Community Health Champions

Community newsletter June

vast — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 10:55:05 +0000

Your Community newsletter - June 2026

New guide for people who take weight loss drugs.

vast — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 08:54:42 +0000

New guide for people who take weight loss drugs

A new guide has been produced for people taking medications for obesity.

The guide has been produced by the British Diatetic Association to support people who are taking the medications such as Mounjaro, Saxenda and Wegovy. It does not include advice on other medications for obesity like Orlistat.

Co-designed with people living with obesity, the guide provides practical advice on what to eat and drink, how to stay well while taking medications for obesity and managing side effects.

It also breaks down how the medications work and what people need to be aware of and keep a check on, working alongside healthcare professionals.

Dr Adrian Brown, Registered Dietitian and Chair of the BDA’s Obesity Specialist Group said, “There has been a significant gap in accessible, evidence-based information for people taking medications for obesity. With obesity being a relapsing and remitting condition, individuals taking these medications require more than a prescription to ensure they make the behavioural changes required for lasting weight loss success. This resource gives healthcare professionals including GPs and pharmacists, a trusted tool to confidently direct people to, ensuring they are well-informed.”

Registered Dietitian, Dr Laura Stewart, who led the development of the resource on behalf of the BDA’s Obesity Specialist Group said, “Our aim is to ensure that everyone who is prescribed medications for obesity can take them safely with the nutritional and lifestyle support needed to achieve the best possible outcomes.”

The guide will soon be available in Welsh, Polish, Urdu, Spanish and Arabic, as well as for people who are deaf or blind.

This resource is a publication of The British Dietetic Association (BDA) intended for information only. It is not a substitute for proper medical diagnosis or dietary advice given by a dietitian.

We are ChairFit Family

vast — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 08:45:29 +0000

We are ChairFit family

Ten Count Boxing Gym in Bentilee have been hosting twice weekly ChairFit exercise classes for more than two years.

Initially supported by a £500 donation and referrals from the NHS Respiratory Team, ChairFit is the only free exercise class in Bentilee and it has become a healthy option for its attendees.

With support from the Health Inequalities grant funding, trainer Paula DeMichele hopes to continue to grow the ChairFit community she refers to as “family”.

Paula said: “This initiative arose from a community need for accessible exercise and warm social spaces. ChairFit’s impact is significant as members report feeling more energetic and stronger. The class keeps people active and socially connected which reduces the burden on local healthcare services by preventing falls and GP visits.”

John, who has COPD, has been attending the classes for about 18 months. He said: “I find these classes very beneficial. Paula is a good instructor, and there’s a strong sense of camaraderie. The classes help me stay active, and I feel better because of them.”

He added: “There’s also a discipline in it but there’s no competition, we’re not letting anyone down and we’re part of the team.”

A recent ChairFit Chat invited regulars to reflect on what they get from attending the class. And because Phyllis was away on holiday in Anglesey, they gave her a video call to make sure she didn’t miss out.

Regular attendee Kieron says attending the classes has made the world of difference to him and he’d recommend it to anyone.

He said: “It’s got me from being a couch potato doing nothing to exercising an hour and a half twice a week and it’s made a massive difference – to my life, my home and my wife. I’m feeling fitter and although I’m not doing any marathons any time soon, it’s boosted my confidence by 100 per cent and improved my mental health because I don’t feel so useless.”

Regular excerciser Carole is full of giggles and says she never misses a class unless her illness means she is in hospital or unable to leave the house. And she’s inundated with offers of a lift to the classes if she is struggling.

Paula added: “Funding is crucial to keep the class free, accommodate more people and cover the costs and we’re grateful for this support.”

ChairFit takes place at Ten Count gym in Winchester Avenue, Bentilee from 10am – 11.30am every Tuesday and Friday. For more information email contact@chairfit.uk

Better Together launch group for SEND children

vast — Thu, 21 May 2026 09:20:08 +0000

Better Together launch group for SEND children

Better together Community Support Group will launch a new group to support SEND and their families at the start of June.

The group will take place every Friday during the school term between 10am and midday at their Community HQ in Trent Vale and will be open to young people aged 12 and under.

Better Together CEO Dawn O’Keefe said: “Families are at the heart of what we do, and we are excited to be supporting this new group”

The group will be led by Better Together management team member and SEND lead for the charity Becci, who said. “As the mum of a SEND child, I understand how hard it can be to find inclusive places to go.”

The group will give little ones and younger children an opportunity to explore new colours, sounds and textures through hands-on sensory activities that will help them develop their confidence and creativity.

Support for the group will be provided by placement students Leona and Leema from Keele University.

Becci added: “The new group will be a calm and welcoming space where kids and parents can relax and have fun.”

Support for the group will be provided by placement students from Leona and Leema from Keele University.

The new SEND group is part of the support for young people provided by the charity, including a parent and toddler group at the West End Centre in Stoke and a baby group at their Community HQ, both of which take place on Monday mornings.

Better Together also deliver SEND friendly sessions during the school holidays as part of the HAFF scheme in partnership with the HUBB Foundation.

The first SEND group session will be on Friday 5th June at 10:00am at the Better Together Community HQ, located at 4 Woodberry Close, Trent Vale, ST4 5LU. Booking is essential via the Facebook page.

Help shape support for families with babies

vast — Tue, 19 May 2026 12:16:55 +0000

Help shape support for families with babies

Families across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are being asked to share their experience of pregnancy, birth and caring for a baby.

If you are currently pregnant or have a child under one in your family, you are asked to complete a 5-10 minute survey.

The online survey can be completed by mums, dad, nans, grandads, aunts, uncles and anyone who cares for a baby.

Every family’s journey is different and your views will help to inform what’s working well – and what can be better. This will inform how support can be improved for parents caregivers and babies locally.

The survey has been developed in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Integrated Care Board.

Please complete the survey by 15^th June.

Champion spotlight: Nicola from Rehoboth

vast — Mon, 18 May 2026 08:15:50 +0000

Nicola champions Burslem Community Project

Nicola Sambrook is a quiet inspiration. She believes her volunteering work with Rehoboth Community Project in Burslem has given her life new purpose and has helped her to stay sober.

An alcoholic for 15 years, Nicola went into detox in 2023 and Stoke Recovery Service told her about Rehoboth who were looking for volunteers.

The Rehoboth Community Project takes referrals from the council, YMCA and family support and provides clothing, household items and homeware for individuals and families in need. They also provide sleep pods/clothes and hygiene products to the homeless community.

Nicola is one of 22 volunteers who have helped make Rehoboth a force for good in Burslem and the north of the city. She said: “I started in the [charity] shops and after a time began working on the vans, dropping off furniture to people in need. Now I take referrals and am also involved in the property and garden maintenance – which is a chargeable service we offer that helps to keep the lights on.”

The project has also carried out community projects including one to provide outdoor learning space at Silverdale school and another assisting Jericho to clear weeds around St Stephens in Bentilee.

Currently Rehoboth have two charity shops in Burslem town centre – one for clothing and the other for furniture and bric-a-brac. The project also operates The Well – the former Swan pub – which is a venue for community activities and serves freshly cooked food every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and is the venue for the food pantry on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The Well has recently become the venue for the first out of hours Community Lounge in the city – a place to talk and get support with all sorts of issues from housing, finances, lifestyle and loneliness. This takes place alongside the food pantry from 4pm – 6.30pm on Thursdays.

Nicola added: “I am also a National Literacy champion and a Community Health Champion. We do work with a lot of vulnerable people who don’t know what help is out there and so I need to know what other services are available to them.”

“I love working where I work and without Rehoboth I don’t think I’d be sober. A couple of times I’ve struggled but they won’t leave your side until you’re feeling better and their support has been massive.

“I believe as a volunteer that you should get something out of it, whether that’s emotional support or someone to go shopping with.”

May Community Newsletter

vast — Fri, 08 May 2026 06:41:17 +0000

May Community Newsletter

Champions give CDC clean bill of health

vast — Tue, 05 May 2026 08:11:17 +0000

Champions give new diagnostic centre clean bill of health

Community Health Champions were invited to take a look around Stoke-on-Trent’s newest health facility in its opening week.

The Community Diagnostic Centre has opened on the site of the former Sainsbury’s in Hanley, marking a significant milestone in improving local access to vital diagnostic tests and scans.

The multi‑million‑pound facility aims to reduce waiting times and ease pressure on local hospitals.

Services available at the Stoke‑on‑Trent Community Diagnostic Centre include CT, MRI, X‑rays, ultrasound, blood tests, and physiological sciences, such as cardiology, respiratory and sleep testing. The centre will be open seven days a week, 12 hours a day, and will provide up to 180,000 tests and scans each year.

Community Health Champions were consulted at the outset on what they wanted to see from the development and this week they received a tour of the new centre. Architects also worked with Staffordshire Sightloss, Alzheimers UK and people in motorised wheelchairs to design the facility.

Maurice Greenham from Older LBGT+ said: “I’m very impressed. It’s spacious, dementia friendly and from what I can see, it’s easy to get around and all on one level. They’ve really thought about the flow.”

Carol Williams from Birches Head Get Growing said: “It’s amazing. It feels patient-friendly and like they’ve thought it through.”

Jean Spkyerman from Carelink praised the free parking for staff and visitors. She added: “It’s easy to find your way around and the murals and glass artwork on the walls is really nice for local people. The only thing it might be missing is a café!”

Two local artists have created bespoke pieces for the CDC inspired by the colours and design for the building which is inspired by Stoke-on-Trent’s pottery industry.

Esme Talbot who creates artwork as Scruffy Little Herbert has created murals – one as part of the entrance and two within recovery areas. Rebecca Davis from Grayswood Glass has created six bespoke glass artworks from vintage and reclaimed glass to chart the seasons and bring nature and windows into the corridors.

Champion John Capewell said: “It’s very impressive and I like it a lot. Hopefully it all works like it’s supposed to.”

CHC Project Officer Zi Khumalo: “This was an important visit for our Champions who were involved in the consultation process. It’s important that they can see for themselves and on behalf of the communities they represent that their views are considered when it comes to designing such an important facility.”

Dr Simon Constable, UHNM Chief Executive, said: “This is about making it easier for people to get the tests they need more quickly and more conveniently. It means earlier diagnosis, quicker access to treatment and a better overall experience for our patients, while also helping to reduce pressure on our hospital sites.”

The Stoke‑on‑Trent Community Diagnostic Centre is part of the NHS’s wider commitment to transforming diagnostic services by delivering care in community settings, making it easier for people to attend appointments and receive timely results.

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).