Blackburn with Darwen Public Health

21/07/2025

Two doses of the MMR vaccine can stop your child becoming seriously unwell with measles.

Both doses are needed for full protection from this highly infectious viral disease which can spread easily amongst people who are not vaccinated.

If you or your child is not up to date with vaccinations for measles, speak to your GP practice.

There’s lots of information about measles vaccination, as well as symptoms and treatment on the NHS website:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/

21/07/2025

18/07/2025

If you drove along Brandy House Brow last Friday afternoon, you may have spotted this flash mob!

Not only was the group showing off their dancing skills, but they were there to raise awareness of the Orange Button scheme for su***de prevention. 🟠

People who wear the Orange Button pin badge have had specialised su***de prevention training and are willing to be approached by people struggling with their mental or having thoughts of su***de, or those worried about someone who is struggling.

While Orange Button wearers aren’t counsellors or therapists, they can help by listening without judgement and signposting people to relevant support services – including crisis support.

The Orange Button scheme is run through Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board – and people from all walks of life have had the training.

Last Friday’s flash mob was the idea of our Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health Councillor Jackie Floyd, who is an Orange Button wearer herself AND crafted the Orange Button postbox topper. She said: “People like me have done the su***de prevention training because we want to be prepared to help someone in the lowest times of their life, to make a difference and help them seek out help.”

Want to train to be an Orange Button wearer yourself?

TAG BWD BC Adult Learning regularly run Mental Health First Aid courses – for free.

Find out more on their website:https://bwdlearning.org/all-courses/?category=health-wellbeing

Find out more about the Orange Button scheme at https://www.healthierlsc.co.uk/icb/orangebutton

17/07/2025

Here in BwD the Recipe 4 Health scheme is here to help you!

It offers tasty healthier food choices on in cafés, takeaways and restaurants all over Blackburn with Darwen.

Branch Court Care Home in Blackburn have been awarded a gold award this week!

They provide a range of Recipe 4 Health meals which includes smaller portion sizes, reduced fat (or healthier fat), healthier cooking methods (grilled or baked) and reduced salt and sugar ingredients.

We also have a handy food map to make it easier to track down those healthy choices in the borough.

You can find our food map and more information on Recipe 4 Health here

https://bewellbwd.com/food-map/

16/07/2025

Make sure to head down to the Darwen End Stand to see what's going on in the Community Wellbeing Hub today!

Spark BWD Beacon Counselling Trust

👋It’s all going on at our Community Wellbeing Hub today, come down to the Darwen End Stand and see what’s on offer!

📧If you would like more info, get in touch through healthandwellbeing@brfctrust.co.uk

| Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

14/07/2025

Vaccines offer the best protection against preventable illnesses, like measles.

Measles is a highly infectious viral disease which can spread easily amongst people who are not vaccinated.

A version of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is available without gelatine, and is safe and effective.

If you or your child is not up to date with vaccinations for measles, speak to your GP practice.

There’s lots of information about measles vaccination, as well as symptoms and treatment on the NHS website:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/

12/07/2025

Have you got questions about having a breast screening appointment?

This video from TAG East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust answers common questions women have, like:

How long will my screening appointment last?
Does having a mammogram hurt?
Will the staff at my appointment be female?

If you or a woman you know has received a breast screening appointment letter, please attend – or encourage them to attend.

Finding breast cancer early means that treatment may be simpler - and is more likely to be effective.

You can find more information about breast screening in BwD at https://elht.nhs.uk/services/breast-imaging-screening-service

breast screening lancashire blackburn burnley mammogram

09/07/2025

Did you know that breast screening can help to detect cancer early, even before a lump or other breast changes appear?

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust has invited women registered with these four Blackburn GP practices to have a breast screening appointment this summer.

Oakenhurst Medical Practice, Barbara Castle Way Health Centre
The Family Practice, Barbara Castle Way Health Centre
Witton Medical Centre
Bentham Road Health Centre

If you or a woman you know has received a breast screening appointment letter, please attend – or encourage them to attend.

Breast screening is painless and quick – the screening takes less than 10 minutes, and the whole appointment around 30 minutes.

The mammographer at a breast screening appointment is female.

Finding breast cancer early means that treatment may be simpler - and is more likely to be effective.

You can find more information about breast screening in BwD at https://elht.nhs.uk/services/breast-imaging-screening-service

05/07/2025

Measles is a viral and deadly disease that spreads easily amongst those who are not vaccinated.

If you think you or your child have measles, call your local GP or NHS 111 before going to a healthcare setting.

This will help the virus from spreading and will also provide you with the help you need.

For more information on measles click https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/

03/07/2025

Louie is coming to Blackburn with Darwen with some great advice to help families start their potty-training journey.

He has been working with numerous health professionals to ensure he comes with the best advice for you.

He now needs your help!

If you've recently potty trained a child, or if you have a child under 3 and haven't started potty training, he’d love to hear your thoughts. Please fill out this quick form which won’t take longer than a couple of minutes. This will help him design the frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) for his campaign!

The deadline is 7th July.

To fill out the form click https://forms.office.com/e/Jd97jTCJbf

OR

Scan the QR code below 😊

02/07/2025

Vaccines offer the best protection
against preventable illnesses, like
measles.

A version of the MMR vaccine is available without gelatine and is just as safe and effective.

Ask your GP practice to book an appointment if you’re not up to date.

If you want more information on the measles vaccine, click https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/

01/07/2025

This month is talk to us month.

This year we are raising awareness around the importance of mental health and the services out there to support.

One of our inspiring story’s is about Dilys who has faced anxiety for most of her life. After the loss of her husband, she found herself in deep depression. Shortly after, she visited the GP, who signposted her to a local gardening club.

The gardening club has had a profound impact on Dilys’ life, providing her with a sense of purpose and a community that she considers family. Meeting new people and having a weekly event to look forward to where she can talk to people in similar situations has made her time at home feel less lonely and more fulfilling, and gardening has been a rewarding activity to incorporate into her daily life.

If you would like any mental health support visit https://www.mind.org.uk/

AND

To read more on Dilys story click

https://bewellbwd.com/active-living-dilys/

We Are Undefeatable Blackburn Rovers The 180 Project re:fresh Blackburn with Darwen Mind East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Lancashire Wildlife Trust BwD Leisure