 Become a Dementia Friend
A Dementia Friend learns a little bit more about what it's like to live with dementia and then turns that understanding into action - anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend. Whether you attend a face-to-face Dementia Friends Information Session or watch our online video, Dementia Friends is about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help. From telling friends about Dementia Friends to visiting someone you know living with dementia, every action counts.
Dementia Friends Information Sessions are run by volunteer Dementia Friends Champions, who are trained and supported by Alzheimer’s Society. Each Information Session lasts around one hour. You will learn more about dementia and how you can help to create dementia friendly communities.
Dementia Friends Information sessions will be taking place on the following dates
15th February at 2pm
5th April at 2pm
31st May at 2pm
5th July at 2pm
These sessions will be held at St Michael’s Church, Church Drive, Stourport on Severn, DY13 9DD
 Help make a difference to older people living in Wyre Forest
Did you know that over 1.2 million older people (aged 65 and over in England) are persistently/ chronically lonely? Loneliness is a terrible thing, but you can do something to help by becoming an Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forest Befriender.
Befrienders get matched with an older person in the community - they visit the person or call them on a regular basis, providing companionship. Befriending is really rewarding and a great way to make a difference to someone’s life. Befrienders receive appropriate training and support and are expected to call or visit their matched older person regularly - this usually involves a commitment of around an hour a week. To find out more call Age UK on 01527 570490 or email: enquiries@ageukbrwf.org.uk
 Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, 21- 27January 2019
Every year in the UK, around 3,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women aged 35 and under.
Do you know how cervical cancer can be prevented? Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (CCPW) aims to raise awareness and let you know how you can reduce your risk of the disease and help to educate others. We want to ensure all women and people with a cervix know how cervical cancer can be prevented. This means:
For more information and to order resources visit the Jo’s Trust website.
 Dry January 2019
Dry January, run by the charity Alcohol Change UK, encourages people to stop drinking alcohol for one month to feel healthier, save money and improve their relationship with alcohol long term. Signing up for Dry January, which has been endorsed by Public Health, increases the chance that participants will get the most out of the month.Participants can download Try Dry: The Dry January App to track units, money and calories saved, or can sign up for regular support emails with tips and tricks from the experts.
 Take the ‘How Are You’ quiz?
The "How Are You?" campaign is back for the New Year and encourages adults to take the free "How Are You?" health quiz.
It’s easy to overdo it over Christmas. Fight back to a healthier you and take the free #OneYou quiz to get your personalised score, free health tips and advice.
 Go smoke free
The Smokefree Health Harms campaign launched again at the end of December and will run throughout January 2019. Now in its seventh year, the Smokefree Health Harms campaign continues to encourage smokers to stop smoking in the New Year.
“Giving up smoking for good” – it can sound pretty daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. If you’re ready to quit this year, we’re here to help.
 Could you save money on your energy bills?
Wyre Forest Big Energy Switch is back offering residents another chance to reduce energy bills by swapping suppliers.The scheme is backed by Wyre Forest District Council and it helps people to use collective bargaining powers to get a better deal. People who took part last time saved on average £203 a year. Registration is open until Monday 11 February. A competitive process will then take place to negotiate with energy companies to find the best deal for the group. Those who have registered their interest will be given a personalised offer showing how much they could save by switching. It is free to register for the scheme and there is no obligation to switch.
 Have your say
Help shape a prevention and early intervention service for children and young people aged 0-19 and their families.
We want all children and young people in Worcestershire to live healthy, happy and fun filled lives and to reach their full potential. We also want to improve outcomes and reduce the demand for more specialist services. To achieve this we need our services for children, young people and families to help prevent problems occurring in the first place and to identify problems early or as they emerge so they don’t get any worse.
We are commissioning a prevention and early intervention service for children and young people aged 0-19 and their families. The new service will provide a single joined up service to include:
- Health Visitor services: who carry out child development checks for pre-school children and additional support when needed
- School Health services: who work with children and young people aged 5-19 and additional support when needed
- parent and family information and advice
- groups, activities and support within community settings
- parenting support
We are asking for your views to help shape the new 0-19 prevention service.
 Time to Talk
This year’s Time to Talk Day is all about bringing together the right ingredients, to have a conversation about mental health.
Mental health problems affect one in four of us, yet people are still afraid to talk about it. Time to Talk Day encourages everyone to talk about mental health.
Having conversations about mental health helps break down stereotypes, improve relationships, aid recovery and take the stigma out of something that affects us all. There are lots of different ways to have a conversation about mental health. And you don’t have to be an expert to talk.
However you do it, make sure you have a conversation about mental health this Time to Talk Day. From a coffee morning at your work, to a stall handing out materials at your local train station, there are lots of activities you can do to get people talking on Time to Talk Day.
 Time to Change: Champions Fund Information Session
Are you interested in challenging mental health stigma and discrimination?
Are you 18 or over, and live in Worcestershire?
Do you have lived experience of a mental health problem?
If you answer yes to the above questions, please come along to the information session at Kidderminster Library in February. You can find out more about Time to Change Champions and funding available to support local activities that sparks conversations about mental health to reduce stigma.
 Would you like to learn British Sign Language?
Fancy learning a new skill? Enrol onto a British sign language course today! A 27 week long course, set to teach beginners sign language starts in January. Take the Ofqual accredited course, New Level 1 Award in British Sign Language, at Wyre Forest House, Finepoint Way, Kidderminster from Wednesday 16 January to Wednesday 24 July. There will be two session times to choose from on either a morning between 10am – 12.30pm or evening between 6.30pm – 9pm. The course is delivered by Earshot Communications. To reserve your place email info@earshotcommunication.com or phone 07561 784822.
|
