Thousands of people across the country are starting their journey to a smoke-free life this month.

Whether you’re quitting for your health, your family, or your wallet, getting local support can make all the difference.

You’re three times more likely to give up smoking successfully with support, compared to trying to give up by yourself.

Our free, local stop smoking service from Your Health Notts will help work out a plan that’s right for you, with nicotine replacement products and ongoing support.

Visit their website for more information or call 0115 772 2515.

We’d like to thank everyone who contributed to our Adult Social Care Big Conversation last year. Your thoughts and feedback fed into our Adult Social Care Plan [PDF] and priorities for 2026-2028.

The Adult Social Care Plan (previously known as the Local Account), was co-produced by Our Voice and council staff, building on what local people said was important in the Big Conversation, and feedback we received from the Care Quality Commission assessment.

If you’d like to discuss ways to get involved with co-production, please complete this form (Microsoft Forms) and someone will contact you.

Flu isn’t just a heavy cold. It can lead to serious illness and complications, particularly for older people, pregnant women, young children, and people with certain long-term health conditions.

The NHS offers free flu vaccinations to people at higher risk, including:

• adults aged 65 years and over
• pregnant women
• carers
• people with certain health conditions
• children aged 2 and 3 years
• school-aged from Reception to Year 11.

Getting vaccinated is the best protection for you and those around you during the winter months. If you're eligible, look out for your invitation and book your flu vaccine through your GP practice, pharmacy (NHS) or maternity service.

Looking after your mental health is important all year round, but World Mental Health Day on 10 October acts as an annual reminder to check in on yourself and loved ones.

Something as simple as going for a walk and getting some fresh air can really make a difference. That’s why NottAlone has teamed up with Notts Talking Therapies and Active Notts to put on some guided mental health walks.

The last walk in the series takes place on Sunday 11 October from 11am to 12 noon at Kingsmill Reservoir, Ashfield, NG17 4PA.

Meet at the Talking Therapies banner in the car park for a gentle walk around the reservoir before finishing at the café. The walk will be accessible for all; beginners, wheelchair, and pushchair friendly. Everyone is welcome.

If you are struggling with your mental health and you need to find support, visit the NottAlone website to find advice and links to local support services.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder to make your health a priority. You can help reduce your risk of breast cancer by reducing your alcohol intake, staying active, and eating a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables.

Early detection is also vital, with 98% of women surviving breast cancer for five years or more when diagnosed at an early stage. Regular breast screening can detect cancer before symptoms appear.

To support local communities, the Cancer Awareness Bus is visiting venues across the county and city until Monday 12 October offering free advice on the signs and symptoms of all cancers, information about screening programmes, mini health checks, and signposting to local health and wellbeing services. No appointment needed, simply hop on board and speak to the team.

• Thursday 8 October from 1pm to 4pm at Manton Family Hub, Community Way, off Shrewsbury Road, Worksop, S80 2TQ
• Friday 9 October from 9am to 4pm at Asda, Radford Road, Hyson Green, Nottingham, NG7 5FP
• Monday 12 October from 9am to 4pm at Portland Square, Sutton-in-Ashfield,
  NG17 1AZ.

If you have any symptoms or concerns, please do not delay contacting your GP.

Carers’ roadshows bring together local organisations, talent, community groups, and activities, to support carers. They are organised and led by local partner organisations with support from Nottinghamshire Carers Association.

The final 2026 roadshow dates are:

• Monday 26 October at Selston Parish Hall, NG16 6EE
• Wednesday 28 October at Castle House, Newark, NG24 1BY
• Friday 4 December at The Chaya Project, Stapleford, NG9 8GA.

Most events run from 10am to 2pm and there’s no need to book. Just come along and enjoy a fun, family-friendly day out.

The NHS is developing a new WorkWell service across the region to help people stay in work, return to work, and access support when a health condition affects their ability to work.

The aim of this new service is to complement the Connect to Work scheme overseen by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) that offers personalised employment support for people living in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

You can have your say on how the new WorkWell service is delivered locally by taking part in a short survey.

People are being reminded that urgent NHS dental treatment is available for anyone who needs it, even if they are not registered with an NHS dentist.

Urgent appointments are available for a range of conditions and may be appropriate if you have:

• a knocked-out tooth or other injury to your teeth
• severe toothache or tooth or mouth pain affecting your sleep or daily activities
• swelling, a lump, or a patch in your mouth that is getting bigger or not going away
• any infections
• recently had a tooth removed and are experiencing severe pain or bleeding
• a broken or loose filling, denture, crown, bridge or veneer.

If you have an urgent dental problem, don’t suffer in silence. Contact NHS 111 online or by phone and they will ensure you are directed to the most appropriate service.

Image credit: ©Karola G via Canva.com

October is also Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to raise awareness, show support for survivors, and encourage action to prevent all forms of abuse.

It’s estimated that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse during their lifetime. Every 30 seconds a domestic abuse related call is made to the police. Abuse is not limited to physical violence, it can also include emotional, financial, sexual, and coercive control.

Many people experiencing domestic abuse may suffer in silence due to fear, stigma, isolation, or uncertainty about where to turn for support. Raising awareness is therefore vital. It can help to:

• break the silence and stigma surrounding abuse
• empower and encourage survivors to seek help
• increase understanding of different forms and warning signs of abuse
• promote services and support for survivors
• create supportive communities where people feel safer speaking up and asking for help.