Monthly Archives: May 2021

Help to understand why people use or don’t use their hearing aids

The Gain Project is led by Dr Helen Henshaw and Dr Emma Broome at the University of Nottingham. It is a programme of research that aims to understand and address the barriers that adults with hearing loss might face in using their hearing aids, or in using them regularly.

If you have hearing aids, do you use them regularly, sometimes or not at all? If so the Gain Project is looking to you for your help. Once you have registered you will receive the questionnaire via email or via post. Approximately 7 days after you have completed the questionnaire, a researcher will contact you by telephone or email (depending on your preference) at a preferred time to complete the final questions. You will receive a voucher on completion of the study as a small thank you for your time.

If you would like to take part in questionnaires, please contact Ms Paige Church by email at this address paige.church@nottingham.ac.uk

Approximately 12 million people in the UK (1 in 5) have a hearing loss. Hearing loss causes communication difficulties. Hearing aids can help many people overcome these difficulties, which can be life changing. The NHS provides hearing aids free of charge to those who would benefit from using them. However, the non-use or irregular use of hearing aids is high, meaning that many people are not realising the full benefit. Similar to taking medications as prescribed by a doctor, regular hearing aid use is a positive health behaviour. Researchers at the NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre are using health psychology, and in particular health behaviour theory, to understand how we might improve the beneficial use of hearing aids by adults with hearing loss.

What is health behaviour theory?

Health behaviour theory is helpful for understanding how and why a particular behaviour occurs. So for example why people have hearing aids but don’t use them or only use them sometimes. What make a hearing aid user decide when to and when not to wear their hearing aids. You can find out more at this link https://blogs.nottingham.ac.uk/hearingloss/2021/04/13/2359/

Access to NHS Dental Services

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Healthwatch Shropshire have asked us to share this press release with you.

Healthwatch Shropshire has been hearing from some Shropshire residents about the problems they are having getting to see a NHS dentist. People are reporting that their dentist will no longer see them on the NHS and they will need to go private, mothers are reporting that they can’t get their children seen by an NHS dentist and those who have recently moved, including military personnel leaving the forces, cannot find a dentist offering NHS treatment in their new location. The NHS provides a ‘Find a Dentist’ service online but many people are reporting that the information is very out of date and despite ringing round dentists on the list none are currently taking NHS patients.

Lynn Cawley, Chief Officer of Healthwatch Shropshire, explained that,

“In the past we have heard of these problems and when we reported them to NHS England they were able to organise extra capacity in the areas affected but the pandemic has made things much more difficult, especially with the restrictions it has placed on dentists’ ability to see people. Oral health is tremendously important and people are worried about the long term affects this lack of access will have. As we come out of this lockdown we really want to hear people’s experiences of finding NHS dental treatment in Shropshire and find out if this issue is specific to particular parts of the county or widespread”.

People can contact us on 01743 237884 between the hours of 08:45 – 17:00 Monday to Thursday or on Whatsapp 07813 458955 or by using the online link below https://healthwatchshropshire.uk.engagementhq.com/dentistry-in-shropshire

or via post to Healthwatch Shropshire, 4 The Creative Quarter, Shrewsbury Business Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY2 6LG

You can use the Healthwatch interactive map to show us where you are having problems accessing NHS dental care and where it has been easier to access NHS treatment, or leave us a comment below. Use the link below to access the map: https://healthwatchshropshire.uk.engagementhq.com/dentistry-in-shropshire/maps/shropshire-dentist-access

To find out more about the work of Healthwatch Shropshire click the link below: https://www.healthwatchshropshire.co.uk/

May Bank Holiday-The NHS is here for you.

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The NHS is still available for you to use this Bank Holiday weekend. Some GP practices will be closed on Monday 31 May 2021, but there are other NHS services available over the Bank Holiday to ensure we all get the care we need.

If you are unwell and you are not sure what to do contact NHS 111 online at: 111.nhs.uk or call 111 free from a landline or your mobile phone.

A trained NHS 111 professional will be able to assess you and, if you should need it, book a time slot at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department to make sure you can be seen safely. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

If you have a minor illness such as a sore throat, tummy trouble or an ache or pain, your local pharmacy can offer you clinical advice and over-the-counter treatments. Some community pharmacies will be open on Monday 31 May – to check opening times please visit the NHS website. You will need to key in your postcode on the NHS website, to find where your nearest Pharmacy.

Minor Injuries Units (MIUs) are available in Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Oswestry and Whitchurch and treat minor injuries such as bites, cuts, foreign bodies in the eyes, nose and ears, minor burns and scalds, sprains and bruises, and wound infections. For opening hours, visit the Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust website.

Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) are located at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford and treat injuries that do not need emergency treatment. For opening hours, please visit the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust website.

For life-threatening emergencies, such as a stroke or heart attack, call 999 straight away.

COVID-19 information: If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 such as a high temperature, new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell you must stay at home and book a test as soon as possible. You can book a test at this link: book a test online

If you have problems, or cannot use the online service, call 119. You and anyone you live with should stay at home until you get your test result and only leave your home to have a test. For more coronavirus advice, visit www.111.nhs.uk/covid-19.

Online Autism Advice and Consultation Sessions – Shropshire County

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Start Date:
19th August 2021

End Date:
19th August 2021

Start Time:
See content for details

End Time:
See content for details

Event title: Online Autism Advice and Consultation Sessions – Shropshire County
Venue: On-line Zoom sessions
Weblink: https://autismwestmidlands.org.uk/
Name: Autism West Midlands
Email: shropshire@autismwestmidlands.org.uk
Telephone: N/A
Event description: This is an opportunity for you to book a 45 minute slot with a specialist autism advisor to discuss difficulties and coping strategies.

These Free 45 minute bookable appointments are for parents/carers and practitioners with Shropshire postcode. ONLINE – ‘Zoom’ Sessions

There are 4 slots available on Thursday 19th August, they are starting at 9.30 am, 10.30 am, 11.30 am and 1 pm.

Booking Information: To book please visit the eShop: https://shop.autismwestmidlands.org.uk/collections/events/products/online-autism-advice-and-consultation-sessions-shropshire-county

For more information please contact: Email: shropshire@autismwestmidlands.org.uk

Online Autism Advice and Consultation Sessions – Shropshire County

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Start Date:
1st July 2021

End Date:
1st July 2021

Start Time:
See content for details

End Time:
See content for details

These Free 45 minute bookable appointments are for parents/carers and practitioners with Shropshire postcode. ONLINE – ‘Zoom’ Sessions

There are 4 slots available on Thursday 1st July, they are starting at 9.30 am, 10.30 am, 11.30 am and 1 pm.

Booking Information: To book please visit the eShop: https://shop.autismwestmidlands.org.uk/collections/events/products/online-autism-advice-and-consultation-sessions-shropshire-county

For more information please contact: Email: shropshire@autismwestmidlands.org.uk

Views and experiences of using local taxi services

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Start Date:
28th May 2021

End Date:
30th June 2021

Start Time:
1115

End Time:
2359

Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin have recently received feedback regarding people’s views and experiences of using local taxi services, and are now keen to explore what is working well and what requires improvements.

They have produced a very short survey which can be completed in minutes and invite you to take part. If you have a disability and/or sight or hearing impairment or are a wheelchair user and use taxis in the Telford & Wrekin area, it would help Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin learn more about the problems people experience.

To take part in the on-line survey, click on the link below: https://www.healthwatchtelfordandwrekin.co.uk/disability-and-sight-impairment-taxi-survey

Alternatively, if you would like to speak to someone or would prefer to email you can contact Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin using the details below:

Telephone: 01952 739540
Email: info@healthwatchtelfordandwrekin.co.uk

Half Term Holiday Activities at Albrighton Moat

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The following activities are being run by Albrighton Moat and Trust during the Half Term Holidays. All events will take place at Albrighton Trust Moat & Gardens, Blue House Lane, Albrighton WV7 3FL. Places must be booked and paid for in advance by contacting 01902 372441 or email moat@albrightontrust.org.uk

Wednesday 2nd June 2021 -Ladybird Trail. You have the choice of two sessions, the first starting at 10 am and the second session at 1 pm. Everyone who completes the trail receives a prize. Sessions Cost £2 per person.

Thursday 3rd June 2021-Supported Angling. You have the choice of two sessions, the first starting at 10 am and the second session at 1 pm. Support is provided, instructing parent/carers on how to help the person fishing. Note: Coaches unfortunately cannot help land a fish or remove the hook from the mouth, but they can provide instructions to parents/carers on how to do it. Equipment supplied – Cost: Sessions are £5 per person.

Dates for the Diary-calling all Anglers.

Saturday 17th July 9am – 4pm
Saturday 7th August 9am – 4pm

If your interested in fishing please contact us on 01902 372441 or email moat@albrightontrust.org.uk to book a peg.

Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! (Audio Described)

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Start Date:
12th February 2022

End Date:
12th February 2022

Start Time:
1430

End Time:
TBC

Event title: Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! (Audio Described)
Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham B5 4TB
Weblink: https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/
Name: Birmingham Hippodrome
Email: tickets@birminghamhippodrome.com
Telephone: 0121 689 1060
Event description: This is an Audio Described performance.
Audio Described Performances:
Audio-description in theatre is a live verbal commentary on the visual elements of a production as it unfolds. The description gives only the essential information that a visually impaired patron might miss.

About the show: The sweetest of all Matthew Bourne’s treats returns to Birmingham Hippodrome for one week only in 2022! It’s a Nutcracker! for all seasons, adored by critics and audiences alike. With family-sized helpings of Bourne’s trademark wit, pathos and magical fantasy, Nutcracker! follows Clara’s bittersweet journey from a darkly comic Christmas Eve at Dr. Dross’ Orphanage, through a shimmering, ice-skating winter wonderland to the scrumptious candy kingdom of Sweetieland, influenced by the lavish Hollywood musicals of the 1930’s.

Tchaikovsky’s glorious score and Anthony Ward’s delectable sets and costumes combine with Bourne’s dazzling choreography to create a fresh and charmingly irreverent interpretation of the classic. Expect a sprinkling of delicious new surprises in this reinvented production for 2022.

Hailed by The Observer as ‘the undisputed king of dance theatre’, master storyteller Matthew Bourne and his New Adventures company have produced some of the most successful dance productions of the last two decades including The Red Shoes, Swan Lake, Cinderella, Edward Scissorhands and most recently his acclaimed reimagining of Romeo and Juliet.

Concessions for patrons with disabilities:

£5 off standard price tickets in all seating areas.
2 for 1 for disabled patrons who require the service/support of a companion.
Limited availability.

It is always best to book through our Access phone line 0121 689 1060 when booking assisted performances.

Touch Tours
For most audio-described performance we do, we have a Touch Tour that precedes the show. Touch Tours must be booked in advance through Ticket Sales. Times for the Touch Tours will be confirmed on booking. Our Touch Tours allow visually impaired patrons the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the set, props and costumes.

Assistance Dogs
If you have an assistance dog, please advise Box Office at the time of booking and they can then allocate the most appropriate seating for you or make adequate provision to care for your dog during the performance.

For information about Assisted Performances at Birmingham Hippodrome, click here: https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/plan-your-visit/access/assistedperformances/

Weekend Fishing

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Start Date:
17th July 2021

End Date:
17th July 2021

Start Time:
0900

End Time:
1600

Event title: Weekend Fishing
Venue: Albrighton Trust Moat & Gardens, Blue House Lane, Albrighton, Nr Wolverhampton, WV7 5FL
Weblink: https://www.albrightontrust.org.uk/
Name: Albrighton Trust Moat
Email: moat@albrightontrust.org.uk
Telephone: 01902 372441
Event description: We are open fishing; anglers must have experience in fishing.

Cost is £5.50 per person and £2.50 to hire a pole.

To book your fishing peg, please contact us on 01902 372441

Supported Angling Sessions

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Start Date:
3rd June 2021

End Date:
3rd June 2021

Start Time:
10am or 1pm sessions.

End Time:
1200 or 1600

Event title: Supported Angling Sessions
Venue: Albrighton Trust Moat & Gardens, Blue House Lane, Albrighton, Nr Wolverhampton, WV7 5FL
Weblink: https://www.albrightontrust.org.uk/
Name: Albrighton Trust Moat
Email: moat@albrightontrust.org.uk
Telephone: 01902 372441
Event description: Support is provided, instructing parent/carers on how to help the person fishing. Note: Coaches unfortunately cannot help land a fish or remove the hook from the mouth, but they can provide instructions to parents/carers on how to do it.

Equipment supplied – Sessions start at 10am and 1pm sessions. Cost: Sessions are £5 per person.