 Contents of August 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
Nottinghamshire Best Start offer refreshed to support families from pregnancy to age 5
Nottinghamshire families can now access the refreshed Nottinghamshire Best Start offer, bringing together trusted information, local services and support, for parents and carers from early pregnancy through to their child’s fifth birthday.
The updated offer now includes expanded content for children aged 2 to 5 years, alongside existing information for expectant parents and families with young children. This makes it an even more comprehensive source of guidance and support as children grow and develop.
The first five years of a child’s life are crucial, with rapid brain development and growth taking place during this time. When children have a strong start, it supports their health, development, and happiness for years to come.
By helping families access the right support at the right time, the Nottinghamshire Best Start offer aims to give every child the best possible start.
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Learn to ride your bike sessions in Bassetlaw
Bassetlaw District Council has funded a series of Learn to Ride sessions across the district, helping children develop confidence, independence and a valuable life skill.
Sessions have already taken place in Worksop, Langold, and Harworth & Bircotes, with a further session planned in Retford in August. So far, 90 children have taken part in the 2026 programme, with excellent feedback from both participants and their families. Parents have shared positive comments including: “It is great to see kids being kids and learning a lifelong skill,” and “I can’t believe my daughter is now riding her bike after 60 minutes.”
The sessions provide a supportive and fun environment where children can learn to ride, build confidence and enjoy being active outdoors. With strong attendance and positive outcomes, the programme continues to help more young people across Bassetlaw get cycling and develop healthy, active habits for life.
Ambition two: Create healthy and sustainable places
New walking routes across Bassetlaw
Bassetlaw District Council has expanded its network of walking routes, giving residents even more opportunities to get active and enjoy the district’s award-winning parks and green spaces.
New routes have been launched at Langold Country Park and The Canch in Worksop, joining the existing King’s Ramble at Kings’ Park, Retford, and Miner’s Mile at Tom Simpson Field, Harworth and Bircotes.
Developed with community input, the routes celebrate local history and heritage.The Green Lady Trail at Langold is inspired by local folklore, while The Gatehouse Walk highlights Worksop’s historic connection to the 14th-century gatehouse. Each route is approximately one mile long, clearly signposted and accessible for all ages and abilities.
The trails provide a free, simple way for residents to improve their wellbeing, stay active and explore the unique stories and landscapes that make Bassetlaw special.
New strength and balance sessions available across Gedling Borough
Residents at risk of falls and frailty are being encouraged to join Gedling Borough Council’s Leisure Centres strength and balance sessions, designed to improve mobility, confidence and overall wellbeing.
The sessions focus on building leg strength, improving balance and increasing mobility, helping participants stay active and maintain independence in everyday life. Each class includes one hour of guided exercise followed by a 30-minute social session, offering opportunities for participants to connect with others in their community.
The programme is currently running at Carlton Forum on Wednesdays from 10.00am to 11.30am. New sessions are also taking place at Redhill on Thursdays from 12.45pm to 2.15pm and at Calverton on Fridays from 10.30am to 12.00pm.
Residents can self-refer and register for the sessions online.
Five Dinners launch supporting healthy eating across Newark and Sherwood
Newark and Sherwood District Council has successfully launched the Five Dinners meal planning platform across the district, making it freely available to residents and employees. The platform offers practical support with healthy eating, meal planning and budgeting, helping individuals and families make healthier food choices while reducing food waste and saving money.
The team has delivered a comprehensive communications campaign through digital channels, partner networks and local community organisations, raising awareness and encouraging residents to access the platform’s resources and tools.
The team is also preparing to roll out Community Champion training to support local promotion of the platform and is recruiting volunteers to take part in a one-day training programme that will enable them to deliver and sustain the popular Chop and Chat cookery sessions, helping more residents develop cooking skills, confidence and social connections within their communities.
Newark and Sherwood joins UK Network of Age-friendly Communities
Newark and Sherwood District Council has joined the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities in partnership with the Centre for Ageing Better. This supports the council’s commitment to creating places where people can remain healthy, active and independent as they age, in-line with the World Health Organisation’s Age-friendly Communities framework.
The team is engaging with older residents through surveys and community conversations to better understand their experiences, priorities and aspirations. Insights gathered will help shape action plans across the framework’s eight domains, ensuring future initiatives reflect local needs and support a more age-friendly Newark and Sherwood.
The team has also partnered with the Alzheimer’s Society to deliver dementia awareness sessions for council colleagues and partners, with further sessions planned for parish and town councils to help build more dementia-friendly and inclusive communities across the district.
The Big Green Book reaches first draft stage
The first draft of The Big Green Book has now been completed, marking an important milestone in the development of this new community wellbeing resource for Newark and Sherwood.
Designed as a comprehensive directory, The Big Green Book will help residents, health professionals and social prescribers connect with a wide range of local outdoor, nature-based and community activities. The resource aims to make it easier for people to find opportunities that support physical health, mental wellbeing, social connection and access to community support services.
The draft has now been shared with partners for review and feedback to ensure the final publication is as useful and accessible as possible. Following this consultation phase, work will continue towards publication in the coming months, providing a valuable tool to support wellbeing and community connections across Newark and Sherwood.
Business Wellbeing event a great success
Newark and Sherwood District Council hosted its first Business Wellbeing event, bringing together local employers and support organisations to promote workplace health and wellbeing.
Businesses from across the district attended, with expert input from Your Health Notts and Nottinghamshire Talking Therapies. Attendees received practical advice, learned about available support services and explored the benefits of investing in employee wellbeing. The event also provided opportunities to network, share experiences and build connections with partners supporting healthier workplaces.
Feedback was highly positive, with participants leaving with new ideas, resources and contacts. The council looks forward to continuing this work and supporting businesses to create healthier, happier and more resilient workforces.
Knife Angel visit inspires community engagement across Newark and Sherwood
The arrival of the Knife Angel in Newark provided an important opportunity to raise awareness of violence, promote positive conversations and support community safety across Newark and Sherwood.
A programme of engagement activities and educational sessions involved schools, community groups, partner organisations and residents from across the district. Events were well attended and helped encourage discussion about violence prevention and community resilience.
A key highlight was the district’s first Stop the Bleed Conference, delivered in partnership with ATTFE College and the Freemasons. The event brought together young people, professionals and community leaders to learn lifesaving skills, increase awareness of serious violence and explore how individuals and organisations can help prevent it. The Knife Angel’s visit strengthened local partnerships, increased awareness and encouraged ongoing action to help build safer communities.
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New cricket training nets boost community sport
Farnsfield Cricket Club has unveiled new training nets following a £70,000 investment, providing a major boost to grassroots cricket in the local area.
Completed in June 2026, the facility includes two enclosed practice bays and an additional open training bay, increasing capacity to support the club’s growing membership. With over 300 members, including more than 200 active players across junior, senior, women’s and girls’ teams, the new nets will support player development and meet increasing demand.
The project was funded through a partnership involving Newark and Sherwood District Council, Sport England, the England and Wales Cricket Board and The Club Cricket Charity. Led by dedicated club volunteers, the development reflects strong local collaboration and investment in community sport.
The new facilities are already in use and will help the club continue providing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get active, develop skills and enjoy the benefits of sport.
Edwinstowe Cricket Club scores for community wellbeing and sustainability
Community Cricket Club is celebrating two new developments funded through £57,732 secured from contributions linked to Harworth Group’s investment at Thoresby Vale.
The club has installed solar panels on its clubhouse and opened a new two-bay artificial cricket net facility. The improvements support opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits of sport.
The new practice nets provide high-quality local training facilities, helping players develop their skills closer to home. The solar panels will reduce energy costs and improve the club’s environmental sustainability.
As a thriving community hub with a strong commitment to inclusivity, including women’s and girls’ cricket, the club continues to encourage active lifestyles, strengthen community connections and support the health and wellbeing of local residents.
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Brackenhurst Campus parkrun makes a strong start
Five members of the Newark and Sherwood District Council Health and Communities team attended the inaugural Brackenhurst Campus parkrun, which attracted 276 runners and walkers to the new 5 km event.
Set within the Brackenhurst countryside, the course offers a welcoming and inclusive opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to get active. Supported by 52 volunteers, the event welcomed everyone from first-time participants to experienced runners. Thanks were given to NTU Brackenhurst for hosting the event and providing free parking and café facilities, as well as to Newark and Sherwood District Council, Southwell Lions and Councillor Jeremy Berridge for their support.
Parkrun promotes physical activity, social connection and wellbeing, whether participants choose to walk, jog, run or volunteer, and the new event is set to become a valued weekly community fixture.
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Community Wellbeing Fund supports local action to improve health and wellbeing
Rushcliffe Borough Council has launched the third round of its Community Wellbeing Fund, offering grants of £500 to £2,000 to support community projects that improve health and wellbeing, reduce loneliness and isolation, and help address the impact of the cost of living.
The fund supports town and parish councils, community groups and local organisations to launch, sustain or expand projects focused on volunteering, social connection and community engagement.
Building on the success of previous rounds, where £35,000 was awarded to 15 projects across the borough, the fund continues to support local action that helps create more inclusive, connected and resilient communities.
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Rushcliffe parks recognised with Green Flag Awards
Four Rushcliffe Borough Council parks and green spaces have received Green Flag Awards, recognising their high environmental standards, excellent facilities and quality management.
Bridgford Park in West Bridgford has achieved the award for the first time, while Rushcliffe Country Park celebrates its 20th consecutive Green Flag Award. Sharphill Wood and The Hook Nature Reserve have also retained their awards.
The internationally recognised accreditation highlights the important role that high-quality green spaces play in supporting health and wellbeing, encouraging residents to be active outdoors, connect with nature and enjoy safe community spaces. The awards are supported by local Friends groups whose volunteering contributes to the ongoing success of these spaces.
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Ambition three: Everyone can access the right support to improve their health
Move More in May Bassetlaw campaign success
Move More in May 2026 was a fantastic partnership campaign across Bassetlaw, inspiring residents, schools and organisations to get active and move more.
Together, participants achieved an incredible 64.37 million moves, with data collected through the dedicated campaign website showing that 100% of participants were more active than the previous month. A total of 1,040 National Trust passes were distributed, helping people explore and stay active in local green spaces.
Activities ranged from walking, yoga, and housework, to canoeing, Spanish dancing, and table tennis. One participant commented: “I was quite impressed with myself really as I'm almost 70 and much older than the other finishers. Just goes to show.”
The campaign concluded with prizes, trophies and a free Family Fun Day in award-winning Kings Park, attracting around 2,000 visitors to enjoy local entertainment, a climbing wall, balance bike safari and more.
New website launched to support residents living with health conditions into physical activity
Gedling Borough Council has launched a dedicated website showcasing the exercise pathways and support available for residents living with health conditions. The Gedling Health Exercise Referral Programme is designed to meet individual needs, helping residents build confidence, improve their wellbeing, and develop long-term healthy habits through physical activity.
The programme is delivered within Gedling Borough Council's leisure centres, providing a supportive and welcoming environment for participants. The programme is open to adults living with a range of long-term health conditions who would benefit from becoming more active. Participants receive tailored support to help them safely increase their activity levels and make positive lifestyle changes.
Residents can find information about available pathways, eligibility, and referral options by visiting the new website.
The Butterfly Service is highly commended at The Palliative and End of Life Care Awards
Your CVS is delighted to share that its Butterfly Service was nominated for The Partnership Working across Health and Social Care Award at The Palliative and End of Life Care Awards 2026.
The Butterfly Service is an integral part of the End-of-Life Care Together services available throughout mid-Nottinghamshire, providing holistic, non-clinical support to service-users and their families, during their final year of life. A dedicated team of staff and volunteers offer practical assistance and emotional support, helping people make the most of the time they have together and create meaningful moments with their loved ones.
Your CVS is incredibly proud to report that The Butterfly Service was named runner-up in their category, receiving a highly commended award. This recognition is a testament to the dedication, compassion and hard work of the staff and volunteers, whose commitment makes such a meaningful difference to the lives of the people and families they support.
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Future of Healthcare in Rushcliffe event brings partners and residents together
The annual Future of Healthcare in Rushcliffe event took place in June, bringing together over 50 residents, local GPs, health and care partners, community organisations and Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) to discuss the future of health and wellbeing services across the borough.
Delivered in partnership between Rushcliffe Borough Council, local GP practices and the Primary Care Network, the event provided residents with the opportunity to hear about local NHS developments, explore available support, and connect with services through a marketplace of local providers.
The event highlighted shared priorities, community challenges and opportunities for continued partnership working to improve health outcomes across Rushcliffe. It also strengthened links between residents and organisations, helping to improve awareness of local support and pathways available to promote healthier communities.
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Enter and View visit to Daybrook Medical Practice
Healthwatch Nottingham and Nottinghamshire has recently published its Enter and View report on Daybrook Medical Practice, following a visit in September 2025 at the invitation of the Care Quality Commission.
The team spent five hours at the practice, speaking with 22 patients and carers about their experiences. The overall picture was positive. More than two thirds of patients (68.2%) rated the practice as good or very good, and relationships with clinical staff were the strongest finding, with 77.3% rating this positively. Patients described feeling safe, heard and cared for. Access was the main concern. Getting an appointment was the area patients found most frustrating, with 40.9% rating it as poor or very poor.
The visit resulted in three recommendations, covering prescriptions, keeping patients informed about booking changes, and making the complaints process easier to find. The practice has since changed how routine appointments are requested.
Enter and View visit to Sandy Lane Surgery and St Peter's Medical Practice
Healthwatch Nottingham and Nottinghamshire has recently published its Enter and View report on Sandy Lane Surgery and St Peter's Medical Practice in Mansfield. The visit took place in December 2025 as part of a joint inspection with the Care Quality Commission.
A total of 32 patients and carers shared their experiences of appointments, communication and staff support. Overall feedback was positive. Patients rated both practices well and described staff as caring, respectful, and professional. Communication was viewed positively, particularly text updates and staff listening to patients. Getting an appointment was the biggest issue raised, especially at Sandy Lane Surgery, where patients described long waits on the phone, problems booking in advance, and online systems that did not always work.
The visit resulted in three recommendations. The practice responded positively and is recruiting more reception staff and working with its telephone provider to improve the call back service.
Walking our way to wellbeing
The Walk Notts Festival brought communities across Nottinghamshire together throughout May, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to walk, wheel, explore and connect with others. Activities ranged from heritage trails and litter picks, to Nordic Walking, treasure quests, and accessible walking opportunities, highlighting the benefits of moving more for physical and mental wellbeing.
Walk Notts is exploring opportunities to work with pharmacies across the county, using these trusted community spaces to promote local walking opportunities and wellbeing activities.
Evaluation of this year's festival is now underway to help shape future Walk Notts Festivals. Although the festival has ended, there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved locally. In South Nottinghamshire, regular walks take place at Eastwood Library, Stapleford, Attenborough Nature Reserve, Cotgrave Country Park, Gedling Country Park and through the Mums on the Move Buggy Walk in Hucknall.
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Best Years Hubs across South Nottinghamshire
Best Years Hubs are free community spaces dedicated to reducing social isolation and improving the wellbeing of people aged 65 and over, providing warm, welcoming spaces for friendship groups to come together over a warm drink and snack. They also host many different activities including gentle exercise sessions, games and quizzes, cookery classes, live music, and guest speakers. Best Years members can also access extra support, from benefits advice to help using a digital device or support with health.
In April 2026, Best Years expanded into South Nottinghamshire with the latest Hub opening its doors on 5 June at Plumptre Hall in Eastwood. Weekly groups are now held across South Nottinghamshire:
- Cotgrave: Meets Mondays 11.00am to 1.00pm at Cotgrave Futures
- Arnold: Meets Wednesdays 1.00pm to 3.00pm at Arnold Salvation Army
- Eastwood: Meets Fridays 10.30am to 12.30pm at Plumptre Hall.
Find out more by contacting Your CVS at info@yourcvsnotts.org or by visiting the website.
Strength and balance classes making a difference in South Notts
Your Health Notts has been delivering additional strength and balance classes for people across South Nottinghamshire.
The positive impact these classes have had in helping people stay active, connected and independent can be seen in the case of Dennis, 94, from Arnold. Although he uses a walker for support when moving around, Dennis really challenged himself throughout the exercises, doing as many of them standing as he could. This led to noticeable improvements not only in his lower body strength but also in his confidence.
Dennis enjoyed getting to know others at the group and always came in with a positive attitude which was an inspiration to the younger members of the group. Since finishing the course, Dennis was referred onto the new strength and balance class at the Salvation Army so he can continue to build his strength and balance while benefiting from the much-needed social interaction provided by the group.
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Introducing the Your Notts Directory
The Your Notts Directory is a free website that helps people find local support, services and community groups across Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire. It brings together information for people, carers and professionals in one place and replaces the former Notts Help Yourself and ASKLiON directories.
Early feedback has been very positive, with users saying the site is easier to use, simpler to navigate and contains more up-to-date information than previous directories. A wider launch and promotional campaign are planned for later this summer, so look out for further updates in future newsletters.
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Ambition four: Keep our communities safe
Rushcliffe Borough Council recognised for outstanding services
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Streetwise team has been named Best Council Services Team at the MJ Achievement Awards, recognising their commitment to delivering high-quality services for residents while supporting wider environmental and wellbeing priorities.
The team was recognised for its leadership in transitioning its fleet to electric vehicles, reducing carbon emissions, improving staff morale, and responding positively to resident feedback.
Streetwise manages grounds maintenance, street cleansing and tree services across the borough, helping to maintain safe, attractive and accessible public spaces that support community wellbeing and encourage residents to enjoy their local environment.
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New EV charging points support greener communities
New electric vehicle (EV) charging points are being introduced at Bridgford Road and Nursery car parks in West Bridgford, helping to meet increasing demand for sustainable transport options across the borough.
The new facilities will provide medium to rapid charging options and build on existing EV charging provision at locations including Rushcliffe Country Park, Rushcliffe Arena, Gamston Community Hall, Gresham Sports Park, Bunny Lane and Church Drive in Keyworth.
As part of Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Carbon Clever journey, the scheme supports wider action to reduce carbon emissions and create a greener, healthier environment for residents, aligning with ambitions to achieve net zero carbon emissions.
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Cycle Confidence sessions encourage active travel in Bingham and Cotgrave
RideWise delivered Cycle Confidence sessions in Bingham and Cotgrave during the May half-term period, supporting families to improve their cycling confidence and make greater use of local routes. The sessions build on the Step into Bingham and Step into Cotgrave active travel maps by helping residents feel more confident navigating local cycling routes.
The initiative supports wider health and wellbeing priorities by encouraging physical activity, promoting active travel and helping residents develop healthier and more sustainable ways to travel within their communities.
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Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Health Protection Board
At the June 2026 meeting of the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Health Protection Board, partners came together to discuss a range of health protection priorities across the system.
The Board heard updates on work to reduce healthcare-associated infections and considered learning from the Lowdham Grange TB death inquest and the recommendations arising from it. Immunisations and vaccinations were a key focus, with discussions around recent changes to the routine vaccination schedule, and ongoing work to improve uptake across local communities. Members also received updates on screening services and on current work by the UK Health Security Agency.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the potential impact of NHS restructuring and local government reorganisation on future health protection arrangements and partnership working across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Introducing Connect to Work
Connect to Work is a government-funded employment support programme designed to help people who are disabled, have a long-term health condition, or are facing complex barriers to work, and would benefit from tailored, one-to-one support to help improve confidence, develop skills, access training opportunities, and move closer to sustainable employment. The programme will replace the Working Well service, which is due to end in January 2027.
The programme highlights the importance of strong partnership working across health, local authority and community services, to ensure people can access the right support at the right time. Work is currently underway to strengthen engagement, communications and referral pathways across South Nottinghamshire, helping to raise awareness of the service and support more people to benefit from it.
Find out more about Connect to Work by contacting connecttowork@eastmidlands-cca.gov.uk or by visiting their website.
Mansfield District Council celebration event
On 18 May 2026, Mansfield District Council (MDC) hosted and funded a celebration event for the Feeding Mansfield Network to recognise and thank the organisations and volunteers who work tirelessly to support local residents.
Held at the St John’s Centre, the event brought partners together for an afternoon tea in a relaxed and welcoming environment. West Nottinghamshire College supported the occasion with a range of craft activities, helping to create opportunities for networking and conversation. The event enabled food and fuel providers, health services, community organisations and wider system partners to connect, share experiences and reflect on their collective impact across Mansfield.
Guests included Andrew Forsey from Feeding Britain, alongside representatives from local charities, Nottinghamshire County Council, Citizens Advice and other community organisations. The event showcased the strength of partnership working across the district and highlighted the shared commitment to tackling food insecurity, supporting vulnerable residents and improving outcomes for communities across Mansfield.
Watch a short video reel of the Feeding Mansfield Network celebration event (Facebook)
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 June, the deep dive focused on Ambition one: Give every child the best chance of maximising their potential. A particular focus on improving outcomes for children through the Best Start Strategy and agreed to promote the Best Start offer across partner organisations.
Members also reviewed progress on the development of the Nottinghamshire Neighbourhood Health Plan, which will help shape future integrated public services and preventative health approaches, and noted plans for ongoing oversight of its delivery.
In addition, the Board ratified the 2026/27 Better Care Fund Plan, discussed priorities to support hospital discharge, reablement and independent living, and identified a number of future Board topics, including health inequalities, public health outcomes and the impact of flooding on health.
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