Health Network Update
Below is a summary of local health news and other imminent health events, campaigns, training and consultations. Just click on the items below to read more. This information and more resources are available on the WLCVS Health web-pages. If you have information you want to share or you would like to be added to or removed from this list, please contact Andrea Gilbert on 01695 733737 or by email at
News, projects, campaigns
NEW: The Dementia Action Alliance
Dementia Action Alliances are in their early stages across the north west. The Lancashire Dementia Action Alliance is made up of organisations across the area, working together to radically improve the lives of people living with dementia and their carers. The expected development of local Alliances across Lancashire will result in the opportunity for Lancashire Alliance members to get involved on a more local basis, and to attend quarterly meetings. In the meantime, please check the below webpage for new members and updates. For more information, contact Grace Dyke at or call 01925 572275. To learn more, visit http://www.dementiaaction.org.uk/local_alliances/north_west
NEW: Cancer Awareness Weeks
Click here to access a calendar of events for cervical, bowel and breast cancer awareness weeks/months for the rest of 2013 up to June, 2014. The calendar will also link you to the relevant websites, where you can access information regarding cancer, screening and prevention as well as signs and symptoms.
NEW: Tanhouse Drop In Recovery Hub
Red Rose Recovery Service launched the Tanhouse Drop In Recovery Hub on Thursday, November 7th at Tanhouse Community Centre. From 10am every Thursday, a free Education Breakfast and Community Cafe will take place. Recreational facilities are available - table tennis and pool. There is also IT access available for drafting CVs and job applications. Contact Rose on 07935 251 579 or email
NEW: Do you know what your options are this winter?
The NHS in West Lancashire has launched the Examine Your Options campaign to help people choose the right service for their needs. Click here to read about it
NEW: Volunteers sought for Advocacy Focus
Advocacy Focus is seeking volunteers. Read here for more information.
NEW: Wellbeing Drop-Ins
As part of their Stepping into Wellbeing Programme, SCFI welcomes you to join them, to look at the five ways to wellbeing. These FREE weekly themed Drop-ins will cover: Nutrition, Physical Activity, Mental Wellbeing, smoking and Alcohol. Click here to read more.
When? Wednesday Mornings from 10.30 to 12pm
6th November 4th December
13th November 11th December
20th November 18th December
27th November
They offer weekly themed advice and information on aspects of adopting healthier lifestyles.
Drop Ins take place at SCFI next to the Engine Rooms.
For more information, phone 01695 720 555 Email:
Dying to keep warm
Home Instead are getting behind a campaign aimed at helping vulnerable people stay warm and safe this winter. Click here to read.
Five reasons to get your child vaccinated against flu
Children aged two and above, and who have a medical condition - such as heart disease and diabetes - can now access a safe and effective nasal vaccine flu spray. Click here to read more about it.
Stop Smoking Clinics
The Stop Smoking Service runs a series of free drop-in sessions, providing NHS help and advice on stopping smoking throughout Skelmersdale and Ormskirk. Click here for more details about the service. For more information on stopping smoking, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/up-to-7-days-life-gained-for-every-28-you-remain-smokefree
Launch of Diabetes UK Type 2 diabetes campaign
Diabetes UK launched its largest ever Type 2 diabetes awareness campaign on September 23rd. The campaign is supported by NHS England and Public Health England. For more information, visit http://www.diabetes.org.uk/awareness-campaign
Don't miss the bus!
West Lancs Community Mini-Bus operates a service which is available to voluntary, charitable and community groups.
The 15-seater mini-bus is now on offer for £50 for first-time users.
For further details and booking information, contact Richard Daniel, treasurer, on 07946 343 783 or email
Let your feet hit the street
Get active with a series of walks in Ormskirk and Burscough.The Burscough walks will take place on Tuesdays, from 10 to 11am, meeting at the bowling pavilion in Richmond Park. The Ormskirk walks will operate on Wednesdays, from 1 to 2pm, at the bowling pavilion in Coronation Park. The walks will be suitable for beginners as well as those returning to exercise. Suitable clothing and footwear should be worn and all walkers must arrive 10 to 15 minutes beforehand. Walks will be cancelled if the weather is poor. For more information, contact West Lancs GP referral officer on 555804 or 07799 203805.
Wheels for all
Edge Hill University is running cycling sessions for people with disabilities. There is a wide range of accessible bikes available and the sessions will be operated on the athletics track which is flat, safe and free from any hazards. The university will operate the sessions on Tuesdays, from 1 to 3pm, but if there are a number of service users who want to access the service, then other sessions on other days would be considered. The sessions will cost £2.60. Contact Julie Nightingale, Fitness Consultant, at or on 01695 584745.
NEW: Prevention is better than cure - Health Network screening event
Click here to read the report of West Lancs CVS Health Network's Screening event held on Thursday, July 18th.
Please click here to read Kerry Crooks' presentation
Mobilising the Community around Health – A report from West Lancs CVS Health network event, April 2013
Click here to read the report from Mobilising the Community around Health
Please click the links to read the presentations from the Health Network event.
NHS West Lancashire - Lucinda Cawley, West Lancs CCG
Towards A Healthy Lancashire - Michael Wedgeworth, Third Sector Lancashire
Improving Mental Health & Wellbeing - Sue Crutchley, Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust
Healthy Communities in West Lancashire - Gulab Singh, Public Health Lancashire
Hearts and Minds – A report on West Lancs CVS Health Network’s event held January, 2013
Click here to read the report from Hearts and Minds - West Lancs CVS Health Network event. Details of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Asset-Mapping Workshop are also attached.
NHS Celebrates 65 Years
The NHS celebrated its 65th anniversary on Friday, July 5th, and reaffirmed its commitment to reducing the gap in life expectancy. Click here to read more.
Training opportunities
NEW: Advocacy Training available
A foundation course in Advocacy Training is available from November 21 through to July next year. Click here to read more about the opportunity.
NEW: Meditation classes, Empower course for carers and community coffee morning
Click here to read more and to book.
Chain of Survival training
The Chain of Survival Partnership works closely with the North West Ambulance Service Community resuscitation teams offering the British Heart Foundation's approved Heart Start Scheme - a free two-hour session which teaches people simple life-saving skills. Click here to read more about the sessions.
Stroke Training
For details about a stroke training education programme run throughout Lancashire, click here.
You can read the latest stroke statistics fact sheet here.
Events
NEW: A Good Life for All – Is it good enough for my loved one?
A workshop - A Good Life for All - Is it good enough for my loved one? is set to take place on Tuesday, December 3rd, at Lancashire Conservation Studios, Lancashire County Musuem Service, St Mary's Street, Preston, PR1 5LN. Please contact for more information.
NEW: Connecting Transition Initiatives and Healthy Cities/Communities
A Connecting Transition Initiatives and Healthy Cities/Communities seminar and workshop is taking place on Thursday, December 5, from 4.30 to 7pm, in Brook Building 213, at the University of Central Lancashire. To book or for further information, contact Heather Cadd at
NEW: Sustainable Food Lancashire event
Foodlink NorthWest is holding a Sustainable Food Lancashire event on Tuesday, December 3rd at Edge Hill University from 9 to 1.30pm. Click here to read more about the event and to book.
The Stroke Association Social Group
The Stroke Association is holding a social group in Lathom on the last Tuesday of every month.
For all those affected by Stroke - offering Information, Advice, Friendship, Support. From 10am - 12 noon on the last Tuesday of every month. Held at Skelmersdale Cricket Club, Lathom. For information, please contact Julie Glaister or Cathie Jones on 01772 456138.
Consultations and surveys
NEW: Hard Truths - The journey to putting patients first
The Government has published Hard Truths - The journey to putting patients first. This is its first response to Robert Francis QC's report on the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust public inquiry.
NEW: Intolerance of Uncertainty survey
Esther Pepperdine is a Trainee Clinical Psychologist employed within the NHS and studying at Newcastle University, conducting research into Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU). IU is basically a feeling of discomfort when faced with situations in which the outcome is unknown. She is interested in researching this because IU has been found to be a risk factor for many different mental health problems. If you are aged 18 or over and would like to participate, click on this link http://nclpsych.eu.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_039ks6UOuUix51X to complete an anonymous online questionnaire. On completion, participants have the opportunity to be entered into a prize draw to win a £20 Amazon voucher. For more, contact Esther Pepperdine at
NEW: Focus groups for 'out of area' mental health services
Do you use or care for someone that uses in-patient mental health services in Lancashire? The Insight Network for Mental Health on behalf of Lancashire Care Foundation Trust is holding a series of focus groups throughout Lancashire to consider the impact of 'out of area' mental health services to run from Friday, November 15 through to Wednesday, November 27th. Click here for more information.
Strengthening the voice of people with dementia
The Alzheimer's Society is conducting a survey to ask people with dementia how well they are living in our communities. Click here to read more. The survey will close on Monday, December 9, 2013.
Inquiry into the Future of Mental Services report
The Mental Health foundation has published its final report from its year-long inquiry into the Future of Mental Health services. The report, 'Starting Today', sets out some key messages as to what mental health services need to do in order to ensure that they are ready to address the mental health needs of the UK population in 20-30 years' time.
Have you discharged yourself from hospital?
If you have discharged yourself from hospital and would like to take part in a study, click here to read more.
A New Start
The way the Care Quality Commission regulates, inspects and monitors care is outlined here. Read more here.
Outcome of the specialist dementia care services consultation
The outcome of the consultation process on the future provision of specialist dementia care services in Lancashire has now been published. Click here to read the document.
Funding
NEW: Local Member Grants
Each County Councillor has a budget of £3,000 per year under the Local Member Grants scheme. They can award funding to groups that benefit residents from within their electoral division. Click here to find out more.
Resources
NEW: Cancer statistics
Cancer UK has an online tool allowing you to find and compare statistical information and intelligence about cancer in areas across the UK. The tool includes data on cancer incidence, survival and mortality, early diagnosis, screening and smoking.
Links to direct information and services relating to specific health topics
NEW: Flu Vaccination - Winter 2013/14
An updated version of The Flu Vaccination - Winter 2013/14 about who should have it and why, is now available. Click here to read it.
NEW: Cold Weather plan
Public Health England has published its Cold Weather plan which aims to prevent avoidable harm to health by alerting people to the negative health effects of cold weather. Click here to read more about the plan.
My View
West Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group has established a new forum, called My View. The forum is for anyone living and working in West Lancashire. Click here to read more about taking part in the forum and to join up.
Sightline
Sightline is a free confidential and voluntary telephone support helpline for individuals with visual impairment and their families, friends and carers. The helpline is available 6 to 10pm 7 days per week 365 days a year. For more information, please call Maureen Catton on 0151 285 4038 or email
Tourette's ActionClick here to view key facts for teachers.
Children and Young People's Health Complaints Advocacy ServiceFor information, click here.
NHS Cancer Screening website
http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/index.html
Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust
Useful information around cervical cancer: http://www.jostrust.org.uk/links/cervical-cancer
Lancashire Care Mental Health Helpline
Lancashire Care Mental Health Helpline is a freephone service available for people living in West Lancashire, Blackpool, North Lancashire and Central Lancashire and can be accessed by ringing 0500 639 000.
Trained operators can access an information database to provide callers with details of local and national support services. They can also listen and provide emotional support.
The service is open Monday to Friday, 7pm to 11pm, and Saturday and Sunday, noon to midnight.
Lancashire Multi-Agency Carers Strategy
Click here to read Lancashire Multi-Agency Carers Strategy - Working Together for Carers 2013-15 report.
Free occupational health advice for managers
Click here to access the relevant website.
Did you know you can text 999?
Click here
National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme
All food establishments in West Lancs should now display their rating. Click here for more information.
Are you HIV+?
Do you know about the support service available in Lancashire for people who are HIV+?
Click here
Links to other health networks
New Clinical Commissioning Group prospectusThe West Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group has produced a guide to the organisation which highlights who's who, its priorities, finances, and how to get involved. Click on the link.
West Lancs Clinical Commissioning Group webpage
Have you seen the West Lancs Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) webpage?