Monthly Archives: January 2020

#SpeakUp2020 Campaign

Start Date:
1st January 2020

End Date:
31st December 2020

Start Time:
00.01

End Time:
2359

Healthwatch. are here to help make health and care better. They do this by listening to your experiences of services and working with the NHS to make the changes you want to see.

We all love the NHS, but it can’t improve without your help. That’s why Healthwatch would like to encourage you to share how health and social care services could support you better.

It only takes five minutes to speak up about your experiences, but can help make care better for you, the people you love and your community. It’s that simple.

To access the survey please click here

Signal Tinnitus Support Group – Telford & Wrekin

Start Date:
19th March 2020

End Date:
19th March 2020

Start Time:
1800

End Time:
1930

Event title: Signal Tinnitus Support Group – Telford & Wrekin
Venue: Art Room The Place Telford Theatre Square Oakengates Telford TF2 6EP
Name: Signal Charity
Email: sarah@signal.org.uk
Telephone: 01743 358356
Event description: Tinnitus is a condition where sounds are heard inside a person’s head where no external source is present.

Signal’s tinnitus support groups allow people living with tinnitus to come together and develop support networks. Here they can not only exchange their stories and share their anxieties and worries, but also talk about their own coping strategies and ways in which they learn to live well with their tinnitus.

At our meeting today we will have a talk by Emma Boyden, Lead Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner from Telford Primary Care Wellbeing Service.

There is ample free parking available. The venue is a 5 minute walk from Oakengates train station. Our meeting takes place on the ground floor of the venue.

Light refreshments provided. We ask for a donation for these sessions.

For further information, please call Sarah Thomas on 01743 358356 or email sarah@signal.org.uk

Healthwatch Shropshire-End of Life Care Report

Last year Healthwatch Shropshire asked people how they felt about the care their loved one received,  was it what they wanted and expected? For example, if they were treated with dignity, if they felt listened to and if their wishes were respected.

Healthwatch have now published their findings. You can now read a summary of their findings by clicking on this link: https://www.healthwatchshropshire.co.uk/report/2020-01-14/experiences-end-life-and-palliative-care-services-shropshire or download the full report at this link: Healthwatch Shropshire End of Life Report 2019 (Updated 20190129)_0

This Winter-Choose the right service

Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP) are urging people to use the right NHS service for their needs, as local health services continue to be put under increased pressure due to high demand across the county.

Leaders from the Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin STP are asking people to do what they can to prevent themselves becoming unwell and make sensible decisions when it comes to choosing the right NHS service if they need help.

They recommend in a non-emergency or life-threatening situation people take action at the first signs of symptoms of winter illness such as colds, coughs, sore throat, small cuts or grazes, by resting at home or using over-the-counter medicines.

Pharmacists are best for advice and treating illnesses like diarrhea, earache, painful cough, sticky eye, teething and rashes. Managing health conditions effectively is a good thing, but you must seek medical advice if you are unsure. Calling NHS 111 or using 111.nhs.uk is best if you are feeling unwell, or if you need health advice and guidance in a non-life-threatening emergency.

The NHS and councils in the region are working together to manage demand to ensure people continue to receive safe and effective care in the area.

People can help to reduce pressure on health services by using the most appropriate NHS service for their needs or by helping a relative in hospital to return home when they are fit for discharge.

Choosing the right NHS service will help the public get the best advice quicker and will help reduce pressure on both A&E and GP services, freeing them up to help those who need them most.

Stay Well this Winter

Sight Loss Opportunity Group Activities-February 2020

All sessions are FREE unless otherwise stated.

Oswestry Group meets on Wednesday 5th February, 10 am to 12 noon  at Oswestry Library, 9 Arthur Street, Oswestry SY11 1JN

At the next meeting you will be joined by Jennifer Gregory, from Oxsight.  Jennifer will be talking about Oxsight and their research in 2010, at the University of Oxford.  The researchers worked closely with the low vision community to explore how the brain manages visual information and what  can be done to amplify this capability in people with visual impairment. 

Ludlow Group meets on Monday 10th February, 10.30 am -12.30 pm at at St Peters Church, Henley Road, Ludlow SY8 1QZ

This month you will be joined by Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire Blood Bikes.  Across the UK there are groups similar operating for the benefit of their local area. Through co-operation between these groups, they link together to form the Blood Bike Network, which provides a vital service up and down the country, saving the NHS money on taxis – and most importantly, saving lives!

Shrewsbury Group meets on Monday 24th February, 2 pm-4 pm at  The University Centre Shrewsbury, Guildhall, Shrewsbury SY3 8HQ, in room SGH201  

As the Ludlow SLOG Group you will also be joined by Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire Blood Bikes.  Currently hospitals within Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire have little choice but to call a local taxi company to collect and deliver the blood. The hospital would then be charged retail rates for this “service”. That’s where the Blood Bikes come in.

Please contact me by 7th February to book yourself in for 10-pin bowling on Monday 23rd March, 14:00 pm to 16:00 pm 

Shrewsbury Cycling SLOG’s Group

Our regular cycling session will recommence in March at  Shrewsbury Sports Village, Sundorne Road, Shrewsbury SY1 4RQ

Please note that you can still cycle at the Sports Village, every Wednesday, 13:00 – 15:00.  For more information please contact Christian Smith the Sports Development Officer at Shrewsbury on 0345 0007 002..

You can of course cycle at the Sports Village, every Wednesday, 13:00 – 15:00, for more information please contact Christian Smith the Sports Development Officer at Shrewsbury on 0345 0007 002.

All SLOG Groups

Due to some activities needing a deposit to secure the booking we now need an expression of interest, please, initially to book the event, followed by confirmation of your attendance two weeks prior to the event, or sooner if you can.  We understand that things can change on the day, this cannot be helped.

The activities where we ask for a small contribution, we will need a minimum of 6 -8 people to participate before we can book the event.  Can we ask that you let us know by contacting us on 01743 342168/342163 or emailing us at Julie.stedman@shropshire-rcc.org.uk   or Susann.mitchell@shropshire-rcc.org.uk

Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs) asks BBC to keep its Red Button Teletext

A consortium of Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs) including The National Federation of the Blind UK (NFBUK) and Disability Rights UK is calling on the BBC to keep its Red Button Teletext service which is set to be withdrawn at the end of January 2020. 

The Red Button service has largely been replaced in popular use by internet services, but for visually impaired, D/deaf, disabled, older people and other hard to reach social groups, many of whom do not have internet access, it is a vital service. 

The consortium is concerned that withdrawal of the service will leave many people who are already vulnerable further isolated and marginalised from society. It has fears that the BBC may not be meeting its obligations set out in the Royal Charter for public broadcast if the Red Button Teletext service is withdrawn.

To read what Disability Rights UK has to say click here:  https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/news/2020/january/dpo-consortium-calls-bbc-not-push-red-button-service

SDN asks: Will the loss of the Red Button on BBC affect you? If it it does not affect you, but will affect someone you know why not leave us a comment or complete this form https://shropshire-disability.net/contact/ and we will forward your comments to Disability Rights UK

Update: Due to the concerns raised by many elderly people, people with disabilities, it has been decided to review whether to remove the red button or not. A decision will be made in Spring 2020.

Autism Advice Sessions-Craven Arms (replaced by telephone service)

Start Date:
20th April 2020

End Date:
20th April 2020

Start Time:
0930

End Time:
1230

Event title: Autism Advice Sessions-Craven Arms (replaced by telephone service)
Venue: Gateway, Auction Yard, Craven Arms, Shropshire, SY7 9BW
Name: Autism West Midlands
Email: info@autismwestmidlands.org.uk
Telephone: 0121 450 7575
Event description: If you would you like some specific advice about autism and your child, this event will be of interest to you? You can receive free advice and guidance. The appointments are for parents and carers of autistic children aged 0-18 or suspected as autistic living in the Shropshire Council area. Booking is essential.

Please do not bring your child with autism to this appointment.

These sessions run on:

  • Monday 3rd February 2020
  • Monday 20th April 2020 and
  • Monday 22nd June 2020

Booking Information: to book this event or for more information please contact the Helpline Team on 0121 450 7575

This event is funded by Shropshire Council

Dementia Friendly Film showing: Sunshine on Leith-Cancelled

Start Date:
6th April 2020

End Date:
6th April 2020

Start Time:
1330

End Time:
1530

Event title: Dementia Friendly Film showing: Sunshine on Leith -Cancelled
Venue: Wem Town Hall, High Street, Wem, Shropshire, SY4 5DG
Weblink: www.wemtownhall.co.uk
Name: Wem Town Hall
Email: info@wemtownhall.co.uk
Telephone: 01939 238279
Event description: Sunshine on Leith is based on the sensational stage hit of the same name, featuring music by pop-folk band The Proclaimers. Davy and Ally have to re-learn how to live life in Edinburgh after coming home from serving in Afghanistan.

At Dementia Friendly movie matinees we hope that you enjoy a laid back informal way view and experience films. The seats are set out on the flat floor around small tables in a cafe style. The lights are kept on at a low level and we always make sure the sounds levels aren’t too high. We have an interval so everyone can have a chat over an all important cuppa and a biscuit before catching the end of the film. Our specially trained ushers are on hand to assist and help navigate the venue. From March we will be adding in a dementia friendly movie matinee on different day to allow for greater opportunity to take part.

Tickets: £5, Carers Free (not available online) – ticket includes refreshment

These dementia friendly showings will have lower sound level, lights on and specially trained staff on hand to assist, however you should note no pastoral care is provided.

Parking: A drop off point is provided at the back of the venue for mini buses and private cars to unload. Please do not park here as it is needed for access. We ask customers to park on the main car park by the Co op.

Autism Advice Sessions-Market Drayton

Start Date:
13th March 2020

End Date:
13th March 2020

Start Time:
0930

End Time:
1230

Event title: Autism Advice Sessions-Market Drayton
Venue: Raven House, Cheshire Street, Market Drayton TF9 3AH
Name: Autism West Midlands
Email: info@autismwestmidlands.org.uk
Telephone: 0121 450 7575
Event description: Would you like some specific advice about autism and your child?
This is an opportunity for you to have Free one to one advice and guidance for parents/carers of individuals on the autism spectrum.

Please book a 45 minute appointment in advance. Please do not bring your child with autism to this appointment.

These sessions will also run on these dates:

  • Monday 13th January 2020
  • Monday 10th February 2020 and
  • Monday 13th March 2020

Cost: Free Booking Information: to book this event or for more information please contact the Helpline Team By calling 0121 450 75 75 or emailing info@autismwestmidlands.org.uk

This event is funded by Shropshire Council

Dementia Friendly Film showing: Sister Act

Start Date:
6th March 2020

End Date:
6th March 2020

Start Time:
1330

End Time:
1530

Event title: Dementia Friendly Film showing: Sister Act
Venue: Wem Town Hall, High Street, Wem, Shropshire, SY4 5DG
Weblink: www.wemtownhall.co.uk
Name: Wem Town Hall
Email: info@wemtownhall.co.uk
Telephone: 01939 238279
Event description: When a Reno singer witnesses a mob crime, the police hide her as a nun in a traditional convent where she has trouble fitting in – until she is put in charge of the choir. Starring Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith.

At Dementia Friendly movie matinees we hope that you enjoy a laid back informal way view and experience films. The seats are set out on the flat floor around small tables in a cafe style. The lights are kept on at a low level and we always make sure the sounds levels aren’t too high. We have an interval so everyone can have a chat over an all important cuppa and a biscuit before catching the end of the film. Our specially trained ushers are on hand to assist and help navigate the venue. From March we will be adding in a dementia friendly movie matinee on different day to allow for greater opportunity to take part.

Tickets: £5, Carers Free (not available online) – ticket includes refreshment

These dementia friendly showings will have lower sound level, lights on and specially trained staff on hand to assist, however you should note no pastoral care is provided.

Parking: A drop off point is provided at the back of the venue for mini buses and private cars to unload. Please do not park here as it is needed for access. We ask customers to park on the main car park by the Co op.