 Welcome to the September edition of the Healthy Telford newsletter
Make your voice heard this month on the subjects of healthy weight and/or Telford & Wrekin's GP services, learn more about the five ways to age well and the importance of getting your blood pressure checked, and find out about a variety of local activities from netball to nature writing.
It's time to take a break, grab yourself a drink or a snack and find out what's going on to support your health and wellbeing in Telford & Wrekin this September.
And don't forget this month's quiz, which asks you to think about your mood.
 The Five to Thrive campaign has launched!
The Five to Thrive campaign, which offers five steps to a longer, healthier life, has lift-off this September! This 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, 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.
Will you take up the challenge? Follow us on Twitter @HealthyTF and on Facebook @HealthyTelfordWrekin and share your stories. #TelfordTakeFive
Visit the Take Five to Age Well website to sign up to the 30 day challenge today
 Supporting Healthy Weight in Telford & Wrekin
In Telford and Wrekin, there are higher than average levels of adults and children who are overweight. Being overweight can have a negative impact on both your physical and mental health.
Your views really matter, and we would appreciate your time to complete this a short survey via the button below.
Who is it for?
Members of the public and residents who live in Telford & Wrekin.
Professionals who work with residents or are representing an organisation providing health, care, wellbeing services.
How long will it take?
It should take around 10 minutes to complete.
What will happen with my answers?
The information you provide will help inform Telford and Wrekin Council and it's partners in developing a Healthy Weight Strategy. It is important to get a better understanding from our communities, residents and partners on what are the main challenges to healthy weight and what services would be most beneficial.
 Make the time, ease your pressure
This week is Blood Pressure UK's Know Your Numbers Week (4 to 10 September), a campaign that takes place every September and a perfect opportunity for you to get your blood pressure checked.
Life can be incredibly busy and it isn’t always a priority to get your blood pressure checked. However, did you know that getting a blood pressure check is the first step to preventing heart attacks and strokes?
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke which are two of the leading causes of death in the UK and it’s known as ‘the silent killer’ because it often has no symptoms until it’s too late. Knowing your numbers means you can start making healthy lifestyle changes, or taking medication if you need it, to bring your blood pressure down to a healthy level. So, it is important to make the time to check your blood pressure to see if it’s under control.
You don’t necessarily need to make an appointment with your doctor to get checked. Ask your local pharmacy if they offer a checking service, or take advantage of the Community Blood Pressure Project which is now been up and running in Telford and Wrekin, delivering blood pressure checks at community groups and events.
The Community Blood Pressure Project will be delivering checks at the Women’s Wellbeing Roadshow on Saturday 9 September 9.30am to 2.30pm at the Minster Community Hall, Meeting Point House, Southwater Square, Telford TF3 4HS.
Visit the Blood Pressure UK website for more information about Know Your Numbers Week 2023
 Helping out in your local green space can be a way to stay active
We all know that it’s important to be active and take part in regular exercise to help us socialise, reduce our risk of illness, prevent us from becoming overweight, boost our mood, and reduce stress and anxiety.
But for those of us who don’t suit sporting activities, going to the gym or other more ‘traditional’ forms of exercise, it can be hard to know where to turn.
If that’s you here’s a different way to stay active, while doing ‘your bit’ for your local green space too.
Many of Telford and Wrekin’s parks and local nature reserves have a ‘Friends Of’ group, made up of members of the local community, that help take care of them.
Many of these groups get together regularly to take part in light conservation and maintenance activities in green spaces, such as trimming back overhanging vegetation, planting young trees, mending benches, footpaths and fences, and looking after the different wildlife habitats.
Sessions are fun, social, light hearted and extremely rewarding, and suitable for all ages and abilities as the work can be as strenuous or low impact as you like. In fact you’ll be so busy enjoying the fresh air, friendly company and beautiful surroundings you’ll hardly know you’re exercising!
'Working parties' with the Friends of Holmer Lake and Madebrook
One of these groups is the Friends of Holmer Lake and Madebrook, who hold their ‘working parties’ on the second Saturday of each month from 9:30am to 11:30am, meeting at the Holmer Lake Car Park, off Holmer Lane. There are lots of different conservation activities to choose from suitable for all ages and abilities, followed by refreshments at the end of each session to celebrate a job well done.
To help the Friends of Holmer Lake and Madebrook make their sessions as accessible as possible, Telford and Wrekin Council recently awarded the group with some "Green Spaces Are Go" funds so they could purchase a wide range of tools and equipment to help older people, people with mobility issues and people with disabilities join in too.
Studies show that exercising in nature can boost your wellbeing compared to other places, so our Green Spaces Are Go project aims to get people more active in their local green spaces, to combine the power of physical activity and nature to boost wellbeing.
Watch this short video by the Friends of Holmer Lake & Madebrook on how the new equipment might help you to take part.
Visit the Friends of Holmer Lake & Madebrook Facebook page to find out more about working parties.
Visit Telford & Wrekin's website to explore other green and open spaces across the borough.
Visit the Green Spaces Are Go webpage on the Healthy Telford blog to find out more about the benefits of exercising in a green space.
#greenspacesarego
 Re-discover your love of netball or try it out for the first time in a fun, friendly, non-committal and non-competitive environment. More than 110,000 women have re-discovered their love for the game through Back to Netball and realised the many benefits of getting involved.
What is Back to Netball?
Back to Netball is welcoming and understanding.
It is a series of sessions that introduces people back to the sport of netball. Led by passionate and enthusiastic coaches, Back to Netball sessions cover the basics of the game including passing, footwork and shooting. Session’s finish with a friendly game to put the skills you have learnt into practice.
At Back to Netball sessions, we understand you’re juggling work, kids and everything in between and know it’s hard to take the first shot at the goal. But with the support of your Back to Netball Coach and fellow netball returnees/newbies, we’re here to help you get back out on court and playing the sport we all love.
Who is it for?
Back to Netball is for women of all ages and levels of experience but sessions will be specifically designed to cater for those who have not played for an extended period. Whether you have not played since your school days, want to improve your fitness in a relaxed and enjoyable environment, or are just looking for a great place to meet new friends and stay active, Back to Netball is the place for you.
Why you should join?
Because it gives women time for themselves, the ability to meet with like-minded women, it’s good for both their physical and mental wellbeing and just good FUN! There’s absolutely no need to be a netball pro and lots of women tell us “I’m not a netballer, I’m a Back to Netballer” and they’re proud of that.
How to join?
You do not need any special kit to take part, just clothes that you feel comfortable exercising in and suitable footwear (ideally trainers) and make sure you bring some water to your session.
There are currently two Back to Netball sessions running in Telford.
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Mondays, 6 to 7pm at Langley Sports and Leisure Centre £3.50 per session
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Wednesdays, 6 to 7pm at Oakengates Leisure Centre £4 per session
You can book a place online using the button below, or by emailing ruth.hughes@englandnetball.co.uk
Join today!
 Do you live in Ketley Bank, Oakengates or St Georges, or know anyone who does?
If so why not join the KOG Community Cycling Project?!
Everyone is welcome, regardless of age or ability.
You can attend FREE community cycling events…
During September come along to a community cycling event where you can bring your bike along to be fixed for free, watch qualified bike mechanics to learn some basic repair skills, and bring questions along to get advice on overcoming problems that hold you back from cycling. You can also find out what type or size of bike is suitable for you, what to look for and avoid in a second hand bike, cycling routes that avoid busy roads, how keep your bike secure and how to carry children, shopping or luggage safely while cycling.
FREE community cycling events for you to join:
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Saturday 2 September, 10am to 2pm at Ketley Bank Playing Fields, Off Bank Way, TF2 0EB
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Saturday 16 September at The Wakes, Theatre Square, TF2 6EP as part of Oakengates High Street celebrations
No need to book - just turn up, but to find out more contact our Community Cycling Advice team via KOG@shropshirecyclehub.uk or call 07485212320
You can cycle as part of a group…
Free group led rides are also 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:
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Saturday 2 September, 10am to 12noon, departing from St George's
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Monday 4 September, 5pm to 7pm, departing from Oakengates
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Wednesday 6 September, 10am to 12noon, departing from Ketley Bank
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Saturday 9 September, 1pm to 3pm, departing from Ketley Bank
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Monday 11 September, 1pm to 3pm, departing from St George's
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Wednesday 13 September, 10am to 12noon, departing from Oakengates
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Saturday 16 September, 10am to 12noon, departing from Oakengates
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Monday 18 September, 5pm to 7pm, departing from Ketley Bank
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Wednesday 20 September, 5pm to 7pm, departing from St George's
Visit the KOG page on Telford and Wrekin Council's website for more details about events and group led rides.
Want to take part but don’t own a bike?
Get in touch using the contact details below to ask about potential help for anyone who does not have their own bike.
Get in touch to find out more…
You can join the Facebook group by searching for ‘KOG community cycling project’, email kog@shropshirecyclehub.uk, phone 07485 212320 or visit our webpage.
#kogcommunitycyclingproject
 Would you or someone in your family like to learn to ride a bike safely and confidently on two wheels?
The Travel Telford team as part of the KOG Community Cycling project, are offering free Learn to Ride sessions to residents in the Ketley Bank, Oakengates and St Georges communities.
It’s never too late to learn!
Taking place at Telford Bike Hub throughout September, the Travel Telford Team will be holding sessions for children, adults and families to Learn to Ride. (Please note that spaces are limited and you will asked for ID to prove you are a resident in one of the project areas.)
Visit the KOG webpage for dates and further information.
Visit the Eventbrite website to book your place on a KOG Learn to Ride session.
The team will also be supporting the project by working with 5 schools within the project area, as well as neighbouring schools who have children attending from Ketley Bank, Oakengates and St Georges.
Various activities will be taking place such as Bike Try Out events, Family Bike Maintenance, Dr Bike and Bikeability cycle training.
For more information on Learn to Ride Sessions or Bike Hire you can email thebikehub@telford.gov.uk
Visit Travel Telford's Facebook page.
 Health Education England (Midlands) is running two online Health Literacy workshops over the next couple of months.
On Wednesday 6 September between 9am and 11am a Health Literacy Awareness Training session will be delivered by Dr Mike Oliver via Zoom, by the end of which, you should be able to:
- Understand what health literacy is
- Appreciate what it might mean to have low levels of health literacy
- Know why it is important
- Know what others have done, and think about what you could do
- Learn about key tools, such as “Teachback” and writing for understanding
- Know how to sign up for the Health Literate Organisation journey
Visit the Eventbrite website to book a place on this training session.
And on Tuesday 26 September between 9am and 12noon Dr Mike Oliver is delivering a Health Literate Organisation Workshop via Zoom.
It is assumed that attendees already know what health literacy is.
This workshop covers the following topics:
- What do we mean by a Health Literate Organisation (HLO)?
- Why is being a HLO important?
- What does success look like for you?
- How do we get there?
- What is in the HLO checklist?
- What does good or bad look like?
- Where do I go for advice or examples?
The course also looks at your organisation's journey and next steps towards becoming a HLO and advises on where to get follow up support.
Visit the Eventbrite website to book a place for this workshop.
 Don't forget...
Come along to the Women’s Wellbeing Roadshow, hosted by Telford & Wrekin Council's Safer and Stronger Communities Team on Saturday 9 September 9.30am to 2.30pm at the Minster Community Hall, Meeting Point House, Southwater Square, Telford TF3 4HS where you'll have the opportunity to speak with over eighteen different agencies at our market place.
You will be able to access information get advice and give feedback on many different subjects and issues and there will also be free light refreshments throughout the day. So pop in, enjoy some music, join in a taster session and have a wander around the many stands on show. Alternatively, you can book a place by following the link below.
Visit the Eventbrite website for the day's itinerary and to book a free place.
 Join Buglife for an immersive creative writing workshop with local poet Bethany Rivers
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.
On Saturday 9 September from 12noon to 3pm, join Buglife and local poet Bethany Rivers for a FREE creative writing workshop at the Shropshire Wildlife Trust’s renovated Squatters Cottage in Lightmoor Nature Reserve, Telford TF4 3QJ.
During this immersive workshop, Bethany will be helping you tap into your creativity and showing you how to use nature to inspire your writing. This is a guided workshop, and all writing abilities are welcome. The event will allow you to deepen your connection with nature and show you how important being in green spaces is for your own wellbeing.
All our events are FREE, but please let us know if you are attending the event by emailing emily.hughes@buglife.org.uk.
 Preventing the Preventable
Telford and Wrekin’s community is joining forces to host a special event in Southwater Square for World Suicide Prevention Day called Preventing the Preventable. The event is taking place on Saturday 9 September from 11am to 3pm and has been organised by Telford & Wrekin Council and partners within the local Suicide Prevention Action Group as well as those with lived experience.
A mix of music, street art, face painting, circus skills, and creative activities aim to ‘create hope through action’ by encouraging people to reflect on how they can support someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or at risk of suicide. Support groups will have a presence on the day and provide information about the help available locally and nationally for those people. People will also be invited to write and hang messages on the Tree of Hope.
Please come along to take part and offer your support.
 The Southwater Library VI Group
Southwater Library runs a monthly support group for people with sight loss and their carers. Meeting on the the ground floor of Southwater, on the second Thursday of every month from 11am to 12noon, this is an opportunity to have a cuppa and a chat with like-minded people and find out what services the Library can offer you.
The next session will be on Thursday 14 September, 11am to 12noon.
 And don't forget to complete the summer reading challenge!
If your child has been taking part in this year's Summer Reading Challenge then there's still time for them to achieve their medal and certificate!
The closing date for the challenge is Saturday 16 September.
The challenge takes place during the summer holidays and is for children aged between 4 and 11 years. The aim is to read six books (which can be fiction, non-fiction, picture books, audiobooks, ebooks or eaudio, anything goes) over the six week holiday, collecting stickers along the way. Once completed, each child is awarded a certificate and a medal.
So don't forget to make your final reading challenge visit to your local library before the closing date!
 This year’s 10th anniversary of the Recovery Conference will focus on the development and successes of the recovery community in Telford and Wrekin. It will be an opportunity to hear from individuals who have been at the heart of developing this vibrant community along with the positive work being carried out in Telford and Wrekin, and the positive recovery outcomes that have resulted from the work.
The event will be taking place at Telford Minster, Meeting Point House, Southwater Square, Telford, TF3 4HS on Thursday 28 September from 9.30am to 4.15pm.
Visit the Eventbrite website to register your intention to attend the conference.
Cancer awareness videos created in various languages available to you
As part of a Cancer Champion awareness project, a series of multi-language videos have been created to raise awareness about the importance of cancer screening and improve uptake in the area.
The videos have been produced in Mandarin, Punjabi, Ukranian, Bulgarian and Polish. They focus on breast, bowel, and cervical cancer, as well as a general video to highlight signs and symptoms of cancer.
NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin has partnered with Lingen Davies Cancer Fund and Oswestry-based Qube to deliver the Cancer Champions project as part of a national NHS England drive to address low engagement with health screening in the 20 percent most deprived communities.
The videos, encouraging people to take up cancer screening invitations, are available to view on the Cancer Champions website and to download for organisations, community groups, and GP practices to use in their own facilities. The idea being that the more venues and organisations showing and highlighting this information the better.
Visit the Cancer Champions website to view or download these videos.
Please feel free to download and share and be part of spreading an important message.
For further details about the Cancer Champion project please contact michelle.moore@lingendavies.co.uk
 Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin wants your views
Recently NHS England published the results of the annual GP Patient Survey 2023, a survey which asked patients to rate their experience of their GP practice.
The results show that some people in the borough are a lot less satisfied with their GP than others. Some patients in Telford and Wrekin are still finding it difficult to get through to the Surgery on the phone, to get an appointment at a preferred time and with their GP of choice.
These results concern both Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin and Telford & Wrekin Council. Simon Fogell, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin says:
“Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin continue to receive reports that people are not satisfied with their GP. We want to hear directly from you about your own experiences of accessing your GP, the good, not so good or indifferent – they all matter.
“We will use what people tell us, their truths, to share a report with Telford & Wrekin Council, the Integrated Care Board and Integrated Care System partners to show how you rate your GP service and what else people feel would improve services for them."
You can share your views via the online survey by using the button below.
Alternatively, if you don’t use online services you can call Healthwatch and they will support you to make sure your voice is heard about your satisfaction of your GP. Their telephone number is 01952 739540 (this line is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm).
 What can you do to manage your mood?
Anxiety, stress and depression can show up in many different ways. Maybe you find yourself worried about things that haven't happened yet. Or perhaps you feel restless and unable to concentrate. You may find you can't sleep, or that you feel tired all the time.
This test will help you identify your mood over the last two weeks and what you can do to help improve it.
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