 Welcome to the October edition of the Healthy Telford newsletter
This October sees a whole host of celebrations and awareness days. Black History Month and Stoptober both take place from 1 to 31 October, it's Green Libraries Week this week (2 to 8 October), and then National Poetry Day on 5 October and World Mental Health Day on 10 October. As a result, we have a lot of events and activities to share with you in this bumper issue.
So 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 October.
 Small changes that make a big difference
It’s World Mental Health Day on Sunday 10 October and to recognise this, we wanted to show how small things can make a big difference to our mental health, improving how we feel, helping us to relax, and allowing us to achieve our goals and generally enjoy our lives more.
"Doing the little things can make a big difference to your mental health"
It’s also about doing those little things often, like:
- Having a regular chat, which can help us feel us feel more connected.
- Taking a daily walk to really lift your mood and put a smile on your face.
- Making time for breathing exercises to help you feel more relaxed and calm.
- Spending quality time with our friends or family, which can help you feel less stressed.
- Practicing gratitude by taking five minutes to stop and reflect on the positive things.
Get personalised help
You can get personalised tips and advice that are tailored to your situation by using the NHS online Mind Plan. Answer five quick questions to get your free plan with tips to help you deal with stress and anxiety, improve your sleep, boost your mood and feel more in control.
Try the NHS online Mind Plan quiz.
Visit the Every Mind Matters website.
If you are worried about your mental health and would like to talk about your concerns you can also contact a number of local support services.
Visit the Telford & Wrekin website for more information about the mental health help services available in the borough.
 Recognising the contributions of black women
This year’s theme for Black History Month is ‘saluting our sisters’, focusing on honouring, acknowledging and applauding the invaluable contributions that black women have made throughout history.
A great place to start is marking 75 years of the National Health Service. BBC Radio Shropshire covered the story of Marjorie Brown from Leegomery who came to work as a nurse from Trinidad in 1965.
Visit BBC Radio Shropshire's Twitter page to listen to Marjorie's story.
Sherrel Fikeis, a ‘Sister of Windrush’ and chair of One Voice, for the last 35 years has pioneered the way for women and communities in Telford to come together as one voice.
Thank you to all the women of colour who volunteer their time and to those who work in Health and Social care to support community health and wellbeing. There are so many women out there doing tremendous work to support and uplift our communities.
 Black History Month dates for your diary:
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The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust's has collaborated with The Windrush Exhibition Telford & Wrekin to honour the residents who arrived in the UK between 1948 and 1971 (first generation Windrush) and settled in Telford and Wrekin. They continue to seek willing participants to provide photographs and short stories. Visit the Windrush Exhibition Telford & Wrekin website for more information.
- On Saturday 7 October join the Nigerian Independence Day celebrations at Randlay Community Centre between 4pm and 9pm. This family friendly event is dedicated to fostering awareness, preserving a rich heritage, promoting education and sharing in the cultural richness that defines Nigerian heritage.
- On Saturday 7 and Tuesday 10 October watch 'Chevalier' at Wellington Orbit Cinema. 'Chevalier' is a thought-provoking biopic of composer Joseph Bologne, who rose to fame in French society from humble beginnings. Booking is essential. Call Wellington Orbit on 01952 743377.
- On Friday 13 October join Telford African Caribbean Community Initiative (ACCI) at Hadley & Leegomery Community Centre 6pm until 10pm for an evening of 'edutainment and upliftment' celebrating Black History Month and World Mental Health Day. This event is open to all and admission is free.
- And on Thursday 26 October join us, in partnership with Wrekin Housing Group, at their offices on Colliers Way, Overdale between 12noon and 2pm to round off Black History Month and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the black community.
 Break the chain of harm and stop smoking this October
Calling on all smokers in Telford and Wrekin to join more than 2.5 million others who have made a quit attempt with the campaign since it launched a decade ago in 2012.
Quitting smoking is one of the best things a smoker can do for their health.
The Stoptober campaign encourages smokers to make a quit attempt during the month of October. Someone who quits smoking for 28 days is five times more likely to stay smoke-free for good, and this is made easier with the support of behavioural change from a specialist stop smoking advisor.
Making changes can improve your health right away and considerably increase your chances of staying healthy. Some of the benefits to your health include: reducing your carbon monoxide levels, blood pressure and pulse returning to normal, breathing becoming easier and energy levels increase.
Combining professional help with support from family and friends is a huge bonus. Quitting can improve mood and help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression, reduce risk of heart attack and stroke, and aneurism’s and, of course, there are financial rewards to quitting too.
Patrick a Telford residence who smoked for 47 years and was up to 70 a day had this to say in the hopes he can help others:
“I wish I had stopped smoking ten years ago and I would not have lost my leg, and now be facing the possibility of losing the other. There are no health benefits to smoking and hope this message helps others: speak to someone who can help, you may not succeed the first time but never give up trying. Take notice of what is on the front of the box - smoking is dangerous to your health. I learnt my lesson the hard way, you shouldn't.”
The Stop Smoking Service accepts professional and self-referrals. Referral is quick and easy via the online form, using the button below. Or you can call the team on 01952 382582 or email healthylifestyles@telford.gov.uk
 The work doesn't end here...
The KOG Community cycling project for Ketley Bank, Oakengates and St Georges – a project to enable local people to enjoy cycling for leisure, exercise and travel - finished in September.
But it doesn’t mean the work ends there – the project encouraged people to cycle more by helping to teach people how to ride and fix bikes, provided cycling courses and sessions in schools, and provides training for volunteer "Ride Leaders", so the skills and knowledge passed on will help the work of the project to keep going.
The project was organised by Telford & Wrekin Council as a partnership involving Telford and Wrekin Council, Energize and Shropshire Cycle Hub, and used Sport England's Together Funding along with additional funding from Energize and Telford & Wrekin Council’s Safer & Stronger Communities to get all this work done.
The KOG project worked with schools, community groups, community centres, religious establishments plus Town and Parish Councils in Ketley Bank, Oakengates and St Georges, to encourage cycling, help people overcome their barriers and obstacles to cycling, and form a community cycling group.
There’s still free training on offer as part of the project - including Ride Leader training, Ride Leader First Aid training, and Bike Maintenance training – available for anyone local who would use the skills gained to help local people to cycle.
It’s not too late to be involved
To find out more contact the Community Cycling Advice Team via KOG@shropshirecyclehub.uk or 07485 212320, search online or Facebook for #KOGcommunitycyclingproject, or visit our webpage using the link below.
Visit the KOG Community Cycling Project webpage.
 Want to know your numbers?
Having high blood pressure can lead to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. So knowing your blood pressure numbers can save your life. Around 1 in 4 adults in the UK have high blood pressure, and, if you're over 40, you should get your pressure checked at least every five years.
The Community Blood Pressure Project is out and about in Telford visiting local venues and events to take blood pressure readings and raise awareness of why it's important to 'know your numbers'.
Visit the Healthy Telford blog to find out where our blood pressure checkers will be next.
 At Park Lane Centre
For World Mental Health Day Park Lane Centre are having a tea and chat morning. If you want to enjoy a hot drink and a piece of cake while finding out what services are available to you, pop into Park Lane Centre, Park Lane, Woodside TF7 5QZ on Monday 9 October between 10am and 12noon.
The cake on sale will raise funds for a Macmillan Coffee Morning.
 Come along and meet the expert
Seldom Heard Voices forum presents How do we break the silence? Amplify the voice. On Saturday 14 October from 1pm to 4.30pm local breast specialist Mrs Blossom Lake will be at Telford Golf and Spa Hotel, Great Hay Drive, Sutton Way, Telford TF7 4DT to discuss breast cancer.
Learn the three easy steps to self-examination, hear other women's experiences and cancer journeys, get a carer's perspective, and bust some of the myths about cancer. Free health advice and blood pressure checks will also be available, and lunch will be provided. There will also be a Chinese dance display and a prize draw.
 Can you spare an hour or two?
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.
Join Buglife for a busy month of volunteering and be a part of the restoration process. In October, they will be focusing on enhancing their restoration sites in Telford by seeding them with Heather (Calluna vulgaris) and Bird’s foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus).
So can you give an hour or two on any of these dates?:
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19 October from 10am at Granville Country Park, Donnington
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24 October from 10.30am at Manor Road Pitmound, Dawley
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26 October from 10am at Granville Country Park, Donnington
Tools will be provided. You are advised to wear sturdy footwear and to bring gloves if you have them. Drinks will be provided afterwards.
For more information and to register your interest please email emily.hughes@buglife.org.uk.
 Health and wellbeing courses from the WEA
The WEA (Workers’ Educational Association) offers online and local courses across the country. The following upcoming courses require access to either a tablet, laptop or computer and are designed for adults aged 19 and over. They are free for unemployed people, job seekers and people on low wage.
The following online courses are taking place this October:
Understanding Anxiety (Start date: 5 October)
Book onto the Understanding Anxiety Course via the WEA website.
Understanding Stress (Start date: 12 October)
Book onto the Understanding Stress Course via the WEA website.
Understanding Depression (Start date: 19 October)
Book onto the Understanding Depression Course via the WEA website.
You can also call the WEA on 01132 002194 to book, or for more information.
 Nordic Walking is great for fitness, exercise, weight loss and sociability
With its special pole walking technique it harnesses the power of the upper body to turn walking into a bit of a workout!
It’s ideal for all ages, fitness levels and abilities, due to the special walking poles which are provided for each walker to use, which actually helps the person to move forward with every step, as well as providing support and a gentle upper body workout.
It’s great fun too, as it’s easy to walk and chat at the same time, as you move through the beautiful surroundings of the walking trail.
Fancy giving it a go? Then join a FREE walk on Saturday 14 October from 11.30am to 1.30pm, meeting at Hillside, Lilleshall, Newport TF10 9HG.
Nordic poles supplied.
The walk will be followed by FREE refreshments in Lilleshall Memorial Hall.
Book your FREE place using the button below.
Visit the Green Spaces Are Go page on the Healthy Telford blog for more information about our other activities.
 Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin is asking people living with Diabetes – ‘How good is your care?’
Following an analysis of the most recent National Diabetes Audit 2021-2022, Diabetes UK say in their report that NHS Shropshire Telford and Wrekin ICB has the lowest number of people receiving all eight checks and is 19% lower than the same period in 2019-2020.
The report goes on to say: 'Emerging evidence suggests that the ongoing disruption to routine care may be leading to excess mortality in people with diabetes.' In 2022 there were 13% more deaths than expected and in the first part of 2023 it is three times higher than in the same period in 2022 for the whole of the country.
Simon Fogell, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin said:
“The report of Diabetes UK saying people living in this area receive the worst care in the country makes for sobering reading. Also, the fact this is getting worse and may continue to worsen with the ongoing disruption to services.”
“We know NHS Shropshire Telford and Wrekin ICB are aware of the issues in Diabetes care and are working to improve services. Therefore, its really important people share their experience of the care and support they get from the NHS to help them live well with Diabetes and avoid complications such as amputations, strokes, heart attacks and heart failure.
“We will use what people tell us, their truths, to share a report with the ICB and Integrated Care System partners to show how you rate your care and what else people feel would support them.”
If you live in Telford and Wrekin you can let Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin know by completing the survey using the button below.
Alternatively, you can call Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin on 01952 739540 or email info@healthwatchtelfordandwrekin.co.uk to make sure your voice is heard.
 Local green spaces guides
New guides showcasing local green spaces have been created to encourage people to spend more time outdoors experiencing natural environments to the benefit of their physical and mental health.
9 locations have been chosen across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin to make up the guides, which contain maps, photos and waymarked trails. Each location has a free downloadable route, instructions on how to get there, accessibility information, and details of what you can see and do.
This is one of the outcomes from a two-year Green Social Prescribing project, run by a partnership between Energize STW (the active partnership for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin) and Shropshire Wildlife Trust, with support from both local authorities in our County. The project is all about encouraging people to access outdoor spaces to help improve their health and wellbeing.
The guides have been designed for everyone; from those taking their first steps to get out in nature, to social prescribers based in GP surgeries across the County who want to help provide their patients with options to access free local green spaces.
Visit the Shropshire Wildlife Trust website to view the 9 new guides.
Cllr Carolyn Healy (Labour), Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet member for climate action, green spaces, heritage and leisure, said:
“Living in a green and sustainable borough is central to people living healthy lives, so it’s wonderful to see these guides being produced for some of Telford and Wrekin’s top walks.
“As a council, we recognise the huge benefits our residents can experience by spending time surrounded by nature. That’s why we’ve been investing more than £4.5m to enhance Telford and Wrekin’s parks, nature reserves and walking and cycling routes – making our wonderful green spaces more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”
If you would like more information about the Green Social Prescribing project, please contact Sharon Smith, Green Social Prescribing Officer at Sharon.Smith@energizestw.org.uk or call 07903 018035.
 The Ramblers Wellbeing Walks Telford & Wrekin are in need of volunteers
Ramblers Telford & Wrekin are a group of volunteers who organise walks across the borough.
Ramblers Wellbeing Walks are free, short walks that take place all across Telford. They’re designed to help people take the first step towards better health and wellbeing. There are thirteen groups, starting from a dozen locations all over Telford, every day except Saturday and Sunday and volunteer walk leaders are present at every walk.
Ramblers Telford & Wrekin are looking for new volunteers who would like to help the organisation continue their offer across Telford. There are a number of roles available to suit a variety of skills, but all roles require a passion for promoting the benefits of walking to physical and mental wellbeing and a desire to give something back to the community.
Wanted: Chair person
Responsibilities include: Chairing the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks, Telford and Wrekin Committee (Committee meetings are held in an evening by Zoom about 8 times a year). Chairing the AGM, from November 2024 onwards. Acting as a sounding board for the scheme coordinator between meetings.
Wanted: Coordinator
Responsibilities include: Updating the Ramblers website with amendments to existing walks and any new walks. Taking enquiries via phone or email from prospective walkers and walk leaders. Co-ordinating walk leaders who are volunteering to lead extra walks to cover holidays/illness or to work on information stands at events. Acting as the link between the scheme and Ramblers.
Both the Chair and Coordinator roles are home based and require good computer literacy, communication skills, diplomacy and reliability.
Wanted: Walk Leader
Responsibilities include: Leading a particular walk(s) on a schedule to be agreed.
This role will take place at one or two locations across Telford. Walk leaders should already be keen walkers, who are reliable and diplomatic. A free training programme is provided.
The time commitment for all of the above roles is up to 3 hours weekly.
Interested?
If you are interested in any of the roles above or would like to have an informal chat for more information please contact info@walkingforhealthtelfordandwrekin.org.uk, or the current chair: chair@walkingforhealthtelfordandwrekin.org.uk, or call 07512 123995
 Green Libraries Week celebrations!
Come and visit the library to celebrate Green Libraries Week!
At Newport Library on Wednesday 4 October at 3.15pm, there will be a pine cone bird feeder craft session.
At Wellington Library on Thursday 5 October at 3.30pm, Ruth from Veolia will be talking about how we can help the planet by recycling, followed by stories and a craft session using recycled materials.
At Southwater Library on Saturday 7 October from 10am to 2pm, you can make your own wooden plant pot and plant a bulb, or have a go at some origami book art.
National Poetry Day
Allow the library to become your 'Refuge' and celebrate National Poetry Day at Southwater Library on Thursday 5 October from 1.30pm. Performance poets Jane Seabourne and Gracie Bee will be sharing their poetry, followed by an Eco Poetry workshop. Open to all ages and abilities!
Half-term activities
Looking for something to do in the half term holiday? Telford & Wrekin Libraries will be celebrating Diwali by making making paper lanterns and Diya. Suitable for children aged 4 to 11 years:
Newport Library, Tuesday 31 October 2pm to 3pm
Wellington Library, Thursday 2 November 2pm to 3pm
While Southwater Library will be hosting a book launch for local author Peter White's Enchanted Kingdom series on Friday 3 November between 11am and 1pm. Suitable for children aged 3 to 7 years.
Under the Little Red Moon baby opera
Join Lulu, Monty and their friend Tom at Wellington Library on Thursday 2 November from 10.15am to 10.45am and go on a colourful journey of music and movement in the English Touring Opera’s new opera for babies Under the Little Red Moon. Suitable for children aged 6-24 months.
 Library volunteering opportunity
Do you enjoy working with children? Do you enjoy singing? Are you interested in introducing under 5s and their parents and carers to the pleasure of books and rhymes? This could be the role for you.
As a volunteer you will be involved in leading a group of children, parents and carers in singing rhymes and songs. You will also set up the space for the activity. You do not need to be musical or a singing expert, just have a willingness and enthusiasm to sing in public.
Visit the volunteering vacancies page on the Telford & Wrekin Libraries website for more information and to apply.
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