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Dear Champions,
Thanks to everybody who joined our drop in session this week. I look forward to seeing you on 5 April where we will be joined by Annie Clewlow. Annie is the manager of Communicare, a local charity that enriches the quality of life of lonely and isolated people in Southampton.
Also joining our forum next week will be Dan Stickland from our employment support team. Dan will be giving an overview of an upcoming jobs fair. If your organisation is interested in signing up to the event you can do so here.
We would love to hear your thoughts on the forums and bulletin moving forward! If you haven't already, please fill in this quick survey to let us know your thoughts.
Flu infection levels remain high in the community and vaccinations continue to be the most effective way to protect from serious illness. Having the flu vaccination will protect you and your family members, so please if you are eligible, have your flu vaccination as soon as possible. Appointments are available from GP practices, local pharmacies or can be booked online at www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations.
If you or someone you know are interested in being a speaker at one of our forums, please drop us a message. We would love to hear from you!
Have a great weekend.
Amy
 As it is national diabetes week on 22nd – 28th May we are putting the spotlight on the national diabetes prevention programme.
The Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is delivered by Xyla Health and Wellbeing locally and provides support to reduce people's risk of Type 2 diabetes. This includes education on healthy eating and lifestyle, help to lose weight and physical exercise programmes, together they have been proven to reduce the risk of developing the disease. The programme is free - on referral
Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. This risk tool can help you find out if you’re at risk of developing the condition and help you seek support from your local Healthier You programme. It could be the most important thing you do today. Visit Diabetes UK – Know Your Risk of Type 2 diabetes
For more information on the free NHS programme visit: About Healthier You
 Local elections will be slightly different this year. Across the country Voter ID at Polling Stations is being introduced. If you don't have one of the accepted forms of ID then you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate by 25 April.
In Southampton the Local Government Boundary Commission has reviewed the city’s population growth and Parliament has decided that a new ward is created in the city centre. As a result, the number of Councillors will increase to 51 in total, 3 for each of the 17 wards. In consultation with residents, Bitterne ward has been renamed Thornhill, and the new city centre ward has been named Banister and Polygon.
Ward boundaries have changed across the city to ensure that each Councillor represents about the same number of residents. Due to these changes, all Council seats will be up for election on 4 May. Rather than the usual single vote, you can vote for one, two or three candidates in your ward. Watch this short video to find out what you need to know.
As result of these changes you may also have a different local polling station. Go to southampton.gov.uk/polling-stations and select 'Polling Districts (after May 2023)' to check where yours is.
 The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released data that shows a sharp increase in confirmed cases of norovirus, so it’s important to take actions to help protect yourself and others.
Norovirus is highly infectious and the most common infectious case of diarrhoea and vomiting. It is easily spread through contact with someone with the infection or with contaminated surfaces. One of the best ways to prevent the spread of norovirus is by practising good hand hygiene. Handwashing with soap and warm water is the most effective way to kill the virus and it is important to note that alcohol hand gels are not effective against it.
Most people will make a full recovery within 2 to 3 days but it is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, especially for the very young, elderly or those with weakened immune systems who are more at risk.
Visit the NHS website for more information on the signs and symptoms of norovirus and how you can treat yourself or your child at home.
 We know that the rising cost of living can cause stress and financial worries that impact your mental health and wellbeing. If you, or someone you know, is feeling stressed, anxious or worried, help and support is available in Southampton.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing an emotional crisis, phone Samaritans for free from any phone on 116 123.
For more information about the support available in the city and from government please visit our Cost of Living Information webpages.
 The system will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phone if their lives are at risk in an emergency. The service will be used to warn you about life-threatening emergencies such as severe flooding.
Emergency Alerts are messages sent to all compatible 4G and 5G mobile phones when there’s a danger to your life, health or property in the area you’re located. Only the government and the emergency services can send them.
A UK-wide alerts test will take place in the early evening of 23 April which will see people receive a test message on their mobile phones. You’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound. A message on your screen will tell you about the emergency and how best to respond. You’ll be able to check an alert is genuine at gov.uk/alerts
To learn more about Emergency Alerts, look out for the nationwide information campaign.
 Vaccinations remain our best defence against COVID-19.
Please come forward and get your vaccinations if you are yet to do so. You can still access your first or second COVID-19 vaccination.
There are two upcoming COVID-19 vaccination walk in clinics:
- Friday 14 April 19:00 - 21:00 (eligible for 5-11y and 12 - 18y first and second doses only)
- Monday 17 April 18:00 - 22:00 (eligible 75y+ for spring booster only)
Find your nearest walk-in clinic or book an appointment using the national booking system.
Flu vaccines are available from your own GP surgery, or from many pharmacies, either by checking with your local pharmacy directly or booking one of the available pharmacies on the national flu booking system.
Got a question? Call the vaccine patient helpline on 0300 561 0018.
Weekly Wednesday Forum / Drop in
By coming along to our weekly forum you can hear the latest data, ask questions to the Public Health and the Community Engagement Team and get to know other champions.
When: Wednesday's at 4:30pm
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5 April- Loneliness and Isolation Forum
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12 April- Drop in session
Where: Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 898 1472 0035
Passcode: 724469
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