Community Health Champions

April Community Newsletter

vast — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:52:51 +0000

April Community Newsletter

Meningitis and sepsis: know the symptoms and when to get help

vast — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:50:22 +0000

Information from: Integrated Care System

Meningitis and sepsis: know the symptoms and when to get help

The NHS is continuing to respond to an outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease (Meningitis B) in Kent.

Meningitis remains uncommon and spreads mainly from very close contact with a person carrying the infection, even if they don’t have symptoms.

When a case of meningitis occurs close contacts are identified, contacted, checked for symptoms and offered antibiotics or a vaccine to prevent illness from developing.

The overall risk of meningitis spreading to the public is therefore low, but when illness does develop it can happen quickly and become very serious. Knowing the symptoms can save lives.

What is meningitis and septicaemia?

Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord.

Septicaemia, sometimes called blood poisoning, occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread through the body.

Both conditions can progress rapidly and require urgent medical attention.

How is meningitis spread?

Primarily through the exchange of saliva or mucus during close, prolonged contact, such as kissing, coughing, sneezing, or sharing food, drinks, or vapes.

Early Symptoms (can look like flu):

Fever, vomiting, headache, muscle or joint pain, cold hands and feet, feeling unusually tired or unwell

Later symptoms of meningitis

Severe sleepiness/difficulty waking, stiff neck, severe headache, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, seizures (fits).

Symptoms of Septicaemia (sepis)

Fever with shivering, severe pain in muscles/joints/limbs, very cold hands/feet, pale/blotchy/mottled skin, rapid breathing, stomach cramps/diarrhoea, red or purple rash that doesn’t fade with pressure (glass test), difficulty walking/standing, severe sleepiness or loss of consciousness.

What to do

Not everyone will have all symptoms, and they can appear in any order. Symptoms can worsen quickly – keep checking on anyone who is unwell. Do not wait for a rash.
Worried about yourself or someone else? Call NHS 111 for urgent advice
If someone is seriously unwell or symptoms are getting worse quickly, call 999 immediately

Vaccination and prevention

Vaccination helps protect against some types of meningitis.

The MenACWY vaccine which is offered to teenagers in school year 9 and 10 protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria (MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY) that can cause meningitis and septicaemia. Any young person who has missed this vaccine at school is eligible to receive the vaccine up to the age of 25.

However, it does not protect against all strains such as Meningitis B which can circulate among young adults. This is why it’s important for everyone to know the signs and symptoms regardless of vaccination status.

MenB Vaccine has been given to infants since 2015. There is not currently a catch-up campaign although this is currently under review. The vaccine is available privately.

If you are unsure about your vaccination status, contact your GP practice for advice.

Useful links

Meningitis Research Foundation: www.meningitis.org | 0808 800 3344 (24 hours).
Meningitis Now: www.meningitisnow.org | 0808 80 10 388 (9am-8pm).

A guide to understanding SEND services

vast — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:46:56 +0000

A guide to understanding SEND services

SEND means special educational needs and/or disabilities. It refers to children and young people (0 – 25) with a learning difficulty and/or disability who needs special health and education support.

An education, health and care (EHC) plan is for children and young people aged up to 25 who need more support than is available through special educational needs support. You can ask your local authority – Stoke-on-Trent City Council – to carry out an assessment if you think your child needs an EHC plan. A young person can request an assessment themselves if they’re aged 16 – 25. EHC needs assessment requests are handled by SENMAS (special educational needs monitoring and assessment service) at the council.

SEND Stoke-on-Trent – Local Offer

The Local Offer is a website run by Stoke-on-Trent City Council which lists everything available to SEND children and young people. The website includes details of support available in nurseries, schools, health and social care. It also includes lots of useful information about Educational Health and Care (EHC) plans and transport and travel assistance.

The Local Offer website offers people the opportunity to have their say, to read what others have said and how comments have been responded to. You can also contact the Local Offer team.

The website content can also be translated into a different languages by clicking on the language tab at the top of the page and selecting the web brower and device type.

‘Stoke Parent Carers – Champions for Change’

This is the Parent Carer Forum for Stoke-on-Trent. It is an independent group of parent carer representatives who work with local authorities, education, health and others to make sure that services meet the needs of children and families. The forum is facilitated by VAST.

If you are a parent carer who would like to become involved, fill in the form on the Get Involved page.

Groups represented in Stoke Parent Carers include:

PEGiS – a local group for Parents and Carers of SEND children and young people. Click the link to see their Facebook page!
Lifeworks North Staffordshire – a charity that supports people aged 14 and over who have Autism, ADHD, Tourette’s Syndrome with their mental health and wellbeing.
SENDIASS – a free, confidential service paid for by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System. SEND trained staff provide information, advice and support to families living locally. SENDIASS will support with complex legal processes including Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP).

Stoke-on-Trent Community Directory – SEND Support

This page on the online Stoke-on-Trent Community Directory lists all of the organisations offering SEND support. The searchable directory contains details of a wide range of care providers, services, self-help groups, and community and voluntary organisations. You can narrow your search to a specific age group or to those offering face-to-face support.

SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First is a consultation document published with the white paper. The document asks 39 questions on key points of the proposed changes. It is an opportunity to influence some, but not all, of the potential reforms. People have until 18^th May 2026 to have their say!.

Portland Inn Project tackles neighbourhood health concerns

vast — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:49:04 +0000

Portland Inn Project tackles neighbourhood health concerns

“What stops you sleeping at night?”. That was the question asked by the Portland Inn Project to people living in their neighbourhood.

The responses helped to inform a Community Health Impact Assessment which was then used by young people to help raise awareness about the health concerns and issues affecting their area on the outskirts of Hanley.

Members of the project’s Youth Panel were involved in delivering a presentation to local services outlining the challenges faced and the impacts on health and wellbeing. The young people also produced a Zine to help spread the word.

Having successfully bid for Tackling Health Inequalities grant funding for a second time, The Portland Inn project are embarking on an exciting 12 month programme of activity which aims to address the health priorities they identified in the first phase of the project.

Anna Francis, Co-director of The Portland Inn Project, said: “This will involve a series of skills development sessions, data gathering events and supportive meetings with community members and local services which will result in a Neighbourhood Welcome Pack. The pack can be given to residents in the area to inform them of our work, what they can do themselves and where to go if they need further support.”

For example, in the case of Air pollution which has been identified as a top priority, the Portland Inn Project will host a talk by an expert to understand what air quality in the area is actually like and how this impacts on health.

A follow up workshop will include a data gathering exercise in the street and in homes and working with a bryologist to identify mosses and lichens growing locally and what they tell us about air quality.

A final session will look at measures that can be carried out easily in homes and the wider neighborhood including steps to improve ventilation and planting sessions to remove pollutants from the air.

Similar sessions will also be held for the other issues identified by the community including poor housing and bad landlords and the impact of poor streetscapes and flytipping.

Anna said: “A key part of the project will be connecting neighbours to local council housing and environmental health teams as well as to police and fire services with the aim of making them feel safer in their own homes.

“We see health and safety as inextricably linked because when our neighbours do not feel safe, they report that this can impact their mental health.”

Another key part of the programme will be a physical welcome to invite neighbours to the launch of the Portland Inn community hub which is nearing completion.

What you need to know about SEND reforms and the government consultation

vast — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:33:26 +0000

What you need to know about SEND reforms and the government consultation

A new government white paper “Every Child Achieving and Thriving” sets out the government’s vision for reforming schools and the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system.

A white paper is an official policy document which sets out proposals – often the final stage of consultation – before a bill for a new law is presented to parliament for approval.

SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First is a consultation document published with the white paper, which sets out proposals to improve the SEND system. The document asks 39 questions on key points of the proposed changes. It is an opportunity to influence some, but not all, of the potential reforms.

To share your thoughts, you can respond to the consultation online, by email at SENDreform.CONSULTATION@education.gov.uk or by post to SENDAP Reform, Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT.
You can find easy-read versions of both the white paper and the consultation document plus supporting documents about the SEND reforms here.
There’s also a series of short documents to summarise the key proposals and provide clear guidance for parents, carers, and professionals.
This includes:
- What parents of children and young people with SEND need to know.
- What to expect from your child’s journey through education.
- What every parent can expect from the reforms

The consultation opened on 23rd February and closes on 18th May 2026.

March Community Newsletter

vast — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 11:38:25 +0000

Community Newsletter March 2026

Everything you need to know about STI’s, testing and treatment

vast — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 13:26:24 +0000

Everything you need to know about STIs, testing and treatment

OpenClinic offers sexual health services throughout Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are spread by sex, and in some cases, by non-penetrative sexual contact.

Anyone can get an STI, but most infections are easily treated, and getting tested is free and confidential. Using condoms and dental dams can help to protect against STIs.

STI facts:

The majority of STIs can be treated with medication.
STIs that cannot be cured can be managed.
The sooner STIs are treated, the better it is for your long-term health.
It’s possible to have more than one type of STI at once.
Not all STIs have symptoms – if you’ve had unprotected sex then you’re potentially at risk.
You can get STIs from all types of sexual act (including oral and using toys).

If you’re worried because you think you’ve got an STI, go for a check-up at your nearest clinic, or order a testing kit online.

There are five sexual health clinics in Stoke-on-Trent – in Blurton, Cobridge, Hanley, Meir and Shelton. Appointments can be booked online, or by calling 0808 178 0955.

Appointments will be booked following an initial clinical assessment and a staff member will advise on accessing the required service. This may be through our walk-in service, an online STI testing kit (ages 16+), a telephone or booked clinic appointment.

If you have no symptoms, you are advised to wait at least 2 weeks after you have had unprotected sex to test for STIs because most STIs don’t show in a test straight away.

Online tests are available for people aged 16 – people will take an online questionnaire and tests will be recommended for you based on your circumstances.

The kits can test for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV. They come with instructions on how to take the test, as well as information on how you will get your results.

Some other infections and conditions can cause similar symptoms to STIs including thrush and things like dry skin or rashes around your genitals. Anyone who believes their infection is not sexually transmitted should visit a pharmacy or GP..

BHA for Equality has produced Your Guide to STIs for Black, Asian and Minoritized Communities, who are disproportionately affected by STIs. The guide is available in English, Urdu, Portuguese, and Farsi. Download ‘Your Guide to STIs’ here.

Classes make women feel more confident about their health and wellbeing

vast — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:18:53 +0000

Asmaa begins her session with a recap of the 30-minute health-themed workshop from the previous week.

Last week, it was nutrition and the food groups necessary for maintaining a health diet.

Women attending the Health and Wellbeing Circle at Equalities House, Hanley are reminded about the amount of sugar in foods including those occurring naturally in fruit juices.

To emphasise the point, Asmaa passes around a container of sugar to demonstrate the maximum daily amount which is 30g – anything over can lead to an increased risk of obesity and heart disease.

The discussions then turn to Ramadan and fasting and the types of foodstuffs to help sustain women and their families through their daily fasts and foods to avoid, ie fried foods. Next week, Asmaa plans to share some healthy eating recipes for the women to try.

Having been given their homework to research the word Autophagy – a word associated with fasting that means cellular healing and rejuvenation – the women break their circle and put away their chairs.

Asmaa switches to Fitness Instructor mode and guides them through an energetic warm up, followed by an hour of exercises to build strength and improve mobility using kettle bells and mats.

Taking account of the holy month in the Islamic calendar, Asmaa plans to tailor her classes with a later start time, and lower impact pilates and yoga exercises to fit with the temporary change in lifestyle.

The Women’s Health and Wellbeing Circle is delivered by the South Asian Health Initiative and supported through the Tackling Health Inequalities grant funding.

This is enabling Asmaa to deliver her sessions free of charge for women in the community, further removing barriers to exercising.
More women are hearing about the sessions and engaging positively in the workshops and Asmaa is helping women to feel increasingly confident about their improving health and fitness.

Other topics to be covered in the workshops include diabetes prevention and menopause. The beginner-friendly exercises typically include cardio, strength training and flexibility.

Classes take place:
• Tuesdays at Equality House, 75 Raymond Street, Hanley, ST1 4DP beginning at 9.45am.
• Wednesdays at Dresden Scout Hut, Wise Street, Longton, ST3 4PQ beginning at 9.30am.
For more information, call Asmaa on 07843 779874.

Consultation on new centre for clinical research

vast — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 10:02:12 +0000

Consultation on new centre for clinical research

Commercial Research Delivery Centres (CRDC) were set up last year to make the UK a world leader in clinical trials.

By improving the speed and efficiency of commercial clinical research, they aim to contribute to the health and wealth of the nation.

North Midlands CRDC – one of 15 in England – is being hosted at University Hospital of North Midlands and funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research which has a role in developing the centre.

A key part of their remit is to expand clinical trials beyond large hospital trusts and into community settings and underserved regions.

Community Health Champions are being invited to have a say on patient and public involvement at the CRDC at a workshop event taking place at the Bridge Centre, Birches Head on 24^th February.

The event is a chance for people to find out more about the CRDC from the staff at the Centre and suggest ways that we can ensure that people living in our communities can be involved in a meaningful way.

Deborah Faulks , Research Manager, said: “We want to ensure that people across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent who might not usually be involved with research are able to help shape the way that research is carried out and what research is carried out at UHNM and not simply as becoming participants in research that is already taking place but as co-producers.”

“It is very early days and there is still lots to develop but public involvement is key to ensuring that the success of the Centre.”

People who attend the hour long workshop are being offered a £30 High Street or Amazon shopping voucher as a thank you for their time and organisers will also cover reasonable travel expenses.

Healthy smiles and urgent dental care appointments

vast — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:50:07 +0000

Healthy smiles and urgent dental appointments

The Healthy Smile team provide oral health training in many settings to strengthen the knowledge and skills of front-line staff.

Their programme is available to voluntary and paid staff including health visitors, school nurses, early years practitioners, care home staff, social workers, charity organisations, community hospital staff and other relevant teams.

The Community Health Champions project currently has Smile toothbrush and toothpaste packs to be distributed to families across Stoke-on-Trent. This aims to get children, young people and adults to look after their teeth and gums and comes with top tips about toothbrushing, snacks and drinks and visiting the dentist.

The Smile packs are available to collect from VAST in the Dudson Centre. Stocks are limited so please email chc@vast.org.uk in advance with quantities of children and adult packs you require.

If you’re in pain or experiencing an urgent dental issue, NHS urgent dental appointments are now available across Stoke-on-Trent.  This is part of the Integrated Care Board’s Local Dental Plan to improve dental access, and support better oral health for all communities.

These urgent slots are reserved for patients in need of immediate care, such as: 

Severe dental pain or swelling 
Infections or dental trauma 
Bleeding or urgent post-treatment issues

You’ll be signposted to available urgent appointments by contacting the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Dental Advice Line (via Community Dental Services) on 0300 123 0981.

Community Health Champions

April Community Newsletter

April Community Newsletter

Meningitis and sepsis: know the symptoms and when to get help

Meningitis and sepsis: know the symptoms and when to get help

A guide to understanding SEND services

A guide to understanding SEND services

Portland Inn Project tackles neighbourhood health concerns

Portland Inn Project tackles neighbourhood health concerns

What you need to know about SEND reforms and the government consultation

What you need to know about SEND reforms and the government consultation

March Community Newsletter

Community Newsletter March 2026

Everything you need to know about STI’s, testing and treatment

Everything you need to know about STIs, testing and treatment

Classes make women feel more confident about their health and wellbeing

Supporting women with their health and fitness

News Tags

Consultation on new centre for clinical research

Consultation on new centre for clinical research

Healthy smiles and urgent dental care appointments

Healthy smiles and urgent dental appointments