 Welcome to the June edition of the Healthy Telford newsletter
June is jam-packed with things to do, for all ages and interests. In this edition you will find writing workshops at the library and mindfulness in the meadow. We also have cycling and cooking sessions coming up, a sprinkling of volunteering opportunities, and we're going potty for Pickleball. Read on to find out more!
And don't forget this month's quiz, which will test your healthy eating knowledge!
 Have you had your health MOT?
Men's Health week is a time to bring awareness to health issues that affect men disproportionately and focuses on getting men to become aware of problems they may have or could develop and gain the courage to do something about it.
Men's Health Week is designed to give all men access to the information, services and treatment they need to live happier, healthier, longer and more fulfilling lives. it’s time for men to give themselves a health MOT.
Looking for support to live a healthier life? The Healthy Lifestyle Services is here to help you!
The service can support you to:
- eat better
- drink less
- exercise more
- reduce your weight
- improve your wellbeing
- lower your blood pressure and cholesterol
- reduce risk of developing type 2 diabetes
Visit the Healthy Lifestyles website for further information.
 Connection matters - it's what makes us human
Whether it’s your regular barista, the friendly dog on your walk, or the shopkeeper down the road, everyday moments of connection matter. They allow us to make ties with those in our community, to feel happier and less lonely.
For Loneliness Awareness Week 2023 we're encouraging everyone to harness these moments of connection. Together, we can all feel less lonely.
Loneliness Awareness Week is all about creating supportive communities by having conversations with family, friends or colleagues about loneliness. Loneliness is a natural human emotion - we are hardwired to need social connections. By talking about it, we can support ourselves and others.
So what can we do?
- Raise awareness of the issue #TelfordTalksLoneliness
- Be Kind and neighbourly #BeKindTelford
- Showcase and share the great activities and services on offer in Telford and Wrekin to enable people who live, work and visit our borough to feel and be more connected #ConnectionMatters
Feeling lonely yourself?
Take a look at these seven tips on the Healthy Telford blog.
Visit the Live Well Telford online community directory to find a group, activity or interest that could support you.
Visit the Loneliness Awareness Week webpage to find out more.
Join us in supporting #LonelinessAwarenessWeek by sharing on social media @HealthyTF (Twitter) or @HealthyTelfordWrekin (Facebook) anything you are aware of that helps us tackle loneliness together in Telford.
If you need to contact us, please email: healthimprovement@telford.gov.uk
 Healthy eating for everyone
Healthy Eating Week, organised by the British Nutrition Foundation, is also coming up, running from the 12 to 16 June. Healthy Eating Week is all about supporting and promoting healthier lifestyles and this year's theme is ‘healthy eating week – for everyone’.
Registering for the week will give you access to free downloadable activity packs and resources for early years, schools, workplaces and home.
Visit the British Nutrition Foundation website to take a look at the available resources.
You could also come up with your own ideas and activities to get involved these could include:
- Running a quiz or competition
- Picking a theme week at mealtimes to highlight healthy eating across the week
- Plant some fruits and vegetables so the benefits from Healthy Eating Week later on in the year!
Further free resources can be found via these links:
Visit the Better Health website if you're looking for resources to help with weight loss.
Visit the Healthier Families website for healthy food swap and meal ideas.
Or take a look at this sugar calculator that children will love.
And why not try the Food Scanner App to scan favourite foods and find a healthier swap.
Small changes make all the difference to our health, wellbeing and moods.
So what will you do to mark the week?
 Get on your bike with plenty of cycling events this month!
Are you a keen cyclist or maybe you prefer more of a gentle pace? If you’re looking to get back in the saddle why not celebrate Bike Week with us? At the Bike Hub we have a range of adult, child and tandem bikes available for hire, as well as cycle maps of the local area.
The 5 to 11 June marks the 100th annual Bike Week. A week of celebrating the positive effects cycling can have on our health, the environment and even our finances! Schools across Telford and Wrekin will also be taking part by encouraging their pupils to cycle to and from school. A great way to incorporate active travel into the school run.
And why not come along to Armed Forces Day on Saturday 24 June at Broadoaks Playing Field, Donnington between 11am and 4pm. Enjoy a family day out and join in with the range of activities on offer from the Bike Hub, including Dr Bike for all your bike servicing needs!
Visit the Telford Bike Hub website for further information.
 Madeley Town Council are starting the conversation
You may have seen a lot of talk around menopause in the news recently. It’s historically a subject that hasn’t been talked about openly, but with around half of the population going through it at some point during their life, it needs talking about. Menopause and perimenopause can cause a whole range of symptoms that can make everyday life quite the challenge.
Madeley Town Council want to make talking about the menopause the norm, so we’re starting the conversation with our first 'Let’s talk…Menopause' chat at the Park Lane Centre Café in Woodside from 2pm to 3pm on Wednesday 7 June.
If you’re at any stage of your menopause or perimenopause journey and would like a relaxed and safe place to talk or moan about symptoms, share your funny stories, give and receive hints and advice with others going through the same, come along and let’s get talking. And there’ll be complimentary tea and coffee available too.
We hope we’ll be able to make it a regular monthly session!
For more information contact Charlotte Dade, Wellbeing Officer for Madeley Town Council on 01952 567288 or charlotte@madeleytowncouncil.gov.uk
 First and second vaccinations and Spring Booster
Betty the Vaccination Bus will be at Brookside Central, Bembridge TF3 1LP on Thursday 8 June between 10am and 2pm. We will be offering first and second vaccinations to anyone who has not yet had them, and the Spring Booster will be available for people aged 75 and over.
 Meet the Author events at Southwater Library
Come along to Southwater Library on Saturday 17 June between 10am and 2pm and meet an amazing variety of local published authors. We will be joined by 12 experienced writers who will be here to chat and answer your questions, sell signed copies of their books and more.
There will also be three workshops on the day:
Children's workshop with author Roy Bradshaw
At 10am you can discover more about Roy’s amazing books and ask questions about writing your own stories!
Book your place for Roy's workshop via Tickets Telford.
Into the Other World: Writing workshop with author Kate Innes
At 11am you can join in this fun, informal workshop for ages 7+ and open to writers of any level of experience.
Fairy and folk tales are full of magic, but they are certainly not just for children! In this writing workshop Kate Innes will provide you with lots of visual images to get your narrative started, and a framework to build exciting adventures for your characters, leading to a satisfying, and possibly surprising, ending!
Book your place for Kate's workshop via Tickets Telford.
Don't Lose the Plot: Writing workshop with author Charlie Garratt
And at 1pm join Charlie Garratt in a workshop that will explore techniques for taking an initial idea on to producing a complete framework for writing a novel – or even just a scene where you’re stuck. Whether you’re a new or experienced writer, there will be hints and tips to help make the task easier.
Book your place for Charlie's workshop via Tickets Telford
Please note: tickets for all three events are free, but please book your place to avoid disappointment.
 PRIDE Poetry workshop with Dawn Jutton at Wellington Library
At Wellington Library on Thursday 22 June at 6.30pm current Staffordshire Poet Laureate Dawn Jutton will be leading a free poetry workshop for PRIDE month.
The influence of the rich heritage and varied landscapes of the Midlands shines through in both her writing and images, but Dawn also digs deep into her memories of growing up as a forces’ child, feminism and the challenges of discovering your queer identity later in life as inspiration for her eclectic practice.
Book your place for Dawn's PRIDE poetry workshop via Tickets Telford.
 Exploring health and wellbeing through nature
Buglife are working across a number of sites in Telford, restoring them so that they are better for wildlife and provide habitat ‘stepping-stones’ for insects, birds and mammals to move across Telford’s landscapes. These sites aren’t just better for wildlife though, they’re better for people too. Join us as we explore our health, wellbeing and creativity in nature in June and July through a series of mindful events on the following dates:
Guided Nature Walk at Langley Fields
On 24 June at 12pm join Sam Devine-Turner, aka Scruff Stuff, at Langley Fields, Telford for a guided walk, exploring the reserve and connecting with nature.
Nature Writing Workshop
On 1 July at 12pm join local poet Bethany Rivers for a nature writing workshop. Tap into your creativity and use nature to inspire your writing.
Yoga in a Wildflower Meadow
And on 8 July at 10.30am join Debbie Cooper the Curly Yogi in a beginner-friendly yoga and relaxation workshop, exploring your senses in a wildflower meadow.
For more information and to book your place on any or all of these events, please contact Emily Hughes via email: emily.hughes@buglife.org.uk
 Let's get cooking!
Café Aspire is a Telford and Wrekin CVS project funded by Telford and Wrekin Council, which centres around the health and wellbeing of adults with learning disabilities in the borough.
We are going to be putting on some creative cooking sessions thanks to funding from Veolia’s EnviroGrant. This is a community grant run by Veolia working in partnership with Telford and Wrekin Council.
A cooking session will be taking place at Hazeldine House, Central Square, Telford Town Centre TF3 4JL on 30 June 11.30am to 2pm and will incorporate a cooking demonstration with a sample of the food to try on the day, information on healthy eating, recipe ideas and recipe cards to take home. We will also be giving information on reducing food waste, cooking on a budget, and recycling.
The aim of these sessions is to increase awareness on healthy living and give individuals ideas on how to increase wellness and give them access to recipes that can be made at home, which are affordable and simple to make.
Booking is essential.
To book your place, call 01952 458059 or email gemma.naylor@tandwcvs.org.uk or sam.vickers@tandwcvs.org.uk
 Support, workshops and guidance for children and young people with an Autism diagnosis
Telford Children’s Autism Hub is run by Telford and Wrekin CVS and is available to children and young people 0 to 18 years who have a diagnosis of Autism and live in Telford and Wrekin.
We offer a wide range of support including:
- Telephone information advice and guidance
- Workshops
- Signposting to local and national services
- Peer support sessions for parents and carers
- Family activity sessions
What else do we offer?
Coffee and Chat provides emotional support, develops friendships and gives you the opportunity to share information. It is held every Monday during term time 11.15am to 12.15pm for our parents and carers.
4EYF - SEND support and play for early years families is held every first and third Monday of the month between 9.15am and 10.45am.
Primary family fun sessions held every third Tuesday of the month during term time between 4pm and 5pm. This session is for our registered users and their families.
DUGOUT Youth Group is held every first Thursday of the month during term time between 4.30pm and 6pm. This session is for our registered users and their families.
Telford Children's Autism Hub also runs workshops throughout the year alongside Autism West Midlands, and works with outside agencies, including Brightstar Boxing, Arthog and Embrace Group, to empower our young people to believe and achieve whilst partaking in physical activities.
All activities and workshops are held at Hazeldine House (Suites 12 and 15), Telford Town Centre TF3 4JL unless otherwise stated.
For further information please call the Hub on 01952 262062 or email childrensautism@tandwcvs.org.uk
Visit the Children's Autism Hub page of the Telford Autism Hub website for more details.
Or visit the Telford Children's Autism Hub Facebook page.
 Funding given to projects aiming to encourage exercise in nature
Telford and Wrekin Council have given funding to not-for-profit organisations to boost the use of green spaces for physical activity and mental health.
Exercising in nature can boost wellbeing, reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and promote happiness, so the Green Spaces Are Go Grant Fund encourages people to do this more.
Twenty-two applications were received from not-for-profit organisations, totalling around £40,000.
One Green Spaces Are Go project will develop an interactive walk app built around bench-to-bench walks in the borough. Another project will use the funding to purchase bat detector equipment to set up a programme of bat-walking events.
Archery, outdoor pursuits, conservation work, orienteering, football, Tai Chi, 'Parkour' and instructor-led sessions at outdoor gyms are also activities that Green Spaces Are Go will fund.
Certain projects will also use the grant fund to purchase new furniture for green spaces, interpretative material and sporting equipment.
Learn more about the Green Spaces Are Go Grant Fund by visiting the Healthy Telford website.
 Try Pickleball!
Most of us know that 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.
In fact, exercise is so important to our health and wellbeing that 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.
Exercising with other people in a group can be a great way to socialise, make new friends and tackle loneliness and isolation too.
So, to inspire you to move more, this month we’re going to explore something very different – Pickeball!
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a fun and social indoor or outdoor racket sport with elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, which is suitable for a wide range of people.
The aim of Pickleball is for players to hit a perforated hollow plastic ball called a "whiffle ball" over a net which is just under 1 metre high, using solid-faced paddles.
Pickleball is easier to learn than tennis or badminton, but requires lots of practise to perfect!
The rules of pickleball means that matches are fun and allow people of all ages to play together.
Despite being invented in 1965, Pickleball has only recently become one of the fastest growing sports at home and abroad.
In fact the UK association - Pickleball England, has predicted that there will be 25,000 Pickleball players in the UK by 2025!
Want to find out more?
Shrewsbury Pickleball Club currently run Pickleball sessions in Shrewsbury, Telford and Tipton.
One of the sessions that the Club runs is at Telford Langley School – to take part at these sessions see the ‘Contact Us’ page of www.pickleballcentraluk.com
(Pictured in image - players about to start their games at Shrewsbury Pickleball Club).
Visit Pickleball Central UK website for more details.
 Here to help!
The KOG community cycling project for Ketley Bank, Oakengates and St George’s is to help local people enjoy cycling for leisure, exercise and travel.
Shropshire Cycle Hub’s Community Cycling Advice team are here to help!
With over 150 years of cycling experience between them, the team includes volunteers, trustees and members of staff from across Shropshire and beyond, all with a love of cycling, bicycles, and the many benefits of this form of transport.
Ever keen to introduce more people to jumping on a bicycle for the first time since they were a child, or perhaps for the first time in their lives, the Community Cycling Advice team are keen to chat with anybody about the benefits to their mental and physical health, finances and the environment from cycling.
Whether you are young or old, experienced or completely new to it, the team can help you overcome barriers to cycling and connect you with other organisations that can offer solutions to your needs.
In an ever changing technological world, it is easy to get overwhelmed by all the information, advice, jargon and variety of bicycles and equipment on offer out there. Bicycles are for sale everywhere we turn, so the team can help you make the choices that suit your lifestyle and needs.
When the Community Cycling Advice team speak with people setting out on their cycling journey, there are often lots of “buts”:
“I want to cycle to work, but I need to dress smart”
“I want the kids to cycle to school but the main road makes me nervous”
“I want to use my bike to get the shopping, but how can I carry it all safely?”
The team can help you answer all of these questions and more! Contact the team and find out more by emailing KOG@shropshirecyclehub.uk
Visit the KOG Community Cycling Project Facebook page.
Visit the KOG Community Cycling Project webpage.
#kogcommunitycyclingproject
 The Carers Centre is here for you
If you are looking after someone who couldn’t manage without your help, then you may be a family or friend carer and we at Telford & Wrekin CVS Carers Centre Service are here to support you.
We provide emotional and practical support for family unpaid carers from the age of 5 to 15 years, Young Carers, 16 to 24 years, Inbetweeners and Adult Carers from 24 years old upwards.
The Carers Centre has support workers who understand the problems carers face, and who are there to listen and offer specialist, individual and group support.
How can the Carers Centre help?
- Provide a 'listening ear' and give support when it is needed most, either by telephone or face-to-face
- Help carers of all ages access the support and services that are available to them
- Provide up to date information
- Run Health & Wellbeing Sessions which meet in venues around Telford and Wrekin. These informal groups provide an opportunity to socialise, take a break from their caring role, share information, gain support and discuss topics of interest with carers in similar situations.
- Provide Youth Club on a Wednesday for our Young Carers
- Create opportunities for carers to have a voice in the planning and development of services
- Raising funds to provide activities, trips out and have fun
You are welcome to get in touch with us for an informal conversation with our helpful staff team by emailing admin@telfordcarers.org.uk or calling 01952 240209.
Visit the Telford Carers website for further information.
 Blood Pressure volunteers wanted!
In Telford and Wrekin our Health Champion volunteers offer general health advice to neighbours, friends, family and community and faith groups. These Health Champions are not medically trained, but do receive free training such as Making Every Contact Count (MECC) to help them support residents.
We are looking for people from diverse backgrounds to support a local Blood Pressure Project, who would be interested in taking blood pressure readings at arranged events. These events will be made up of two or three volunteers, talking to passers-by about blood pressure and offering to take their reading. Most people are unaware they have high blood pressure, as they may presents no symptoms. However, it is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the UK.
People interested in volunteering their time can support as little or as often as they want, e.g. once a month, once a week, or just whenever you have time. Health Champions who conduct these blood pressure checks will be lifesavers for many in the borough.
We know that those who currently volunteer as Health Champions experience a boost to their wellbeing and feel a sense of purpose – they've also make new friends and gained skills. Would you like to join them?
Visit the Telford and Wrekin website to register to be Health Champion.
 Project extended to March 2024
The Cancer Champions project – a collaboration between NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Lingen Davies Cancer Fund, and Qube – is going from strength to strength and thanks to the impact made locally the work has been extended. More than 65 volunteers have now been trained and are actively working in their communities to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer, as well as the importance of attending bowel, breast, and cervical screening appointments.
Project leaders are delighted that the success of the project has been recognised and NHS England has agreed to additional funding. The work has now being extended to March 2024 enabling the team to continue to have lifesaving conversations and understand barriers that some people may have that prevents them from taking up the screening available to them.
The Cancer Champions project has been rolled out further and now covers Powys under the direction of Lingen Davies, as well as Telford & Wrekin, and Shropshire.
Michelle Moore, the cancer champion coordinator for Telford & Wrekin, said: “The passion that people have for improving the health of their community is amazing, we’re so grateful to all our Cancer Champions and the great work they are doing and we’re so excited to be able to continue this work into next year.”
Visit the Cancer Champions website to find out more about how you can raise awareness in your community.
Alternatively, you can email Michelle at michelle.moore@lingendavies.co.uk
 Developing community-led nature projects in Telford
Shropshire Wildlife Trust are working on a number of community-led projects in Telford and we would like to work with more communities.
The Trust are spending a period of time talking to local people in Ketley, Ketley Bank, Red Lake and Oakengates to understand what they would like to see happening for wildlife and nature locally. They are committed to being led by you, and want to understand the opportunities and challenges in the area and develop ideas with you. The project will be based on what communities want and need and could be anything from creating window boxes to turning unused land in to a place to grow food or to socialise together. It could be developing an accessible walk with benches to stop off at or finding ways to bring nature to people who struggle to get outside to explore.
They will then apply for project funding later in the year, which will help fund the work you do together. At this point Shropshire Wildlife Trust would be keen to explore opportunities for partnership and community-led initiatives as part of this project.
Anna Martin is leading this work, so if you have an idea, or you are hosting any events where the Trust could chat to you and members of your community, then please get in touch. You can email Anna at annam@shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk or call 07497 451836.
 Just how much do you know about healthy eating?
As Healthy Eating Week occurs in June, it feels like a good time to see just how much we all know about healthy eating. Can you tell your carbohydrates from your cholesterol? Are all fats bad? What do you know about vitamins and minerals?
Take this short, fun quiz to find out more about healthy eating.
Please note: before you start, this quiz asks you to provide a name. It does not ask for any further personal information.
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