Shropshire

Shropshire Council’s Shropshire Music Education Hub is inviting adult singers and community choirs to a vocal workshop with leading singing expert Richard Frostick on Saturday 19 October 2019.

The workshop, at Belvidere School in Shrewsbury from 10am until 4pm, promises to be a fun-filled day where people can learn basic singing technique, tuning and tone. The day will also focus on effective warm up techniques and give advice on concert preparation and repertoire choice.

Richard Frostick has 30 years’ experience working with choirs and singers. He is a leading expert on the introduction and promotion of singing, working across the UK and overseas.

From 2008 until 2012 he was Artistic Director of the Cultural Olympiad’s Youth Music Voices, and he is currently Artistic Director of the British Council’s World Voice Project and Director of Music Centre London. He has prepared young choirs for seven BBC Proms concerts, most recently for the John Williams Prom that was broadcast on BBC4 TV.

Places are £15. To book, people should call Shropshire Music Service on 01743 874145 or email admin@shropshiremusicservice.org.uk.

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A special concert of Holocaust music and poetry is being held in St Mary’s Church, in the centre of Shrewsbury, on Wednesday 16 October 2019 at 7pm.

This concert has been inspired by the book “The Fiddle”, by Shropshire-based author Natalie Cumming, which tells the true story of a violin and its role in her family caught up in the Russian Revolution and the Holocaust. Tickets are £5, available at the door.

Mrs Cumming gave talks to local primary schools in Shropshire earlier this year, as part of Shropshire Council’s efforts to work with schools and interfaith forums to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. She assisted with the planting of the 2019 cherry tree at St Peter’s School in Wem, and talked with the children at Mereside in Shrewsbury, where the first such tree was planted in 2015.

The council has been advised by the organiser, Dr Derry Bertenshaw, that Mrs Cumming will be giving a talk about her book, whilst members of the interfaith forums will read poetry. Music is provided by Dr Bertenshaw (violin), John Bowen (piano) and Ruth Bertenshaw (soprano/ piano).

There will be readings from pupils of The Priory School, Shrewsbury, which was one of five secondary schools receiving a Holocaust cherry tree from the council in 2016. A Holocaust art exhibition by pupils of the school, produced after a visit to them by Mrs Cumming and Councillor Nic Laurens, will be on display at St Mary’s Church during the concert and throughout the week 14-18 October 2019 during opening hours (10am-4pm).

Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for communities, place planning and regulatory services, said: 

“I am delighted that this special concert of Holocaust music and poetry is taking place in Shrewsbury, building on efforts by local schools and interfaith forums to mark annual Holocaust Memorial Day, which takes place on 27 January each year. It is particularly pleasing that more people will now have opportunity not only to hear from the author and listen to the music that has been composed as a result of her book, but also to hear from local young people and from the interfaith forums.

“I understand that Mark Michaels from the South Shropshire Interfaith Forum will be reading the poem “Rosa’s Gift”, which was written by Victoria Parker, who lives in Australia and sent it in to the author and the council after she read about the book. Fran Humpage from the Shrewsbury Interfaith Forum will be reading the poem ”The Butterfly”, by Pavel Friedmann.

“I am very much heartened by the continued positive impact that words and music can have in helping us all to work together to ensure that things like the Holocaust and other genocides will be less likely to happen. We must never forget about what did happen, and that is why we come together on occasions like this and in the annual planting of a cherry tree with children in Shropshire, and why we must all strive to be kind to each other and to respect each other’s beliefs. I commend the concert to all those who may be able to attend.”

Further information

Dr Bertenshaw is the Organist at St Giles Church, Wenlock Road, Shrewsbury, and has organised this event, being held at St Mary’s in Shrewsbury. Proceeds are to go to St Mary’s Stained Glass Restoration Project. The address is just off Dogpole, Shrewsbury SY1 1DX.

The HMD 2019 events with local schools were supported by local Jewish author Natalie Cumming, whose book “The Fiddle” is about her family violin. Her aunt Rosa played the violin in three concentration camps (Mauthausen, Auschwitz and Belsen) and was part of the women’s orchestra in each camp. The violin was returned to her after being taken away on her arrival in Auschwitz. Violin maker/restorer John Dilworth restored the violin for a BBC programme The Repair Shop. It has now been donated in perpetuity in memory of her aunt and her father to the Yehudi Menuhin school. The well-known violinist, Chris Garrick, composed a piece especially for the programme called Rosa’s Wishing Waltz.

Dr Derry Bertenshaw subsequently composed a special piece of music inspired by the book, which was first performed at the Abbey in Shrewsbury on 15 May 2019.

The Priory School in Shrewsbury, which was one of the five secondary schools that had planted a cherry tree from Shropshire Council in 2016, were also able to organise a visit from Natalie Cumming, with support from Councillor Nic Laurens.

The school hosted an exhibition of work by the students following the visit from Mrs Cumming, and showed this to her, to Lois Dale as a representative of the council, and to representatives of the interfaith forums, on Friday 5 July 2019.

The background here is that Shropshire Council is continuing efforts to grow a cherry tree orchard of remembrance across Shropshire, working with primary and secondary schools and inter faith forums and local Shropshire Councillors. We identify a primary school each year, and are seeking to spread the orchard across the county.

This year’s tree was planted at St Peter’s CofE School in Wem, representing the north and east of the county. Next year, a school in the south and west will be chosen, as the council continues efforts to grow an orchard that will eventually cover all points of the compass.

We linked the HMD 2019 theme with the support given in Shropshire to Syrian refugee families making their homes here. The council utilised resources from the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust alongside resources developed by Mereside CofE Primary School, including a reading list. All schools were sent details of the resources and the annual theme.

For more information about the 2019 theme, please see resources on the HMD Trust website at www.hmd.org.uk

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The Darwin Shopping Centre, Shrewsbury

A new Shropshire boutique selling exclusive ladieswear and gifts will officially open in Shrewsbury’s Darwin Shopping Centre next Saturday (19 October 2019), with the Lord Lieutenant cutting the ribbon at 12 noon.

Teresa’s Boutique is run by Teresa Futter and will offer customers a personal service and access to international brands previously unavailable in Shrewsbury.

With a background in the equestrian world, Teresa knows a thing or two about dressing for an occasion and her clothing includes items perfect for weddings, race days and garden parties, as well as stylish everyday essentials like jeans, capes and sweaters.

Teresa said:

“We’ll stock very limited quantities, with mainly one size in each style from select brands, including hard to find labels from Spain and Belgium, so customers will always find something new and different.”

Also on sale in the shop will be a selection of bags and belts and a small selection of homeware and gifts, including perfumed candles.

Teresa’s Boutique will open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5pm.

For more information visit www.shrewsbury-shopping.co.uk.

To follow Shrewsbury shopping centres on social media, go to:

Facebook: @shrewsburyshopping
Twitter: @shop_shrewsbury
Instagram: @shrewsbury_shopping

Issued on behalf of Shrewsbury shopping centres.

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News from our partners Shropshire Chamber of Commerce

With 42 per cent of SMEs unsure about how to prepare for Brexit, Shropshire Chamber of Commerce has launched a series of free roadshows across the county to help individuals and businesses stay ahead.

The free “Five Days of Brexit Readiness” roadshow campaign will run from 21 October to 25 October 2019 across Shrewsbury, Oswestry and Telford, providing attendees with a choice of full-day and half-day courses to learn what they may need to do to prepare their businesses for potentially leaving the EU on 31 October 2019.

5 Days of Brexit Readiness

Richard Sheehan, Chief Executive of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, explained:

“Shropshire is a great place to do business, but we recognise the uncertainty Brexit has caused for many businesses — with many not knowing how, or even if, it will affect the way they operate.

“That’s why we’re pleased to be able to bring a roadshow focused entirely on providing clarity and support for our region’s business community, as well as utilising our team’s ability to provide the most up-to-date information, advice and guidance in the event of a no deal Brexit.”

Launched to run alongside the Government’s “Get Ready for Brexit” campaign, the roadshow in Shropshire will see a range of speakers discussing topics that may impact business owners, with a Q&A session and pre-booked one-to-one sessions provided.

Richard added:

“All are welcome to attend the full-day or half-day courses, and they’ll be particularly valuable to those currently or potentially operating in an export environment. Places are limited, so I’d encourage anyone interested in attending to visit Shropshire Chamber website to secure their free space.”

The Five Days of Brexit Readiness campaign has been made available through funding from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and supported by the Marches Growth Hub and Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). 

Further information

Get Ready for Brexit – Government campaign

Government research shows that only 50% of the population think it’s likely the UK will leave the EU on 31 October, 42% of small-to-medium sized businesses are unsure of how they can get ready, and just 31% of the British public have looked for information on how to prepare for Brexit.

Audiences including UK citizens intending to travel to Europe and all exporters to the EU will be targeted, alongside groups requiring particular information such as the equine industry and legal professions. Some of the key actions audiences need to take include:

• Acquiring an Economic Operator Registration and Identification number to export to the EU. Businesses that are VAT registered will automatically issued an EORI number, but micro businesses still need to register themselves.
• Obtaining the correct documents to transport goods at the border.
• Applying for the vital support packages available for businesses, such as grants.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove said:

“Ensuring an orderly Brexit is not only a matter of national importance, but a shared responsibility.

“This campaign will encourage the country to come together to Get Ready for Brexit on 31 October.

“Advertising accompanied with targeted road shows and events will drive people to GOV.UK, which has a new checker tool so audiences can identify what they need to do to get ready for Brexit quickly.

“There will be how to videos and step by step guides – so whether you are a small business owner, haulier or EU citizen residing in the UK – the actions you need to take to prepare will be clear and simple.”

Shropshire Council also has information about preparing for Brexit on its website – click here.

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Esteban Bridges inside DVD Megastore

A Shrewsbury-based buyer and seller of DVDs and computer games and consoles has high hopes for the future, having just celebrated four successful years of trading in the town.

DVD Megastore was opened by Estaban Bridges in July 2015, and is the only independent supplier of new games and consoles in Shrewsbury.

Now based on the bottom floor of the Pride Hill Shopping Centre, the business originally started in the town’s indoor market as part of the Prince’s Trust New Enterprise Initiative. Within a month they had moved into their first shop and two further moves followed, each time to bigger premises.

The story behind the creation of the shop – and its subsequent success – saw Estaban named a finalist in the Prince’s Trust NatWest Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2016.

Estaban said:

“Shrewsbury has always had an inviting and busy market hall, so the decision to start there was an easy first step to take. Soon after, Phoenix Management (Community Spaces) obtained the agreement for the enterprise zones in the Riverside Shopping Centre, and this offered a perfect opportunity for growth, which other areas didn’t offer at the time.

“As with all retail and business as a whole it’s been a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. Suppliers and customers have come and gone, but we remain positive with high hopes for the future and a determination to ride out any storm that comes our way. The support from our customers far and wide has been, and always will be, greatly appreciated.”

DVD Megastore

DVD Megastore has a wide range of customers, of all ages and backgrounds and – with more than 10,000 items on their shelves – Esteban says they have something for everyone.

He explains:

“Along with all the classics that you would expect to find we have hundreds of discontinued DVDs – films that are hard to obtain and not available of the major streaming sites. Combined with an extensive array of computer games and consoles we tick many boxes for many people.

“No-one else in Shrewsbury has got such an array of pre-owned films, box-sets, blu-rays and games all in one place.”

Since DVD Megastore opened, the business has been ever-changing in terms of products on offer, and the ways in which they’re offered, and has adapted with the times.

Esteban says:

“We removed ourselves from online selling sites and took attention away from our website to promote visits to the store. Our fixtures and fittings have grown with us so that we can max out the space we have and have as much on display as possible.”

As for the future, Estaban says that they would like a shop at least twice the size so that they can sell new and pre-owned books alongside the DVDs, computer games and consoles, as well as official merchandise.

And what does he feel is the best thing about running a small shop?

“It’s the satisfaction in seeing positive growth, seeing the regulars and having a natter! The feeling of accomplishment in being able to provide employment to local people , and also providing a service which makes people want to come in and have a browse. Overall it’s the ‘I created this’ moment!”

DVD Megastore is located on the bottom floor of the Pride Hill Centre, opposite Wilko.

For more information click here, or go to www.dvdmegastore.co.uk.

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The following planning applications will be considered by Shropshire Council’s Northern planning committee at its meeting at Shirehall, Shrewsbury on Tuesday 15 October 2019 at 2pm.

The meeting is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. To see the full agenda and reports, click here.

Pauls Moss Community Room, Pauls Moss, Whitchurch, SY13 1HH (19/03861/FUL) Re-development to include conversion of house to form cafe/community hub and flats; erection of 71 sheltered residential apartments; erection of health centre building; landscaping scheme including removal of trees; formation of car parking spaces and alterations to existing vehicular access.

Land north east of Kinton, Shrewsbury (18/00130/EIA) Erection of four poultry rearing buildings, nine feed bins, landscaping scheme and all associated works (amended description).

Proposed residential development – car park and premises, Old Coleham, Shrewsbury (19/02949/REM) Approval of reserved matters (access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) pursuant of 17/01697/OUT for the erection of a four storey development providing 43 apartments (some affordable); car parking provision.

Land east of Villa Farm, Wistanswick, Market Drayton (19/02855/REM) Approval of reserved matters (access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) pursuant of 14/04785/OUT – Erection of 1 detached local need dwelling including construction of new vehicle access.

Proposed dwelling to the north of 65 Whitehouse Gardens, Shrewsbury (19/03506/OUT) Outline application (All Matters Reserved) for the erection of 1no dwelling.

Former Ifton Heath Primary School, Overton Road, Ifton Heath, St Martins (19/03373/VAR) Variation of Condition No.1 attached to permission 18/01959/VAR to allow for the family to remain on site for a further temporary period of up to nine months.

Decisions will be made available after the meeting on our online planning register which you can search by using the appropriate reference number or keyword.

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A social worker from Shropshire has been shortlisted for a prestigious award in recognition of their outstanding work in supporting vulnerable adults.

Lindsey Chapman, safeguarding practitioner at Shropshire Council, has been selected as a finalist for Adult Social Worker of the Year in the annual Social Worker of the Year Awards, and will find out if she has won at a national awards ceremony in London in November.

Lindsey Chapman, safeguarding practitioner at Shropshire Council

The awards are organised by The Social Work Awards Ltd charity, which aims to improve public awareness and understanding of social work by showing the positive impact of social workers in the wide range of roles they undertake.

Lindsey is one of 11 finalists in the Adult Social Worker of the Year category, and the winners from each category will compete against each other to be named the ‘Overall Social Worker of the Year 2019’.

Lindsey was put forward for her work and approach with people who self-neglect and have hoarding behaviours. Lindsey has demonstrated an ability to promote a culture of personalisation, in which adults are empowered to make positive changes to improve their lives. Her approach has been commended as always being person-centred, and for being highly motivated, passionate and committed to her work. Using these skills, Lindsey has been able to effectively assist people to find their own solution and find the best outcomes for people.

The Adult Social Worker of the Year award is sponsored by Servelec and Richard Betts, Managing Director for Local Government, said: “

We are delighted to support this award which shines a light on exceptional social workers who are making a significant difference to lives of adults, often in very difficult circumstances, day in and day out. All the finalists demonstrate dedication, professionalism and passion – they truly are a credit to the social work profession.”

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change, said:-

“I am absolutely delighted that a member of our safeguarding team has been nominated for this prestigious accolade. Lindsey was put forward for her innovative work with adults who self-neglect and hoard, and has demonstrated to have made a real difference to people’s lives. I wish Lindsey all the very best at the awards ceremony.”

The Social Worker of the Year Awards are supported by Headline Sponsor Sanctuary Social Care; Corporate Partner the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) and individual category supporters Barnardo’s, UNISON, Servelec, Children’s Social Work Matters and Tees Valley Local Authority Child and Adult Services. The awards are also supported by the councils in Lambeth, Tower Hamlets, Sunderland, North Lincolnshire, Bradford, Devon, Kent, Sunderland, Hampshire and Essex.

For more information about the awards, visit www.socialworkawards.com 

Further information 

• The Social Work Awards Ltd is a charitable organisation seeking to improve the awareness, understanding and reputation of the social care sector. The registered charity number is 1144458.
• The Board of Trustees is made up of: Peter Hay CBE (Chair), James Rook (Managing Director, Sanctuary Social Care), Joanna Nicolas (Child Protection Consultant and Author), Ana Popovici (Director of Children’s Services, London Borough of Wandsworth), Rob Mitchell (Principal Social Worker, Bradford Council), Brian Walsh OBE (Chair, Camphill Village Trust), Jessica Beach (Principal Social Worker, Worcestershire County Council) and Gary Spencer-Humphrey (Senior Social Work Practitioner and AMHP, West Sussex County Council).
• The awards are open to qualified social work practitioners throughout England with a range of individual and team categories for those working in both children’s and adult services.

• The sponsors for the Social Worker of the Year Awards 2019 are as follows:
  • Sanctuary Social Care – Headline Sponsors (Overall Social Worker of the Year, Best Social Work Employer of the Year)
  • The British Association of Social Workers – Corporate Partner (Lifetime Achievement, Newly Qualified Adult Social Worker of the Year)
  • London Borough of Tower Hamlets – Category Supporter (Mental Health Social Worker of the Year)
  • Hampshire County Council – Category Sponsor (Creative & Innovative Social Work Practice)
  • Bradford Council – Category Sponsor (Student Social Worker of the Year)
  • North Lincolnshire Council – Category Sponsor (Practice Educator of the Year)
  • Devon County Council – Category Sponsor (Team Leader of the Year, Children’s Services)
  • Sunderland City Council – Category Sponsor (Team Leader of the Year, Adult Services)
  • UNISON – Category Sponsor (Team of the Year, Adult Services)
  • Barnardo’s – Category Sponsor (Children’s Social Worker of the Year)
  • Tees Valley Local Authority Child and Adult Services – Category Sponsor (Making a Difference)
  • Essex County Council– Category Sponsor (Championing Social Work Values)
  • London Borough of Lambeth – Category sponsor (Team of the Year, Children’s Services)
  • Children’s Social Work Matters – Category Sponsor (Newly Qualified Children’s Social Worker of the Year)
  • Servelec – Category Sponsor (Adult Social Worker of the Year)
  • Kent County Council – Category Sponsor (Outstanding Social Worker of the Year)

• For more information about the Social Work Awards, visit socialworkawards.com

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Shropshire Libraries are celebrating their most successful Summer Reading Challenge campaign in recent years as nearly 3,000 children signed up across Shropshire.

The Summer Reading Challenge is an annual national campaign where children are challenged to read six library books over the summer holidays. Once completed they receive a medal and certificate.

Summer Reading Challenge 2019 materials

This year’s (2019) Space Chase theme appears to have captured the imagination of children across the county with 2,804 children signing up, and 1,678 children completing the challenge. This represented an increase of 234 more children signing up, and 297 more children completing, than in 2018. In excess of 28,000 items of children’s stock were borrowed over the period of the challenge.

Summer Reading Challenge 2019 – rockets

Preparation are already underway to make next year’s challenge, which will run from mid-July to early September 2020, even better.

Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture, leisure, waste and communications, said:

“Research has shown that children’s reading suffers during the summer holidays so I’m thrilled to see that so many Shropshire children took part and completed this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.”

Summer Reading Challenge 2019 feedback

What did the participants say?

“My daughter was so excited to complete the challenge. She carefully chose the books she wanted to read and loved discussing them with me.” Parent

“I thought I was not into books but now I love books so I liked the reading challenge!!!” – aged 8

Shropshire Libraries are part of Shropshire Council.

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News from our partners NHS Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)

Tips on how to tackle common aches and pains without the need for a GP appointment are now available from health professionals at the NHS Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

A top tips guide has been produced on headaches, back pain and period pain as well as sprains and strains.

It includes advice on how to ease symptoms as well as details on treatments which can be bought from local pharmacists without a prescription. Help is also available by calling NHS 111 free from any landline or mobile 24/7.

Top tips cover minor painful ailments such as:

Headaches

Most headaches go away without the need for medication and are not a sign of something more serious. To ease a headache you can drink plenty of water, try to relax, exercise when you can and take paracetamol or ibuprofen as per the instructions.

Back pain

Back pain normally improves within a few weeks or months. To relieve symptoms stay as active as possible and try to continue your daily activities including exercises and stretches for back pain. You can also take anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen.

Period pain

Period pain is a normal part of your menstrual cycle. Being active may reduce pain, so you could try walking, pilates or yoga. A heat pad on your stomach or a light, circular massage around your lower abdomen may also help to reduce pain. You can also take ibuprofen or aspirin to help manage the pain.

Sprains and strains

Sprains and strains are common injuries affecting the muscles and ligaments. To treat them for the first couple of days, use RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevate) therapy to help bring down swelling and support the injury. Painkillers, like paracetamol, will ease the pain and ibuprofen will bring down swelling.

Please note that you should always read the patient information sheet before taking any medication.

Dr Julian Povey, Chair of Shropshire CCG, said:

“Different aches and pains are a common problem, and although troublesome they are easily managed at home.

“Paracetamol and ibuprofen are effective painkillers and can be easily picked up from a pharmacy or supermarket. Symptoms can also be eased with our self care tips which can be used at home.”

For further information on self care, please visit: www.shropshireccg.nhs.uk/health-advice/self-care.

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News from our partners Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH)

The League of Friends of the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) has donated nearly £150,000 towards three new life-saving ultrasound machines for critically ill patients.

The donation included £1,250 raised by the family of Graham Boyle from a charity football match they organised as a thank you for the care he received whilst in the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) at RSH.

Ultrasound machines – League of Friends donation

Graham, who passed away in January, had been the manager of the Shrewsbury local football team Santos, and the fundraising match involved former players that he managed. The match, held in the summer, was organised by Graham’s son Andy, daughter-in-law Louisa and wife Madge.

The family joined members of the League of Friends and Dr Ashley Miller, Consultant in Intensive Care and Anaesthesia at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, which runs RSH, to see how the new ultrasound machines work and what a difference they are making to patient care.

Dr Miller said:

“The anaesthetic and intensive care teams are delighted and extremely grateful to have received funding for new ultrasound machines for the operating theatres and the Intensive Therapy Unit from the League of Friends.

“Ultrasound is like having a window into the body so we can directly visualise blood vessels, nerves, the heart, lungs and abdominal organs. In theatre this allows us to place lines into blood vessels and to guide placement of local anaesthetic around nerves under direct vision.

“In ITU, ultrasound is incredibly useful for many applications. It allows us to see exactly how the heart is working and how treatment strategies affect this. We can see lung disease with much greater accuracy than with a chest x-ray. We can assess all the abdominal organs to look for various diseases.

“All this can be done rapidly at the patient’s bedside by the clinician looking after the patient and guide management minute to minute. It is radiation free, avoids the need to transfer critically ill patients and is available 24/7. These machines will save lives.”

Richard Lawn, Chairman of the League of Friends Executive Committee, said:-

“The people responsible for raising money for the League – our shop volunteers and staff, our fundraising team, and most important those members of the public so generous with their donations and legacies – are always delighted when they can see the money raised put to immediate and life-saving use, and this is definitely the case with this vital new equipment for ITU.

“We are also very happy to be the conduit for the Boyle family’s wonderful fundraising for a department that they felt did so much for the late Graham Boyle.”

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Released in partnership with Public Health England

Every Mind Matters – groundbreaking new platform launched to support mental health, following a pilot in West Midlands and East Midlands

• Public Health England, in partnership with the NHS, today launches Every Mind Matters, a new way of empowering people to manage and improve their mental health.
• Survey shows 83% people in West Midlands region have experienced early signs of poor mental health, including feeling anxious, stressed, having low mood or trouble sleeping in the last 12 months.
• The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have supported Every Mind Matters by voicing a special film.
• Written by Richard Curtis and directed by Rankin, the film features celebrities including Gillian Anderson, Davina McCall, Glenn Close, ‘Freddie’ Flintoff, Professor Green and Nadiya Hussain. The film will be broadcast simultaneously on ITV, Channel 4 and Sky channels.

Every Mind Matters

Public Health England (PHE), in partnership with the NHS, today launches Every Mind Matters to help people take simple steps to look after their mental health, improve their mental wellbeing and support others.

It is increasingly recognised that taking care of our mental health is as important as maintaining good physical health. A new PHE survey reveals 83% people in West Midlands region (79% in Birmingham) have experienced early signs of poor mental health including feeling anxious, stressed, having low mood or trouble sleeping in the last 12 months.[1] While these can be a natural response to life’s challenges, they can become more serious if people don’t take action – and many people wait too long.

In the West Midlands, 24% of people in the region (25% in Birmingham) who experienced signs of poor mental health waited at least six months before taking steps to manage their mental health, with 74% of those in West Midlands region who waited this long wishing they had acted sooner.

Every Mind Matters shows people the simple steps they can take to be better prepared for life’s ups and downs. The new platform, which has been endorsed by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RGCP), will enable people to create a personalised action plan recommending a set of self-care actions to deal with stress, boost mood, improve sleep and feel in control.

A special film to promote Every Mind Matters has been written by Richard Curtis and directed by Rankin, narrated by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. It shows how we can all look after our mental health and will be aired simultaneously at around 8.45pm tonight (Monday 7 October 2019) simultaneously across ITV, Channel 4 and Sky channels.

The powerful film features a range of people whose lives have been affected by poor mental health, including a cast of well-known faces: Gillian Anderson, Glenn Close, ‘Freddie Flintoff’, ‘Professor Green’, Davina McCall, Jordan Stephens, Will Young, Sir Bradley Wiggins, Nadiya Hussain, Rob Beckett, Katie Piper, Joe Sugg and Alastair Campbell.

The launch follows 18 months of planning and local and regional piloting, developed with clinical and academic experts, national mental health charities[2] and input from people with experience of poor mental health. Clinically-assured by the NHS, Every Mind Matters is evidence-based and it shows people how to build simple changes into their daily lives – such as reframing unhelpful thoughts, breathing exercises and increasing physical activity.

Insights from last year’s pilot in the West Midlands and East Midlands showed attitudes to mental health have shifted significantly, with people increasingly agreeing it’s important to look after your mental health. Testing showed people don’t feel confident to take action on their own mental health; needing accessible, practical advice on what steps they can take to look after their mental wellbeing. As a result of the Midlands pilot, a new interactive tool, ‘Your Mind Plan’ will enable people to generate a free online plan to improve their mental health. By answering five key questions, they get a tailored set of self-care actions based on their situation, to help them deal with stress, boost their mood, improve their sleep and feel more in control.

All of these actions have well evidenced impact on improving and maintaining good mental health, which can help people to feel and function better, have more positive relationships, manage difficult times and get more out of life – now and in the future.

Every Mind Matters is backed by a coalition of mental health charities and champions, including Mind, Mental Health First Aid England, Time to Change, Heads Together and the Samaritans.

This new resource is available for the public and for GPs to advise their patients to use.  The NHS will also promote Every Mind Matters to its one-million plus workforce.

Some of the nation’s biggest companies from the high street, entertainment, sport and finance have pledged to adopt Every Mind Matters for their staff, customers and fans. These include Nationwide, Greggs and the England and Wales Cricket Board, who will be empowering their staff and the public to take their mental health into their own hands and encouraging them to create their own action plan. 

Paul Sanderson, PHE West Midlands mental health lead, said:

“Eight out of 10 people in the West Midlands have experienced the early signs of poor mental health in the last 12 months – so someone within your family, friends or workplace will likely be experiencing poor mental health right now. Feeling anxious, stressed, having low moods or trouble sleeping can be a natural response to life’s challenges, but if people don’t take action, things can escalate and become much more serious.

“The Every Mind Matters online resource encourages people to take simple early steps to look after their mental health, improve their mental wellbeing, and support others who may be experiencing difficulties. There’s a quick questionnaire and the results will give people hints and tips so they can put together a personal action plan to improve their daily lives – such as increasing physical activity, learning new skills, doing something creative. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and there are always things we can do to look after our minds, in the same way we look after our bodies.” 

Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, said:

“We all have mental health just as we all have physical health, and it can vary from good to poor. Most people know how important it is to look after their physical health, and more and more people are understanding the need to look after their mental health as well, but lots of us don’t know where to start.

“That’s why Mind has been helping develop Every Mind Matters, to empower people with the tools they need to deal with everyday causes of stress, anxiety, low mood and trouble sleeping. Taking proactive steps like increasing physical activity and connecting with others can help prevent these issues developing into more serious mental health problems further down the line.

“At a time when only a third of people with a mental health problem get access to any kind of help and support, it’s important to do whatever we can to help people take steps to stay well and try and prevent mental health problems developing in the first place.

“We hope that this campaign will help increase public awareness of how we can all stay as mentally well as possible.”

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, added:-

“Good mental health is so important as it affects all aspects of a person’s life including their physical health, their social connections, education, personal relations and employment opportunities to name a few. As a rural county we have challenges around isolation which can have a significant impact on an individual’s wellbeing.

“In Shropshire, we want mental health to be openly discussed and supported, and are committed to ensuring that residents have access to opportunities that really help promote good mental wellbeing. We are therefore really excited to support Every Mind Matters, which encourages people to be more aware of their mental health and help them discover simple steps to look after their mental health and wellbeing.”

To discover simple steps for a healthier mind, create your bespoke action plan at: www.everymindmatters.co.uk

Shropshire Council has set up a dedicated page for the campaign which links people to local activities which can support their mental wellbeing. For more information visit https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/shropshire-choices/every-mind-matters/

Further information

[1] 83% of respondents reported experiencing at least one concern – low mood, anxiety, stress, trouble sleeping, social anxiety, depression, panic, obsessions and compulsions, or trauma in the last 12 months.

Shropshire Council

Mental health and wellbeing is relevant to everyone, it’s how we feel and how we cope which can change from day to day. You can have good wellbeing even if you have been diagnosed with a mental illness – it’s all about having a good quality of life. Talking things through, relaxation, physical activity and maintaining a balanced diet can help, as well as ensuring a good work/life balance by developing interests outside of work can help reduce stress and improve productivity.

Below are some examples of the work previously and currently being undertaken in Shropshire to help promote good mental health.

Healthy Lives programme

Shropshire’s Healthy Lives Programme brings health and social care providers in Shropshire together to work in partnership, to help prevent ill health. The programme focuses on key areas which impact on the population’s health and wellbeing including how, collectively, we can address issues such as loneliness, isolation and mental health. 

Social prescribing

Part of our Healthy Lives programme, our Social Prescribing work has been nationally recognised as an exemplar programme and was shortlisted for the national LGC awards.

Social prescribing is a means of enabling GPs, nurses and other health and social care professionals to refer people to a social prescribing adviser who provides the individual with motivational support and helps them to access non-clinical activities in their local community. A key feature of social prescribing is the time spent with the individual and the holistic nature of the support offered.  

You can hear how social prescribing has had a positive effect on a person’s wellbeing in this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsdsP6WfWoE

Shropshire Wild Teams

The Shropshire Wild Teams are groups of conservation volunteers who are using mental health services, primarily secondary services, as well people with learning disabilities. The Shropshire Wild Teams was originally set up with Public Health funding to engage with people leading sedentary and/ or isolated lives as a longer term preventative strategy to minimise future deteriorating health and the resulting increase in costs for further health care interventions.

Mental health training

Shropshire Council has Learning Development Officers who are certificated Instructors with Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England to deliver the MHFA programmes for;

• MHFA England Adults 2 day course – First Aiders
• MHFA England Awareness 4 hr course – 157 learners since April this year
• MHFA England Youth 2 day course – First Aiders

The team deliver training to both council staff and external organisations and have received very positive feedback from those who’ve attended the courses.

Let’s Talk mental health hubs

Shropshire’s Let’s Talk mental health hubs provide face to face information, support and advice for people experiencing difficulties relating to their mental health.

The hubs enable people to come and talk to a friendly, empathetic social care practitioner regarding the difficulties they are experiencing. The worker will look at both what works well for the client, as well as what isn’t working so well. From this there is a joint discussion around different ways that person may be able to help themselves or what additional support is available within the community. Designs in Mind at our Mental Health Day event

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0hZwDEPUdw

Shropshire Libraries

Our libraries provide of books, support and advice available to help residents to live a healthy lifestyle and manage conditions. Below is a brief overview of how libraries support people:

Books on prescription

Self-help books chosen by health staff and covering common mental health conditions such as anxiety, stress, depression, and sleeplessness.

Books on prescription for dementia

Books offering help to people living with dementia, their families and carers. Each collection includes information and advice, personal stories, and ideas for therapeutic activities.

Mood-boosting books

Reading is a great way to relax and research has shown that it can be really good for our health. Ask staff in your branch for details of books hand-picked to lift your spirits.

Health information

Books to help you manage health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease plus leaflets from support organisations. 

Family health

Information for parents and carers on raising children in good health as they grow. Your library also has picture books to help children to understand special situations such as bereavement and divorce.

Events

Regular advice events on health topics, relaxing Books Aloud sessions for adults and sociable reading groups. 

Extra support

If you are a carer or have a health condition, you are entitled to a concessionary ticket. Your library offers a wide range of large print titles, access to RNIB subscriptions and audiobooks – and if you’re struggling to get to the library, ask about the Home Library Service.

Online

Use a computer at any Shropshire library to visit the Healthy Shropshire website for all kinds of support and information on how to make healthy changes in your lifestyle. You can also find local support groups on the Shropshire Community Directory, renew and request items online and download ebooks and emagazines free of charge.

Kooth

Shropshire Libraries are now working in partnership with the online mental health service for children and young people, Kooth. Kooth is a free online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop. It can be accessed through the computers within the libraries or on their own device using the free WIFI available in all libraries. Library staff have been trained to assist with the accessing of the website. Find out more on www.kooth.com.

Further information from Public Health England

1. PHE exists Public Health England exists to protect and improve the nation’s health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. We do this through world-leading science, knowledge and intelligence, advocacy, partnerships and the delivery of specialist public health services. We are an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care, and a distinct delivery organisation with operational autonomy. We provide government, local government, the NHS, Parliament, industry and the public with evidence-based professional, scientific and delivery expertise and support.

Website: www.gov.uk/phe   Facebook: www.facebook.com/PublicHealthEngland

Follow us on Twitter @PHE_UK   @PHE_WestMids

2. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 3373 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 29th July – 13th August 2019.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all English adults (aged 18+). 

About Every Mind Matters 

3. Please use the following Dropbox link to download additional imagery and film content for Every Mind Matters Also includes instructions to embed EMM on your website:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1gibu4rswkm8shx/AAD4bgDEc3pjBEmx8D7lnXODa?dl=0

4. Every Mind Matters provides simple and practical advice to follow in order to improve mental health and deal with challenges like stress, low mood, anxiety and trouble sleeping.

5. The campaign directs people to a new, interactive tool on the Every Mind Matters website that will give people a free action plan to improve their mental health. The website also provides advice on how to help others who are struggling with their mental health.

6. Public Health England and NHS England have come together with a coalition of partners across the public and private sector to develop Every Mind Matters, including Mind, Mental Health Foundation, MHFA England, Samaritans, The Royal Foundation, Centre for Mental Health, Rethink, Time to Change, NSUN, What Works for Wellbeing Centre and Good Thinking.

7. For more information on The Cart Shed charity (re Herefordshire case studies) visit: http://www.thecartshed.co.uk/

The post Every Mind Matters – groundbreaking mental health platform launched appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

Shrewsbury will be home to a unique creative pop-up retail space this winter. The ‘Artisan Atrium’ opens on Wednesday 9 October [2019] and will be located in the former Boots Optician’s unit on the top level of the Darwin Centre.

Showcasing the work of the region’s best makers and producers, this carefully curated selection of small businesses has been chosen for their gorgeous products, each of which would make the perfect gift.

Kevin Lockwood, Shrewsbury shopping centres manager outside the Darwin Centre

Around twenty artisans will be involved at different times over the two months the space is open, so it’s well worth shoppers popping in each week to see the ever-changing line-up and discover some truly beautiful items – from colourful and eye-catching children’s clothing, to luxury chocolates, hand-printed homeware and personalised stationery and artwork.

Every business is from Shropshire and the Marches so customers will also be supporting local businesses.

Makers, designers and food producers can still secure a space in the Artisan Atrium which will be open until mid-December but will have to be quick as space is limited. Anyone interested should contact Lindsey at Buy-From on 07854 170307.

The businesses signed up so far are:

• Helen Elizabeth Design: gorgeous hand-printed lampshades,
• Danni Flowers: Contemporary turned home décor and accessories, utilising native timber sustainably felled from the Shropshire landscape.
• Tipsy Tart: Bound to get the party started with locally produced fruit liqueurs
• Sarah Lister Art: Expressive illustrations of family and pets, that would make gorgeous Christmas presents
• Marth Loves: Colourful and exciting childrenswear
• Chocoliscious: Delicious handmade luxury chocolates
• The Cheese Wedge Co: Cheese glorious cheese
• Avenue Bakes: Occasions cakes, sweets and treats
• Mustard and Gray: Handcrafted fine gifts and bespoke stationery

Press release issued by Buy-From

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