Healthwatch Worcestershire

10/03/2026

🚭 No Smoking Day is tomorrow: Wednesday 11 March 2026 🚭

“A smoke‑free life starts with a smoke‑free day.”

No Smoking Day is the perfect moment to take that first step toward a healthier, smoke‑free future. Whether you’re quitting for your wellbeing, your family, or simply because you’re ready for a fresh start — support is available.

The NHS Quit Smoking app offers daily motivation, progress tracking, money‑saved calculations and practical tools to help you stay on track. You’re five times more likely to quit for good if you stay smoke‑free for 28 days using NHS support.

👉 Find support and download the app here:
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

09/03/2026

Do you know how to keep your kids safe?

Parents and guardians:

Our kids are now most commonly abused online, via their mobile phones and games consoles.

Learn more about the dangers of kids being online and how you can keep them safe.

Join our free one hour online parent awareness

Session to give yourself a head start in an ever changing digital world.

Scan the QR code to find out more about our awareness training and to sign up to one of our free sessions or go to: www.westmercia.police.uk/exploitworkshops

08/03/2026

📢 ADHD is not being overdiagnosed, say experts 🧠

There’s been a lot of discussion recently about whether too many people are being diagnosed with ADHD. A new review led by researchers at the University of Nottingham says the evidence simply does not support that claim.

In fact, the research suggests the opposite. Many children and adults are still waiting years for an assessment, and large numbers of people with ADHD may never be diagnosed at all.

Some key points from the research:

📊 ADHD affects around 1 in 20 children
⏳ Waiting lists for assessments can be several years long
📉 Diagnosis rates are still lower than expected, meaning many people remain undiagnosed

Experts say the recent rise in diagnoses is likely because more people are finally being recognised and assessed, rather than ADHD suddenly becoming more common.

Why does this matter?

Because when ADHD is recognised early, people can get the right support at school, work and in daily life. Without that support, the challenges can affect learning, relationships and mental wellbeing.

💡 Understanding ADHD helps create more supportive schools, workplaces and communities.

Experts are warning that far from being over diagnosed, people with ADHD are waiting too long for assessment, support and treatment.

08/03/2026

🌸 **Happy International Women’s Day!** 🌍💪

Today we honour the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world — and we recommit to **gender equality, inclusion, and opportunity for all**.

Every woman and girl deserves to live a life free from discrimination, with access to education, health, safety, and the chance to reach her full potential.

Learn more about this year’s theme and join the celebration here 👉 https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

✨ **Here’s to strong women:**
May we know them.
May we be them.
May we raise them.

07/03/2026

How to keep kids safter online?
How to to talk to them about adult content?
Attend upcoming workshop Wednesday 18 March.
More info: kateharvey@ntruth.education

06/03/2026

Prepare yourself for: 🌟 No Smoking Day is coming – Wednesday 11 March 2026 🌟

This year’s theme is simple but powerful:
“A smoke‑free life starts with a smoke‑free day.”

If you’ve been thinking about quitting, now’s the perfect time to get ready.
Small steps today can lead to big changes on 11 MARCH.

Throughout the coming days, we’ll be sharing resources, tips, and support to help you prepare for a smoke‑free day — and maybe even a smoke‑free future. 💚

Let’s build momentum together.
Your quit journey can start with just one day.

05/03/2026

✨ Have you downloaded the NHS App yet?

The NHS App is a simple, secure way to manage your healthcare from your phone or tablet — anytime, anywhere.

Here’s what you can do with it:
🔹 Access your health information
View your medical records, allergies, and current medications all in one place.
🔹 Book appointments & order repeat prescriptions
Quickly book GP appointments and request prescription refills without needing to call the practice.
🔹 Control your data sharing preferences
Easily manage how your health information is shared with healthcare professionals.
🔹 Take part in health research
Register your interest in contributing to important NHS research initiatives.
🔹 Receive notifications & updates
Stay informed with secure messages, reminders and health‑related updates.

04/03/2026

💜 **Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month – March 2026** 💜

March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, support survivors, and educate about early detection. Ovarian cancer can be hard to detect early, but knowing the signs and symptoms can save lives.

Common symptoms to watch for:

* Persistent bloating
* Abdominal or pelvic pain
* Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
* Urinary changes

Let’s support research, raise awareness, and stand with those affected by ovarian cancer. 💜

Learn more and share resources: https://www.ovarian.org.uk/

03/03/2026

🌈✨ **Happy Holi!** ✨🌈

Today we celebrate **Holi**, the festival of colors, joy, and togetherness! 🎉

It’s a time to spread love, forgive past grievances, and embrace new beginnings.

Let the vibrant colors remind us of diversity, happiness, and unity in our communities. 💛💜💚💙

May your life be as colorful and joyful as this festival! 🌟

03/03/2026

🌍👂 **Today is World Hearing Day — 3 March**

World Hearing Day is a global awareness day dedicated to **ear and hearing health**. It highlights how vital hearing is to education, communication, and quality of life — and reminds us that many causes of hearing loss can be **prevented or treated** with the right care and early action.

This year’s theme focuses on **hearing care for all children**, especially ensuring that children’s hearing needs are recognised, supported and integrated into health and school programmes so that no child is left behind.

Learn more and find resources here:
https://worldhearingday.org/

Let’s listen, care, and act — because healthy hearing matters at every age! 👶🧑‍🎓👵

02/03/2026

Upcoming Kooth webinars

The role of Kooth & Qwell in the care pathway for people who self harm

Join Kooth for a free 45-minute webinar where a member of the Community

Book 3rd March, 4:00pm
Book 5th March, 10:00am

Engagement team and a Kooth clinician will share practical guidance on:
• Recognising the signs of self-harm
• Supporting someone who may be self-harming
• Understanding how Kooth and Qwell can form part of a supportive care pathway.

Link:
https://connect.kooth.com/events/event/sh-3march?utm_source=ALL+KEL+CONTACTS&utm_campaign=78e6d0f0d6-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_02_20_11_58&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-78e6d0f0d6-1434494393

02/03/2026

🎗️ It’s Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month! 🎗️

This September, we’re raising awareness of ovarian cancer — a disease that affects thousands of women and their families every year. Early symptoms can be subtle, but knowing the signs and spreading the word can make a real difference. 💛

👉 Visit Target Ovarian Cancer to learn more, get involved, and support the cause:
https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/get-involved/ovarian-cancer-awareness-month

Let’s share, support, and help boost awareness for all the women and families impacted by ovarian cancer. 💕