Healthwatch Worcestershire

28/04/2026

🌞 FREE Park Yoga in Worcester City 🌞

We’re really pleased to share that Park Yoga is returning to Worcester City this summer, hosted by ONSIDE at King George V Playing Fields (Brickfields).

🧘 Free outdoor yoga for everyone
📍 KGV Playing Fields, Brickfields, Worcester
🗓 Every Sunday
⏰ 9:30–10:30am
📆 3 May – 13 September 2026

✅ No booking needed
✅ Suitable for all abilities
✅ Bring a mat or towel

A brilliant opportunity to get active, enjoy fresh air, and look after your wellbeing.



👉 Follow Healthwatch Worcestershire to stay up to date with local health, care, and wellbeing opportunities.

28/04/2026

💬 Women’s voices promised a stronger role in shaping health care.

The Government has published a renewed Women’s Health Strategy, saying women’s experiences will be put at the heart of decision‑making across the NHS.

The plans include:

✅ Listening properly to women’s feedback about their care
✅ Tackling long waiting times for gynaecology services
✅ Improving diagnosis and treatment for conditions like endometriosis, fibroids and menopause
✅ Addressing long‑standing concerns about pain being dismissed or inadequately managed
✅ Using women’s experiences to hold services to account
For many women, not being believed or listened to has been a defining part of their healthcare journey. This strategy recognises that women’s experiences must shape services – not be an afterthought.

💙 Your experiences matter to Healthwatch Worcestershire
At Healthwatch Worcestershire, we listen to what women and families tell us about their care — good or bad — and use this real‑life feedback to challenge decision‑makers and push for improvements locally and nationally.
If you’ve struggled to be heard, faced long waits, had your pain dismissed, or received great support, we want to hear from you.

🔗 You can read more about the renewed Women’s Health Strategy here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/womens-voices-to-be-at-the-heart-of-renewed-health-strategy

Listening to women is only meaningful if it leads to real change. Your voice helps make that happen.

Women across the country will be better heard and served under new plans set out in the renewed Women’s Health Strategy.

28/04/2026

💙 Important changes to maternity care in England 💙

NHS England has announced new national clinical standards aimed at reducing maternal deaths and serious harm during and after pregnancy.

The changes include:

✅ Earlier checks for serious risks like blood clots
✅ Better support for women with long‑term conditions (including epilepsy)
✅ Routine mental health checks during pregnancy
✅ Faster access to specialist care if someone becomes seriously unwell
✅ Stronger accountability for maternity services

Most maternal deaths are linked to medical or mental health conditions that are missed, dismissed, or picked up too late. These new standards are designed to make sure concerns are taken seriously and acted on earlier.

💬 Your experiences matter
Healthwatch Worcestershire listens to families’ experiences of maternity care — what went well, what didn’t, and where services need to improve. Real feedback helps us challenge the system, influence decision‑makers, and push for safer care for everyone.
If you or someone you care for has used maternity services — recently or in the past — we’d like to hear from you.

🔗 Read more about the NHS changes here:

NHS England » NHS overhauls clinical standards to reduce maternal deaths

27/04/2026

🧘 Healthy Worcestershire: Mindfulness Week

Take time to slow down 🧘

This week’s Healthy Worcestershire sessions focus on mindfulness—learning to be present in the moment and more aware of your thoughts and feelings.

Mindfulness can help reduce stress, improve mood, and support overall wellbeing, especially when life feels busy or overwhelming.

Sessions may include guided mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques, and simple ways to bring calm into your daily routine.

Even a few minutes of mindfulness can make a difference.

Find out more and book a session at Healthy Worcestershire:
https://healthyworcestershire.org.uk/


👉 Follow us for more trusted health and care information, local support, and ways to have your say on services in Worcestershire

Healthy Worcestershire is a free service that helps you thrive and feel your best! Our weekly sessions include some gentle exercise (no gym clothes needed!). We also have social activities and interesting talks on a range of topics. The sessions can help you… Meet new people Boost your health Impr...

26/04/2026

🌿 FREE Park Yoga returns to Kidderminster! 🌿

Looking for a relaxed way to move, breathe, and enjoy the outdoors? Park Yoga is back at Brinton Park this summer, hosted by ONSIDE.

🧘‍♀️ Free outdoor yoga
📍 Brinton Park, Kidderminster
🗓 Every Sunday
⏰ 9:30–10:30am
📆 3 May – 13 September 2026

✅ No need to book
✅ All abilities welcome
✅ Just bring a mat or towel

A great way to start your Sunday and support your physical and mental wellbeing.



👉 Follow Healthwatch Worcestershire to stay up to date with local health, care, and wellbeing opportunities.

25/04/2026

Join the Pershore Dementia Awareness Festival 💜

Taking place on Tuesday 12th of May, this community event is a great opportunity to learn more about dementia, raise awareness, and connect with local organisations offering support and advice.

Whether you’re living with dementia, supporting someone, or simply want to understand more — everyone is welcome 🤝

👉 Find out more & book your free place:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pershore-dementia-awareness-festival-tickets-1985724503444

25/04/2026

The SEND White Paper consultation “Every Child Achieving and Thriving” is open right now. And if we don’t speak up, decisions will be made about families, not with them.

For some children, the system already isn’t working. Pushing for more inclusion without the right provision, support, and specialist places risks leaving even more children without what they need to thrive.

There’s an online session being run by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Sendiass that breaks down what’s being proposed and helps you understand how to respond properly.

👉 Book here

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/every-child-achieving-and-thriving-send-consultation-information-session-tickets-1988164812474

Consultation closes 18 May

If you’ve ever felt like no one is really listening – this is the moment to make it harder to ignore.

Because “achieving and thriving” has to mean something real… for every child 💬

Join our online information session to find out about the proposed changes to the SEND system and how you can share your views.

24/04/2026

💉 World Immunisation Week (24–30 April)

Today marks the start of World Immunisation Week💛

World Immunisation Week highlights the important role vaccinations play in protecting people of all ages from serious diseases.

Vaccinations are offered throughout life, including:
▪️ Routine childhood vaccinations
▪️ School-age vaccines
▪️ Flu and COVID-19 vaccines for eligible groups
▪️ Vaccines during pregnancy

Staying up to date with your vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to protect your health and support your community.

If you’re unsure about what vaccinations you or your family may need, you can check the NHS website or speak to your GP for trusted advice.


👉 Follow us for more trusted health and care information, local support, and ways to have your say on services in Worcestershire.

23/04/2026

Do you know what Coercive Control is? Would you like to learn more?

From Friday 5th May Herefordshire and Worcestershire Wellbeing and Recovery College are working with West Mercia Women's Aid on workshops on domestic abuse.

⁠Understanding Coercive and Controlling Behaviour⁠
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These sessions are suitable for anyone who works with people in a supportive role, as well as general public who would like to understand how to support friends, family and also recognise the signs yourself to protect your own wellbeing in relationships.⁠
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Session Content: This session focuses on understanding and spotting signs of coercive and controlling behaviour, the impact this can have on victim/survivors and how West Mercia Women's Aid can help.⁠
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This session is held Online on Tuesday 5th May 12 - 1pm⁠
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To find out more and book your place: https://www.hwwellbeingandrecoverycollege.org.uk/events/understanding-coercive-and-controlling-behaviour-west-mercia-womens-aid/⁠
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23/04/2026

Need a bit of extra support to get back into work? 💭💼

Connect to Work in Worcestershire offers free, personalised support to help people move towards employment at their own pace.

Whether you’re struggling with confidence, managing a health condition, or unsure where to start, the service can support you with:
• Building confidence and routine ✨
• Exploring job and training opportunities
• Practical help with CVs and applications
• Ongoing support once you’re in work 🤝

It’s all about helping you find the right path for you.

👉 Learn more or sign up:
https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/learning-skills-and-employability/connect-work

23/04/2026

Really positive news for Worcestershire 💚

Local hospitals are introducing a “Call for Concern” system as part of Martha’s Rule — giving patients and families a clear route to raise urgent concerns if they feel someone’s condition is getting worse.

This matters. Families often sense when something isn’t right, and this approach recognises that their voice should be heard and acted on. It creates a direct pathway to request a rapid review, helping to catch deterioration earlier and potentially save lives.

For too long, people have felt they weren’t listened to. This is a real step towards changing that culture — putting patients and families at the heart of care, where they belong.

Encouraging to see this being brought into our local services 👏

You can read more here:

Concerns over patients' health can now be reviewed on request after the death of a teenager.

22/04/2026

Jigsaw Coffee Morning - Tomorrow!

If you support someone in your family who is facing mental health challenges, you might be feeling isolated and in need of some time for yourself.

This coffee morning provides an opportunity to find out more about Jigsaw. You can connect with others who are in a similar situation to gain emotional support and useful information.

📍 Location: The 'Scene Bistro' Café at Malvern Theatres (Winter Gardens)
📅 Date: Thursday 23rd April
⏰ Time: from 10.00am to 12pm
📌 Address: Grange Road, Great Malvern, WR14 3HB
Come and join us and take a well-deserved breather

Find out more via their website:
https://www.jigsawgroup.info/