 Welcome to the July edition of the Healthy Telford newsletter
There's a little something for everyone in this month's newsletter. Coming up, there's a new gentle dance class in Oakengates and gym classes for juniors over the summer holidays in Woodside; a poetry afternoon in Wellington and a storytelling walk at Granville Country Park, as well as advice and information on a wide range of topics.
So find yourself a comfortable seat and a cool drink and take five to catch up on what's in store for you this July.
And don't forget this month's quiz - just how much DO you know about diabetes?
 Step outside and feel the difference of being active in nature with Green Spaces Are Go
Research shows that exercising in nature is essential for improving wellbeing. It can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and promote happiness.
'Green Spaces Are Go' is highlighting the health benefits of exercising in a park or green spaces and encourages people to be active in them.
As taking part in activities in the beauty of nature can make exercise even better for you, we have organised a series of events to take place in Telford and Wrekin’s green spaces throughout the year.
Through the Green Spaces Are Go Grant Fund, Telford & Wrekin Council have funded not-for-profit organisations to hold a series of events between the summer and the end of the year.
We have 23 nature reserves and more than 300 green guarantee sites in Telford and Wrekin – free to all. Whether you make it to an event or not, Telford and Wrekin is the perfect place for being active in green spaces.
Visit the Green Spaces Are Go webpage on the Healthy Telford website for details of the free series of events.
Alternatively, search online for #greenspacesarego
 Volunteers needed for community blood pressure project
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.
 Come along to the The Wakes to learn easy dance routines and make friends
A new gentle fitness group has started up on Tuesdays 11.30am to 12.30pm at The Wakes in Oakengates TF2 6EP.
Dance is an incredible way to keep fit and have fun at the same time. If you’re looking for an unintimidating dance class, where you can take things at your own pace, then look no further. Come along to the Gentle Dance and Social group to enjoy a variety of fun and easy to learn dance routines to your favourite feel good songs. The class is suitable for anyone looking for a low-medium impact activity in a relaxed and friendly environment. And there is an emphasis on making new friends as well as improving your physical and general wellbeing, so feel free to continue socialising at the onsite Outpost Café after class!
Why not come along and try it out? You are guaranteed a warm welcome. The cost is £6 per class. You can pay as you go and there is no need to pre-book. (Reduced price block booking is also available).
Visit the Bhangra Dance and Fitness Facebook page for more information.
Alternatively, you can call 07851 270409
 Postcard Poets Open Mic Afternoon
On Tuesday 11 July at 1.30pm come and enjoy an afternoon of poetry at Wellington Library with postcard poets Jane Seabourne and Steve Pottinger. There will also be an open mic opportunity for anyone who would like to share their own poems.
Jane Seabourne likes to look on the funny side of life. She writes poems about everyday things and enjoys sharing them with audiences. She has been a writer for more than twenty years and has had two collections of poetry published.
Steve Pottinger is a founding member of Wolverhampton arts collective Poets, Prattlers, and Pandemonialists. He’s an engaging and accomplished performer who has performed the length and breadth of the country and has had six volumes of poetry published.
Tickets are free but booking is essential.
Visit the Tickets Telford website to book your free tickets.
 Ready, set, read! this summer
Do you have or help to care for children aged between 4 and 11 years old? Why not bring them along to the library this summer holiday for the Summer Reading Challenge!
Children aged between 4 and 11 years old can join the superstar team and their animal mascots as they weave their way through a summer obstacle course, collecting golden book stickers along the way!
The challenge is to read six books over the holidays. Children will collect stickers as they progress and once they have read all six books they will receive a medal and certificate.
Children can read any books in any format, fiction, non-fiction, picture books, audio books, eBooks and eAudio books via the Library's Libby App.
Sign up for the Ready, Set, Read! Summer Reading Challenge begins on Saturday 15 July 2023, and the challenge finishes on Saturday 16 September 2023.
Visit the Telford and Wrekin Libraries website for more information about the Summer Reading Challenge, the Libby App and more.
For all enquiries email: Libraryenquiries@telford.gov.uk
 Forum 50+ invite you to their over-50s Wellbeing Fun Day
On Wednesday 12 July 1pm to 5pm Forum 50+ are hosting a Wellbeing Fun Day at The Anstice in Madeley TF7 5BD. There is no need to book and entry is free.
Keeping fit, active and meeting up with others is a great way to maintain our mental and physical wellbeing, and having fun at the same time makes it all the more worthwhile.
So call in to find out about and have a go at new activities, including dance, exercise, curling, craft, breath work & meditation. Plus there’ll be lots of organisations there to provide useful advice and information. There will also be a chance to enjoy a head or hand massage, as well as refreshments and a raffle.
For more details contact 07932 828333 or 07552 975676, or email enquiries@forum50plus.org.uk
Next date for the Let's Talk... Menopause group
After the success of the first 'Let’s Talk…Menopause' chat in June, Madeley Town Council are set to do it all again with a second get together planned for Monday 17 July. This time the chat will take place between 7pm and 8pm at the Park Lane Centre Café in Woodside to allow those that may not have been able to attend last time due to work or other commitments to come along and enjoy the opportunity to chat about this inevitable life change.
The first meeting was exactly what was hoped for, a group of people ranging in age talking openly about the menopause and how it is affecting, or did affect, them. There were ideas, tips, tricks, advice and a great consensus that the menopause should definitely be talked about more openly.
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. There’ll be complimentary tea and coffee available too.
For more information contact Charlotte Dade, Wellbeing Officer at Madeley Town Council on 01952 567288 or via charlotte@madeleytowncouncil.gov.uk
 At Park Lane Centre, Woodside
Starting on Thursday 27 July between 11am and 12noon and running throughout the summer holidays some free junior gym sessions for children aged 11 and over will be happening at Park Lane Centre, Woodside TF7 5QZ using both the indoor and outdoor equipment available at the Centre. Drinks will also be provided.
These sessions will be run by a fitness instructor with a specialised qualification for leading sessions with children and young people. There is a minimum height of 1.4m for children who would like to attend, and registration and consent forms will be required on the first session.
For more information, contact Park Lane centre on 01952 683700.
 Special family event at Granville Country Park
Buglife’s Get the Marches Buzzing Project is working to restore 57 hectares of wildflower-rich habitat across Shropshire and North Herefordshire, with lots of the work being in Telford.
As part of this project BugLife have been working with some fantastic local artists and practitioners to deliver events geared towards deepening our connection with nature.
The next event is a Family Nature Storytelling event with award-winning storyteller, Jake Evans on Saturday 29 July at Granville Country Park TF2 7QG. Jake will be sharing some fascinating stories about the wonderful wild pollinators found on the reserve. He has worked all around the world telling his stories and his performances are always fun, energetic and interactive. So bring along your family and friends and enjoy a day of outdoor family fun suitable for all ages!
All our events are free, but places are limited so remember to book to secure a place.
For more information or to book your free place please contact Emily Hughes via emily.hughes@buglife.org.uk.
 Enabling local people to enjoy cycling for leisure, exercise and travel
Do you live in the Ketley Bank, Oakengates or St Georges area?
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, safe cycling and to 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, supportive 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.
The KOG team would especially like to hear from any community groups in the Ketley Bank, Oakengates and St Georges areas 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 our Community Cycling Advice Team on KOG@shropshirecyclehub.uk or 07485 212320. You can also search online or Facebook for ‘KOG Community cycling project' or #kogcommunitycycling project
 Stopping smoking for even a few days or weeks can reduce your risks before an operation
Smoking causes harm to your body in many different ways, however if you planning to undergo surgery it’s important to know smoking increases risk of complications around the time of your operation.
To gain maximum benefit, stopping for up to 8 weeks (or longer) is ideal and will help you to quit permanently.
However, even stopping for a short while before your operation can be beneficial. These benefits include:
- Reduced risk of lung problems after your operation such as chest infections
- Reduced risks of heart attacks during and after your operation
- Better, bone and wound healing and a decrease in the risk of wound infections
- Reduced risk of skin or tissue grafts from failing
All these benefits usually mean a reduced length of hospital stay, meaning you will be home faster after your operation.
If you can stop smoking permanently, then you reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer or premature death in the future.
So if you are preparing for surgery and would like some help to quit the Healthy Lifestyles Stop Smoking service is here to help. We understand that everyone is different and will be coming to their quit with different experiences and their own personal challenges. We offer a 12 week behaviour change programme, with expert support.
You can contact the Healthy Lifestyles Team on 01952 382532 or use the online form via the button below.
 Get set and go this summer at the Bike Hub
Wondering what to do over the school holidays? Want to get out the house and head outdoors?
Here at Telford Bike Hub we’ve got you covered! With a wide range of activities on offer there’s no time for boredom!
Throughout the holidays the Bike Hub will be running their popular Learn 2 Ride sessions. Designed for children aged 4 years and over, the Hub's trained instructors will help your child gain skills and confidence while using their bike. These sessions are suitable for children who cannot currently ride a two wheeled bike unaided.
New for 2023, the Hub will also be offering a weekly Bike Club. This is ideal for children aged 8 years and over, who can confidently ride a two wheeled bike unaided. Join in to enhance your riding skills through fun and games and even learn how to maintain your bike! Bike Club will run for six weeks but spaces are limited, so don’t delay in contacting the Bike Hub via TheBikeHub@telford.gov.uk
Finally, did you know you can also hire scooters at the Bike Hub? If pedal power isn’t your thing why not hop on a scooter and glide through the park? Kids hire for only £1 between 3pm and 4pm on selected days.
Visit the Travel Telford Facebook page for more information.
Want to live a healthier life?
The Healthy Lifestyles Service is a free and confidential service there to help you achieve your health goals. Healthy Lifestyles advisors are there to give you confidence, keep you motivated and provide you with personalised advice.
Health is your wealth. Book today to achieve the change you want.
To book an appointment you can call the Healthy Lifestyles Team on 01952 382582, or use the online form via the button below.
Make sure to quote VALERIE when you book.
 Free 6-week X-PERT Diabetes course
People living with diabetes see a healthcare professional for as little as three hours each year and have to manage their condition themselves the rest of the time. These free 6-week courses are designed to give people the knowledge, skills and confidence to self-manage their condition.
The next available Type 2 Diabetes course in Telford is at Meeting Point House, Southwater Square, Telford TF3 4HS it starts on Thursday 9 November 2023 9.30am to 12noon and then runs for the following five Thursdays.
This course is popular and quickly becomes booked up, so don't delay, book your place today by calling 01743 277696 or emailing Shropcom.xpertdiabetes@nhs.net
 And while we're on the subject...
More people than ever are at risk of diabetes and it's estimated that almost one million people in the UK have it without knowing. So just how much do you know about diabetes? And are you at risk?
Take this short quiz to find out more.
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