Tag Archives: Shropshire

Midcounties Cooperative – Vote for us!

We are happy to announce that we have been shortlisted by The Midcounties Cooperative for people to vote for in April this year!

We would like to invite as many of you as possible to vote for us between the 11th – 24th April for a chance for us to become a Regional Community Charity Fundraising Partner.

As soon as we have more information about this, we will update everyone on our website and social media with the details on how you can vote!

Volunteers Urgently Needed!

Are you looking for a volunteering opportunity to help build your CV? Maybe your looking to do something from the comfort of your own home or out in the community?

We are urgently looking for volunteers to join our charity, and currently have the following opportunities available:

  • Newsletter Editor
  • Secretary (Experience required)
  • Fundraising Lead
  • Fundraisers
  • Bloggers
  • Photographers (Urgently required for a new project we are working on)

If you or someone you know maybe interested in applying for any of the above volunteering roles, then please get in touch with our Volunteering Lead (Daniel Watkins) by emailing: volunteering@shropshire-disability.net.

If your an organisation that would like to advertise these opportunities, then please also get in touch with Daniel Watkins using the email above.

All our latest opportunities can also be found by clicking here.

Shrewsbury Health and Wellbeing Hub

Shrewsbury Health and Wellbeing Hub – How You Can Have Your Say!

NHS Shropshire Telford and Wrekin are keen to offer as many opportunities as possible to hear views about the Shrewsbury Health and Wellbeing Hub.

From 16 January to 31 March 2023, a further round of engagement will take place for the proposal which will focus on groups we have so far heard less from.

These include:

  • Youth (16-24)
  • Elderly and in particular those 80+
  • Males
  • LGBT+
  • Ethnic minority groups
  • Disability groups
  • Expectant and new parents.

To support this, we will be holding online and face-to-face focus groups, as well as attending numerous community meetings across the town.

Our approach will be flexible and will work to suit what is best for those groups of people we would like to hear from. As such, we will be happy to discuss how best to hear views by attending any community group meetings or activities that are already planned.

All feedback provided will be reported on and will feed into the work of the Programme Team responsible for developing the proposal.

If you would like to get involved, please let us know and we will plan our approach around your needs. Contact Sara Buckley at stw.getinvolved@nhs.net to start the conversation or to find out more information.

Further details about the Shrewsbury Health and Wellbeing Hub can be found on the NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin website.

Charity Event with Brassic Oompah Band

Start Date:
17th September 2022

Start Time:
19:00

The Shropshire Round Table Lodge and The Salopian Lodge of Charity are hosting a charity event with Brassic Oompah Band at Masonic Hall located on Crewe Street (Shrewsbury) on Saturday 17th September 2022.

For more information about this charity event, please download the flyer by clicking the link below:
Charity Event with Brassic Oompah Band – Sept 2022

Please note:
All proceeds to be split equally between Shropshire Disability Network and Neuromuscular Centre (Winsford). Fancy Dress is very welcome and there will be a special prize for the person/s with the Best Lederhosen worn both Herr & Frau during the evening.

Children & Young People’s mental health in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin

SDN has received a press release from Shropshire Healthwatch and Telford & Wrekin Healthwatch asking that we share this information with our members.

“It has been widely reported over the recent months that the on-going Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health of children and young people and this has led to a greater severity of need among many and an increased demand on services at a time when services have had to adapt to working under Government pandemic restrictions and increased staff shortages.

However, the lack of ‘Tier 4’ beds (specialist inpatient beds for the most seriously unwell) in the county means that children and young people will be admitted to either Royal Shrewsbury Hospital or Princess Royal Hospital, or The Redwoods Centre (an adult mental health hospital) while waiting to be moved to a suitable hospital outside Shropshire.

Healthwatch Shropshire and Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin were asked to give these children and young people the opportunity to share their experiences and say what could have been done to improve the help they have received.

Lynn Cawley, Chief Officer of Healthwatch Shropshire, said, “The report highlights the need for the system to reduce waiting times and provide information, support and advice for children, young people and their families and schools while waiting for assessment, diagnosis and specialist services to prevent crisis. Alongside this there needs to be close monitoring to ensure children and young people can be prioritised according to need and closer partnership working to include schools and adult services to ensure no child or young person falls into the gaps between services. We heard from families and professionals who were calling for more awareness raising and training to help them to support the children and young people who are struggling.”

Barry Parnaby, Chair of Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin, said “Barry Parnaby, Chair of Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin, said “We have been aware of the pressure many children and young people are under – issues which have been exacerbated by the pandemic. This report provides a unique opportunity to understand and act to improve services based on the knowledge and experiences of young people, as well as their friends, family members and professionals within the sector.

“A key finding within the report centres on the need for additional support for young people and their families when using the services available. Whilst the report has now been completed, we look forward to continuing to work with local providers, users and others to improve services and support people where possible.”

People can read the full report here https://www.healthwatchshropshire.co.uk/report/2022-02-09/mental-health-crisis-services-children-and-young-people-shropshire-telford-wrekin

Healthwatch is the independent health and social care champion. It gathers the views and experiences of patients, service users, carers, and the general public about services including hospitals, GPs, mental health services, community health services, pharmacists, opticians, residential care and children’s services.  It also has statutory powers that it can use to influence service provision by encouraging improvements.

Women urged to take part in health survey

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust are asking more women to take part in a health survey. So far they have received more than 2,000 responses to the system-wide survey, but they would like to get more women from the county and mid-Wales to respond.

Through a Press Release received by the Trust, we have been asked to share the following:

“The survey is the first of its kind in the county and mid-Wales and there is still time to have your say with the survey closing on Monday 28 February.

A Women’s Health Project Group made up of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System (ICS) and patient representatives across the county and mid-Wales set up the women’s health survey to try to find out the reasons why some women are not coming forward for screening and asking for help with the menopause.

Today (Monday 14 February) also sees the launch of the Help Us Help You – Cervical Screening Campaign which highlights the benefits of cervical screening and reminds people that it can help stop cancer before it starts.

The campaign, which has been launched by the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England and NHS Improvement, encourages those eligible for screening between the ages of 25 and 64 to respond to their cervical screening invitation letters and to book an appointment at their GP Practice if they missed their last one.

Two women die every day from cervical cancer in England. Yet it is one of the most preventable cancers and getting screened can help stop it before it starts. Screening checks for certain types of the HPV virus that can cause cell changes to your cervix. Cell changes are easily treated and this prevents cervical cancer.

Part of the women’s health survey looks at cancer screening services for women, as locally the number of women coming forward for breast and cervical screening services has been falling. The aim of the survey is to find out what local women know about screening, what they feel about taking part and what barriers they may face when they are invited to a screening appointment.

The second section of this survey looks at menopause as on average half of women aged 45-65 who have experienced the menopause in the past 10 years, have not consulted a healthcare professional about their menopausal symptoms. The group would like to know more about how much women living locally know about the menopause, how it affects them and their experience of healthcare and what can be done to improve this.

Dr Priya George, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group Clinical Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: “Thank you to all those women who have taken the time to complete this survey and I would encourage anyone who hasn’t had the chance yet to do so as soon as they can. This is a real chance for local women to let us know if there are any reasons they are not coming forward for cancer screening or for getting advice and support through menopause.

“We would like to find out more about your general awareness of the screening programme, and about menopause, and to understand any barriers that prevent you from being tested and getting expert advice and support when you need it. With this valuable information, we would like to further improve our women’s health services and make them more accessible to everyone.”

The link for the survey, which should take approximately 15 minutes to complete, is available here. All information provided for the survey will be anonymous.

Once the survey results are collated they will be analysed and shared with NHS providers and patient representatives to see how improvements can be made to services and encourage more women to have screening and seek help with the menopause.

For any more information on the survey or paper copies of the survey email sath.engagement@nhs.net or ring 01743 261000 ext 2390.

Also, if you would like to be involved in any future workshops around Women’s Health, please email sath.engagement@nhs.net .

For more information on cervical screening visit the NHS website www.nhs.uk/cervicalscreening

Local Health Champions wants to hear about NHS psychological services

Local Healthwatch in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin have asked that we share with you this press release. They write:

Local Health Champions want to hear about NHS psychological services

Depression and anxiety levels in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin have increased since the start of the pandemic. The Shropshire Primary Care Psychological Therapies Service (also known as IAPT) and Telford IAPT are at the forefront of support and therapy to help people to deal with mild and moderate depression and anxiety. People who want help contact the service directly themselves. The NHS is looking at how these services are organised and are keen to understand people’s experiences. Healthwatch wants to hear from people who have used the service or are waiting for therapy, what went well, what didn’t go so well and any suggestions for improvements.

Lynn Cawley, Chief Officer of Healthwatch Shropshire, said, “We want to ensure that the patient voice is at the centre of any service development and would encourage anybody who has used the service to get in touch. All experiences will be shared anonymously.”

Frances Sutherland, Head of Transformation and Commissioning (Mental health, LD & A) Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group, said, “We want to ensure these services are easily accessible and support people in the right way which is why we want to understand more about how it feels to be treated by our local services. We are really pleased that Healthwatch have agreed to undertake this work. We want to hear the views of people who have used the services now or in the past so that we can design our service to best meet their needs.”

Barry Parnaby, Chair of Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin, said “Your local Healthwatch and NHS Trust are committed to ensuring the delivery of care is as good as it can be, but to do this, we need to hear from those who have experienced the service. Please get in touch and help to make a positive change.”

People can share their experiences with either Healthwatch Shropshire or Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin through a short online questionnaire for Shropshire 

www.healthwatchshropshire.co.uk/shropshire-psychological-therapies-service  or for Telford & Wrekin www.healthwatchtelfordandwrekin.co.uk/telford-iapt-shropshire-psychological-therapies-service-iapt.

or alternatively by ringing 01743 237884 / 01952 739540

Healthwatch  is the independent health and social care champion. It gathers the views and experiences of patients, service users, carers, and the general public about services including hospitals, GPs, mental health services, community health services, pharmacists, opticians, residential care and children’s services.  It also has statutory powers that it can use to influence service provision by encouraging improvements.

Shropshire Plan engagement survey

Start Date:
14th January 2022

End Date:
28th February 2022

Start Time:
0001

End Time:
2359

This survey may be of interest and important to our members as it sets the vision and purpose of Shropshire Council and the priorities for Shropshire for the three years from 2022 to 2025

The Shropshire Plan sets out the vision and purpose of the council and the priorities for Shropshire for the three years from 2022 to 2025. The priorities will shape and direct the work of the council and how it will deploy its resources to achieve them.

This survey is being carried out to get feedback on the draft priorities and what you think the delivery of the priorities would mean for you. All feedback will be taken into account before the plan goes to council.

A survey has been provided as a way of collecting feedback. Click on the ‘How to get involved’ tab to access the survey.

Documents relating ti this survey:

How you can take part in this survey: 

Click this link that takes you to the survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ShropPlan

Or

You can also respond to this engagement survey in writing:

  • Email: TellUs@shropshire.gov.uk
  • Post: Feedback and Insight Team, Shropshire Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shropshire SY2 6ND

If you’d like the survey in an alternative format, please email TellUs@shropshire.gov.uk describing the support you need to allow you to respond.

Women urged to take part in health survey

Start Date:
1st February 2022

End Date:
28th February 2022

Start Time:
0001

End Time:
2359

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust are asking more women to take part in a health survey. So far they have received more than 2,000 responses to the system-wide survey, but they would like to get more women from the county and mid-Wales to respond.

Through a Press Release received by the Trust, we have been asked to share the following:

“The survey is the first of its kind in the county and mid-Wales and there is still time to have your say with the survey closing on Monday 28 February.

A Women’s Health Project Group made up of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System (ICS) and patient representatives across the county and mid-Wales set up the women’s health survey to try to find out the reasons why some women are not coming forward for screening and asking for help with the menopause.

Today (Monday 14 February) also sees the launch of the Help Us Help You – Cervical Screening Campaign which highlights the benefits of cervical screening and reminds people that it can help stop cancer before it starts.

The campaign, which has been launched by the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England and NHS Improvement, encourages those eligible for screening between the ages of 25 and 64 to respond to their cervical screening invitation letters and to book an appointment at their GP Practice if they missed their last one.

Two women die every day from cervical cancer in England. Yet it is one of the most preventable cancers and getting screened can help stop it before it starts. Screening checks for certain types of the HPV virus that can cause cell changes to your cervix. Cell changes are easily treated and this prevents cervical cancer.

Part of the women’s health survey looks at cancer screening services for women, as locally the number of women coming forward for breast and cervical screening services has been falling. The aim of the survey is to find out what local women know about screening, what they feel about taking part and what barriers they may face when they are invited to a screening appointment.

The second section of this survey looks at menopause as on average half of women aged 45-65 who have experienced the menopause in the past 10 years, have not consulted a healthcare professional about their menopausal symptoms. The group would like to know more about how much women living locally know about the menopause, how it affects them and their experience of healthcare and what can be done to improve this.

Dr Priya George, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group Clinical Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: “Thank you to all those women who have taken the time to complete this survey and I would encourage anyone who hasn’t had the chance yet to do so as soon as they can. This is a real chance for local women to let us know if there are any reasons they are not coming forward for cancer screening or for getting advice and support through menopause.

“We would like to find out more about your general awareness of the screening programme, and about menopause, and to understand any barriers that prevent you from being tested and getting expert advice and support when you need it. With this valuable information, we would like to further improve our women’s health services and make them more accessible to everyone.”

The link for the survey, which should take approximately 15 minutes to complete, is available here. All information provided for the survey will be anonymous.

Once the survey results are collated they will be analysed and shared with NHS providers and patient representatives to see how improvements can be made to services and encourage more women to have screening and seek help with the menopause.

For any more information on the survey or paper copies of the survey email sath.engagement@nhs.net or ring 01743 261000 ext 2390.

Also, if you would like to be involved in any future workshops around Women’s Health, please email sath.engagement@nhs.net .

For more information on cervical screening visit the NHS website www.nhs.uk/cervicalscreening

Future Oswestry Masterplan Consultation Exhibitions

Start Date:
9th February 2022

End Date:
9th March 2022

Start Time:
See content for details

End Time:
See content for details

Event title: Future Oswestry Masterplan Consultation Exhibitions
Venue: See content for details
Weblink: https://shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/future-oswestry-masterplan-consultation/
Name: Shropshire Council
Email: futureoswestry@shropshire.gov.uk
Telephone: N/A
Event description: These exhibitions may be of interest to SDN members who live in Oswestry and its surround areas as well as visitors to the town.

Click here to find out more about Future Oswestry Masterplan and Vision  is the outcome of collaborative work between Shropshire Council, Oswestry Town Council and the Oswestry Business Improvement District (BID).

In 2020, a team of consultants led by Allies and Morrisons started the process to prepare the masterplan document. This included:

  • a physical analysis of the town
  • research and review of socio-economic indicators, existing policies and strategies
  • a review of the property market
  • engagement with local residents and interested people and organisations through an online survey link, workshops, Library exhibition and market stalls.
  • refining the initial masterplan proposals in light of comments received through the engagement process.

This work and the comments received has shaped and modified the vision and objectives within the masterplan document being consulted on. Please visit the Future Oswestry Masterplan consultation for more details.

To read more about what the Oswestry Masterplan includes click this link: https://shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/future-oswestry-masterplan-consultation/

To get involved click here: https://shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/future-oswestry-masterplan-consultation/

Copies of the display information and the survey form will be available at the drop-in exhibitions to read or take away. This information can also be collected from Oswestry Town Library or Oswestry Guildhall reception from Wednesday 9 February 2022. You can also return your completed survey to the Oswestry Town Library or Oswestry Guildhall reception by 5pm on Thursday 24 March 2022.

Come along to drop-in exhibitions taking place in key locations in Oswestry to meet and share your views with the team on:

  • Wednesday 9 February from 10am to 2pm at the old Edinburgh Woollen Mill shop, 12 The Cross Oswestry
  • Wednesday 16 February from 9:30 – 2pm at the old Edinburgh Woollen Mill shop, 12 The Cross, Oswestry
  • Tuesday 22 February from 10 – 4pm at the Memorial Hall, Festival Square
  • Wednesday 23 February from 12 – 4pm at Oswestry Library
  • Wednesday 9 March from 2 – 5pm at the old Edinburgh Woollen Mill shop, 12 The Cross, Oswestry

Further dates are being added for meeting with key stakeholders and drop-in exhibitions – these will be promoted via the Future Oswestry webpage, local press, and social media.

Alternatively, send any comments to futureoswestry@shropshire.gov.uk or post to Future Oswestry Consultation, Shropshire Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY2 6ND.