Memories of the dark winter evening are now hopefully behind us and we can now start to look ahead to some brighter warmer weather. Thoughts of getting back out into the world have begun now that lockdown is easing. We hope you find something here to inspire you to go take your first steps back to the new normal.
 What are subscribers are saying?
Over 1300 people have already subscribed to the Let's Get Telford Healthy email campaign. Of those who completed our survey:
- 86% said the email campaign helped them to make a healthy change in their lifestyle
- 77% said they were confident that they could maintain the changes in their lifestyle
- 58% experienced an improvement in their wellbeing
"I thought the content was great and really appreciated the way they were bookmarked at the beginning and ending of each week prompting me to stay motivated."
"I bought a fitbit to monitor my progress. I walk more, cook more healthily and cut down on sugary snacks. I have implemented it into my family home and everyone has joined in."
So what have people been doing?:
- 74% are walking more
- 59% are drinking more water
- 48% are cooking more meals from scratch
If you haven't already done so you can sign up to received these emails using the following link:
 If you (or someone you know) are looking for some help to improve your health and wellbeing then our team of Healthy Lifestyle Advisors may be just what you are looking for. Whether it’s helping you with making healthy food choices or exploring ideas on how to be more active, our advisors are here to assist you in achieving your health goals. They will encourage and motivate you to make those lifestyle changes you may have been considering for some time but just not quite managed yet.
So if you want to quit smoking, become more active, manage your blood pressure, lose weight, prevent diabetes, reduce your cholesterol or improve your general wellbeing then contact us.
We provide 6 appointments over a 12-week period to get you started on your pathway to better health….and all for free!
Call us on 01952 382582 or
 Mental Health Awareness week is an opportunity for people to talk about all aspects of mental health.
The theme of this year's awareness week is nature. Being in nature is known to be an effective way of tackling mental health problems and of protecting our wellbeing.
Notice nature and try to make a habit of connecting to nature every day. Stop to listen to the birdsong, smell the freshly cut grass, take care of a house plant, notice any trees, flowers or animals nearby. Take a moment to appreciate these connections.
There are things we can all do to look after our mental wellbeing. Every Mind Matters can get you started with a free NHS online plan, showing you simple steps to help manage anxiety, sleep better and boost your mood.
 Telford & Wrekin Council is pleased to launch the Happy Healthy & Active Holiday Fund, a fund which builds upon existing partnerships with local community organisations to deliver holiday clubs that keep children healthy and active during the holidays.
This new fund is being made available using a £842,000 Holiday Activity Fund (HAF) grant from the Department of Education and will extend the offer of holiday activities across the borough to children and families who face particular pressure points due to increased costs such as food and childcare. For some children that can lead to a holiday experience gap - with children from disadvantaged families more likely to experience ‘unhealthy holidays’ in terms of nutrition, physical health and social isolation.
Free holiday clubs are a response to this issue and evidence suggests that they can have a positive impact on children and young people. These clubs work best when opportunities are provided locally and where children (and parents) can access engaging activities such as physical and enriching activities, receiving a healthy nutritious meal, understanding more around healthy eating and cooking by being involved and most of all having fun.
There are so many ways you can get involved and we are encouraging organisations to apply for a grant to run holiday clubs in Telford & Wrekin during the summer and at Christmas holidays.
We also want to hear from groups and organisations that can provide fun activities, such as sports, crafts, or cooking.
The Department for Education is investing £10.1 million to help more schools open their facilities to the public as Coronavirus restrictions begin to ease. The funding will help schools deliver extra-curricular activities and open their facilities outside of the school day during evenings, weekends and school holidays.
Telford & Wrekin Leisure have launched their first outdoor fitness classes as they begin to re-open facilities across the borough.
The new outdoor classes take place in a safe, open space and provide a group fitness experience that many people have been missing over the lockdown period.
The outdoor timetable includes popular classes such as Body Combat, Body Attack and Grit, giving you the option to add some variety to your home workout routines.
Sessions start from £5.15 on a pay as you go basis. You don’t need to be an aspirations member to book. Session are inclusive for aspirations health and fitness members.
|
Loneliness Awareness Week (14 – 18 June) is just around the corner. Over the last two years we have supported this campaign, developed by the Marmalade Trust. We’re really interested in pulling together a programme for the week which really highlights what our residents can access to help them stay well and connected. If you are providing activities/support, planning on developing initiatives or have ideas which you or your organisation would like to develop, please get in touch.
We are also on the lookout for local people who enjoy creative activities and would be happy to share their experiences and support others to take part.
Please get in touch and email: Rachel.threadgold@telford.gov.uk
|
Still time to have your say
The Telford & Wrekin Cycling and Walking Strategy launched in 2017 established a commitment to active travel through the delivery of priorities and funding for improved cycling and walking routes and infrastructure. Since 2017 there has been significant changes affecting active travel both locally and nationally. This includes increasing levels of cycling and walking, greater health consciousness and the impact of COVID 19 renewing interest in active travel.
In order to revise and update the Cycling and Walking Strategy to keep pace with the social and economic changes, Telford and Wrekin Council are seeking the views of our residents, visitors, businesses, health providers, community leaders and the voluntary sector. By reaching out to individuals and groups we hope to reach a diverse range of voices including those not always heard in public consultations.
Telford & Wrekin want bring together our aspirations for health, equality and climate change within a vibrant local economy. A strategy that maximises our resources must be informed by the views of those who will benefit from future changes, and those who will work with us to deliver the best possible results for our Borough.
Have your say …. ‘so you can walk and cycle every day!’
 Why not take a break and do the British Heart Foundation quiz to find out. There might be some surprises in there!
|