 Welcome to the August edition of the Healthy Telford newsletter
With the onset of the summer many people will now be looking for things to keep their families happy and healthy for the six weeks holiday. This edition shares just some of the things happening in the borough - highlighting opportunities to get involved and get outside.
So take five, grab a cool drink and find out how Telford and Wrekin is working to be a great place to be this summer.
And don't forget this month's quiz, which tackles family health.
 We have lift-off!
Telford & Wrekin’s new Community Blood Pressure Project has kicked off and our Health Champions have been dedicating their time to support this amazing project.
So far, pop up blood pressure clinics have been held at Hadley’s Five-O event, Forum 50+’s well-being event in Madeley and TAARC’s recent Windrush event.
These sessions were well attended and there were lots of blood pressure checks taken. This has helped local residents to be in the know about their blood pressure and to receive advice and guidance where required to further monitor their blood pressure and help to reduce high blood pressure.
The Health Champions that have supported so far have shared some of their motivations for helping out:
“I wanted to help out. I used to do checks at home. I want to help people”.
“I wanted to volunteer. Blood pressure interests me. It’s something different and nice to have variety in my volunteering”.
What the volunteers have to say about their experience of supporting the clinics:
“I was a little apprehensive at the first event but I looked at the reminder sheets from my training. Once I was there, I was on a roll. I was honest with people that I am not a clinician. It was a busy and warm environment”.
“I was okay at first. When someone’s blood pressure was higher for the first time, I panicked a little but I spoke to the project coordinator Tink and she helped and told me what to do”.
“I really enjoyed being part of the health and wellbeing event at Madeley Anstice. Lovely to meet new people and old friends. The attendees were really engaging with the event. It was a good turnout very worthwhile”.
How could you support?
There are a mixture of pop up clinics at events throughout the summer and beyond and the project would benefit greatly from more volunteers helping out. This will support the Health Improvement Team to reach more residents and to help to prevent High Blood pressure which can contribute to serious health issues e.g. strokes and heart attacks.
We provide interesting and useful training on taking blood pressures, you’ll be part of a great group and you will be supported by the project lead Tink at events.
When's the next training session?
The next training session will be on Tuesday 15 August from 9.15am to 11.15am in the Sunnycroft Room at Darby House, Lawn Centre, Telford TF3 4JA.
Visit our Eventbrite page to book your free place on this training.
If you would like to be part of something great or would like to find out more, please get in touch with the Health Champion coordinator Chloe at health.champions@telford.gov.uk
 Have you tried your local outdoor gym?
In a previous edition of Healthy Telford we’ve looked at going to the gym to help you feel fitter and healthier. This month we’re going to explore exercising at your local outdoor gym.
We 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.
Exercising in a group can be a great way to socialise, make new friends and tackle loneliness and isolation too. But can you do this at your local outdoor gym?
Most people know that an outdoor gym in Telford is free and easy to use, and you can find several across the borough to help you achieve your fitness goals whilst enjoying the fresh air and natural surroundings.
But did you know that studies show that exercising in nature can boost your wellbeing compared to other places? So outdoor gyms in parks can be very beneficial to your physical and mental health, as it combines the power of nature and activity to boost your wellbeing.
In fact, exercising in an outdoor gym can help you lose weight, feel good, reduce your body fat, build up your energy levels, improve your cardiovascular system, reduce stress, increase your flexibility and reduce your blood pressure.
So why not meet up with a friend, head to one of our outdoor gyms and work out while catching up?
The equipment is simple to use, but if you are unsure this summer you can join some instructor led sessions at two of our outdoor gyms for FREE!
Donnington outdoor gym
In Donnington you can book on a free 45 minute session led by a qualified coach which is open to all ages.
Sessions run Mondays at 6am and 10am, Wednesdays at 6.15pm and Saturdays at 10am at The Donnington Recreation Ground, TF2 8HT
Book your place by emailing donningtonoutdoorgym@outlook.com
Oakengates outdoor gym
Also, Oakengates Town Council are hosting free adult fitness classes at the Outdoor Gym in Hartshill Park, TF2 6AJ every Saturday at 10am, led by a trained fitness instructor.
No need to book, but for more information contact thewakes@oakengates-tc.gov.uk or call 01952 567500
Alternatively, you can access any of our outdoor gyms for free with your friends or family, anytime that suits you.
Visit the Healthy Telford blog for a full list of outdoor gyms, some helpful videos on how to use the equipment, a workout recommendation and some important safety information.
For more opportunities to be active outdoors search online for #greenspacesarego
 The second Let’s talk…menopause chat took place in mid-July at the Park Lane Centre in Woodside and we were thrilled to have such a great turn out of ladies.
While we know that everyone’s journey is different, we also know that talking to people going through similar journeys can really help. Menopause and perimenopause have historically not been talked about openly and people have had to make it through as best they can, often on their own.
At Let’s talk…menopause on Monday we showed that menopause and perimenopause isn’t something to go through alone, it’s a time to talk, to discuss symptoms, to share what is and isn’t working to reduce symptoms and more. Most importantly though, it was merely an hour spent with other women going through the same, enjoying talking, having a few laughs, relaxing and wafting fans during those “warmer moments”!
Let’s talk…menopause is open to all, we just want to open the dialogue and get people talking freely and without embarrassment.
We’re pleased to have set dates for chats until the end of 2023, though not December, as just like periods during the perimenopause, the odd month may be missed.
Chats will continue to be held at Park Lane Centre in Woodside from 7pm to 8pm on the following dates:
15 August
11 September
12 October
13 November
For more information on Let’s talk…menopause contact Charlotte at Madeley Town Council by email charlotte@madeleytowncouncil.gov.uk or phone 01952 567288.
 Then join the Five to Thrive challenge
The Five to Thrive campaign offers five steps to a longer, healthier life. Launching on 1 September, the campaign will build a UK-wide community that encourages people to commit to behaviours to help them age well, and which will have a lasting impact on their health and wellbeing. Throughout the month of September, those who make a Five to Thrive pledge will be sent inspiration and encouragement via email.
Developed by the Open University in line with NHS proactive care policies and ageing well research, Five to Thrive targets people in their 50s and 60s to take up habits that will support healthy ageing around the five themes of eating, drinking, moving, thinking and connecting.
The ambition is to see as many people as possible from the UK sign up to this pledge. Healthy Telford need your support to promote this to family, friends, service users and colleagues so that Telford is top of the leader board and helping as many local people to age well as possible.
Visit the Take Five to Age Well website to sign up to the 30 day challenge today.
 Telford and Wrekin Council’s Safer & Stronger Communities Team will be hosting a women's health roadshow on Saturday 9 September 9.30am to 2.30pm at the Minster Community Hall, Meeting Point House, Southwater Square, Telford TF3 4HS.
The aim of the event is to provide women with support and guidance on a host of issues, ranging from health and fitness, safety and security, as well as general wellbeing. There's a jam-packed schedule of activities, including live music, dancing and performances, blood pressure checks, energy advice and skin care. The maternity team will be there, as will the charity Women’s Aid, the Police and council enforcement officers. There will also be a team that can help with carers support, the sport and leisure team, Age UK, and St Giles Trust – a project that works with vulnerable young people - along with cancer support services and others.
Councillor for Safer & Stronger Communities Kelly Middleton said: “This event is an ideal chance to speak to a range of experts in their fields on women’s health but also a chance to get together with friends and spend time exploring other important issues around women’s safety, health and wider well-being. Everyone is welcome, not just women, to enjoy the entertainment, learn some valuable skills or just access and learn about some of the support services available to women in Telford and Wrekin".
 ... Smoking makes your diabetes harder to manage
Nicotine increases your blood sugar levels and makes them harder to handle. People with diabetes who smoke often need larger doses of insulin to keep their blood sugar close to their target levels.
Smoking is now proven to be an independent risk factor for diabetes, and amongst diabetics it increases the risk of complications, such as Heart Attack and Stroke.
Taking advice on Stopping Smoking should be a matter of routine for all Diabetics.
If you are concerned about weight gain, the Healthy Lifestyle Service offers a wide range of support to help people with Diabetes from advice and support on Diet, Weight Management, increasing Physical Activity and support to Stop Smoking.
Visit the Healthy Lifestyles page of the Telford and Wrekin website for additional information.
To book an appointment you can call 01952 382582, email healthylifestyles@telford.gov.uk or you can use the online form via the button below.
 Do you have Type 2 Diabetes?
Would you like help to understand and manage it better?
If so, you can sign up to the NHS approved, group structured education programme which is free to anyone with Type 2 Diabetes. In the Telford area, these face-to-face sessions are being held at Meeting Point House in Telford Town Centre.
Please call 01743 277696 or email shropcom.xpertdiabetes@nhs.net to book a free place on the next available course.
 Want to get back on your bike?
The free cycling project known as “KOG” is coming to Ketley Bank, Oakengates and St Georges during August and September. Staff and volunteers from Shropshire Cycle Hub will be on hand to help people get riding – whether you want to cycle for cheap transport from A to B, get fitter, or just for fun.
Cycle as part of a group
Free group led rides are on offer for social cycling and to help people gain confidence and learn new routes. They will be led by a qualified instructor who can help out with any questions before you start – remind you of the basics such as how to change gears or put your chain back on, and how to check your bike is safe before heading off.
FREE group cycle rides – led by a cycling instructor
Saturday 2 September, 10am to 12noon, departing from St George's
Monday 4 September, 5pm to 7pm, departing from Oakengates
Wednesday 6 September, 10am to 12noon, departing from Ketley Bank
Saturday 9 September, 1pm to 3pm, departing from Ketley Bank
Monday 11 September, 1pm to 3pm, departing from St George's
Wednesday 13 September, 10am to 12noon, departing from Oakengates
Saturday 16 September, 10am to 12noon, departing from Oakengates
Monday 18 September, 5pm to 7pm, departing from Ketley Bank
Wednesday 20 September, 5pm to 7pm, departing from St George's
Visit the KOG page on the Telford and Wrekin website for more details and to book your place.
Bike repairs, questions and problem solving
Each area will also have a ‘one-stop cycling shop’ at a local venue, where people can bring bikes along to be fixed for free, watch qualified bike mechanics to learn some repair skills, and bring questions along to get advice on overcoming those niggly problems that hold you back – the “I want to cycle, but…” questions. Whatever your “but” is the KOG team can try to help you solve it – common ones are about not knowing what type or size of bike is suitable, what to look for (or avoid!) in a secondhand bike, wanting to find routes that avoid fast roads, keeping your bike secure and how to carry kids, shopping or luggage.
Calling local clubs and community groups
If you’re part of a club or community group in Ketley Bank, Oakengates or St Georges and you would like Shropshire Cycle Hub to come and talk to your members about cycling please get in touch.
And if you’re especially keen to get involved and keep people in Ketley Bank, Oakengates and St Georges cycling after the project ends, Shropshire Cycle Hub are looking for a few local people to sign up for FREE training to lead group rides or to learn bike mechanics.
Get in touch
To keep in touch with the project you can join the Facebook group by searching for ‘KOG community cycling project’, email kog@shropshirecyclehub.uk or phone 07485 212320
#kogcommunitycyclingproject
 With the summer holidays well and truly here, going for a bike ride is a brilliant way to get outdoors and enjoy the Great British weather!
Learning to ride is an essential life skill, but sometimes we need a little help. Telford Bike Hub offers support for both adults and children (aged 4+) in groups or one-to-one sessions.
If your little one needs a helping hand with learning to ride a bike, or maybe just a bit of a confidence boost to get back on two wheels, our team of instructors are here to help!
Throughout the summer holidays the Hub are running Learn 2 Ride sessions. The cost is £10 per child and sessions are suitable for ages 4 and above. If your child doesn’t have their own bike don’t worry, bikes and helmets can be hired at no extra cost.
Bookings can be made here - Visit the Tickets Telford website to book your place on a Learn 2 Ride session.
You can find Telford Bike Hub in Telford Town Park located next to the Visitor Centre. Alternatively, you can email thebikehub@telford.gov.uk
 Don't forget to 'ready, set, read' at your local library
If you have children aged between 4 and 11 years old they can join in this year's summer reading challenge. The challenge is to read six books over the summer holidays while collecting golden book stickers along the way. Upon completion of the challenge, children will earn a certificate and medal.
As part of the reading challenge there will be an author visit and craft activities across Southwater, Wellington and Newport Libraries. Come along and meet J K Keane, author of Mia is Lost, or go to the kite and paper parachute making sessions.
 Telford and Wrekin's Urban Games is a fun, free sports programme for young people aged between 8 and 16. The sessions are held in local parks and are hosted by groups such as AFC Telford United, Shropshire Cricket and Telford Netball Club and range from BMX biking and skateboarding to cricket, football and basketball.
If you're looking for something different to do with your family this summer holiday, the urban games could be just what you're after.
Visit the Urban Games page on Telford and Wrekin's website for more information and to download the flyer.
Are you 18-25, West Midlands based and interested in leading environmental change within your local community? Check out UpRising and Shropshire Wildlife Trust's new collaborative programme, ELP2!
This free, 9-month programme, focusing on nature connection and behavioural change, will offer a safe space for you to learn about, create and measure tangible change, as well as connecting you with experts in the field.
You'll also be supported to run your own group campaigns!
 Healthwatch are recruiting right now for new Advisory Board Members and for a Chair
How often do you hear people share their stories of long waits for hospital appointments, or short-notice cancellations, or difficulty in getting to see their GP?
Or the really glowing stories where people feel the service they have received at a hospital or from their GP has been brilliant?
Ever thought "if only people at the top could listen to what its actually like for people who are unwell, frail, or vulnerable and struggling to access services and what they would change if it was their close family..." ?
Have you ever wanted to tell the people in charge what's working well and ask "why can't you do some of the same for other services?"
You could have the opportunity to do just that with Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin.
Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin is an independent champion, making sure people’s voices are at the centre of shaping NHS health services and social care services in Telford and Wrekin.
Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin was established in April 2013 to bring the voices and experiences of the local community to the people who make the decisions about local health and social care plans and services.
The government provides money for each local authority to set up a Healthwatch. Local Healthwatch organisations have the right to go to places where health and social care is delivered and report what they find.
Telford and Wrekin Healthwatch are recruiting now for new Advisory Board Members and for a Chair of the Advisory Board. Engaging Communities Solutions CIC (ECS) has been awarded the contract to deliver Healthwatch in Telford and Wrekin from April.
Interested?
There are recruitment packs and role descriptors available for the Advisory Board Members and Chair positions on the Healthwatch website.
Visit the Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin website for further information about this role and how to apply.
Please contact Simon Fogell on 07761 916400 or by email at simon.fogell@weareecs.co.uk for more details.
 Want a happier, healthier family?
Whether you're worried about your family's sugar intake, or eating well on a budget, the Better Health Healthier Families 8 week email journeys can help you with easy tips from nutrition experts and other parents, Disney-themed games, fun challenges and budget-friendly recipes - all delivered direct to your inbox.
Take the short Healthy Steps quiz using the button below to see which email journey is right for you and your family.
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