Healthwatch West Berkshire

19/01/2026

Dear Men,

many of you aged 18-35 believe health problems only affect older people.
Research shows that anxiety, depression and stress-related conditions often begin before the age of 30.

Younger men are among the least likely to seek help early. Common reasons include fear of judgement and believing problems are “not serious enough”.

Long-term stress can affect sleep, concentration, relationships and physical health. Early support is linked to better mental health outcomes later in life.

NHS Talking Therapies are designed to help early, not only in crisis.

Support is confidential, practical and focused on coping strategies.

You do not need a GP referral to access help. You can self-refer online or by phone in West Berkshire.

Berkshire Talking Therapies: https://www.berkshiretalkingtherapies.nhs.uk
Phone: 0300 365 2000

If you want to be part of shaping better services for men locally, we want to hear from you. Please, fill our survey:
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/MensHealthWestBerkshire/

19/01/2026

Did you know when you still need a GP, NHS 111, or urgent care?

Pharmacy First is fantastic for common minor illnesses - but it is not for everything.
You should still see your GP or call NHS 111 if you have severe symptoms, long-lasting problems, underlying health conditions, or if something just doesn’t feel right.
Urgent or emergency symptoms should always be treated at urgent care or A&E.
Pharmacists will always tell you honestly if you need to be seen elsewhere, so you can feel confident you’re getting the right care.

Don’t forget to fill our Pharmacy First survey – Your voice matters!: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/.../PillsChillsAndPharmacy.../

16/01/2026

Dear Men,

many of you aged 18-35 believe health problems only affect older people.
Research shows that anxiety, depression and stress-related conditions often begin before the age of 30.

Younger men are among the least likely to seek help early. Common reasons include fear of judgement and believing problems are “not serious enough”.

Long-term stress can affect sleep, concentration, relationships and physical health. Early support is linked to better mental health outcomes later in life.

NHS Talking Therapies are designed to help early, not only in crisis.
Support is confidential, practical and focused on coping strategies.

You do not need a GP referral to access help. You can self-refer online or by phone in West Berkshire.
Berkshire Talking Therapies: https://www.berkshiretalkingtherapies.nhs.uk
Phone: 0300 365 2000

If you want to be part of shaping better services for men locally, we want to hear from you. Please, fill our survey:
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/MensHealthWestBerkshire/

16/01/2026

Did you know using pharmacies helps reduce GP waiting times?

Every time someone uses Pharmacy First for a minor condition, they help shorten waiting times at GP surgeries.
Pharmacists can treat many everyday illnesses quickly, which means GP appointments are freed up for people who need longer or more complex care.
By choosing your pharmacy first, you help the whole system run more smoothly and get help a lot faster yourself.

Don’t forget to fill our Pharmacy First survey – Your voice matters!: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/.../PillsChillsAndPharmacy.../

12/01/2026

Dear Men,

many men delay health checks because they feel fine and assume nothing is wrong.
In reality, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and early diabetes often develop without noticeable symptoms.

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of early death in men in England. Research shows that early detection through routine checks significantly reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.

An NHS Health Check takes around 20 minutes and looks at blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and diabetes risk.

Despite this, only around 37% of eligible men remember ever being invited or attending one. Many men miss invitations because of work, caring responsibilities or lack of clear information.

If you are aged 40-74, you are entitled to a free NHS Health Check.

You do not need to wait for a letter and can contact your GP practice directly.
Acting early gives you more options and better long-term health outcomes.

NHS Health Check: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-health-check/

If you want to be part of shaping better services for men locally, we want to hear from you. Please, fill our survey:
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/MensHealthWestBerkshire/

12/01/2026

Did you know pharmacists are highly trained clinicians?

Your local pharmacist isn’t “just” someone who hands out medication - they are a highly trained healthcare professional with years of clinical education.
Pharmacists study medicines, diagnostics and treatment pathways in depth and undergo continuous professional development.
This is why they are now trusted to assess minor illnesses, diagnose the 7 conditions covered by Pharmacy First and provide safe, effective treatment. You are in very knowledgeable hands.

Don’t forget to fill our Pharmacy First survey – Your voice matters!:
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/PillsChillsAndPharmacySkills/

10/01/2026

Dear Men,

Did you know that men in England die on average almost four years earlier than women? This gap isn’t because men are weaker or careless. Research shows it is mainly driven by preventable causes: heart disease, cancer, mental ill health and late help-seeking.
Many men grow up learning to “push through” discomfort, ignore symptoms, or avoid talking about how they feel. Over time, this can mean missing early warning signs that could have been addressed easily.

This is why we are running a Men’s Health project in West Berkshire: to make health information clearer, reduce stigma and help men take action earlier - without judgement or pressure.

If you want to be part of shaping better services for men locally, we want to hear from you. Please, fill our survey:
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/MensHealthWestBerkshire/

09/01/2026

Men’s Health Matters in West Berkshire!!!

At Healthwatch West Berkshire we are running a project focused on men’s health, prevention and wellbeing.

Across England, men are more likely to delay seeking help, feel unsure about NHS services and experience higher rates of preventable illness and su***de.

Many men are unaware of NHS Health Checks, feel confused about prostate health and PSA tests, or feel stigma around talking about mental health.

This project aims to:
• Improve understanding of NHS Health Checks and early prevention
• Raise awareness of prostate health and heart health
• Break the stigma around mental health and help-seeking
• Listen to men’s real experiences and use them to influence local services

We want to hear directly from men living in West Berkshire.
Your experience matters and will help shape future NHS services locally!

👉 Please take a few minutes to complete our survey:
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/MensHealthWestBerkshire/

Your voice can make a real difference!

09/01/2026

Did you know Pharmacy First is free on the NHS?

Pharmacy First is completely free for anyone who is eligible for NHS treatment.
The clinical assessment is free and if the pharmacist provides medication, it is supplied under the NHS prescription rules, just like at your GP surgery.
There are no consultation fees and no extra charges. It is simply another way the NHS is making care more accessible and convenient.

Please, don’t forget to fill our Pharmacy First survey – Your voice matters!:
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/PillsChillsAndPharmacySkills/

08/01/2026

Staying Active as You Get Older - Small Steps, Big Benefits

Keeping active in later life helps improve strength, balance, mood and memory, and reduces the risk of falls and long-term health conditions. Even light activity like walking, gardening or housework makes a difference.

Choose activities you enjoy, move a little every day, and stay socially connected where you can - it all supports both physical and mental wellbeing.

See the video below for simple ways to start staying active at home:

Fall-proof strength and balance exercise video for older adults. Six simple exercises to help you stay active.www.getberkshireactive.org

07/01/2026

Looking for a gentle way to stay active and socially connected?

The Seated Exercise Programme by Get Berkshire Active is designed for older adults to improve mobility, endurance, coordination and brain health while reducing social isolation - all through fun, seated activities.

Open to all abilities. No pressure. Just movement and connection.

07/01/2026

Staying Active as You Get Older - Small Steps, Big Benefits

Keeping active in later life helps improve strength, balance, mood and memory, and reduces the risk of falls and long-term health conditions. Even light activity like walking, gardening or housework makes a difference.

Choose activities you enjoy, move a little every day, and stay socially connected where you can – it all supports both physical and mental wellbeing.
See the video below for simple ways to start staying active at home:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoEahmaTSsk