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Social Prescribing

Support is Here, Social Prescribing for Adults in Bromsgrove

Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to turn? Social Prescribing can help adults aged 18+ access support for a variety of challenges, including:
- Unemployment & benefits
- Wellbeing & mental health
- Family life & relationships
- Housing & loneliness

Our Social Prescribing team can connect you with local activities, services, and guidance to help you take the next steps.

Contact: hwicb.spbromsgrove@nhs.net
Phone: 0300 303 5291

Share this post to help spread the word and ensure everyone in Bromsgrove knows support is available.

Digital Switch Over

Telephone lines across the UK are switching from analogue to digital by the start of 2027.

This change will affect how you contact services like your GP surgery, emergency support systems like Lifeline, and other devices connected to a landline.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Traditional analogue phone lines are being replaced by a new digital system (via broadband).

  • If you use a landline-only phone, you may need to upgrade your handset or set up a compatible router.

  • Services like Lifeline, fall alarms, health monitors, and personal alert systems may stop working unless they are updated to work with the digital system.

  • This change may affect your ability to call your GP or other health services, especially in the event of a power cut.

What should you do now?

  • If you're not sure whether you’ll be affected, contact your telephone provider for guidance.

  • If you or someone you care for uses Lifeline or similar services, get in touch with your equipment provider or local council to check what changes are needed.

Need help or more information?

Visit the Ofcom digital switchover guidance page at: ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/digital-phone-switch

You can also find support through:

Please help spread the word – especially to older family members, neighbours or anyone using telecare services. It’s important that everyone is prepared so no one is left without support.

Carers Rights Day

Today marks Carers Rights Day, an annual event by Carers UK to highlight the rights and entitlements of unpaid carers.

Unpaid carers across England are entitled to a range of support to help balance their health, social care, employment, and financial wellbeing. Did you know carers have the right to:

- Take unpaid Carer’s Leave
- Request flexible working
- Ask their GP practice to identify them as a carer
- Request a free flu jab
- Protection against discrimination or harassment
- Request a carer’s assessment
- Be consulted when the person they care for is discharged from hospital

Take time to know your rights and use them. Share this information and ensure carers in your community are supported and recognised.

Warmth on Prescription 2025-26

Staying warm is especially important for everyone but especially elderly and children’s health and wellbeing. Cold homes can make common illnesses worse and affect children’s growth and development.

If you’re finding it difficult to keep your home warm, your family may be able to get support through the Warmth on Prescription scheme. This can include advice on energy efficiency, help with heating costs, and practical support to keep your children safe and well.

Speak to your GP, health visitor, or local council to see if your family could be eligible.

Flu and Pooh

Flu jab booked? Let’s talk poo too! When you come for your flu vaccination, it’s also a great opportunity to ask your clinician about the FIT Test.

- The FIT Test is a simple home kit that checks for tiny amounts of blood in your poo
- It can help spot early signs of bowel cancer
- Quick, easy, and could save your life

So this autumn, remember: Flu and Pooh go hand in hand. Protect yourself against flu and take steps to protect your bowel health too.

First Contact Physiotherapy

First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) are highly skilled practitioners with specialist knowledge of musculoskeletal (MSK) problems. They will be able to help you with mechanical pain through timely interventions including exercise, lifestyle advice, and pain management.

Catherine Adams is a trained physiotherapist who works with the PCN to provide her expertise to patients of the PCN.

If you’d like to find out more about Catherine, or to book into her physiotherapy services, please call 07436797891 or visit www.catherineadams.co.uk

This service is within our PCN's 9 Practices:
- Barnt Green Surgery
- Catshill Village Surgery
- Churchfields Surgery
- Cornhill Surgery
- Davenal House Surgery
- New Road Surgery Bromsgrove
- New Road Surgery Rubery
- St Johns Surgery
- The Glebeland Surgery

It is also only available for patients 16 years of age and over.

Stop Smoking Support

A team of specialist advisors are available to help people quit. They provide free, expert advice tailored to an individual’s needs for up to four weeks.

A team of specialist advisors are available to help people quit. They provide free, expert advice tailored to an individual’s needs for up to four weeks. 

What we offer:  

Everyone's journey to quit smoking is unique, so we offer personalised support. This includes a customised action plan, free vapes, and assistance with any challenges they might encounter. Here's what they can expect: 

  • Initial Consultation: They'll start with a one-on-one session over the phone with a trained stop-smoking advisor who will help them create a plan that fits their lifestyle. 

  • Weekly Support: Regular telephone check-ins will keep them on track and provide encouragement as they work towards their goal. 

  • Free Vape Starter Kit: To help them transition away from cigarettes, we'll provide vape starter kit vouchers at no cost. 

  • Follow-up: Four weeks after their quit date, we’ll check in with them by phone to ensure they’re still on the path to success. 

Any adult (18 and over) who lives in Worcestershire or has a registered GP in Worcestershire can use the service.  

To find out more go to worcestershire.gov.uk/stopsmoking or call 0800 772 0307 or 01905 928 185.  

To refer people directly to the service please go to: healthyworcestershire.org.uk/stop-smoking

You can also go to any library in Worcestershire if you need help to get online to book into the service.   

Anyone who is pregnant or lives with a child under three years old can get even more support to stop smoking. Find out more on our website: worcestershire.gov.uk/stopsmoking

How to cope in a Heatwave - Sunscreen & Sun Safety.

With temperatures rising, staying sun safe is more important than ever. Following NHS guidance is the best way to protect yourself and others during the heatwave.

With temperatures rising, it’s important to take care of yourself and others during the heatwave.

Here are a few tips to help you stay safe in the sun:

- Use sunscreen. Apply at least SPF 30 and make sure it offers UVA protection. Ensure to reapply every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating. This doesn't stop you from catching a tan, it stops you from burning.

- Cover up. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and light, loose-fitting clothing.

- Stay in the shade. Especially between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest.

- Keep hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid excess alcohol or caffeine.

- Look after others. Babies, young children, older people and those with health conditions are more at risk.

If you or someone else feels unwell in the heat (dizzy, nauseous, very thirsty or confused), move to a cool place, drink water, and seek medical advice if symptoms don’t improve.

Let’s keep our community safe this summer.

Spring 2025 Covid-19 Booster

The NHS Spring COVID-19 booster campaign is now underway. If you're eligible, getting vaccinated is the best way to maintain your protection against severe illness.

 Who is eligible? From 1 April to 17 June 2025, the booster is available for:

✔️ Adults aged 75 and over

✔️ Residents in care homes for older adults

✔️ Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed

 

This also includes those who, by 17 June 2025:

✔️ Turn 75 years old

✔️ Become immunosuppressed

✔️ Move into an older adult care home

 

How to book your vaccination:

- Online (nhs.uk)

- NHS App

- Call 119 (free of charge)

 

Why get the booster?

- Boost your protection against COVID-19

- Reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation

- Support public health by protecting yourself and others

If you or a loved one are eligible, book your appointment today. Every dose strengthens your protection. Care home residents will be contacted directly, with vaccinations arranged by local health teams.

Help spread the word! Share this information with family, friends, and those who may be eligible.