 Welcome to the October edition of the Healthy Telford newsletter
This month we have information for you about Stoptober, Breast Cancer Awareness Month and World Mental Health Day. There's also plenty to do in and around Telford this October, from the Donnington Community Open Day to half-term board game sessions at the libraries in Wellington and Southwater. And we're already thinking ahead to the colder months with a range of advice and support around keeping warm and well.
So it's time to grab yourself a warm drink 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 looks at ways you can be kind to your mind.
 Take up the Stoptober challenge this October
Stoptober is a 28 day stop smoking challenge that takes place every October. It is based on research that shows if you stop smoking for 28 days then you’re five times more likely to stop smoking for good.
Hayley's story
Hayley, a Telford and Wrekin Stop Smoking Service user, has successfully quit now for eight weeks, and she has found the experience life-changing. When Hayley first came to the service she was smoking up to 15 roll ups on a bad day. She was using her steroid inhaler every day and struggling with regular chest infections.
Since quitting she is now saving £100 a week and is hardly using her inhaler at all. In fact, when she last went to see the respiratory nurse her peak flow had gone from 200 to 300 in just one week, and she's had no chest infections since quitting. Hayley is thrilled. She joined the gym at the same time that she began her stop smoking journey and has embraced regular exercise and healthier eating habits to keep motivated.
“I have found the service really useful, I enjoy the phone calls from Cath, my advisor, they have been helpful and informative, and they have also motivated me to keep going.
I feel so much healthier and can breathe better, I am saving money and now planning my wedding with the money saved, and I am going to the gym and have also access the Healthy Lifestyles Chat page which has also been of help keeping me motivated with lots of praise.
I would recommend this service to anyone who is thinking of quitting smoking, you have nothing to lose and so much to gain.”
We would love you to join our Stoptober Campaign this October
All you have to do is be ready to set a quit date. This can be on your own or with a family member, or maybe as part of a workplace challenge. Whatever your motivation, why not make your commitment to quitting this October? The money you save could help go towards Christmas spending and you could step into the New Year smoke free.
The Stop Smoking Service offers both telephone and face-to-face support.
Call them on 01952 382582 or email healthlylifestyles@telford.gov.uk
Web: www.telford.gov.uk/healthlylifestyles
 How to keep healthy, what to look for, and accepting support
Whether you or a loved one have been affected by breast cancer or you just want to find out more, talking about it is important because spotting cancer early saves lives.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in the UK. It also affects men, and around 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every year.
There are a lot of different factors that determine the risk of someone developing breast cancer. Evidence suggests that a range of genetic and lifestyle factors play a part in someone developing the disease.
Ways to keep healthy:
- Limit the amount of red meat and proceeds food you eat
- Drink less alcohol and try to have alcohol-free days
- Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly
- Stop smoking
- Attend breast cancer screening when you are eligible and invited.
Telford & Wrekin Council offer a free one-to-one Healthy Lifestyles Service for anyone living or working in Telford and Wrekin who would like support to make any of these lifestyle changes.
Common symptoms to look out for:
- A lump, or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
- A change in the skin of your breast
- A change in size or shape of one or both breasts
- Nipple discharge or a change in the shape or look of your nipple.
Checking your breasts for any unusual changes can help discover breast cancer early. It’s important to recognise when something’s not right. Speak to your GP if you have concerns about any of these symptoms.
Breast screening
The breast screening test is called a mammogram, which is an x-ray of your breasts to detect abnormalities even if you do not have any symptoms or if the cancer is too small to see or feel. This means that it is possible to detect cancer at an early stage, when it is most treatable.
Around 96% of women who attend a mammogram will have a normal result.
Women aged between 50 and 70, who are registered with a GP in Shropshire or Telford & Wrekin, are screened every three years. The service uses mobile vans located at various sites across the county, to make it as easy as possible for people to attend.
We know that many people do not go for free screenings and we want to get better at encouraging people to attend these appointments, particularly those from the Black, Asian and ethnic communities. Lingen Davies, our local cancer charity, has been working with the Cancer Champions to produce a range of multi-lingual videos to get the message out:
Visit the Cancer Champions website to see their range of multi-lingual videos about Breast Cancer.
Remember, you are not alone and support is available.
Visit the NHS website for more information about what to expect from a breast screening appointment.
 These tits were made for walking...
The Lingen Davies Titty Trail Shropshire initiative has two goals – to raise awareness of breast cancer and to boost funds to support cancer services across the region. Through your tit-tastic trekking, Lingen Davies can collectively raise thousands of pounds for people affected by cancer.
For 2024, the charity are offering the Titty Trail in two formats: self-guided or guided. If you choose the self-guided option, you will be given a map and directions to follow. Specify when booking how you would like to complete the Trail.
The minimum age for participants is 10 years old, and anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Your entry fee of £30 will include an exclusive Titty Trail t-shirt, a medal keep-sake and refreshments at two stops along the route.
When: 12 October 2024, 9.30am
Where: Shropshire Hills Discover Centre, Craven Arms SY7 9RS
 A mentally healthy workplace is a thriving workplace
World Mental Health Day is an awareness day that takes place every year on 10 October. The aim is to raise awareness, reduce stigma and to encourage everyone to support their own and other people’s mental health.
This year’s theme is mental health in the workplace. Research shows that 1 in 6 people experience mental health problems in the workplace and that one of the biggest problems is burnout. Burnout is when you are physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted. This can happen when you experience long-term stress and feel under constant pressure.
Lots of things can contribute to mental health challenges and stress. Life events such as bereavement or a relationship breakdown, the demands of family on top of the those at work, your relationships with your colleagues and working conditions can all play a role.
If you are stressed, you may notice changes in the way that you think or feel. For example, you may feel more negative or indecisive than usual, you may feel isolated, nervous, or find yourself unable to concentrate. At home you may have difficulty sleeping, or find you are smoking or drinking more ‘to cope’.
Things you can do to manage stress at work:
Further online advice:
 Empowering communities, one project at a time
Severn Trent's exciting new volunteering scheme NeighbourGOOD is currently open for applications until the 4 October 2024.
What is NeighbourGOOD?
20-30 dedicated Severn Trent volunteers will give community projects a powerful boost, working alongside you for two days and giving your project hands-on support to thrive. NeighbourGOOD will also award up to £2,500 to winning projects, helping to fund both the volunteering activities and the project itself.
It’s an online application, with a public vote deciding which projects Severn Trent's teams can support.
There’s not long left to apply, applications will close on 4 October, but the application process is a quick one if you already have a project in mind.
For additional support or queries please contact the NeighbourGOOD Team by emailing: theneighbourgoodscheme@severntrent.co.uk
 Come and join in the fun
We are excited to announce a Community Open Day at Silver Threads Hall in Donnington TF2 8AD on Tuesday 29 October, from 11am to 2pm.
Connect with neighbours, enjoy free food and drinks, and participate in a variety of activities for all ages at this fun-filled event! The Open Day is all about celebrating the vibrant Donnington community, showcasing what activities and services are available in Donnington. Whether you're looking to make new friends, learn more about local initiatives, or simply have a great time, this Open Day has something for everyone:
- Free activities: fun and engaging activities for both children and adults.
- Free food and drinks: enjoy complimentary refreshments throughout the day.
- Opportunities to connect: meet representatives for local services and explore what's available in the Donnington community.
Calling all stakeholders
We’re also inviting local organisations and stakeholders to join us. This is a great chance to promote your work, network with others, and to be part of a working group dedicated to enhancing health and wellbeing in Donnington.
For questions, suggestions, or to confirm your attendance, please contact Alan alan.watkins@thesilverthreadshall.org.uk or Amy at amy.griffiths@energizestw.org.uk. You can also call 07518 496840.
Let's come together to make Donnington a healthier and stronger community!
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Half-term board games fun
Come along to the library and play a range of board games with other families and friends this half-term at one (or both!) of the following sessions:
Tuesday 29 October, 10.30am to 12.30pm at Wellington Library TF1 1LX.
Friday 1 November, 2pm to 4pm at Southwater Library TF3 4JG.
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Sensory play for under 5s
Join Sal Tonge on a sensory adventure for under 5s with books, songs and sensory play at one of the following sessions:
Thursday 31 October, 10.30am to 11.30am at Hadley Community Library TF1 5NU.
Thursday 31 October, 2pm to 3pm at Madeley Community Library TF7 5BB.
Booking is essential.
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Are you a community group that supports women?
If so this article is for you!
Physical activity is important for all of us, but especially for women going through perimenopause and the menopause.
Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when they come to the end of their reproductive years due to lower hormone levels. This is usually between the ages of 45 and 55, though it can happen earlier.
Perimenopause literally means "around menopause", and marks the years when a woman’s body goes through the transition to menopause.
Many women experience lots of symptoms during this time, which exercise can really help to reduce. Being active helps women to gain or maintain a healthy weight and build muscle mass – both a challenge as women get older.
Exercise can reduce the risk of breast cancer, combat stress, aid sleep, and improve mental wellbeing generally. As sleep issues and anxiety can be a major symptom especially during the perimenopause, this is especially important.
Activity also helps us to keep our hearts healthy and stay mobile as we get older.
We’d like to hear from you!
So the Health Improvement Team would like to work with a local community group to set up some activity sessions especially for women going through perimenopause and the menopause, to help them to take advantage of all these benefits.
The activity needs to be enjoyable, sociable and include gentle cardio and resistance training to improve muscle mass, strengthen bones and raise the heart rate.
Want to get involved to set something up in Telford & Wrekin? We’d love to hear from you if so! Email us at healthimprovement@telford.gov.uk to find out more.
 You can now get fit for free with new online sessions!
Did you know that you can get more active from the comfort of your own home with a free programme called “Couch to Fitness”?
The plan helps people build confidence in their ability to be active from the safety and comfort of their own home, with free workouts available online and on demand.
During the online sessions, expert instructors will encourage you through short activity sessions, which are suitable for any fitness levels, with no equipment needed.
The Couch to Fitness programme is by Our Parks, who work with Councils and Local Authorities to provide free group online and offline exercise classes.
Visit the Couch to Fitness website for more information and to join in.
 Stay stronger for longer
As we age we lose muscle mass and become more frail, which is why older people are more likely to fall and to suffer fall-related injuries. Such injuries can lead to trips to the hospital, and can impact our daily lives and what we're able to do.
But there are many things we can do to reduce this risk. Staying hydrated, eating healthy foods and keeping moving all matter!
Focusing on moving more, there are simple activities we can all do in our own homes. For example, if you can safely do so, getting up out of your chair, moving from room to room, and going up and down stairs regularly can all help. Simply by moving more you can stay steadier on your feet.
And if you are worried about the strength, mobility and balance of you or someone you know, contact Fit4All for a Frailty Assessment.
In Telford and Wrekin, we're fortunate to have Fit4All, a Falls Prevention service that provides early help and support, helping us stay stronger for longer.
Fit 4 All, deliver falls prevention and community-based Moving On sessions. These are gentle seated and standing sessions that take place across our borough, helping people aged 50+ to maintain their strength, mobility and balance. Sessions are also great to connect with others in your local community. The cost is £3 per session or £10 for 4.
If you need more specialist support, sign up for the Falls Prevention Classes which offer residents aged 65+ who have a history of falls, are at risk or have a fear of falling, and are registered with a Telford and Wrekin GP. These classes are designed to improve postural stability, muscular strength, flexibility, coordination and balance which will help improve mobility and reduce the risk of falling.
You can also contact Fit4All on 01952 908738
 Let's talk about it...
Have you ever heard or seen the sayings, "things don’t have to get worse before they get better" and "a problem shared is a problem halved"? Well it's true! Talking to people about your health, wellbeing and care concerns and the questions you have about the future are what matters to us at the Live Well Hub.
Every Wednesday, 10am to 1pm at Madeley Library, inside the Anstice TF7 5BB, there are a range of people to come and talk with, no matter what your question. Our range of services will help you find a solution or the right support to help you to feel happier, enable you to do more and to have a better quality of life. So please come along - because your health and wellbeing matters!
The Live Well Hub is a warm, welcoming place. Come and tell us what matters to you, your loved one, or neighbour. And if you don’t feel like talking it’s okay to just visit for a sit down and a free warm drink.
 Did you know that smoking can cause high blood pressure?
Each cigarette you smoke causes a temporary rise in blood pressure. Smoking damages the walls of your blood vessels, makes your arteries narrower due to a build up of fat and makes your blood more likely to clot. All of these things force your heart to work harder.
Stopping smoking will lower your risk of disease, help you breathe easier, and also helps to improve your fitness.
And getting your blood pressure checked in Telford and Wrekin has never been easier with our Community Blood Pressure Project traveling around the borough visiting different groups and venues.
The Healthy Telford website is regularly updated with the Project's next sessions. We also deliver blood pressure checks at four Live Well community hubs in the south-east of Telford.
Visit the Healthy Telford website's Blood Pressure checks page for information about where you can get a check done and what to expect.
 Across Telford community spaces are opening their doors to offer people a warm welcome
If you’re looking for a welcoming place to visit and someone to talk to, there are several options available throughout the borough: community centres, libraries, cafes and coffee shops, and local parks and gardens are all great places to relax and chat with others.
In addition, many community venues have committed to offering a Welcome Space, supported by Telford and Wrekin Council's Welcome Space Grant. These local venues and groups offer various activities and events, providing a friendly environment to meet new people.
The full list of welcome spaces and their contact details, can be accessed on the Live Well Telford Directory.
 Make your Healthy Telford pledge today
The Healthy Telford pledge is a 12 week email campaign to support you to make small simple changes to benefit your health and wellbeing. It focuses on creating healthier habits and supports you to find the motivation to make a change.
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 selection of prizes, which include supermarket vouchers, gym memberships and more!
Visit the Healthy Telford website for more advice and information about living a happier, healthier life.
 Latest financial help and support information
The Pensioners' Financial Support and Advice booklet includes the latest information regarding the financial help and support available nationally, from the Council, and from a range of partner organisations. This is particularly needed now with many pensioners concerned about the impact of the Winter Fuel Allowance being removed.
The booklet includes information on Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax reduction, travel discounts (Concessionary Travel), energy advice, Leisure Services discounts, Telford Online and more. It now also includes information from Adult Social Care.
If you are having conversations with pension age residents who need additional financial help, the booklet is available on the Telford & Wrekin Council website. Copies of the booklet will also be available across all our libraries in the borough.
There are an estimated 800,000 pensioners across the country who are not claiming Pension Credit that they are entitled to. Please talk to any pension age family members to ask them to check if they may be entitled, or check for them, using the pension credit calculator.
Visit gov.uk to use the pension credit calculator.
 The more energy-efficient your home is, the less it costs to heat and keep warm
The Warm and Well Telford grant is available to eligible households and can offer Smart thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), energy-efficient glazing and energy-efficient external doors.
Visit the Telford & Wrekin Council website for more information about the scheme, eligibility criteria and to apply.
Need advice on keeping warm and well at home this winter?
Telford Energy Advice (TEA) is a partnership between registered charity Marches Energy Agency and Telford & Wrekin Council. They offer free, impartial advice on keeping warm and well at home and can help with:
- Energy issues, including bills, tariffs and suppliers
- Help with energy debt and crisis support
- Heating and insulation grants
- Energy efficiency measures
- Health and cold homes
Contact TEA by calling 0800 6771952 or emailing tea@mea.org.uk
 Be kind to your mind
If you're struggling with your mental health and wellbeing, this simple mental health quiz can help. Whether you want help to deal with anxiety or low mood, tips to reduce stress or advice on how to sleep better, it will generate a personalised mental health action plan based on the information you provide.
Because doing small things can make a big difference.
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