October Vibes
 It's all happening this October!
We're celebrating both our local libraries and World Mental Health Day this month; we're also cycling to school with the kids and making sure they know how to to be seen and safe as pedestrians. And if you want to try something new, October is the month for you! There's plenty to get involved in, from dancing, art club and netball, to walking rugby, cookery and volunteering opportunities.
So take a break, grab a drink and have a look what's going on in Telford and Wrekin. And don't forget to take this month's quiz - a little adventure in self-discovery.
Tackling the cost of living crisis
As we head towards the winter months and with the continued rise in our cost of living we are all looking for ways to make our money last longer, food go further and keep enjoying life. In this section we want to highlight ways to eat well on a budget, hoping that just one suggestion makes a difference to you.
Shopping habits
Changing some of our shopping habits could save us money and help to make food last longer for example:
- Swapping fresh fruit and veg for tinned or frozen, both as healthy as fresh but lasts longer.
- Remember a ‘Buy 1 get 1 free’ is only a deal if it is something you normal buy within you shopping.
- Know your supermarket, only travel down the aisles you need to avoid picking items you don’t need.
- Use a smaller trolley if you can as it stops over buying.
- Make a shopping list before you go that is based on meals planned.
- And this is the big one NEVER go shopping hungry! This will stop impulse buying which is based more on cravings.
Free School Meals
Did you know that all children in reception, year 1 and 2 are entitled to Universal Infant Free Schools Meals? Also if you are in receipt of certain benefits your child in other year groups could also receive Free School Meals saving you money on providing a packed lunch each day.
School meals are a great way to fill children, keep them warm and as all are created in line with the Food Standards for school meals, your children will be receiving a nutritionally balanced meal from a variety of choice, which includes a daily salad bar, hot meal and pudding.
Pregnancy and children aged 4 years or younger
If you are 10 weeks or more pregnant or have children under 4 years old in your household and receiving Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit you could be entitled to Healthy Start Vouchers which can be used to buy fruit and veg, milk or bread at some supermarkets.
Each month money will be added to your Healthy Start card, how much will depend on if you are pregnant or the age of your child:
- £4.25 each week of your pregnancy from the 10th week
- £8.50 each week for children from birth to 1 year old
- £4.25 each week for children between 1 and 4 years old
Apply for your Healthy Start card.
Food Banks
We all may need a bit of extra support from time to time. If you do find yourself in a situation where you need support with food here are a few options available:
While we're on the subject, a Cost of Living drop-in event is being held at Dawley Baptist Church on Wednesday 12th October from 9am until 12.30pm. Free refreshments will be available.
Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate World Mental Health Day with the African Caribbean Community Initiative (ACCI) on Wednesday 12th October between 12noon and 3pm at Hadley Community Centre, 30 High Street, Hadley TF1 5NL.
There will be stalls, entertainment, Caribbean food and two keynote speakers on the day: Mental Health Wellbeing Consultant Paul Grey, and the Team Leader of Mental Health Telford, Lyn Hall.
The ACCI is a holistic and comprehensive support service for Africans / African Caribbeans and the wider community affected by mental ill health. We are working with Telford & Wrekin Council to provide community-based support and advice across Calm Cafes and other community spaces throughout Telford, to support people experiencing mental ill health.
For further information, please contact Anaisa on 07483 310580 or Estella on 07483 420710.
 Exercise doesn’t have to mean sport – what about dancing?
The message about the benefits of exercise or being active is very clear – it’s very good for all of us, in so many different ways.
According to the UK Chief Medical Officers, every week adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity, or 75 minutes vigorous activity, or a mixture of both, with strengthening activities on two days also.
But that doesn’t mean squeezing into lycra to hit the gym or taking part in a competitive sport if that’s not your thing.
Thankfully there are loads of ways to get us all moving these days, meaning there’s bound to be one or more types of activity that suit you.
In this article we’re going to look at dancing.
So why dance? What are the benefits of dancing? Well, there are many, and some of them might surprise you.
We’d all guess that dancing is good for our flexibility, weight loss, core strength, cardiovascular (heart) and lung health, coordination, strength and balance.
But did you know that dancing can also improve our memory and brain health, minimize stress and anxiety, and reduce depression and loneliness?
Added to that are the benefits of socialising, meeting new people and making new friends, plus the increase in self confidence and self-esteem that joining a dancing group can bring.
In fact, it has so many benefits to our general health and wellbeing, that some people have described dancing as ‘the secret to eternal youth’!
If we asked you, we bet you could name lots of different types of dancing, from ballroom to barn dancing, and disco to Morris dancing.
But how many of them have you tried?
Dancing has always been part of our art, culture and celebrations, and today is mainly about recreation, exercise and sociability, though of course it can be a competitive activity too.
So, how do you get started?
We all know that dancing can be done in a group, with a partner, or on our own, at a dance school, social venue, leisure/fitness centre, our local community centre, or our own home.
But did you also know that anyone of any age can take part?
Dancing has so many benefits for both the young and the ageing body and is fantastic exercise for almost everyone, even bearing in mind most illnesses, health conditions, disabilities and post-surgery.
And for most types of dancing you won’t need any special footwear, equipment or clothing.
Before taking up dancing, just like with any new physical activity, it’s best to see your doctor for a check-up if you have a medical condition, are overweight or unfit.
When dancing, wearing layers of clothing that you can take off as your body warms up is a good idea, as is drinking fluid before, during and after dancing.
With any form of exercise it’s important to do warm-up activities before and cool down afterwards, including stretching.
So, what’s stopping you?
Worried you can’t dance? It really doesn’t matter – even if you say you have ‘two left feet’, most forms of dance have a teacher who can gently and patiently coax the dancer out of all of us.
Besides, like most things it doesn’t matter how good you are, just how much you enjoy it.
Want to give it a try? Here are just some of the local dance sessions you can have a go at, for the benefit of your physical, mental, emotional and social health and wellbeing:
- Leegomery - Chi Chi Fit
- Dawley - Inclusive Discos
- Hadley - Zumba, Exercise to Music, Dance Steps, Line Dancing, Clubbercise and ‘Dance and Exercise’ class
- Oakengates – Zumba, Sh’Bam, Bhangra Dancing and Dance Steps
- Donnington - Line Dancing, Zumba, Shine Youth Dance Classes
- Newport – Ballet
- Brookside - Chi Chi fit
- Wellington - Sh’Bam
- Madeley - Jubilee2 Dance Club, Line Dancing and Ballroom Dancing
- Sutton Hill –Chi Chi Fit
- Woodside – Zumba, Callisto and Tea Dancing
For details visit Live Well Telford or Telford & Wrekin Council Leisure Services.
Are you, or do you know anyone aged between 70 and 79 years old?
Everyone aged between 70 and 79 is eligible for the shingles vaccine.
Visit the NHS website to find out more about shingles and the shingles vaccine.
Moonbeams sessions in Oakengates
Telford & Wrekin Library Service are being joined by Oakengates Children's Centre and a local artist to create sessions full of creativity, fun, singing and exploring.
The sessions are for families with children aged 0-5 years running from Wednesday 28 September, during term-time only.
Morning sessions take place 10am to 11.30am at Oakengates Library.
Afternoon sessions take place 1pm to 2.30pm at The Wakes, Oakengates.
Booking is required for each adult attending.
Visit Oakengates Town Council's Eventbrite page to book your place.
 New 8-week gentle exercise course
Here's an opportunity to attend a new, free Qigong course for relaxation and falls prevention, for adults in Telford and Wrekin. Qigong encourages realistic and sustainable changes that can help people to reduce stress and anxiety, and to raise the awareness of posture and balance.
Learning Format: Face-to-Face Class OR Zoom Virtual Class
Venue: Chinese Art & Culture Centre, Unit E4, Stafford Park 15, TF3 3BB Free parking is available at the venue.
Start date: Tuesday 27th September at 2.30pm
Suitable for all ages and abilities, this course is funded by the Commonwealth Games Fund from Sports England through local partner Energize.
Places are limited and advanced booking is essential.
For more information please contact: Faye 07779 080962 or Diane 07866 232747
Telford Health Champions are looking to sign up new volunteers passionate about the health and wellbeing of their community
There are lots of exciting opportunities available like helping out at well-being cafés, helping with blood pressure checks, family cooking club(s) and leading walking groups.
But don’t just take our word for it when it comes to talking about the amazing work that Health Champions do for our community.
We’ve teamed up with one of our Health Champions Howard to share an insight of what being a Health Champion involves….
Why I became a Health Champion
Having retired from work in March 2021, I launched myself into my favourite hobby which is keeping fit and exercising. I started to exercise more than when I was working, and it was during one of my runs and a chance conversation with a fellow runner that I heard about health champions and how they engage and encourage other people to adopt a healthy lifestyle. I decided I would like to become a health champion and help others.
Another reason for my decision was that I myself was obese many years ago and decided to turn my life around. Without the support of friends, work colleagues, family, and staff at the local gym I joined, I might not have made it.
How much involvement do I need to have as a Health Champion?
The amount of involvement that a health champion has is really down to the individual.
I like to be hands on and to that end I am trying to encourage people to use the outdoor gym at the Park Lane centre in Woodside, by running a free boot camp exercise class every Wednesday. This has been quite successful and more people are now using the gym.
What I get out of being a Health Champion
Being a health champion gives me great pleasure and satisfaction in that I might have made a difference to even a single individual who might now give up some of their old bad habits for healthier ones.
What support I receive as a Health Champion
Of course, being a health champion also means you might need support for your project or health goal, and I have to say that the community services team within Telford & Wrekin have been excellent. I have received training and funds for exercise equipment.
“So if you have some spare time and want to help people within this community, consider becoming a health champion”.
If you are interested in becoming a Health Champion, please email Telford Health Champions on health.champions@telford.gov.uk to find out more.
 Libraries Week 3 - 9 October
Research has shown that regular reading not only improves brain connectivity, but also reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, aids sleep readiness and helps prevent cognitive decline as you age.
And there's no better time to visit the library than during Libraries Week, the annual showcase and celebration of the best that libraries have to offer.
This year Libraries Week is celebrating the central role that libraries play in supporting life-long learning, helping individuals unlock and fulfil their potential at every stage of life.
So why don't you pop into your local Telford & Wrekin library this week? Whether you want to learn something new or find a good story to sink into, there's plenty of choice. Alternatively, you can go online to borrow e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines without leaving the comfort of your sofa.
Keep up to date with Libraries Week 2022 by following @librariesweek on Twitter or share your plans using the #LibrariesWeek tag.
Seated exercise and social
Welcome to all our Windrush Generation, their friends and families over 60 years.
Come along to our monthly get-togethers. Includes seated exercise, a hot lunch, music, fun and games and more.
Takes place every second Saturday of the month at 11am.
Contact us to book a place by phoning 07428 773174 or emailing contactus@taarc.uk
Art club for young adults
Come along to the 14 - 18yrs or the 19 - 24yrs Art Clubs at Shropshire Youth Support Trust, Dawley Baptist Church, TF4 2BE. These sessions are held every fortnight on a Wednesday from 5.30pm to 7pm. Beginners welcome.
Entry costs £1.67
For more information please call us on 01952 299214 or email us at hello@systbusiness.co.uk
 Safety first
As the nights are drawing in, it's even more important that we are all careful when out and about near busy roads and in the dark. Neighbourhood and Enforcement Services offer the following two workshops to Telford & Wrekin primary schools, to ensure that our children know how to be safe.
Be Bright Be Seen
Aimed at years 3 and 4 this workshop is a short science and maths experiment where children learn about reflective and high visibility materials and the importance of using them. By making a prediction, completing a fun experiment and analysing their results, pupils can find out which colours are the most effective.
This interactive workshop is delivered by a member of the Road Safety Team and can be run during curriculum or PPA time. The activity has been developed with primary phase teachers who have ensured the activity covers relevant maths, literacy and science aspects of the curriculum.
The workshop is one hour in duration and costs just £75 per class and includes a free pair of fluorescent gloves for every pupil.
Pedestrian Training
The Pedestrian Training workshops increase children’s knowledge of the Green Cross Code and teaches them age appropriate pavement behaviour skills. This is a classroom based workshop followed by accompanied walks in the local area. A pre and post evaluation takes place, outliers are highlighted and results are fed back to the class teacher.
This workshop costs £125 per class. Feedback on this scheme has been excellent.
For more information or to book please email gemma.marchant@telford.gov.uk
Cycle to school week is back!
During the week of 3rd to 7th October, we are looking for as many schools as possible to join in and encourage pupils and parents to hop on a bike and cycle to and from school.
Cycling to school helps us to stay healthy, saves money and supports the environment. This year Bikeability, supported by Sustrans, have four pledges to chose from:
- Cycle to school everyday
- Swap one car journey for cycling
- Cycle with your family
- Discover somewhere new on a cycle ride
We would love to see photos and hear stories of families and pupils cycling to school and getting out and exploring the local area.
Please send any photos or stories to: helen.smith2@telford.gov.uk. We would love to inspire others by sharing them on our social media pages.
Good food ends with good talk
At our Open Kitchen you will learn to cook a budget-friendly, delicious and healthy meal from scratch. The cost is £2 per person and all ingredients are included.
Join us at 11am on the second Saturday of every month at Telford Elim Community Church, Hadley TF1 6LP.
Book your place by calling us on 07428 773174 or emailing us on contactus@taarc.uk
Women's Netball Sessions
Telford & Wrekin's women are being invited try their hand at netball - for fun, informal sessions for all abilities and ages, led by a trained instructor. If you want to have a go, come along on Wednesdays from 6 - 7pm at Hadley Methodist Church, High St, Hadley, Telford TF1 5NG
Just £2 per person per session.
For more details call or text 07428 773174
Walking Rugby at Telford Hornets Rugby Club
And if netball's not your thing, maybe rugby could be. Come and try your hand at Walking Rugby, a simplified version of rugby suitable for all ages and abilities and without the full-on contact. Make friends, get fit and have some fun.
Every Tuesday at 10.30am at THRC, Hinkshay Road, Telford TF4 3NZ
10 by 10
There are ten activities children should try before they are ten years old. Each 10 by 10 activity is a chance for your child to discover new talents and experience the world.
By working with schools and local organisations we've put together several activities and offers - many for free.
Visit the 10 by 10 website to search for 10 by 10 activities and offers. By signing up you can also track and tick off each activity your child does.
We want your child to have the opportunity to have a go at each activity. Who knows, one of these activities might spark something in your child that you might not expect.
Activity for all
Come along to a fun, circuit-style exercise session at Park Lane Centre, Park Lane, Woodside TF7 5QZ on Fridays between 1pm and 2pm.
We offer a variety of aerobic and resistance exercises, ideal for those with low-risk medical conditions or limited activity levels. Support and advice also available.
£3 per session.
For more information, contact Pete on 07812 005659
Outdoor Gym Bootcamp
Also at Park Lane Centre, a free outdoor gym bootcamp every Wednesday starting at 10.30am. No need to book, just turn up and work out.
Last week was National Loan Sharks Week (26th September to 2nd October). As Christmas fast approaches and the cost of living crisis looms, loan sharks are an increasing threat.
A report published by the Centre for Social Justice estimated that 1.08 million people in England are currently using loan sharks. That's 2% of the population, so that could mean at least 2% of the people you work to support. Loan shark victims are often in contact with multiple agencies but do not reveal their situation. When the Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) ask them why, the reply is quite simply “because they didn’t ask me”.
Ask the question
Anyone can be a victim of a loan shark – your family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and even you. The IMLT is asking partner organisations to ask as many people as possible a loan shark question.
The usual question might be: Do you owe money to a loan shark?
However, more than two thirds of people believe they borrowed from a friend at the point at which they took out the loan. So, it may be better to ask:
- Have you borrowed money from a friend?
- Does that friend lend lots of people money?
- Are you paying back more than you borrowed?
- What happens if you don’t pay your ‘friend’ back on time?
3 yes answers, and a concern over consequences of non-payment, may indicate this person may be the victim of a loan shark.
If you think someone has borrowed from a loan shark, then IMLT suggest saying the following:
- “We think the person you have borrowed from might be acting illegally. You have done nothing wrong. We’d like to help you get in touch with an organisation who supports people in your situation so they can talk you through your options. Is that OK?”
You can then:
- Arrange an appointment for the potential victim to be at your offices and we will come and meet them (we can do this without knowing their details if required)
- Call your local LIAISE officer and pass the phone over to the victim (“We know Emma who works at Stop Loan Sharks, we can give her a call so you can get some advice”)
- Call our Helpline on 0300 555 2222 and pass the phone over to the person you’re supporting
- For those that prefer to type as opposed to talk then help them access Live Chat via our website stoploansharks.co.uk (this service is available between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday).
- Arrange a follow up appointment to discuss their situation in more detail.
We would ask that you only give the person a leaflet or card as a last resort, as in our experience they are highly unlikely to call if they are not supported to do so.
For more information please contact your local LIAISE officer or email us at partner@stoploansharks.gov.uk.
Well done - you made it to the end of this bumper newsletter!
Now for something completely different.
There are many different personality tests out there. The Myers-Briggs Personality Test, developed by a mother-daughter team in the 1940s, is just one. An introspective questionnaire, this test encourages you to consider how you perceive the world and how you make decisions.
Understanding yourself can be helpful when making lifestyle changes, enabling you to work to your strengths to achieve your goals.
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