#SSoTHealthyCommunities – Community Health Champions

Dina joins Community Health Champions

vast — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 10:10:04 +0000

Meet Dina - a welcome addition to the team!

We are delighted to throw a spotlight on Dina Greaves who joined the Community Health Champions project in September.

Dina has volunteered with VAST Volunteering at the Dudson Centre for just over 12 months where she enjoys matching people with volunteering opportunities that are the right fit for them.

She said: “It’s built my confidence up. When I came here I knew nothing about computers and it’s thanks to the staff here that I now know what to do.”

Prior to her own volunteering experience, Dina was a carer for her elderly parents until they passed away, and her kind and caring nature and lovely telephone manner makes her a great addition to the team.

Over the coming weeks and months, Dina will be checking in with our Community Health Champions to see if they are receiving the newsletters, accessing training and understanding what health concerns they may have.

She said: “It’s been brilliant and just goes to show how many caring people are out there.”

Community News – September

vast — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 13:04:17 +0000

Community News – September

This month our news round-up features

Information on seasonal vaccines and who can get them!

Please download, print and share within your communities!

Back to school: parents urged to protect children against flu

vast — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 10:53:33 +0000

Back to school: parents urged to protect children against flu

Parents and carers are being urged to make sure their children are protected this winter by taking up the offer of the free NHS flu vaccine,

They can also check routine vaccinations are up to date using Manage Vaccinations in Schools (MAVIS), a digital NHS platform, to complete vaccination consent forms.

From 1 September 2026, the free NHS flu vaccine will be offered to all school-aged children from Reception to Year 11.

Flu vaccination will also be offered from 1 September 2026 to:

pregnant women
children aged two and three years old on 31 August 2026
children aged six months to under 18 years in clinical risk groups.
young people aged 17 and over attending special educational needs schools who are in a clinical risk group

Flu can be unpleasant for children and can lead to complications including bronchitis and pneumonia. Vaccination is the best protection against the virus and helps keep children healthy, reduce school absences, and support learning throughout the winter months.

National data shows that almost one in five children are not fully protected against several serious diseases due to missed routine vaccinations. Vaccinations are estimated to prevent around 5,000 deaths and thousands of hospital admissions in England every year.

Vanessa Whatley, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, said: “Back to school is a good time to make sure your child’s vaccinations are up to date. The flu vaccine helps protect children, reduces the spread of illness and helps keep them in school during the winter months.

“Flu can spread quickly among children, particularly when they return to classrooms and mix closely with friends. By taking up the offer of the free NHS flu vaccine, parents can help protect their child, their family and those who are more vulnerable to serious illness.

“If you are not sure whether your child has had all their vaccinations, you can check their record through the NHS App or speak to your GP practice. It’s important that children have the best protection possible, but if any vaccinations have been missed, it’s never too late to catch up.”

Parents and carers are encouraged to check that their child has received:

The annual flu vaccine, offered to children from Reception to Year 11 from 1 September 2026.
Two doses of the MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) or MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.
The MenACWY vaccine, offered in Year 9, which helps protect against meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning).
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, offered in Year 8, which helps protect against some cancers, including cervical cancer.
The Td/IPV vaccine (also called the 3-in-1 teenage booster), offered in Year 9, helps protect against tetanus, diphtheria and polio.

Children and young people in Reception to Year 13 who are not in school or have missed vaccinations can attend community catch-up clinics

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent: Vaccinations and immunisations for school-aged children

Free two-dose MenB vaccine for new Uni students

vast — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 08:01:38 +0000

Information from: NHS Integrated Care Board

Free two-dose MenB vaccine for new Uni students

Meningococcal B disease, known as MenB, can develop quickly and cause serious, life-threatening illnesses including meningitis and septicaemia. Students living in shared accommodation can be at increased risk because they are mixing closely with lots of new people..

The FREE two-dose MenB vaccination course is available to:

17 to 18-year-olds (Year 13) born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008.
• People aged 24 or under starting university for the first time this autumn or starting at some residential further education settings.

Eligible young people can book a MenB vaccination or find their nearest pharmacy offering MenB vaccinations through the National Booking Service.

Matthew Missen, Public Health Consultant for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, said: “Meningitis from MenB infection is uncommon but can become life-threatening very quickly. It is important that young people know the signs and symptoms and seek urgent medical help if they are concerned.

“Starting university is an exciting time for students but does come with increased risk of infection spreading when living in halls of residence and socialising closely with lots of new people. Making sure you are protected through two free doses of MenB vaccination at a pharmacy near you is one of the best ways to help reduce the risk of MenB disease, which can cause severe infection and emergency hospital admission to treat meningitis and septicaemia.

“It’s also a good time to check that you’re up to date with all NHS routine vaccinations before heading to university. You can check your vaccination records on the NHS App or speak to your GP Practice if you’re unsure.”

Eligible young people can book a MenB vaccination or find their nearest pharmacy offering MenB vaccinations through the National Booking Service.

The MenB vaccination is free for eligible young people. As this is a time-limited programme, anyone wanting the full two-dose course should book soon. First doses are available until 31 December 2026, and the final dose must be administered by 31 March 2027. The second dose should be given at least 28 days after the first.

For more information about meningitis, click here.

For more information about NHS vaccinations and when to have them, click here.

Community Newsletter – Summer 2026

vast — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 13:22:16 +0000

Community newsletter - Summer 2026

New resources on exercise/activity levels

vast — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:42:58 +0000

Information from: UK Chief Medical Officer

New guidance on exercise and activity levels

The guidance sets out the type and amount of physical activity people should aim for at different life stages, including early years, children and young people, adults, older adults, pregnant and postnatal women, disabled adults .

The infographics explain the health benefits of physical activity, where the greatest health gains can be made, and how strength and balance activity can support healthier, more independent ageing.

These assets are designed to support people to talk about physical activity in practical, inclusive and motivating ways.

Please download and use the infographics in your communications, conversations and local activity to help more people understand that moving more, sitting less and building strength can support better health and wellbeing.

To support people to build movement into their everyday lives, the government recommends Activate, the animated children’s workout series from Joe Wicks, which is a great way to support families to have fun and get active.

For adults who want to go further and build more walking and running into their routines, then NHS Active 10 and NHS Couch to 5k are entry level, free apps which are helping millions of people lead more active lives.

Please help to people you know to start small, build activity into everyday life, and choose movement that works for them.

Click on the images to download.

Community newsletter

vast — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:41:28 +0000

Community newsletter

This month our news round-up features

Information about a women’s health event taking place at bet365 stadium
Tips on how to stay cool and safe in the hot weather

Please download, print and share within your communities!

Back for 2026 – our Tackling Health Inequalities grants programme is open to Community Health Champions!

vast — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 08:48:18 +0000

Back for 2026 - our Tackling Health Inequalities grants programme is open to Community Health Champions!

Grants of up to £5,000 are available to support Community Health Champions in identifying and developing projects to tackle health inequalities in Stoke-on-Trent. 

Project proposals should demonstrate how the money can be used to tackle a health inequality they have identified. 

Previous grants have funded a diverse range of projects across the city. Last year’s grant funding has been used to help women from South Asian communities to exercise and become more health aware and supported the expansion of regular exercise classes for people with lung conditions.

In addition, a local CIC who found that air pollution and bad landlords was impacting on the health of their community is finding creative ways to make improvements.

Meanwhile, another has worked with VCSE groups to make songs about health inequalities which are available for use across the city. Read about the full list of recipients here.

To be eligible to apply for funding you must: 

Be a not-for-profit organisation (registered charity, social enterprise, unregistered charity, faith group, or community group) based in or operating in Stoke-on-Trent.

Have a bank account that has two signatories who are not related nor live at the same address.

Have staff and/or volunteers registered as Community Health Champions. You can read more about being a champion here.

Represent a specific community within Stoke-on-Trent. The community does not need to be a geographical community, it can be a community of interest or a cultural or faith community.

If successful, we will be working closely with you to capture the progress of your project, and share your stories and we encourage you to share your success on your own channels. 

Bids should demonstrate: 

The health inequalities you have identified.

How this health inequality affects your community in Stoke-on-Trent.

Your ideas to address this.

A cost breakdown.

Proposals may also include research projects to help better understand a specific health inequality. 

Understanding Health Inequalities  

To support the Tackling Health Inequalities Grants Programme we are holding Health Inequalities training by Dr Mike Oliver. The workshop, taking place on the morning of Wednesday 16th September at The Dudson Centre will help you understand:  

What we mean by health inequalities.

Why it is important for the day-to-day lives of people and community groups in and around Stoke-on-Trent.

What can be done to address health inequalities.

How community groups can use knowledge about health inequalities to influence decisions that affect their lives.

Attendance at the workshop is strongly recommended and you can book here.

If successful, we will work with you to capture the progress of your project and share your story and we encourage you to use your own channels to share your work.

Before applying, please download and read the full guidance document and application criteria here.

Closing date: Friday 2nd October, 2026 at 5pm. 

If you have any questions or queries about applying, please contact us at chc@vast.org.uk 

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.