 Welcome to the February edition of the Healthy Telford Newsletter.
This month is packed with ideas on being active - there's something for everyone, no matter what your level of ability. Why not have a go at something new?
We're looking for groups and organisations interested in providing a Wellbeing Cafe in Telford and Wrekin. Read all about this project and how you can express your interest in getting involved.
We're also inviting you to take the Women's Health Survey. The survey results will be used to shape future women’s services in the area.
And don't forget to scroll to the end for this months quiz.
 Groups and organisations in Telford and Wrekin are invited to express their interest in delivering a Wellbeing Café to tackle loneliness and social isolation through active engagement by Monday 14 February 2022.
Telford & Wrekin Council is launching a fund for groups and organisations who can provide a Wellbeing Café which offers support to priority groups to improve their health and wellbeing through their participation at the Cafe within the Telford and Wrekin area.
The concept of a Wellbeing Café is to tackle loneliness & social isolation through conversation and company and begin to understand interests and activities which support an individual’s health and wellbeing. Helping people to be connected, bringing people together to increase the number of social contacts and improve the quality of relationships.
We know that loneliness is detrimental to people’s health and wellbeing. Findings from a range of sources show us those at greater risk of loneliness include:
- young adults aged 16-24;
- older people
- those with a disability or long-term illness;
- those with long-term health conditions;
- those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnicities
- and those from lower income households.
Interested parties (whether individual organisations or consortia of organisations) are invited to express their interest by emailing public.health@telford.gov.uk in the first instance.
The organisations and groups who, in the opinion of the Council, can offer the best support, commitment of assets and achievement of health & wellbeing outcomes will be contacted with regards to the provision of a Wellbeing Café.
All expressions of interest should be submitted, not later than Monday 14 February 2022
Email: public.health@telford.gov.uk
 Steph joined the Team last September and has been working with clients in the Hadley area. Steph is also a fitness instructor with Telford & Wrekin Leisure - so is a real advocate for keeping active. One of her recent clients gave us this feedback.
Thoroughly enjoyed seeing Steph. I have several chronic illnesses and every health professional I see keeps nagging me to lose weight. Before seeing the healthy lifestyle adviser, I had no motivation and my mental health was bad due to bereavements. 12 weeks on, I've dropped a jean size, eating more fruit and veg, walking everyday too. I've signed myself up for the walk 1000 miles in a year challenge. As it's my first attempt and I have rheumatoid arthritis, I've set a lower target of 500 miles. Best thing I did signing up with a health adviser.
If you're looking for help to have a healthy lifestyle you can contact the team to book at appointment.
Or call 01952 382582
 A women’s health project group is asking: How can we make is easier for women in Shropshire and mid-Wales to get advice on their health?
Figures show that women are not coming forward for screening and asking for help with the menopause so the group, which is made up of local NHS providers and patient representatives across the county and mid-Wales, is trying to find out the reasons why.
The group is now running a survey, freshly open from 17 January 2022, to find out the views of women, and is encouraging all women to take part. The survey results will be used to shape future women’s services in the area.
The link for the survey, which should take approximately 15 minutes to complete, is below. All information provided for the survey will be anonymous, and the closing date for the survey is Monday 28 February 2022.
For any more information on the survey, or paper copies of the survey, email sath.engagement@nhs.net or ring 01743 261000 ext 2390
It’s National HIV awareness week between 7-13th February.
Here are some reasons why you should promote HIV testing in your community:
- 1 in 20 people with HIV are unaware they have it
- There is a higher risk of passing HIV on to sexual partners
- Late HIV diagnosis is linked to poorer long-term health outcomes
- People diagnosed late had more than a sevenfold increased risk of death within a year of diagnosis
- You can order a free online test today from the Terrence Higgins Trust
Testing for HIV is quick and easy, all it takes is a finger-prick test.
There are many ways to test – at a sexual health clinic, your GP, through HIV and sexual health charities or by ordering a free test online
Anyone diagnosed with HIV in the UK can access free treatment and support.
To find out more about how you can support this important event, please go to National HIV Testing Week 2022 campaign briefing.
 Make your pledge to improve your wellbeing
People across Telford and Wrekin are making a pledge to improve their wellbeing as part of the Year of Wellbeing - a whole year of activity about improving how we feel.
After the past 24 months of dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic, we all deserve to be living happier and healthy lives.
Once you have made your pledge, you will receive emails about the 5 Ways to Wellbeing, including ways to improve your physical and mental health, motivation, tips and information you can put into practice.
Improving how you feel is about making small achievable changes over time.
So make that first small step - sign a pledge to improve your wellbeing this year.
The New Forget- me- not care and share group, starts on Monday 7 February at the Hub on The Hill, Sutton hill, Telford, TF7 4HG
The care and share group provides a place for people living with dementia and their caregivers to come along to relax, enjoy activities and socialise with others. There will also be a freshly prepared two course home-made lunch provided.
From 11-1pm, cost per person per session £20, booking is preferred.
For more information or to book a place please phone the Hub on 01952 898052 or email debbie.knight@suttonhillct.org.uk
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Thanks to funding from the Sports Council Trust Company, Energize - our local Active Partnership, have worked with Donnington Community Hub, Telford and Wrekin Council and Telford Mind to find new ways to help the Donnington community to be more active and improve their physical, mental and emotional health.
Residents of the Donnington area are invited to have a go at a variety of choices of fun, social and low or high intensity types of exercise.
There’s Zumba, yoga, boxing, bhangra dancing, line dancing, cricket, tennis, walking and much more for the people of Donnington to choose from!
Booking is recommended. For more information and contact details for each activity check out Donnington Hub’s website or their Facebook page
 Young people aged 12-16 can now play football on the latest pitches, with coaching from professional staff for the cost of a voluntary contribution.
Top of the range football facilities have been made available through a successful bid to Sport England for £10k, secured by Telford and Wrekin Council’s Safer and Stronger Communities project and in addition, Councillor Paul Watling has provided a further £1,000 from Pride funding.
Usually reserved for private hire, the synthetic third generation (3G) pitches are now available at four out of seven locations across the borough, with ambitious plans to ensure every 3G pitch holds public sessions.
Supported by qualified coaches from A.F.C Telford United, young people can now can play on pitches year round, despite weather conditions.
Newsroom - Football Sessions for £1 on Friday Nights (telford.gov.uk)
 Always wanted to try Yoga?
Or do you want to get back into Yoga to improve your flexibility and balance?
If so this class is ideal for you!
Perfect for beginners and those experienced in Yoga, on 10am each Monday you can join this “Gentle Yoga” class for just £3 per class.
No need to book, but for more information contact Debbie via 07790006815 or go to www.thecurlyyogi.co.uk
What is Menoga? It's a Yoga class for men only. It helps to maintain balance and flexibility, strengthens muscles and improves breathing - all to boost physical and mental wellbeing.
Join Anne-Marie for Menoga at Hadley Community Centre TF1 5NL on Thursday mornings from 9:15-10:15
Can I do it if I have a physical condition? – Anne-Marie will adapt exercises for those with, for instance, bad backs and joint problems, as long as your doctor has not advised against any form of exercise.
Will it help me mentally? - Yoga can help calm the mind, therefore helping to reduce anxiety and depression.
What will I wear? Anything loose and comfy, eg t-shirt and joggers.
Do I have to have done Yoga before? No, not at all.
Will I need to bring my own mat? Yes, you can often find them in local discount stores or supermarkets. You do not have to get down on the floor, but the mat offers stability for standing and stops slipping.
Will I have to meditate? – No, Anne-Marie concentrates on the exercise but finishes with a blissful deep relaxation.
For more information call Anne-Marie on 07734 107383 or email yogawithannemarie@gmail.com
Organisations - it's time to sign up to Telford & Wrekin's Year of Wellbeing.
Organisations play an important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of your staff, volunteers, clients and members.
Whether you are a company, a charity or a small community group, the Year of Wellbeing pledge for organisations gives your commitment to promote the campaign and get involved.
When your organisation signs up we will then email you with ways to get involved in the campaign as an organisation, plus send you our Healthy Telford Newsletter and other useful communications about funding, projects and campaigns.
Make your pledge by signing up to the Year of Wellbeing
Help us reach more people and raise the profile of the Year of Wellbeing.
 Supporting the health & wellbeing of the staff, colleagues, volunteers and clients within the organisations we belong to is vitally important.
The people within an organisation are its most vital asset and everyone should have the opportunity to feel good, to be happy, healthy and well.
By giving some of our time to talk with others about the Five Ways to Wellbeing, we can all do more to support everyone’s mental health and wellbeing – including our own - through five easy ways, helping us all to enjoy life more and feel better.
The Five Ways to Wellbeing are:
- Give to others
- Connect with others
- Keep learning
- Take notice of your surroundings
- Be Active
This month we’re focusing on “Connecting with others” within an organisation or workplace.
 Meeting new people
Growing our social networks and making new friends can be an enriching experience, but sometimes it can be hard to know where to start and where to go to meet people with similar interests and values.
There are lots of things you can do to connect with others, even when you are working from home. Try some of the following:
- Have lunch with a colleague
- Volunteer – volunteer at a local school, hospital or community group.
Find out more information here www.volunteertelford.co.uk
- Introduce social walks or runs at lunchtime to encourage employees to meet other people from across the organisation. This will also have the bonus of encouraging your workforce to be more active.
- Take up a Team Challenge – Sign up with colleagues to undergo a sponsored event.
- Connecting with colleagues via social groups, clubs and groups.
- Become a Wellbeing Champion – Promote the 5 Ways to wellbeing within your organisation. To find out more contact nicholas.robinson@telford.gov.uk
How are you?
Take this Better Health quiz to get your score, and see simple steps and ideas to look after your health and feel better.
Get a FREE personalized health score when you complete this 10 minute quiz.
How Are You is for over 18s only and is only designed to point you in the right direction. It’s not a medical assessment – if you’re worried about your health you should speak to a health professional.
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