Locala Health & Wellbeing

24/10/2025

It’s Feedback Friday, and this week we’d like to give a shout-out to our Immunisation Team. The team go above and beyond to make sure children and young people in our communities are protected.

From school immunisations to catch-up clinics out and about, the whole team work tirelessly.

We wanted to share this lovely comment we recently received:

“The nurses who have done all three sets of my daughter’s vaccinations have been kind, knowledgeable and understanding. They weren’t dismissive when I asked questions, and were reassuring and informative.”

Thank you, team - we’re proud of you! 👏

24/10/2025

Earlier this week, we shared this incredible update regarding Teenagh, who had been nominated for this year's Nurse of the Year at the Nursing Times Awards 2025. Teenagh has shared a message we would like to share with you all:

"Hi everyone. Thank you so much for all your kind wishes, support and love - I have been blown away and feel very cherished, like I am wrapped in a blanket containing love, respect and hugs. The ability to make positive impact on people’s lives gives me immense satisfaction, self-respect and pride, and to be given this honour to be a coveted Nurse of the Year finalist was more than I could have ever dreamed of. I did not win the award but am so, so proud to be one of the 11 nurses picked out from 18,000 entries.

Locala have been so supportive and encouraging, and they are a wonderful organisation to work for, as they value your contributions and encourage your abilities and talents..

continued in comments ⬇

We’re wishing our amazing colleague Teenagh Coughlan the very best of luck at the Nursing Times Awards this evening! 👏

Teenagh is in London tonight as a finalist for Nurse of the Year – one of just 11 finalists out of more than 18,000 nominations! 🏆

Her nomination recognises her incredible work as a SEND ambassador, including developing a pathway to improve care for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Whatever the outcome, we’re all so proud of you, Teenagh! 💙

https://www.locala.org.uk/news/locala-nurse-shortlisted-for-nurse-of-the-year-award

22/10/2025

We’re wishing our amazing colleague Teenagh Coughlan the very best of luck at the Nursing Times Awards this evening! 👏

Teenagh is in London tonight as a finalist for Nurse of the Year – one of just 11 finalists out of more than 18,000 nominations! 🏆

Her nomination recognises her incredible work as a SEND ambassador, including developing a pathway to improve care for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Whatever the outcome, we’re all so proud of you, Teenagh! 💙

https://www.locala.org.uk/news/locala-nurse-shortlisted-for-nurse-of-the-year-award

21/10/2025

“I’m not well enough to work.”

That’s exactly why we’re here.

This programme supports people living with long-term health conditions who feel like work is out of reach.

There’s no pressure. Just a chance to take small steps, at your own pace, with someone on your side.

17/10/2025

This – What is ‘Patient Voice’?

‘Patient Voice’ means truly listening to, and learning from, the people who use our services.

How was their experience with Locala? What worked well? What could be improved?

We believe that Patient Voice should reflect the diversity of our communities – people from different backgrounds and age groups bring different perspectives, ideas, and experiences.

That’s why we seek feedback from both younger and older patients alike.

Jo, from our Engagement and Involvement Team, shares:

“One of the reasons I love my job is because I get to meet so many interesting people of all ages! Recently, I visited the Children’s Development Centre and spoke with young people about our Children’s Physiotherapy Service. They told me the physios explained things in a way they could understand and were really helpful.

Last week, I also had the honour of meeting one of the oldest people in the country, who was recently seen by one of our physiotherapists. An incredible lady, who had been living independently in her own home until very recently.”

Listening to our patients helps us learn, improve, and make sure our services work for everyone. 💬👏

17/10/2025

Empowering Stroke Survivors in Kirklees 💜

From Dec 2024–July 2025, our Community Stroke Service ran the BP at Home Project. A nurse-led initiative helping stroke survivors manage blood pressure at home.

🎯 80 monitors and AF screening tools distributed
💡 Led by Stroke Rehab Nurse Sam Sagar
✅ Faster care – no need to wait for GP
✅ Home-based support + personalised advice
✅ Reduced stroke risk + improved self-management

Although the pilot’s ended, we’re excited to welcome Philippa, who’ll continue this important work across Kirklees. 👏

We are so proud!

16/10/2025

It’s Freedom to Speak Up week and this year’s theme is ‘Follow Up’ - a reminder that speaking up is just the start. Listening and taking action matters too. 💚

This week, our CEO and Chair Briefing featured a powerful talk from our FTSU Guardian, Kathryn, on why following up is key to creating real change.

Let’s keep building a culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and confident to speak up. 🙌

15/10/2025

A big thank you to everyone who came along to Locala’s Annual Members’ Meeting yesterday. It was fantastic to have so many colleagues, community members, volunteers and partners in the room.

We heard from our Executive Directors, Chair, the Engagement and Involvement Team, and from some of our Community and Colleague Members – all sharing valuable insights and reflections. 👏

The meeting was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our collective achievements, share future plans, and strengthen the connections that make our organisation so special.

Thanks again to everyone who joined us and continues to support the work we do. 💜

15/10/2025

A big thank you to Michael, one of Locala's Community Members, who joined our Annual Members' Meeting yesterday and gave an excellent speech about his experience with us. 🙌

So proud of Cancer Champion Michael Barton. He talked about his experience of living with bowel cancer and of volunteering for SMART and Yorkshire Cancer Community plus many other local charities @ Locala Health & Wellbeing Annual Members Meeting at Briar Court Hotel, Birchencliffe, Huddersfield yesterday.
He was feeling a bit nervous beforehand but as ever he absolutely aced it, and got a rousing round of applause.
Well done Michael.
Read his story here:
https://www.yorkshirecancercommunity.co.uk/michaels-story/

SMART
NHS West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance

14/10/2025

Here we go! We are here with colleagues and community members for Locala’s Annual Members’ Meeting 2025…

14/10/2025

🎉 Today is !

This year’s theme focuses on three key shifts in healthcare: from hospital to community, analogue to digital, and treatment to prevention.

At Locala, we're proud to celebrate the incredible work of our Allied Health Professionals. Throughout the day, our teams will be hosting a variety of virtual information sessions, showcasing the vital roles AHPs play across our services.

A huge thank you to all our AHP colleagues for the difference you make every day! 💙

07/10/2025

A busy start to the new academic year for our Employability Team!

So far this term, the team has:

✅ Attended 7 careers and jobs fairs across Tameside and Kirklees
✅ Supported 35 DWP customers with CV writing
✅ Relaunched our work experience programme (from 1st September)

👏 We’re also proud to celebrate Ashton Sixth Form College in Tameside, who - with our support – have been awarded the Quality in Careers Standard. Congratulations to all involved!

Plenty more to come. Stay tuned!