 Welcome to the May edition of the Healthy Telford newsletter
This May we celebrate both Mental Health Awareness Week and National Walking Month, two excellent excuses to ditch the car and take the scenic route to work, school or the shops.
So we've pulled together a mental health focused edition of the Healthy Telford newsletter for you this month, in which we look at the benefits of connecting with others, moving more and getting out into our beautiful local green spaces.
So take a moment for yourself, grab a drink and catch up on 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 might give you some new ideas about what kind of physical activity to try out.
 Let's go outside for mind, body and soul
This year Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 13 to 19 May, and the theme is “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”.
Most of us know that movement and being active is important for our physical and mental health, but so many of us struggle to move enough to keep mind, body and soul healthy.
So this Mental Health Awareness Week is about helping you find moments in your day to day lives for movement. This could be dancing to the radio at home, doing some chair exercises when you’re working from home or watching television, or going for a walk in your local neighbourhood.
Telford is full of local nature reserves, walking trails and parks right on your doorstep. Enjoying outdoor greenspaces is so important for looking after our physical and mental health at any time, but especially during times of crisis and stress.
Visit the Telford and Wrekin Council website to find your local green space.
A short walk around a local park enjoying wildlife and nature can work wonders if you are feeling stressed, but often needs a bit of motivation and local knowledge to get yourself there.
There are so many benefits of being out in nature. Research tells us that physical activity in natural environments is more beneficial to health than being active in other environments, like the gym. Plus being active in green spaces has been found to be more positive for mental health, stress, mood disorders and wellbeing.
Visit the Shropshire Wildlife Trust website for some downloadable guides of some of the beautiful, free and accessible walks in your community.
For more benefits of being in nature take a look at this downloadable infographic from Energize.
 Free training for aspiring walk leaders and assistants
To support our upcoming Telford Walk Week, taking place from 27 May to 2 June 2024, FREE training sessions are being offered for anyone who would like to volunteer as a leader or assistant to help lead the wide variety of walks taking place during the week long event.
The free Walk Leader and Walk Assistant training is available to book onto if you’re interested in getting involved.
Being a walk leader or walk assistant are rewarding, enjoyable roles which require no previous experience, and are ideal for people who like being outdoors, who are interested in wildlife and nature, local history and architecture, and above all enjoy walking with like-minded people.
Online training session dates:
- Thursday 2 May, 7pm to 9pm
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Wednesday 8 May, 7pm to 9pm
Face-to-face training session date:
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Tuesday 7 May, 2.30pm to 4.30pm at The Anstice, Madeley TF7 5BD
 Make a difference in your community by becoming a Cancer Champion
Being a Cancer Champion is all about being an active part of your community by raising awareness of cancer signs and symptoms and encouraging others to attend breast, bowel and cervical screening.
Come along to the next awareness session on Thursday 9 May, 9.30am to 12.30pm at Admaston House Community Centre, Wellington Road, Telford TF5 0BN.
These sessions are fun and informative and will inspire you with the knowledge and confidence to become a great champion and support your community.
To check availability and to book a place, please contact the Cancer Champion Coordinator Kerry Morgan by emailing kerry.morgan@lingendavies.co.uk
 Family football and health event in Wellington
Come and join AFC Telford United Foundation and Telford & Wrekin Council’s Football Tournament aimed at men aged 35 years and older from all nations of Telford and Wrekin, plus their family and friends.
On Saturday 11 May from 10am to 1pm in 'The Goal Zone' at AFC Telford, Haybridge Road, Wellington TF1 2NW spectators are invited to come along and watch the friendly football matches, get their blood pressure taken and find out more about the health and wellbeing services that are available in Telford.
There will be stalls staffed by representatives from Telford Mind, Lingen Davies, Health Watch and our Healthy Lifestyles Team, as well as blood pressure checks, healthy lifestyle advice, and information about local mental health support services.
Refreshments will be available and an award Prize Cup will be presented to the winning team at the end of the tournament by local and football VIPs!
No need to book – just come along to watch the football matches and visit the stalls anytime between 10am to 1pm.
For more details email robert.wilson@telford.gov.uk
 Telford & Wrekin have launched the draft All Age Carers Strategy consultation, asking carers of all ages to share their feedback on the draft five year plan for services and support across the borough.
This strategy will support communities and partners to raise awareness of how carers can access advice, information and support to sustain their caring role, as well as celebrate carers' achievements within our communities.
To take part in the consultation, visit the Council's website using the button below, or to request a paper copy of the survey, email allagecarers@telford.gov.uk or call 01952 380536 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
The consultation will end on Friday 21 June 2024 at 5pm.
 Advice and guidance for carers
Carers play a vital role in looking after loved ones and it is a job that is both rewarding and challenging. It's important that carers are looked after too and there are a range of organisations across Telford & Wrekin who can offer support.
The Carers Wellbeing guide is a one-stop-shop for information, support and advice alongside key contacts for you to easily find the services you need in Telford & Wrekin.
 Time to get outdoors!
Telford Walk Week is an exciting event offering a range of guided walks for locals and visitors alike to explore the stunning scenery of Telford. From Monday 27 May to Sunday 2 June, whether you are a seasoned hiker or a family looking for a fun day out, there is a walk to suit all abilities and interests.
Most of the walks are completely free, while others have a small fee that is well worth it for the experience. You'll have a week of opportunity to discover hidden gems, take in breath-taking views, and learn about the history and culture of our beautiful destination.
No matter which walks you choose, you can expect to be led by knowledgeable guides who are passionate about sharing their love for Telford's landscape and heritage. And with routes and terrain to suit all abilities, you can rest assured that everyone in your group will have a memorable and enjoyable experience.
So, if you're looking to stretch your legs, spend quality time with loved ones, or simply immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Telford, you’ll find something for you during Telford Walk Week.
Visit the Visit Telford website to find out more and to book your place.
 Exercise classes to help you stay steady on your feet
Taking place across Telford, 'Moving On' is a new programme of gentle exercise classes tailored for people aged 50+ to support their health and wellbeing. These classes deliver a mixture of seated and standing exercises that aim to promote mobility, strength, and balance so that participants can enhance their fitness levels and stay steady on their feet.
The ‘Moving On’ classes are particularly suitable for those with long-term health conditions. Led by qualified and friendly Fit4All Instructors, this programme has been made accessible with Telford & Wrekin Council's support, and are priced at £3 per session or £10 for four pre-booked sessions.
Fall Awareness workshops
This summer Fit4All will also be offering FREE Falls Awareness and Getting Up Off the Floor Safely workshops that include an exercise taster session. These workshops have been designed to help people who are at risk of falling with information about what increases the risk of falling, basic exercises to improve stability and demonstrate how to get up off the floor confidently and safely in case of a fall.
Use the button below to register your interest in these workshops.
Alternatively, you can call Fit4All on 01952 908738.
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Get crafty at Knit and Natter
The third session of Southwater Library's new Knit and Natter group will take place on Friday 3 May between 11am and 12noon. Come along to get some inspiration, share your current craft project with fellow crafting enthusiasts and enjoy a cuppa in good company.
No need to book, just drop in.
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Children's author visit
And for younger Library goers, on Saturday 1 June from 1pm to 2.30pm author Frances Wong will be at Southwater Library promoting her new book Lexi Walker and the Secrets of Issak's Stave and leading a science-fiction writing session suitable for children aged 7+.
Places are free, but booking is essential.
For more information contact libraryenquiries@telford.gov.uk
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 Let's Talk - Live Well
Helping yourself, a family member, a friend or someone in your community to live well improves our quality of life, supporting us to be happier and healthier.
We all have questions about our health, wellbeing, care needs (now or in the future) and how we can connect more. Telford & Wrekin Council have joined forces with Madeley Town Council, Telford Mind and a range of partners to pilot and set up the first Community Health & Wellbeing Hub.
A weekly Hub called Let's Talk - Live Well takes place every Wednesday, between 10am and 1pm at Madeley Library in the Anstice. Regular support includes blood pressure checks, Healthy Lifestyles advice, Independent Living Centre and Telford Mind Social Prescribing.
You’ll be greeted by a member of the community team who will have a conversation with you to understand what matters most to you and will then help you find the most relevant person(s) to talk to. Together you will explore what the best options are for you and what your next steps are.
The Live Well Hubs bring together a range of services, organisations, groups, under one roof and provide a one stop shop to help YOU to manage your health, wellbeing, social and care needs with support. If you would like to be able to do more, know more, enjoy more and feel better then the Live Well Hub is there for you to make small positive changes to a happier and healthier you.
For more information contact Madeley Town Council's Wellbeing Officer Charlotte Dade by emailing charlotte@madeleytowncouncil.gov.uk or calling 01952 567288.
 May is Measurement Month
Knowing your blood pressure numbers could save your life. You could be one of the millions of people who are living with high blood pressure without knowing it. If left untreated, high blood pressure, also called hypertension, can increase your risk of a number of serious and potentially life threatening health conditions, such as heart attacks, stroke and vascular dementia.
Around 1 in 4 adults in the UK have high blood pressure. Some people are more likely to have undiagnosed hypertension, for instance if you are over 55, over 40 and living with obesity, living in deprivation or are from a South Asian or Black Caribbean origin. If you meet one of these criteria then it's even more important to get yourself checked.
Where can you get checked?
Free blood pressure checks are being offered through our Community Blood Pressure Project which is out and about in Telford visiting local venues and events:
Visit the Healthy Telford blog to find out where our blood pressure checkers will be next.
And local community pharmacies are also offering free blood pressure checks:
Visit the NHS website to find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks.
Checks are quick and easy, and while high blood pressure is serious, it is treatable with medication and/or lifestyle changes.
Can you lend a hand?
And we are always looking for volunteers to support the Community Blood Pressure Project in taking people's blood pressure readings across the borough.
As a Health Champion, you will receive both one-to-one and group support and training in how to take and record a blood pressure reading. You will also have the opportunity to meet likeminded people who are enthusiastic to support their communities.
If you would like to be part of something great or would like to find out more, please email Health.champions@telford.gov.uk
 New physical activity project in the pipeline
A partnership between Telford & Wrekin Council, Energize STW, Shropshire Adult Community Mental Health Services, Telford Mind and Shropshire Council are co-designing a physical activity project for people living with Severe Mental Illness (SMI), working with sports clubs and other delivery organisations in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.
The project aims to offer a variety of different tailored physical activity opportunities, led by trained instructors, for adults living with SMI.
The SMI community have unique needs and challenges so it is hoped that the project will provide inclusive, safe, and supportive environments where individuals can engage in physical activity sessions.
Working closely with mental health professionals and community partners, the project will work towards empowering participants to improve their physical health, enhance their mental well-being, and foster a sense of belonging.
The project will include training and development for the delivery clubs/organisations around mental health, as well as the physical activity sessions themselves, and a project proposal is currently being developed and sources of grant funding being investigated.
If you’d like to be involved or find out more information about the project, please email healthimprovement@telford.gov.uk
 Smoking affects your mental health too
The physical problems that smoking can cause are well known, but what about the relationship between smoking and mental health?
People with poor mental health are at a higher risk of smoking. Some people smoke to ease feelings of stress. However, research shows that smoking actually increases tension and anxiety because while nicotine creates an immediate sense of relaxation, this feeling is temporary and soon gives way to withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Smoking can also increase the symptoms of depression and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and can reduce the effectiveness of mental health medications.
Quitting smoking reduces anxiety and depression, enhances mood and can improve ADHD symptoms. If you feel now is the time for you to quit, remember that you are more likely to succeed with support, not just from your family and friends, but also from your GP and a stop smoking service. People who use a service like Telford's Healthy Lifestyles Stop Smoking Service are three times more likely to successfully quit.
 Round two now live for applications
Round two of the Community Mental Health Fund, which will provide grants for adult services and focus on digital enablement, is now live for applications. You can apply online using the button below.
Applications will close on 14 June.
More than £100,000 has been awarded to a wide range of community and voluntary schemes in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin supporting young adults with mental health issues.
In the first round of grants the following community and voluntary groups in Telford have received grants for projects aimed at supporting 16- to 25-year-olds:
- The Reanella Trust - To support physically disabled young adults with bipolar disorder to improve their mental health, foster self-acceptance, boost self-esteem, enhance self-expression, and effectively manage emotions.
- Small Woods Association - For a 12-week course of green wood craft sessions, using the five ways to wellbeing to support participants through a journey on developing their own skills, working as a team to then sharing a gift with the community.
Steve Adams, Chief Executive of The Community Foundation, said:
“We are delighted to be working with MPFT to target and help young adults across the county with a severe mental health illness that substantially interferes with, or limits one of life’s major activities. The community groups awarded in this round have some fantastic projects to deliver and we are excited to hear about their impact.”
 Wrekin Special Swimming Club is looking for people to join their team of incredible volunteers!
Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community? Do you believe in the power of inclusivity and accessibility for all? If so, Wrekin Special Swimming Club invites you to become a valued member of their volunteer team!
Wrekin Special Swimming Club is dedicated to providing inclusive swimming sessions for individuals of all ages with disabilities and special needs. Their mission is to create a supportive and welcoming environment where everyone can enjoy the joys of swimming and the benefits it brings.
As a volunteer with Wrekin Special Swimming Club, you will have the opportunity to:
- Support our swimmers during sessions, providing encouragement and assistance as needed.
- Help with administrative tasks and committee work to ensure the smooth running of our club.
- Contribute your ideas and creativity to help us continually improve and grow.
- Make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities, fostering a sense of belonging and achievement.
No prior experience is necessary – all you need is a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a passion for helping others.
To learn more about volunteering with Wrekin Special Swimming Club and to get involved, please contact Colin Stockton by emailing wrekinspecialswimmingclub@gmail.com
Visit the Wrekin Special Swimming Club Facebook page.
 The Young Person's Year of Wellbeing
Created by Telford & Wrekin Council, in collaboration with partners and local young people, the Young Person’s Year of Wellbeing is a commitment to better mental health. The campaign seeks to offer advice to support young people’s mental health through a series of weekly emails that offer small, simple but achievable actions.
The service was designed off the back of the successful Year of Wellbeing – supporting adults’ physical and mental health – and created with young people at its core.
By signing up and pledging to a year of wellbeing, the young person will join over 500 others to receive a suite of 12 emails. Each week, the young person will receive information on ways to improve their wellbeing, including tips and services to reach out to if they need support with their mental health.
Use the button below to find out more about the Young Person’s Year of Wellbeing and to sign the pledge.
 Helping people to become happier and healthier
Telford Mind and Teldoc both provide social prescribing services. People can also ask for a social prescribing referral from any member of staff at their GP practice.
Social prescribers are there to help you with the things that affect your health that can't be fixed by medication. Things like stress, unemployment, debt, loneliness, relationship difficulties, insecure housing and discrimination can all affect your physical health and mental wellbeing. A social prescriber is someone you can talk to who will help you identify problems and make plans to change the circumstances that are affecting your health.
Social Prescriber Kirsty has this to say about her role:
"In a nutshell, social prescribers are professionals who support people to become happier, healthier versions of themselves. In my day-to-day job, I help people organise their thoughts and problems into manageable, bitesize chunks, and tackle them by priority."
Social prescribers have a wide range of connections with local and national organisations and are able to make referrals and signpost people to other support services, resources, and activities and groups.
Click here for more information on Telford Mind’s social prescribing services.
Click here for more information of Teldoc’s social prescribing services.
 Want to keep up to date with news and updates for Adult Social Care in Telford & Wrekin?
The first edition had a focus on:
- The launch of the All Age Carers Consultation Survey 2024
- The new Carers Wellbeing Guide
This newsletter will be published four times per year.
 Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin NHS Talking Therapies works to support people struggling with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or obsessions and compulsions. The team offers information, guidance and talking therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Counselling.
To contact the team email STWTT@mpft.nhs.uk or call 0300 1236020.
You can also complete their online self-referral form using the button below.
 Which fitness activity is for you?
Now that the days are longer and the weather is getting warmer we're all starting to feel a bit more get up and go. If you already do some regular form of exercise, that's great - but what about those of us who want to do something ... we just don't know what?
Whether you're looking for new ideas, or thinking about taking your first steps towards becoming more active, this short quiz might just give you the inspiration you need.
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