to promote good work, expand Walk Notts, address food insecurity through the Nottinghamshire Food Plan, and invest in communities. The Bellamy estate work shows early evidence demonstrating impact of wrap around, community led approaches.
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