 Welcome to the February edition of the Healthy Telford newsletter
You may have made a New Year's Resolution or two around becoming more active or eating a healthier diet. Or perhaps 2023 is the year that you've decided you'd like to quit smoking. Whatever your goal, motivation plays a big part in any life change, and it helps to have someone to support you and cheer you on when you've made the commitment to improving your health.
This month therefore we're focusing on support available in Telford & Wrekin. Whether it be you supporting others during these cold (and possibly lonely) months, or what the Healthy Lifestyles Service can do for you, there are plenty of ideas here to help you improve your health and wellbeing.
So get yourself a warm drink and settle down for a little light reading. And don't forget this month's hearty quiz!
 Time to Talk Day, 2 February 2023
On Thursday 2 February between 10am and 1pm Telford Mind will be hosting a market stall event at Dawley Town Hall, New Street, Dawley TF4 3JR
Here you will get chance to meet the services available to support your mental health in Telford and Wrekin. There will also be entertainment and food. Everyone is welcome!
 New campaign targeting loneliness
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has launched their new loneliness campaign activity as part of the Better Health - Every Mind Matters campaign.
The campaign primarily aims to reach 16-34 year olds by continuing to encourage them to ‘Lift Someone Out of Loneliness’, knowing that this will likely help their own feelings of loneliness. This is based on recent research that shows that people in this demographic are at higher risk of feeling lonely compared to other age groups, but less likely to seek advice and support.
If you’re feeling lonely this winter, search ‘Every Mind Matters' for support and advice or visit the Every Mind Matters website.
 Meet Charlotte
Madeley Town Council would like to welcome their newest member to the team.
Charlotte has been appointed to the role of Wellbeing Officer and will be working with partner organisations and the local community with the aim to improve the wellbeing of residents in Madeley, Sutton Hill and Woodside.
Any organisations with a wellbeing focus are welcome to contact Charlotte to discuss partnership working opportunities. Please email charlotte@madeleytowncouncil.gov.uk
 Helping you stay the course
As we near the end of January many people will be looking again at their New Year’s resolutions. Regularly appearing in the top 10 list of things people want to commit to doing are improving fitness, doing more exercise, losing weight, improving diet, drinking less alcohol and quitting smoking. But these changes can be difficult in the cold, dark days of January and February.
The Healthy Lifestyles Team can help you to achieve these and other goals and take them beyond the New Year, with the aim of making them permanent features in your lifestyle.
We offer 6 free sessions to get you started. You can chose face-to-face, telephone or video appointments – whatever works for you. We can help dispel those myths about the food you eat, tell you about the activities available in your local area and most of all motivate and support you to take those first steps to being the improved you in 2023.
One of our recent clients said the following about our service:
"I found the service helpful to regain my knowledge of how important diet and exercise is. I struggle to lose weight and gain easily so it's helped me to get fitter and make better food choices. My Advisor was always positive when I saw her and I never felt judged which is important as going to things like slimming world in the past made me feel like that."
Contact the team by emailing healthylifestyles@telford.gov.uk, calling them on 01952 382582 or by completing the online form using the button below.
 It’s never too late to quit
While making the decision can be daunting, stopping smoking remains one of the best things you can do for your health. And you don’t have to do it alone, the Healthy Lifestyles Service has a dedicated stop smoking team ready to support you whenever you decide the time is right for you.
Stopping smoking has many benefits, both for your physical and mental health.
Dr Nick White, the Chief Medical Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, says “the sooner you quit, the sooner you’ll notice improvements to your health.” He goes on to explain how quickly the lungs begin to repair: “After 72 hours the bronchial tubes begin to relax, breathing becomes easier and energy levels increase. After 3 to 9 months, coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung function increases by 10%. And after 1 year, the risk of heart attack has halved compared to a smoker.”
Quitting can also improve your mood and help to relieve stress, anxiety and depression. And, of course, a smoker could save an average of £38 a week by giving up smoking, which is approximately £2000 a year – money that could make a big difference as the cost of living crisis continues.
A client who has recently reached her 12 weeks quit smoking milestone with help from the Healthy Lifestyles Service had this to say about her Stop Smoking Advisor Cath:
“Catherine has been so great. It’s been really encouraging to know I have someone to talk to about the silly things that might trigger a craving and to praise you when you’ve done well. Her knowledge was invaluable and her tips saved me on a few occasions. At the end of my 12 weeks I’m smoke free and I’ve even joined the gym to try and get a bit healthier too. It seems like a long time to start with, but it’s flown by with the support from the service.”
Evidence suggests that a person is three times more likely to quit smoking successfully if they access some form of support. So if you’ve been thinking about stopping, it’s never too late.
Contact the Healthy Lifestyles Service by emailing healthylifestyles@telford.gov.uk, calling them on 01952 382582 or by completing the online form using the button below.
 Whatever your aims for 2023, your local library can play a part
Learning something new?
Looking for recipes to inspire you?
Taking up a new sport or hobby?
From dancing to dominoes, from healthy eating to happiness, whatever you're interesting in exploring there'll be a book written about it. So why not try out your local library before heading for a bookshop or online store? If the library doesn't have what you're looking for, the friendly staff will do their best to fill the gap or signpost you in the right direction.
And if you don't fancy carrying a bag of books around with you, take a look at the Libby app instead, where you can access a wide range of eBooks, eAudio and eMagazines from your phone or tablet.
Visit Telford and Wrekin Libraries for more information about what's available from your local library service.
 Southwater Visual Impairment (VI) Group
Do you or someone you care for live with sight loss?
Why not come along to our monthly support group at Southwater Library?
Have a cuppa and a chat with like-minded people and find out what services the Library can offer you!
The group meets on the second Thursday of every month between 11am and 12noon.
To book a free place please visit Telford & Wrekin Libraries Eventbrite page.
 Wellington Poetry Group
Do you enjoy poetry? Then why not join a group to read and listen to your favourite poems and bring your own work also.
A chance to relax and share with others. There will be light refreshments too. The group meets on the second Tuesday of every month between 3pm and 4pm at Wellington Library.
Booking not required just come along!
Visit the Telford & Wrekin Libraries Eventbrite page for meeting dates.
 Space-alien-bugs craft activity for February half term!
This February half-term come along to one of our libraries to make your own space alien bug.
Will your bug be friendly, scary or funny – it's up to you!
Monday 20 February 2pm to 3pm at Wellington Library, Larkin Way TF1 1LX
Tuesday 21 February 2pm to 3pm at Southwater Library, Southwater Way TF3 4JG
Friday 24 February 2pm to 3pm at Newport Library, 53-55 High Street TF10 7AT
Suitable for children aged 4-11
Spaces are free but booking is essential.
Visit the Telford & Wrekin Libraries Eventbrite website to book your free place.
 Feed the Birds Telford is looking for new volunteers
A growing number of people are housebound, isolated and lonely, or at risk of becoming so.
Feed the Birds Telford is designed to help to tackle this through setting up and supporting weekly bird feeding visits.
Bird feeding can provide great pleasure to those who are housebound and a weekly visit by a bird feeding friend can offer valuable regular social contact.
Volunteers are matched with someone in the community (preferably close to their neighbourhood) who is isolated or at risk of becoming so.
Volunteers will visit clients in their home, once a week for up to an hour, to help feed the birds. This includes, putting up bird feeders, cleaning them, replacing seed and chatting about birds that have been using the feeders.
Chatting about the birds is often a starting place for a whole range of conversations!
Don’t just take our word for it when it comes to the great benefits of Feed the Birds. One of our clients recently told us that Feed the Birds “is like a lifeline”.
Have some spare time and want to be a friendly face for someone experiencing isolation and loneliness? Please get in touch via our details below to find out more.
Email us at FTB@telford.gov.uk
 A Health and Wellness Fair for adults 18+ with a learning difficulty or autism is being held on Wednesday 15th February between 10am and 2pm at The Family Zone, Telford and Wrekin CVS, Suite 12 and 15 Hazeldine House, Central Square, Telford Town Centre TF3 4JL
There will be free half-hour taster sessions of fitness, dance and yoga, and an information market place where you can find out more about everything from mental and sexual health to the Shropshire Fire Service and Telford Leisure Services.
The Family Zone is a spacious area with quieter places to sit when and if you need to. There is also a café area and free hot and cold drinks and snacks will be served on the day.
Family members and carers welcome!
 Information, advice and support for adults with a learning disability
Café Aspire is run by Telford and Wrekin CVS and offers information about volunteering and health and wellbeing to adults aged 18+ with a learning disability or autism. It also offers annual health checks and creative activities in a social and safe warm space.
Currently, Café Aspire is at The Hub Newport, 139 High Street, Newport, TF10 7BH every Thursday between 10am and 12pm until 9th March.
Café Aspire also offers a Friday Social every second Friday of the month at Madeley Wellbeing Café, 32 High Street, Madeley, TF7 5AR where adults aged 18+ with a learning disability and their family can come and socialize, play board games and quizzes in a warm and safe space.
Visit the Cafe Aspire website for further information about this project.
Alternatively, you can contact Sam or Gemma about Café Aspire:
Sam - Sam.vickers@tandwcvs.org.uk or 01952 458061
Gemma - Gemma.naylor@tandwcvs.org.uk or 01952 458059
Exercise doesn't have to mean sport – what about going to the gym?
How are you doing with your new year’s resolutions for 2023?
If one of those was to get fitter and lose weight, this might be just the article for you!
Over the last few editions of Healthy Telford we’ve looked at alternative forms of activity for people who don’t suit competitive sport. This article is all about going to the gym, which may not be as daunting as you first think, so do read on.
We know that exercise and activity is very good for all of us, in so many different ways. Regular exercise can reduce our risk of illness, prevent us from gaining excess weight, boost our mood, and reduce stress and anxiety.
If we exercise with others it can be a social opportunity too.
Because of these health and wellbeing benefits, the UK Chief Medical Officers recommend that 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.
In fact people who do regular physical activity have up to a 50% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, up to a 35% reduced risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, and up to a 30% lower risk of depression and dementia.
But why choose the gym?
During these cold, wintery months the gym can be a good option for exercise, as it’s warm, dry and light, often with hot showers and heated changing rooms too.
The gym is a good way of getting out the house – especially if you work from home, giving us access to equipment that isn't practical at home, can help with sticking to a routine, and has fewer distractions than other exercise options.
At the gym you can enjoy some ‘you-time’ by popping in headphones and listening to some of your favourite tunes as you work out.
Some people find that being around other people working out can be motivating and energizing too. After all, they’re often there for the same reasons as you.
People often feel a monetary motivation from being a member of a gym also, which is especially relevant in these financially difficult times – if you’re paying for it, you’re more likely to use it!
The gym isn’t just for super-fit people; anyone 16 years or older are welcome regardless of age, shape, size, fitness level or ability.
Before going to the gym for the first time, 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 very overweight or unfit.
You don’t need to squeeze into tight, body-revealing lycra or fashionable sportswear to work out in a gym either – a baggy t-shirt, pair of tracksuit bottoms and a pair of trainers is all you need.
At the gym you can use the weights, walk or run on a treadmill, use the resistance machines, or a combination of any of these – any activity is better than none!
When you visit the gym it’s good to develop a workout plan to follow each visit. This will help you to start gradually and build up your work outs carefully and slowly too – no point going crazy and working too hard during your first visits, which will just leave you feeling sore and put you off from returning.
If you’d like to give the gym a go, Telford & Wrekin’s Aspirations gym facilities are there for you.
The team know that some people can find going to a gym a little intimidating at first – perhaps you have some body insecurities or feel a little awkward as you’re learning how to use the equipment.
No need to feel on your own – the Aspirations team are there to help you use the fitness equipment, work with one of their personal trainers, or join an Aspirations fitness class – whatever suits you best.
There are various flexible membership options too, including packages for adults, young people and concessionary rates - the Aspirations team of health and fitness experts are there to support you to find the membership to suit your individual needs.
Visit the Telford & Wrekin Council Leisure Services webpage for more information – there's no time like the present to get going at your local gym!
 February half-term fun
This February half term Telford Bike Hub is running its popular Learn to Ride sessions. The programme is specifically designed for children aged 4+ who would like to learn how to independently ride a bike.
Our experienced instructors help the children to build their confidence on a bike by lowering the seat and removing the pedals. The children then feel safe knowing they can put their feet on the ground if they lose their balance.
Over the course of the sessions, instructors teach the children how to improve balance and co-ordination with the end goal of being able to ride independently.
Tickets must be booked online through the Tickets Telford website. Please note there is limited availability for some of the sessions. Use the button below to book your tickets.
Also look out for the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel event taking place across schools between 20 to 31 March. Registration is now open for schools to sign up.
Visit the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel 2023 website to sign up.
Big Walk and Wheel encourages pupils to walk, wheel, cycle or scoot to school to encourage active journeys. Not only does this benefit the pupils, it also improves air quality in the neighbourhood and reduces congestion.
Visit Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel 2023 to find out more.
Alternatively, you can email bigwalkandwheel@sustrans.org.uk
 National Lottery grant funding for communities to get more active
Sport England’s Small Grants Programme is now open for applications from community groups who want to help their local community to become more physically active.
All ‘not-for-profit’ organisations across Telford & Wrekin are being encouraged to apply for grant funding of between £300 and £15,000 for new projects which provide opportunities for sport, exercise or any type of physical activity for local people.
Sport England are particularly interested in projects being set up in deprived areas to help less active people become more active, and which bring communities together.
Surveys used to develop Telford & Wrekin’s Indoor Sports & Leisure Strategy 2022-2032, found that local people were keen to see more activities such as gym based sessions, group fitness classes, women only exercise sessions and dance fitness sessions across the region.
Many people who took part in surveys said that cost and lack of confidence were the top two barriers to exercise, so applications for projects that help people overcome these obstacles would be particularly welcome.
Projects should be developed involving the communities they’re being aimed at, and the closing date for applications is 30th June 2023.
Visit the Small Grants Programme - Sport England website for more information and to apply.
For help and support developing your project idea you can contact Diana West from Telford & Wrekin Council’s Public Health team via diana.west@telford.gov.uk
 Why it's good to keep up to date with your vaccinations
As Covid-19 becomes something that we live with, it is more important than ever to make sure that you are vaccinated. There are a lot of rumours and worry around new vaccinations, so here is some basic advice and information on the Covid-19 vaccinations that are available.
Most people have been offered a 1st and 2nd primary vaccination dose. Everyone must have received these primary doses before they are eligible for a booster vaccination.
Everyone aged 5 (on or before 31 August 2022) and over can get a 1st and 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
People aged 5 and over who had a severely weakened immune system when they had their 1st or 2nd dose will be offered an additional primary dose (3rd dose) before any booster doses.
These primary doses were offered through 2021 and 2022 and are still available at some walk in vaccination centres. If you need a primary vaccination please visit the Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin NHS website for your closest vaccination centre. Make sure that they are offering primary vaccinations, as many centres are now only offering boosters.
Since these primary vaccinations were offered we have also seen the booster vaccination roll out. The first booster was the Spring vaccination in early 2022, with the Autumn vaccination being released in September 2022.
Some people, including those aged 50 years or over, those at higher risk or who are pregnant, and frontline health and social care workers, are being offered the Autumn booster now.
People aged 16 and over, and some children aged 12 to 15, can also get a booster dose if they have underlying health issues.
If you are looking for a booster vaccination these are available at some pharmacies and GPs but mainly at walk-in centres and on the mobile vaccination service (Betty the Bus). You can find out where booster vaccinations are available on the Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin NHS website.
Betty the Bus, the mobile vaccination service, travels around local centres offering vaccinations to the community. This service targets areas of the borough where the uptake of booster vaccinations are lowest. As the booster is mainly aimed at those who are 50 and over, Betty will park in areas frequented by older people and offer quick, easy vaccinations without an appointment.
Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent infectious diseases. Now that Covid-19 vaccines have reached billions of people worldwide, the evidence is overwhelming that no matter which one you take, the vaccines offer life-saving protection against a disease that has killed millions.
The pandemic is far from over, and they are our best bet of staying safe. Vaccines are a safer way to build protection than getting sick with Covid-19. The more people that are fully vaccinated is better for us, our family and friends, and our community.
Visit the Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin NHS website for dates and venues where you can get your COVID vaccinations and/or Boosters.
 Do you think being female affects your personal safety? If so, could you help us by filling out our latest ‘Safety Matters’ survey please?
We know that women are disproportionally affected by violence such as domestic abuse, stalking and harassment and have long since championed support and preventative measures in Telford and Wrekin. This survey will build on that work through the Safer & Stronger Communities project, but we need your input to make sure investment into safety measures are in areas that really count.
It’s not exclusively for women so if you’re a man and have a view on how to improve safety please feel free to complete the survey below too.
 Unsure of what energy advice and support is currently available?
Come along to our online 'Ask an Energy Advisor' event for front line workers on Thursday 2nd February at 2pm.
We want you to be aware of up-to-date information on what support is available for people during the energy crisis, and share some top tips to keep homes warmer and costs down.
Book your place at this FREE online event using the button below.
About Marches Energy Agency (MEA)
MEA is an independent charity with reach across the Midlands. We have 25 years of experience in helping householders keep warm and well at home. We have grown rapidly in the last two years, to help meet a growing number of households struggling, and as part of the transition to a low carbon society. We are a values-driven organisation with a vision for our homes to warmer and cheaper to run; where everyone lives in a home they can afford to heat adequately and where carbon emissions and energy use from our homes are being significantly reduced.
 And now for the fun bit...
Well done - you've read through a bumper edition this month!
The British Heart Foundation declares February as National Heart Month, so what better time to test your knowledge on some of the myths surrounding heart health? Click on the button below to take the heart myths quiz.
You can also visit the British Heart Foundation website for more information about what you can do for Heart Month.
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