 Welcome to the March edition of the Healthy Telford newsletter
We're starting to see the first signs of Spring with crocuses and daffodils cropping up across Telford; and the promise of warmer weather is (hopefully) just around the corner.
And the vibe of this month's newsletter is one of preparation for things to come. From the 'Green Spaces are Go' grant fund, to the call for volunteers to support Telford's walking festival in May; from the re-opening of the Bike Hub in the Town Park, to the upcoming KOG project, your activity needs are going to be covered in the coming months.
So, take a break, get yourself a drink or a snack and find out about some of the exciting things that are heading your way. And don't forget this month's quiz, in which we take a look at how we each deal with change differently.
 Grants to help encourage activity in Telford & Wrekin's green spaces
This month organisations in Telford and Wrekin can apply for grants to fund projects to boost the use of the borough's Council owned green spaces for physical activity.
The money up for grabs is from Telford & Wrekin Council's ‘Green Spaces Are Go’ Grant Fund.
The council has created the fund to make its green spaces more attractive as a place to be active - improving people's physical and mental health.
Research shows that exercising in green spaces can boost wellbeing, reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and promote happiness.
Any not-for-profit organisation that could provide opportunities for people to take part in any sport, exercise or physical activity should apply. The grant can also fund on-the-ground improvements, innovative uses of technology, printed materials, provision of equipment, and training for individuals.
There is a team on hand to support you through the application process and any questions you might have.
People can learn more about the Green Spaces Are Go Grant Fund and make an application from mid-March until the closing date for applications on 21 April 2023.
To find out more follow ‘Healthy Telford’ on Facebook or Twitter, or search online for ‘Green Spaces are Go” on the Telford & Wrekin Council website from mid-March onwards.
 8 March 2023 is No Smoking Day
No Smoking Day is an annual health awareness day which is intended to help smokers who want to quit smoking.
If you’re a smoker, now is the perfect time to give quitting a go and feel the benefits, from better lung, heart, and brain health, to saving money.
Research by Alzheimer’s Research UK shows that dementia is the most feared health condition for people over the age of 55, but only 18% of smokers know that smoking causes an increased risk of dementia. This compares to over 70% who know that smoking causes lung cancer.
Around 5.4 million adults in England still smoke, and it remains the leading preventable cause of premature death.
Not everybody manages to quit first time, but each time you try is a stepping stone to success. It’s never too late to quit, so why not make today the day you have one more go, and join the hundreds of successful quitters who quit with the Healthy Lifestyles Stop Smoking Team.
“I really was not sure if I could do it when I called to make the appointment but thought I have a 50/50 chance, and I did it with your support and friendly weekly calls” (Michelle - successful 12-week quitter)
Contact the team by emailing healthylifestyles@telford.gov.uk, calling them on 01952 382582 or by completing the online form using the button below.
 Did you know…
Every two minutes someone finds out that they have Type 2 diabetes, a potentially serious health condition that can cause long-term health problems. It can lead to sight loss, kidney failure, loss of limb, and makes you at least twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke.
What can you do?
NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, in partnership with NHS England, Public Health England and Diabetes UK, is involved in a national initiative call the National Diabetes Prevention Programme.
What is the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP)?
The Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is an initiative that can help patients reduce their chances of getting Type 2 diabetes.
In Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire the programme is delivered by Living Well Taking Control, which is a leading health services provider.
Why is the programme important?
There are currently 3.4 million people with Type 2 diabetes in England with around 200,000 new diagnoses every year.
While Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, and is not linked to lifestyle, Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable through lifestyle changes.
Around 22,000 people with diabetes die early every year.
How can NDPP help?
The programme is aimed at identifying patients who are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Referral into the programme can be done through a GP or healthcare professional or through Telford & Wrekin's Healthy Lifestyles Service. This will then begin a nine-month programme that provides personalised action plans and sessions which include advice and options for managing the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Who is the programme aimed at?
To be referred by your GP to the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme you must:
- Be aged 18 years or over
- Not pregnant
- Not have a blood result confirming a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes
- Have had a non-diabetic hyperglycaemia reading within the last 12 months
Visit the Living Well Taking Control website for more information about Healthier You.
Visit the Diabetes UK website for more information about how to reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
The Community Diabetes Specialist Nursing Service has an exciting opportunity for those patients who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and also diagnosed with a mild learning disability.
Shropshire Community Health Trust are running specially adapted courses which are supported by Diabetes Educators and Diabetes Specialist Dietitians, which run over 2 days. The course is 2 hours per day with breaks in between and covers the following topics:
Day 1:
- Introductions and ice breakers
- What is diabetes?
- Eatwell plate and portion sizes
Day 2:
- Recap from day 1
- Weight management and carbohydrates
- Possible complications of diabetes
- Goal setting
To book a place or for more information, please contact:
Tel: 01743 277696
Email: shropcom.xpertdiabetes@nhs.net
 Telford Baseball Club
Over the last few editions of Healthy Telford we’ve looked at different forms of exercise and activity. Being active is very important; regular exercise can reduce our risk of illness, prevent us from gaining excess weight, boost our mood, and reduce stress and anxiety. Exercising in a group can be a great way to socialise, make new friends and tackle loneliness and isolation too.
This month we’re going to explore something a bit different – Baseball!
Baseball is a fantastic sport that caters for all sorts of people. It can be a game of great strategy and skill, however baseball rewards effort and determination too.
Baseball players can come in all ages, backgrounds and abilities. It’s a bat and ball sport which will test your catching ability, your throwing, your teamwork and even your patience, whilst you’re having fun.
Starting out in the sport is really exciting as you can try all the different Baseball positions, which are all very different and bring out different elements of the game.
People who play Baseball find the sport to be an excellent alternative to more ‘traditional’ UK sports, and many are surprised at how fun, skilful and intricate the game is, once they get to know it.
But where can you play Baseball in Telford & Wrekin?
Thankfully, there’s a local club which always welcomes new members.
Founded in 2020, Telford Baseball club consists of three teams – Telford Giants, Telford 26ers & a Development Team.
Based at the Meadow Recreation Ground, Ironbridge, where the club play all their home games, the teams play in two leagues – The West Midlands Baseball League (Giants) and The Women's Baseball UK League (26ers).
The club also use the recreation ground to train between March and October, and play indoors at Abraham Darby School sports hall every Saturday afternoon from November - February.
Initially starting with just 12 members, the Telford Baseball club has now grown to over 40 players, with both established teams achieving many goals.
Interested? You can find out more by contacting Telfordbaseballclub@gmail.com or 07445 222228, including information about how to have a free try-out, discounted membership rates and help with kit and equipment.
You can also find Telford Baseball club on Facebook.
So, is the next “Batter up!” going to be you?!
We have an exciting opportunity!
Telford Health Champions will be supporting this years walking festival in May 2023.
We are looking for volunteers that are interested in helping out on the day and we have some walk leader training on offer to help to make this possible.
To find out more about this, or about other upcoming volunteering opportunities, please contact our Health Champion coordinator Chloe Harrigan on 01952 385114 or by emailing Health.champions@telford.gov.uk
Alternatively, visit the Health Champions page of Telford & Wrekin Council's website.
 Book Signing
Come along and meet local author Stephen Brotherton at Southwater Library on Saturday 11 March between 12noon and 2pm for the launch of his latest book, short story collection Watching The Wheels.
Visit the Telford & Wrekin Libraries Eventbrite page to reserve your free place.
 Guided walks and volunteer activities
Buglife’s ‘Get the Marches Buzzing’ is a National Lottery Heritage Fund and Severn Trent funded project that will see the restoration of 57 hectares of wildflower-rich habitat through Shropshire and North Herefordshire. We are aiming to build stepping-stones of habitat to allow pollinators and other wildlife to move through our towns and countryside.
Some of those stepping-stone sites are in Telford, and during March we are running guided walks and volunteer activities to show the work we are doing on these sites, what species will benefit and how you can help. Come and join Buglife and Telford and Wrekin Council to learn about how we are making these sites more wildlife friendly and get stuck into some practical habitat management.
Wednesday 22 March 10:30am to 2pm at Langley Fields
Wednesday 29 March 10:30am to 2pm at Granville Country Park
For more information contact Kate Jones. You can call her on 07909 114856 or email her at kate.jones@buglife.org.uk
 From Saturday 1 April the Bike Hub will re-open for the Easter holidays
From Saturday 1 April we will be open every weekend until the end of the October half-term and everyday during the school holidays.
Opening times will be 10am - 4pm (last hire 4pm to be returned at 5pm).
You can find us in the Town Park next to the Visitor Centre.
Wondering how to keep the kids busy over the Easter holidays?
With children’s bike hire for just £1 and adult bikes available to hire, at Telford Bike Hub you can’t go wrong! There are some great routes around the town park, but if you are ready to travel a little further afield why not try the Silkin Way.
The 14 mile route is having a facelift; resurfacing, increased signage and more benches are being added, so there are plenty of places to stop for a picnic. Maps, helmets, locks and pumps are also all available at the Bike Hub.
If your child needs support with learning to ride a bike, why not book on to our Learn to Ride sessions. The sessions will be taking place over Easter half-term and are available to book now. Where possible we encourage you to bring your child’s own bike, but if this isn’t possible bikes and helmets can be borrowed at no extra cost. Please note spaces are limited and the courses are very popular so can get booked up quickly.
Visit the Telford Bike Hub website to book a Learn To Ride session.
You can also contact Telford Bike Hub on 01952 380413 or by emailing thebikehub@telford.gov.uk
Finally, don’t forget the Big Walk and Wheel will be taking place in schools across Telford and Wrekin this month! From 20 to 31 March walk, wheel, scoot or cycle to/from school in the UK’s biggest active journey competition.
Visit the Sustrans website to find out more about the Big Walk and Wheel.
 New social group in Horsehay
Join us at the new Forum50+ weekly social group for a hot drink, a chat and a chance to make new friends.
Starting on Monday 27 March, this new group will meet every Monday at Horsehay Village Hall, Bridge Road TF4 2NF between 10.30am and 12noon.
Just turn up or contact us for more details by calling 07552 965676 or 07932 828333. Alternatively, you can email us at enquiries@forum50plus.org.uk
 Tell us what you think of your local health and social care provision
Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin is the independent champion for people who use health and social care services. We’re here to make sure that those running services put people at the heart of care. Our sole purpose is to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf.
Have you heard of Enter and View?
There are times when it is appropriate for Healthwatch to see and hear for ourselves how services are being provided. These visits to health and social care providers are called ‘Enter and View’, and can be ‘announced’, partially announced’ or ‘unannounced’. ‘Partially announced’ visits mean that the service provider is told we will visit, but not the date or time of the visit. The responsibility to carry out Enter and View visits was given to Healthwatch in the Health and Care Social Act 2012.
Every Monday we mention someone within the community to commend a great service or activity which has made a difference.
We host a weekly Drop-in Hub, every Tuesday between 10am and 1pm face-to-face at Meeting Point House in Telford Town Centre TF3 4HS for people to share their views and give feedback to allow us to help improve services within the community.
We also offer a signposting service to ensure people get the right support for their enquiries.
Visit Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin for more information.
 KOG Community cycling project for Ketley Bank, Oakengates and St Georges
Enabling local people to enjoy cycling for leisure, exercise and travel.
Do you live in the Ketley Bank, Oakengates or St Georges area?
Would you like to learn how to ride a bike safely?
Do you need to develop your cycling skills and confidence?
Does your bike need any repairs?
Would you like to learn how to fix and maintain your bike?
Would you like to join a local cycling group for social bike rides, led by trained Ride Leaders?
Would you like to be trained as a Ride Leader and volunteer to help run our local group?
Do you have an unused bike you can donate so someone else can benefit from it?
If so, the KOG cycling project is for you!
As part of the project, our team will be visiting local primary schools for family bike maintenance sessions and bike ‘try out’ sessions open to all – ask your local school for details.
We will be visiting local community groups, to talk about the benefits of cycling, demonstrate safe cycling and teach basic skills to fix or maintain a bike.
Also, the KOG team will be working with local residents to increase their cycling confidence and create a friendly, informal cycling group.
We may be able to help you get hold of a bike too, for you or a family member, so you can take part.
Community groups – we’d like to hear from you!
Right now the KOG team would especially like to hear from any community groups in the area who would like a visit, such as Brownies, Guides, Cubs, Scouts, Over 50’s groups, Youth Clubs, adult charitable or social groups etc.
Want to find out more or get involved?
Contact Holly, the KOG Community Cycling Advisor via KOG@shropshirecyclehub.uk
 The Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme (commonly known as AAA Screening) is a national programme run by the NHS that offers free AAA screening to men aged 65+ who are registered with a GP.
What is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
In some people, as they get older, the wall of the aorta (the largest blood vessel in our body) in the abdominal area can become weakened.
It can then start to expand and form what is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The condition is most common in men aged 65 and over.
Who is at risk?
Men are approximately six times more likely to have an abdominal aortic aneurysm than women.
The chance of having an aneurysm increases with age as well as if you are a smoker, have high blood pressure, or your parent or sibling has, or has been treated for, an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
How does the screening process work?
Men who are registered with a Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin GP will automatically be sent an invitation via the post in their 65th year.
Where possible, the scan will be carried out in your GP practice.
What if I missed out on AAA screening?
Men over the age of 65 who have not been screened, diagnosed, or treated for an AAA in the past can request an appointment by contacting the friendly Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin AAA Screening Team on 01743 261048 or via e-mail at sath.aaa@nhs.net.
 Five things that can have a big impact
No matter your age or ability, you can always do something to improve your health and sense of wellbeing. Let’s look at how you might use the Five Ways to Wellbeing to make small but life-changing habits:
Staying in touch with others enables you to share positive experiences and to support one another. And social engagement and participation are especially important for older adults. Why not pick up the phone, join a social group, or visit one of the welcoming Warm Spaces in Telford and Wrekin?
Visit the Live Well Telford directory for more information about social groups near you.
Visit the Live Well Telford directory for a list of Warm Spaces in Telford and Wrekin.
Being active is important for your physical and mental health and exercise plays an important role in slowing age-related cognitive decline as well as promoting wellbeing.
It doesn’t have to be an intense workout however. It can be as simple as climbing the stairs, getting off the bus one stop earlier than usual, or doing some seated exercise involving stretching.
Continued learning throughout life keeps the brain engaged and gives a sense of purpose. Not to mention that it’s fun! Join your local library and pick up a book or audiobook that you wouldn’t normally choose; do a crossword, Sudoku or wordsearch puzzle each day; or join a local class or group.
Visit Telford and Wrekin Libraries to find your nearest library.
Visit the Live Well Telford directory to find a class or group in your area that interests you.
Helping others ticks all the boxes above and can give you a real sense of achievement. It can also promote a greater sense of community. Volunteering is a great way to engage with the people in your community and make new friends.
Visit the Volunteer Telford website to find out more about volunteering opportunities in Telford and Wrekin.
Being present in the moment and taking time to take care of yourself is really important in the busy world we live in. This can be as simple as taking a moment to appreciate the weather, rain or shine; to take care of a plant and watch it grow and change; or just to appreciate a really well-made cup of tea.
 The Breastfeeding Network run two drop-in sessions in the local area.
Get support from our trained breastfeeding peer supporters, meet other parents or just come for a chat.
For those in the Telford area: Dawley Town Hall, New Street, Dawley TF4 3JR every Tuesday between 10am and 12noon.
For those in the Shrewsbury area: Sunflower House Children's Centre, Kendal Road, Shrewsbury SY1 4ES every Thursday between 10am and 12noon.
 Sport England's 'This Girl Can' campaign launches into new phase
This Girl Can has moved into a new phase of its mission to inspire more women and girls to take part in sport and physical activity. Sport England's award-winning campaign has launched ‘This Girl Can With You’ – a call to arms to the sector to break down the barriers that mean women remain less likely to be physically active than men.
The new phase will focus on breaking down the enjoyment gap that exists between men and women as our research has shown that 2.4 million fewer women than men strongly agree they find sport and exercise enjoyable and satisfying.
Backed by research
Research has found there are a wide range of practical and emotional barriers preventing women from getting active.
One in three (33%) women say they feel too tired or don’t have enough energy to be physically active; 29% don’t feel motivated enough, and 31% say they don’t have enough time.
Fear of judgement and personal safety concerns are both significant barriers to women enjoying exercise. Over a third (38%) of women say they have felt judged when exercising, and more than one in five (22%) say they’re concerned about sexual harassment when doing sport and physical activity, a statistic that almost doubles (41%) when outdoors in the dark.
The barriers were deepened by the disruptions of the pandemic, with women slower to return to activity than men. Over a million fewer women now feel they have the opportunity to be physically active compared to pre-Covid-19. More recently, the rising cost of living has become a barrier, with over a third (37%) of women saying it has had a negative impact on their ability to be active.
Visit the This Girl Can With You campaign hub to find out more.
 You now need photo ID to vote at a polling station
Local elections are being held in Telford and Wrekin on 4 May 2023 and, with the introduction of compulsory voter ID, it may be that some people do not have a driving licence, passport or other acceptable form of identification document to enable them to vote.
According to news reports, a worryingly low number of people have so far applied for the alternative form of ID, the Voter Authority Certificate.
The deadline for applications is 25 April.
Visit the Electoral Commission webpage to learn more and to apply online.
 And now for the fun bit...
As the turn of the season approaches, it's a good time for a little self-reflection, so this month's quiz is all about how we deal with change. Because understanding how we react during times of transition can help us develop better coping mechanisms going forward.
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