Covid Information Champion Update – 25th August 2022

Welcome to the Community Information Champion newsletter. In this edition you will find information on health and wellbeing related news and also the latest Covid-19 related information.

In this weeks newsletter, read about:

  • How having a cough for several weeks could be a sign of cancer.
  • FREE blood pressure and BMI checks in Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Letchworth and Stevenage.
  • How to share your experience of accessing your GP practice for your child or someone you care for.
  • How to get help to buy healthy food and milk with the NHS Healthy Start scheme.
  • Help and support from HertsHelp if you are struggling with school uniform costs, or any other cost of living issues.
  • Find out about National Fitness day coming up this September.
  • Information on a NEW healthy work place programme that could help you make healthier changes at work.
  • Tips on how to get a better nights sleep. 
  • Find out about a range of self-development courses for people aged 19+ designed to improve wellbeing, build confidence and gain new skills. 

I hope you find this weeks content both useful and informative. 

Thank you all for your continued commitment and support, it is very much appreciated. Keran 
Communications and Engagement Lead
Communities 1st
E-mail:communitychamp@communities1st.org.uk

Health News

Had a cough for three weeks or more?  
It’s probably nothing serious if a friend or family member has been coughing for three weeks or more but it could be a sign of cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment of cancer can save lives, so make an appointment to see your GP and encourage your friends and family to do the same. More information

Free NHS health check and get a Covid-19 jab at the same time

The NHS will be offering checks on blood pressure, height, and weight to calculate BMI (Body Mass Index) at Watford Town Hall and three other Hertfordshire locations until the end of August.

Advice is also available on healthy eating, how to give up smoking, drinking sensibly, tips on being physically active and improving mental health and wellbeing and where to go for further help if needed.

You can also get your COVID-19 jab at the same time. 

The service is available for ages 18+. No appointments needed, just turn up.

Other locations where the same services will be on offer include:

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Cost of Living

Get help to buy healthy food and milk with Healthy Start

NHS Healthy Start provides families with fruit, vegetables and milk worth £220 a year, plus free vitamins to help pregnant and breastfeeding women and growing children.

If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four years old, and you receive certain benefits, you could be entitled to a Healthy Start prepaid card worth £4.25 per week, to spend on healthy food and milk.

Previous voucher recipients must re-apply to continue getting help. Check your eligibility and apply below.

More information 

Help and support with the cost of living

If you are struggling with school uniform costs, or any other cost of living issues, contact HertsHelp, where trained friendly advisors are on hand to offer confidential assistance and can put you in touch with helpful services and support locally.

More information 

Health Related

Have you heard about the NEW Healthy Workplace Programme?

If you work in a small or medium sized business from the private or voluntary sector in Hertfordshire and want healthier changes at work, please let your employer know about the Herts Healthy Workplace programme.

If your employer still needs convincing, you could volunteer to become their new Health Champion and lead the way. You’ll be provided with all the support and training you need – for free!

Better Sleep

Can’t sleep? Don’t lie and fret about it. Get up, do something else for five minutes, then try again! 

Many of us long for a better nights sleep, so for information and tips on getting the best night’s sleep possible, follow @JustTalkHerts or find out more below: 

More information

Learning and Development

More Information 

National Fitness Day

Fitness means different things to different people but can unite us all. 

The countdown to 21 September 2022 is on so why not check how can you can get involved below.

More information