Healthwatch Worcestershire

08/12/2025

Grief can feel overwhelming and unpredictable. 💛 At St Richard’s Hospice, they know how deeply loss can affect every part of life — and no one should have to face that alone.

Their Family Support Team is there to offer compassionate bereavement support, walking alongside people through the most difficult moments. 🤝

This time of year can be especially hard for anyone missing someone they love. 🌙✨

🧘‍♀️🌟 St Richard’s Hospice have shared a short webinar with gentle self-care ideas for navigating the festive season, available here:
https://youtu.be/DSo5jv90zO0?si=HTu8pwl8qX0VnMxe

You can also contact St Richard’s directly to find out more about their Family Support Service 🤍

Join Nikki Butterworth, Family Support Practitioner, and Sarah Bruce, Community Chaplain, for a webinar exploring the difficulties Christmas can present to s...

08/12/2025

Healthy Worcestershire

Over 30 free Healthy Worcestershire sessions across the county.
Includes an online session every Tuesday from 6:45pm to 8pm.

- Enjoy gentle
- Feel-good activities,
- Helpful tips for staying healthy
- Friendly chat with others

Getting started is easy
Sign up: https://healthyworcestershire.org.uk/
Email: Healthy.Worcestershire@nhs.net
Call 0800 772 0307

07/12/2025

WorkWell – Getting tailored support to return to work

Work can play a huge role in our wellbeing – giving us purpose, structure and connection. But when health issues start to get in the way, it can feel overwhelming to know where to turn.

WorkWell is a free, confidential coaching service designed to help people across Herefordshire and Worcestershire who are struggling to stay in work or return to work because of a health condition. Whether they are off sick, worried about coping at work, or managing a long-term condition, WorkWell can provide tailored one-to-one support to help you move forward.

You can refer yourself directly, or ask your GP, employer or another professional to refer you. Simply visit www.hwics.org.uk/our-services/workwell or for more information and to make a referral.

06/12/2025

Redditch Boxing Club

Pete Martin, director of Redditch Self Defence Association, is working with young people to improve their lives, prevent them from engaging in crime and harness the power of physical activity for their self-esteem and mental health.

With the support of a Public Health Community Wellbeing grant Pete was able to offer four new classes, purchase more equipment and now takes on referrals from organisations including schools, colleges and the police.

To read more visit Community Stories 2025 | Knockout success at boxing club

05/12/2025

Think you need urgent dental care? Urgent dental appointments are now available.

Find out how to get the help you need. Go to nhs.uk/urgentdentalcare

05/12/2025

Our social prescribers are at a drop-in at Oasis Community Hub, Warndon.
Our social prescribers are there on Mondays from 9:00am to 10:30am.
💜Feel free to drop in and chat with us.💜

05/12/2025

Worcestershire’s Winter Household Support Fund

As we head into the colder months of the year, residents across the county who are eligible, can apply for support through the Household Support Fund.

- A UK Government Initiative
- Support fund is is available until the end of March 2026
- Support with the costs of energy is available for those on low incomes living in a cold home with a cold-sensitive long-term health condition through the Warmth on Prescription scheme.
- Worcestershire residents will be able to see if they are eligible by contacting their GP surgery’s Social Prescribing Team.

To find out more visit Household Support Fund | Worcestershire County Council

04/12/2025

Events: Work Well Live Better
Creating a Healthier Worcestershire Workforce

Our Worcestershire Workplace Health programme ‘Work Well Live Better’ has the following upcoming events:

• Successful Goal Setting for the New Year Ahead - Thursday 11 December, 1pm to 2 pm – Online Event. To register or to find out more visit Successful goal setting

• Managing Fatigue and Preventing Burnout - Monday 12 January 1pm to 2pm. Online event. To register or to find out more visit Managing Fatigue & Preventing Burnout Webinar

• Networking for Meaningful Connections - Wednesday 11 February 1pm to 2pm. Online event. To register or to find out more visit Networking for Meaningful Connections Webinar

To find out more about Work Well Live Better visit workwelllivebetter.co.uk

04/12/2025

🎄 The run-up to Christmas can be a magical time — but it can also be incredibly challenging for many parent/carers, especially those supporting children with SEN. 💛

As routines shift, schools get busier, and sensory demands increase, lots of families tell us this time of year can feel overwhelming.
If this is you — you’re not alone. ❤️

🌟 Why this time of year can be difficult for children with SEN:

📅 Changes to routine — festive activities, rehearsals, and timetable changes can be unsettling

🎶 Sensory overload — louder environments, decorations, lights, smells, crowds

👥 Social pressures — performances, parties, and expectations to ‘join in’

🎁 Big emotions — excitement, anxiety, tiredness, and uncertainty often collide

💤 Fatigue — end-of-term tiredness can amplify behaviours and stress

💛 A reminder for parent/carers:

It’s okay if your child can’t manage everything.

It’s okay if you need to say no to extra activities.

It’s okay if this time of year feels harder than it looks for others.

And it’s more than okay to ask for support. 🤝

🌈 Small things that might help:

Keep as much routine as you can

Offer clear visual schedules or countdowns

Build in quiet breaks or “reset time” during busy days

Let school know if your child needs extra support or adjustments

Be gentle with yourself — you’re doing your best 💐

For many families, Christmas isn't always picture-perfect. If you’re finding things tough, please know that your feelings are valid — and many others are feeling the same. 💛✨

03/12/2025

Autism West Midlands Events

The leading charity in the West Midlands for Autistic adults, children, young people and those who love and care for them. Our passionate, expert staff and volunteers work across a range of age groups and abilities.

Autism is a lifelong developmental difference. It can bring with it challenges, but also strengths. There are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. 60,000 of these live in the West Midlands.

Scroll the posts to see the events
Click the link for booking on to events: https://mailchi.mp/autismwestmidlands.org.uk/upcoming-events-87l5qfl9db?e=ce6bc874b6

Picture: Debbie, Director at Healthwatch Worcestershire and AWM local advisor

03/12/2025

his week is National Grief Awareness Week — a time to pause, reflect, and recognise the many ways grief touches our lives. 💛

Grief is personal. It looks and feels different for everyone, shaped by the relationships and moments that mattered most. Whatever you’re carrying, please remember you don’t have to face it on your own. 💞

For some young people, the pain that comes after someone dies can feel overwhelming and may lead to thoughts of su***de. If you’re finding things hard, PAPYRUS is here for you. Their helpline, HOPELINE247, is available day and night: 0800 068 4141. 💜

You are not alone. 🌿

03/12/2025

🌟 New Children’s Therapy Newsletter 🌟

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust has just launched the first ever quarterly Children’s Therapy Newsletter — a lovely way to keep families updated on their occupational therapy, physiotherapy and specialist play services. 💛

They’re really keen to hear what parents think so they can shape and improve future editions. If you have a moment, your voice would make a real difference. 💬✨

You can read the newsletter here 👇
https://www.hacw.nhs.uk/paediatric-updates/childrens-therapy-newsletter-autumn-2025-8339

📝 The link to the feedback form is in the comments.

Welcome to the first edition of our Children’s Therapy Services newsletter.