 Welcome to the August edition of the Healthy Telford newsletter
With Summer finally here, this month is all about keeping cool and enjoying the glorious weather, but we hope you'll still find time to consider making a Healthy Telford pledge. The pledge is an opportunity for you to consider what small changes you might make in your day-to-day life to work towards a happier, healthier you.
It's that time once again to take a moment or two for yourself, get a drink (we hope you're staying hydrated!) and catch up on what's going on in Telford and Wrekin this month to support your health and wellbeing.
And don't forget this month's quiz, which builds on last month's brain health check.
 The Healthy Telford pledge
Are you striving to be a healthier you and looking for support to help you with this? We have developed the Healthy Telford pledge - a 12-week email campaign to support you to make small and simple changes to benefit your health and wellbeing. Who or what will you "Do it For"?
Through public consultation, we found that many people want to be a healthier weight, but find it difficult to find the motivation, and that focussing on body weight alone is not the way forward. The "Do it For" campaign focuses on creating healthier habits around a range of lifestyle topics and supports you to find that motivation, whether it's for your health and wellbeing, your loved ones, or even your pet - this creates a realistic future focus.
What will your pledge be?
When joining the campaign, you'll be asked to make a pledge - anything from cooking more homemade meals, to moving more, or starting your journey to quit smoking. The pledge helps to keep you accountable to the changes you want to make and gives you something to aim for.
Throughout the 12 weeks, you'll receive bitesize tips on a range of topics including food portions, being active, reducing alcohol intake and more, as well as weekly challenges to help you form lifestyle habits.
Anyone who completes the 12 week pledge will have the opportunity to enter into our raffle prize draw to win one of our prizes; including supermarket vouchers, gym memberships and more.
Visit the Healthy Telford blog for further advice and information.
 Telford Bike Hub is open for bike hire again this summer
The Bike Hub has a range of child and adult bikes available to hire for as little as £5 for one hour. And whether you’re cycling around the Town Park or going further afield there are hire times to suit everyone.
There is also a brand-new fleet of adaptive bikes available for hire, including a hand powered cycle, a wheelchair loader, a side by side cycle, trikes and more!
Cycling should be accessible for everyone in our borough and this new range of bikes are for both young people and adults with a variety of learning and physical disabilities, as well as health issues.
From Monday 12 August there will be adaptive bike group sessions every Monday between 10am and 12noon. These sessions will cost £10 and can be booked via Tickets Telford. Instructors will be on hand to help set up the bikes and help with any issues regarding the bikes. Please note participants will need to bring the level of support they require.
Free carers bikes will also be available for any companions who wish to go around the cycle route with participants.
Finally, if you fancy less pedal power and more e-power, why not try out one of the Hub's electric bikes! There is a small fleet of electric bikes ready to take you on your next adventure.
Telford Bike Hub will be open for hire every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday throughout the summer holidays. Opening hours are 10am to 4.30pm.
For more information please email: TheBikeHub@telford.gov.uk
 Learn to Ride
If you’re looking for some help with learning to ride or perhaps your little one wants to brush up on their cycling skills, Telford Bike Hub also have a range of activities taking place over the summer including:
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Learn 2 Ride for age 4+ and specific sessions for ages 10+
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Bikeability Level 1 and 2 (ages 9+)
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Bike Club for age 8+
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One-to-one Learn 2 Ride sessions for both adults and children
Visit the Tickets Telford website to book onto any of these sessions - just search 'Telford Bike Hub'.
 ... there are still places where you can keep your cool
While it may have felt like summer was never going to arrive, it seems to have finally made an appearance. And with the hotter weather now upon us, we may feel like we want to get away from the heat at times.
If you’re feeling uncomfortable, want to cool down and maybe even get a drink, you can head to one of Madeley Town Council’s cool spaces this summer.
Cool spaces are available in Madeley Community Library at The Anstice, the Hub on the Hill in Sutton Hill, and the Park Lane Centre in Woodside.
These cool spaces allow you to come in and take a seat out of the heat. There's a water dispenser and cups so you can help yourself to a drink and each cool space also has a fan to help keep you cool.
Madeley Town Council want to make sure that local residents have somewhere to go where they can feel comfortable and remain hydrated during the summer, especially on those hottest days when finding respite from the heat can be difficult. These cool spaces will be available until the end of September.
For more information about cool spaces, please get in touch with Charlotte at Madeley Town Council by emailing charlotte@madeleytowncouncil.gov.uk or calling 01952 567288.
 Online yoga class special
The theme of South Asian Heritage Month this year (17 July to 18 August) is “Free to Be Me,” and is about celebrating the beauty of simply being yourself.
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A great way to celebrate is to take time out for yourself with this special virtual yoga session via Zoom on Sunday 11 August 8am to 9am, which honours the ancient Indian practice that has connected mind, body, and spirit for centuries. The session offers a peaceful space to explore yoga’s rich cultural roots, deepen your practice, and reflect on the profound heritage that continues to inspire wellness and unity across the globe. |
Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to yoga, this event invites you to experience the transformative power of yoga from the comfort of your home.
To join please contact Sujatha Thaladi via WhatsApp on 07709 900263 or by emailing info@MentorRing.org.uk.
If 8am on a Sunday morning is too early there are lots of yoga sessions taking place across our borough:
Visit the Live Well Telford directory to find yoga classes in your area.
Please remember to always contact the venue or instructor before turning up.
 Are you happy with the services and support available to you?
Or are there changes you would like to see? Come along to one of these drop-in Q&A sessions to share your views:
Newport Community Hub 139 High St, Newport TF10 7BH
Tuesday 6 August, 2pm to 4pm
The Independent Living Centre, Hazeldine House, Telford TF3 4JL
Saturday 10 August, 10am to 12noon
CHEC, 31 High Street, Madeley TF7 5AR
Thursday 1 August, 10am to 12noon
Wednesday 14 August, 2pm to 4pm
Ridgway Retirement Living communal room, High Ercall TF6 6BY
Wednesday 14 August, 11am to 1pm
Friday 16 August, 2pm to 4pm
Wednesday 21 August, 5pm to 7pm
Wellington Library, Larkin Way, Wellington TF1 1LX
Thursday 22 August, 10am to 12noon
Tuesday 27 August, 2pm to 4pm
Your feedback will help us to provide the services that meet your needs so you can be supported in your caring role.
For more information, please email AllAgeCarers@telford.gov.uk or call 01952 380536.
 Would you like to try a different form of exercise?
Donnington Boxing Club have started some ‘Ladies Boxing Classes’ every Monday and Thursday morning at 10am and every Saturday at 9am.
It’s a great way to get fit, have fun, gain new skills, have a good workout and learn some self defence techniques too!
Sessions are just £4 each or £35 a month for all 3 sessions a week.
Donnington Boxing Club are at Turreff Avenue, Donningon TF2 8HE.
For more details, please message 07741519844.
 At the Hub on the Hill from September...
'Let’s talk…board games, drinks, chat' is a laid-back social group aimed at bringing adults together for a drink and a chat, with the added bonus of a selection of traditional and newer board games to play.
It’s not always easy to come out and try something new, but when you've overcome that first hurdle by stepping through the door, you will more than likely feel the benefits, which could be any or all of the following:
- Finding time to relax
- Meeting new people and making new friends
- Learning new games and skills
- Finding the confidence to join other groups and discover new interests
- Learning about other people in your community.
Are you a fan of dominoes, cards or chess? Or do you like games such as Snakes & Ladders or Ludo? There's plenty of choice, including some games you may not yet have heard of like Dobble and Bananagrams. And for a bit more action there's even an indoor curling set.
Ultimately, the group is a place for a relaxed chat, a hot or cold drink and a chance to do something a bit different.
So why not come along?
The group restarts on Thursday 5 September, and will operate every week during term time from 10am to 11am at the Hub on the Hill in Sutton Hill.
For more information email charlotte@madeleytowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01952 567288.
 World Suicide Prevention Day
On 10 September 2024 it is World Suicide Prevention Day. To mark this, on Saturday 7 September, our local Suicide Prevention Action Group have organised an event, which will be taking place in Southwater Square from 10.30am to 3.30pm, to raise awareness of local and national support services.
Project 115 will be our fifth annual event. The first was called Project 84, because at the time 84 was the number of people taking their own lives every week in the UK. Sadly, now, this number has risen to 115.
- 1 in 5 people have suicidal thoughts
- 1 in 14 have self-harmed – and up to 10% of young people self-harm
- 1 in 15 people have attempted suicide
To help reduce these numbers, or at least prevent them from rising, we are hosting an event, featuring street art, face painting, circus skills, dance demonstrations, physical and creative activities, live music (including Trademark Blud) and lived experience speakers. Local mental health services will also be there for advice, support and resources for those who may need it.
How can you support?
Please show your support and help us promote this important campaign by joining us on the day. If you cannot attend, or in addition, please consider completing the 20-minute Zero Suicide Alliance online training, which is quick and easy, and could help save a life one day.
If you have any queries, or would like to become involved, please contact Lyn.Stepanian@telford.gov.uk.
 A warm welcome and local support
The Let's Talk Live Well Hub at the Anstice in Madeley is a welcoming local centre for health, care and wellbeing advice and support for the community. Every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm there are a range services and organisations providing FREE support for you, a family member, or a friend, whatever your health, care and wellbeing need. Nestled within the Library at the Anstice we have areas to sit and relax, people to talk to and a free hot drink for your comfort.
The Hub also provides FREE blood pressure checks to residents, with a proactive follow-up by Telford & Wrekin Council's Blood Pressure Project Coordinator. These checks will provide you with non-clinical advice, support and signposting to improve your lifestyle & blood pressure for a healthier future.
We hope to be your local point of contact. Please come and say hello.
Follow Madeley Town Council on Facebook for weekly updates about which services will be attending.
 There's an app for that!
Introducing the myrecovery app, your digital companion to help you manage your condition, take control of your health and feel empowered in your care.
The app has been developed in partnership with local healthcare professionals and is FREE to access for anyone registered with a Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin GP Practice.
You can download the app on a smartphone or tablet to help you with new or recurrent musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Neck pain
- Shoulder and elbow pain
- Lower back pain
- Hip and knee pain
- Foot and ankle pain
The app will enable you to learn how to manage your condition, follow tailored exercise plans and track your progress, find details about and access local services to support you, and improve your overall health and wellbeing.
 We know that being active is important for the health and wellbeing of all of us. Physical activity can be even more important for some communities, such as adults with learning disabilities.
Physical activity, exercise and sport is good for overall health and fitness, losing weight, improving confidence, memory and sleep. Exercise also reduces the chance of health issues like diabetes and heart disease, teaches new skills and is good for making new friends. Thankfully physical activity and sport is for everyone, and anyone can take part in activities such as walking, running, cycling and swimming.
According to the English Learning Disability Sports Alliance (ELDSA), 2 out of 3 people with a learning disability would like to do more sport and physical activity. Currently we’re exploring what local physical activity sessions are on offer for our adult residents (18+) who have learning disabilities. Particularly any aimed at people aged 25 and older with a learning disability.
If needed, we can then look into filling any gaps with schemes and projects, if possible and desirable.
If you’re interested in hearing more about this and being involved please email healthimprovement@telford.gov.uk
 Butterfly-friendly at Rough Park Local Nature Reserve
Findings from the wildlife survey at Rough Park Local Nature Reserve (LNR), in Woodside, will help the Council plan how to manage the site over the next 12 months to support a variety of butterfly species. The endangered dingy skipper has recently been spotted here after a 15-year absence.
The new Friends of Rough Park, along with residents and employees from Capgemini Telford, took part in the survey led by Council officers and a conservation expert. The group recorded the number of butterfly-friendly plant species, such as orchids and yellow rattle, growing within a 30-acre area of the wildlife-rich meadow. They also recorded sightings of marbled white butterflies and the narrow-bordered five-spot and six-spot burnet moth.
Councillor Carolyn Healy (Labour), Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning & Sustainability said:
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in the wildlife survey at Rough Park LNR. It was wonderful to see so many enthusiastic people getting involved and learning about nature and no experience is needed to join in a wildlife survey. Many of the volunteers had never been to Rough Park LNR before and enjoyed discovering nature on their doorstep and want to visit again with their families.”
Rough Park LNR is home to more than 100 acres of grassland and woodland accessible for all to enjoy. It is one of 18 LNRs in the borough with a further five sites earmarked for LNR status.
Anyone who would like to be involved with future wildlife surveys can contact the Council’s Environment Officer, Rick Shaw, by emailing richard.shaw1@telford.gov.uk
 You have a choice, but do they?
Passive smoking is when we breathe in smoke from other people's cigarettes. You may be aware of the risks to other people, but have you thought about your pets?
Almost 80% of tobacco smoke is invisible and has no smell so you might not notice how far it spreads, it also contains 5,000 chemicals many of which are toxic to both people and animals and can build up on your pets' coats and be ingested when pets groom themselves.
Pets as well as humans can suffer from certain types of cancer - including lung, nose, mouth and lymphoma - from smoking, and it can also be associated with pets having breathing issues, excess weight and other problems.
Having a sick pet can be both distressing and expensive - two very good reasons to quit smoking for you and for your pet.
If you feel it's time for you to quit, you don't have to go it alone. Telford & Wrekin's Healthy Lifestyles Service includes Stop Smoking Advisors to support you on your journey.
Use the button below to contact the Healthy Lifestyles' Stop Smoking Service, or phone 01952 382583.
 For people living with type 2 diabetes
The NHS is delivering a new programme which provides a specially formulated diet for 3 months followed by healthy lifestyle support, for people who are living with type 2 diabetes.
How it works
Eligible participants will be offered low calorie, total diet replacement products including soups and shakes for up to 12 weeks. Alongside this, participants will receive support for 12 months including help to re-introduce food after the initial 12-week period. This support will provide participants with the help and advice they need throughout every stage of the programme.
Who is eligible?
The programme is being offered to eligible people. Individuals must:
- be aged between 18 and 65 years old,
- have a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes within the last 6 years, and
- a BMI of over 27 kg/m2 or higher in people from White ethnic groups, adjusted to 25kg/m2 or higher in people from Black, Asian or other ethnic groups.
Individuals must also meet other eligibility criteria to be referred to the service. For more information about referral speak to your GP at your next planned diabetes review.
Visit the NHS website for more information about the NHS Diabetes Programme.
 What do you know about the human brain?
Continuing on from last month's brain health check, test your knowledge about your incredible brain with this short, fun quiz.
And check out the Alzheimer Research UK website for more information on how to keep your brain healthy using their 3 simple brain health tips. (Our newsletter is a brilliant start, filled with opportunities to try some of these things out!)
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