 Welcome to the February edition of the Healthy Telford newsletter
February can be a difficult month for many of us. It's still cold and dark, and Spring is yet to make an appearance. Taking the time out to talk to friends and family, and check in with others in our community is especially important when we can feel stuck at home because of the weather.
There's also plenty of opportunities to get out and active in this month's newsletter, and we hope you'll be inspired to try something new to blow away the cobwebs.
So grab yourself a warm drink, take a few minutes for yourself and find out what's going on to support your health and wellbeing in Telford and Wrekin this month.
And don't forget this month's quiz - which is a little bit saucy!
 What is Time to Talk Day?
Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. Happening every year, it’s a day for friends, families, communities, and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives.
Time to Talk Day 2024 will take place 1 February 2024. It’s run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness and is being delivered in partnership with the Co-op for the third year running.
The more conversations we have, the better life is for everyone. Talking about mental health isn’t always easy and sometimes it’s even harder to say how you really feel. But a conversation has the power to change lives.
Time to Talk Day is the perfect opportunity to start a conversation about mental health.
Visit the Time To Talk Day website to find our more and get involved.
 The Cancer Champion project continues to highlight the importance of cancer screening
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 Bulgarian, Mandarin, Polish, Punjabi and Ukranian. 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 twenty percent most deprived communities.
The videos, which encourage 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 highlighting this information the better.
Use the QR code above or the button below to visit the Cancer Champions website to view or download these videos.
For further details about the Cancer Champion project please contact michelle.moore@lingendavies.co.uk
 The Stop Smoking Service is here to help
You may have tried to stop smoking before without success – we know nicotine is a powerful, addictive drug. The stop smoking advisors are here to help and support you when you feel ready.
There are a variety of options available to you to access an advisor, who are helpful, non-judgemental and there to support you every step of the way over a 12 week period free of charge. They offer:
- Telephone support
- Text and email support for those working shifts or long days, or for anyone struggling with mental health issues who may prefer not to meet in person
- Face-to-face support for those with extra needs such as hearing problems etc.
- A translation service for anyone whose first language is not English
- Support from 8am to 7pm for those who can’t speak during normal office hours
- If you are a workplace and have a group of staff that would like to quit contact the service and they can arrange a drop-in session or MS Teams call.
A success story
A client who recently used the Stop Smoking Service after suffering from a stroke is now 4 weeks smoke free using his vape. He is absolutely delighted with his progress and cannot believe he has stopped smoking:
“I never would have believed that I would stop I thought when the G.P said stop that is when I would but it took something going bang that made me do it…now I look at people outside smoking and I think aww did I smell like that!"
If you feel it's time for you to begin your own quit smoking journey, the Stop Smoking Service is here to support you.
Email: healthylifestyles@telford.gov.uk
Phone: 01952 382582
 LGBTQ+ History Month
On Wednesday 14 February at 6pm, Wellington Library will be hosting a Love is Love Poetry Workshop with poet Dawn Jutton.
Join Dawn on Valentine's Day evening to celebrate all things LOVE for LGBTQ+ PRIDE History month. Dawn will share some poetry before encouraging those who come along to write their own. Be prepared to get lyrical!
Suitable for over 16s. Everyone welcome.
 Safer and Stronger Communities
Come along to the Safer & Stronger Communities Team's Stay Connected event at St George's Primary School TF2 9LJ on 21 February, from 2.45pm to 4.15pm.
An opportunity to find out about local groups and initiatives covering everything from volunteering opportunities to activities like the new walking hockey and football sessions; and from Street Champions to gardening and crafting. This event is also a great way to meet your neighbours for a cuppa and a chat, and feel more connected in your community.
For more information, email the Safer & Stronger Communities Team at SaferStronger@telford.gov.uk
 On Thursday 22 February 7pm to 8pm, join Buglife and Entomologist Dr Erica McAlister for a fascinating webinar exploring the secret life of flies and how essential flies are for many ecosystem services!
To sign up, please contact emily.hughes@buglife.org.uk
Then on Friday 1 March 6.30pm to 9pm, at Dawley Town Hall, join Buglife and Telford & Wrekin Council for an evening of nature, exploring your local wildlife (including rare butterflies!) and what we are doing to protect it. Hot drinks, cake and biscuits will be provided as well as a pack of wildflower seeds, to sow in your own green space to attract pollinators.
So come along to find out what is happening in your community and see what the pupils at Dawley CofE Primary School have created in their own school grounds!
The Get Marches Buzzing Project
Both of the events above are part of Buglife’s Get the Marches Buzzing Project. This project is working to restore 61 hectares of wildflower-rich habitat across Shropshire and North Herefordshire, with lots of the work happening in Telford. If you’d like to know more or get involved then please contact, emily.hughes@buglife.org.uk.
 Fancy trying something different?
Starting on Tuesday 27 February a new Walking Hockey session is happening at St George's Hockey Club, Church Street TF2 9LU. The session starts at 1.45pm.
Sessions are free, there's no need to book, and all ages and abilities are welcome, so why not come along and try it out!
For more information, email the Safer & Stronger Communities Team at SaferStronger@telford.gov.uk
 Or if hockey's not your ball game...
Also starting on Tuesday 27 February Walking Football is coming to St George's Hockey Club, Church Street TF2 9LU. The session starts at 1.45pm.
As above, these sessions are free, there's no need to book, and all ages and abilities are welcome, so why not come along for a kick about!
For more information, email the Safer & Stronger Communities Team at SaferStronger@telford.gov.uk
 Yoga classes in Leegomery
Yoga is an excellent, gentle exercise for those looking to improve their balance, strength and flexibility. Whether you've never tried yoga before or you already know your pigeon pose from your downward dog, you'll be made welcome at the yoga class taking place on Tuesdays between 9.30am and 10.30am, Leegomery Community Centre TF1 6NA.
All ages and all standards of fitness can be accommodated.
For more information and to book your place, contact Sam at Fluid Roots Yoga on 07957 491250.
 Meditation classes in Dawley
Meditation has been shown to decrease stress levels and anxiety, reduce fatigue, lower blood pressure and boost your immune system. Why not try it for yourself? A Breath Work and Meditation class takes place in Dawley Town Hall, New Street, Dawley TF4 3JR every Wednesday between 10.45am and 11.45am.
The class costs £4 per session, and you are advised to bring your own yoga mat, pillow and blanket, although you can also remain seated during the class if you would prefer.
For more information and to book contact Sahara on 07475 500227 or email
sarah@bridgnorthyoga.co.uk
 And if you want something a little more energetic...
Are you looking to improve your fitness level by becoming more active? Do you want to try something different? Then why not try one of Jee's classes?
Jee offers local group dance and fitness classes that are open to all abilities. There is no pressure to commit - the classes are pay as you go and there is no need to book in advance. All classes cost £6 per session.
Group exercise is a great way of meeting new people, improving your health, wellbeing and most importantly having fun!
Feel Good Dance and Social classes
- Tuesdays 11.30am to 12.30pm at The Wakes, Oakengates TF2 6EP
- Tuesdays 1.30pm to 2.30pm at The Anstice, Madeley TF7 5BB
Bhangra Fitness class
- Thursdays 6pm to 6.50pm at The Wakes, Oakengates TF2 6EP
For more information contact Jee on 07851 270409
 What is Back to Netball?
Back to Netball is a fun way to get active and make friends, whether you haven't played the game for years, or have never played it at all.
You can expect a warm welcome without demands or commitment. Sessions are progressive and trained coaches will guide you through the basics. Each session contains skill-based activity and fun game play.
Who is it for?
Back to Netball is for people of all ages and abilities. Maybe you loved netball at school, or maybe you've never tried it before, if you're looking for a fun way to get more active, it could be just want you've been searching for!
Where and when does it happen?
There are two sessions currently running in Telford:
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Mondays from 6pm to 7pm at The Telford Langley School, Duce Drive, Dawley TF4 3JS (cost £3.50 per session)
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Wednesdays from 6pm to 7pm at Oakengates Leisure Centre, New Road, Wrockwardine Wood TF2 7AB (cost £4 per session)
Please note: these sessions don’t run during school holidays.
To book on please use the button below which will take you to the Session Finder tool on England Netball's website.
If you have any questions, please email ruth.hughes@englandnetball.co.uk
 AFC Telford United Foundation and Telford & Wrekin Council presents...
The 35+ Community 5-a-side Football Tournament. This is a ‘health in football’ event aimed at men aged 35 years and older from all nations of Telford and Wrekin, plus their family and friends.
It will take place on Saturday 11 May from 10am to 1pm in 'The Goal Zone' at AFC Telford, off Haybridge Road, Wellington TF1 2NW.
During the event there’ll also be opportunities for players and spectators to visit the health and wellbeing stalls for a blood pressure check, healthy lifestyle advice, information about mental health support services and more. Refreshments will also be available.
An award Prize Cup will be presented to the winning team by football VIPs!
Want to enter a team?
Use the button below to enter your team into the tournament.
A maximum of 8 players per team is allowed.
For more details about the event email robert.wilson@telford.gov.uk
 Drop in and get your blood pressure checked
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.
 Would you like to be a walk leader or helper?
Telford Walk Week 2024 is planned to take place 25 May to 2 June and once again we’re looking for people to help to lead some of the walks as part of the event.
The physical and mental health benefits of walking and being out in the open are well known, and our volunteer walk leaders and assistants are crucial in helping people benefit from these.
Last year’s Telford Big Walk Week event saw a range of trails, walks, strolls, events and sessions for all right across the borough, including forest schools, mindfulness walks, family-friendly trails, storytelling walks, guided walks, history and nature trails, as well as a tour around a local eco garden at a factory in the area.
This year we’re organising a similar programme of events – all for free and many including free refreshments.
And on Sunday 2 June, Telford's Big Walk will see an end-of-event celebration with drinks and an opportunity to chat with fellow walkers, as this event has various starting points and routes throughout the borough all ending at Telford Town Park.
In the run up to the event we’re putting on a choice of 3 sessions to train volunteers to be walk leaders or walk leader assistants, to help the event run smoothly. We hope that by introducing people to their local walkways, residents will continue to use them throughout the rest of the year.
You can choose to attend the session either face-to-face in a local community centre or online via Zoom.
If you’d like to take part in the walk leader or helper training please email info@telfordt5050miletrail.org.uk
If you are interested in receiving details of Telford Walk Week 2024 as soon as they're released, use the sign up button below to keep up to date with all Telford Culture and Events.
 Last year's Green Spaces Are Go campaign encouraged local residents to get out into nature and be active
Research tells us that being active when surrounded by nature can boost our wellbeing in a way that other locations, such as a gym or sports hall, cannot.
So last year we provided lots of different opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to be active in green and open spaces right across Telford and Wrekin.
From cycling to conservation work, and archery to orienteering, there was a #greenspacesarego activity for everyone!
Now we’d like to find out from residents whether our campaign helped or encouraged you to be more active in nature.
So how can you help?
From next week you can take part in our survey to let us know if you saw our campaign and took part in it in any way. The survey will go live on 12 February, and will remain open until 29 February. We will share the survey on social media, and you will also be able to find it on the Green Spaces Are Go page of the Healthy Telford blog:
From mid-February CLICK HERE to take part in our survey
In Telford and Wrekin we have 23 nature reserves and more than 300 green guarantee sites, many of which have outdoor gyms, multi-use games areas and play areas. These spaces are free to all and ideal to get you moving.
For details visit the Telford & Wrekin website using the button below.
#greenspacesarego
 Madeley Town Council is putting the 'community' into Madeley Community Library
Madeley Community Library is fast growing into a fantastic community space. Madeley Town Council took on running the library, which is located in the stunning Grade II listed building The Anstice, during 2023. Not content with it just being a space for people to check books in and out and provide a service for concessionary travel and blue badge applications, Madeley Town Council's vision is to make the library a true community and wellbeing hub.
Libraries are for everyone and as such, the Town Council wants to use the space to provide information on a more local level to residents. They want people to find it easier to access services and advice, have a relaxing, welcoming space to come and spend time, and provide opportunities for people to meet others socially.
Over the last year Madeley Town Council has been building up their programme of drop-in sessions to include Healthy Lifestyles, Learn Telford, Age UK, Healthwatch, blood pressure checks, energy advice, councillor surgeries and more.
Do you run a service or group that could help to improve the wellbeing of our community?
Could you spare a couple of hours once a month, or perhaps just for a one-off, to visit the library and talk about what you do with the people who use our space? You could be the difference that someone needs to make just a small change, or you could potentially change their lives.
Madeley Town Council would love to hear from services or groups offering any of the following: legal advice, cost of living help and energy saving initiatives, education and skills, employment advice, craft activities, social groups and exercise classes, disability groups, charitable organisations ... and more.
If you think you can help, or would like to chat about a potential drop-in, contact Charlotte by email at charlotte@madeleytowncouncil.gov.uk or call her on 01952 567288.
 Comprehending condiments
We all like a little bit of sauce on our sarnie, or something to dip our chips in, but what are we really eating? How much do you know about the ketchup, relish, mayo or mustard in your kitchen cupboards?
Test your knowledge with the British Heart Foundation's saucy quiz.
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