Lots of support on offer from Winter Wellbeing Dudley Council is rolling out it’s Winter Wellbeing initiative once again to support everyone who may be struggling during the cold winter months, but especially targeting older or vulnerable people. As we all know winter can be a hard season for us all, but this winter is a particularly challenging one, with the energy price rises and a cost of living crisis facing us. This year’s Winter Wellbeing acknowledges this and has an emphasis this year on support with the cost of living and heating your home. There’s lots of support, information and advice on offer including practical and financial help. Booklets have been distributed to many locations and services, including libraries, Dudley Council Plus and some pharmacies. The weblink is www.dudley.gov.uk/winterwellbeing where you can find more information. Many...

Are you living with persistent or chronic pain? You are not alone. 28 million people in the UK live with longstanding pain but often it is complex and misunderstood. Flippin’ Pain™ have organised a live webinar, for Black Country residents on 10th November. The webinar will be taking place via Microsoft Teams, is free, and is the perfect opportunity to learn more about pain and start your journey to recovery. If you would like to attend, please sign up via Eventbrite here. For further details and information please visit the Flippin’ Pain events page. Many...

A new website has been launched to help young people, parent carers and school-based professionals find information about mental health in Dudley borough. https://happierminds.org.uk/ Many...

Suicide is rare, but it does happen. The good news is that a chat can make a positive difference. Creating HOPE through action is the theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day (Saturday 10 September).The advice from public health is that having a short conversation with another person can sometimes be enough to make the difference between life and death for them. ​There are more than 6000 deaths by suicide in the UK every year – an average of 16 per day. The advice from public health is that having a short conversation with another person can sometimes be enough to make the difference between life and death for them.This video (trigger warning – it is an emotional watch) from the Campaign Against Living Miserably  is a thought-provoking insight into how suicidal doesn’t always look suicidal. Health and wellbeing pageIt can feel scary when taking care of someone who is considering taking their own life, but it doesn’t have to be. A wealth of support is available on the Suicide Prevention health and wellbeing page on Connect.  As well as providing a step-by-step guide on how to help someone inside or outside of work if they display or admit to suicidal feelings, it provides a link to the free Zero Suicide Alliance training, a link for anyone who is having suicidal thoughts, and a reminder about the staff counselling service. Reach Out websiteAnother excellent resource is the Reach Out website, created by Dudley’s Suicide Prevention Partnership.  This gives advice to anyone thinking about suicide, worried about someone, or affected by suicide.WebinarEveryone is also invited to attend a World Suicide Prevention Day webinar.Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is running the webinar from 10am – midday on Friday 9 September and everyone is welcome. It will be a community-focused suicide prevention event that hears from survivors of suicide, community and national experts on suicide prevention.Register on Eventbrite to book your space.  Who to call in an emergencyIf you, or anyone you know is feeling suicidal:CALL 999 if you believe that a life is in danger and stay with the person until they are seen by a member of a mental health team CALL Black Country Mental Health Helpline 0800 008 6516 to talk to someone 24/7 or text them on 07860 025281CALL Samaritans 116 123 to talk to someone 24/7 Many...

The Home Office has today (10 August), published updated guidance on fire safety tips for disabled people and those who care for them. It provides practical advice and tips that will help protect those with disabilities from the risk of fire. Guidance: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1097046/Sight__Hearing_Mobility_-_Web_accessible__Updated_.pdf https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-for-people-with-sight-hearing-or-mobility-difficulties/fire-safety-for-people-with-sight-hearing-or-mobility-issues-accessible-version https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-for-people-with-sight-hearing-or-mobility-difficulties#full-publication Many...

We have  number of great things that are happening in the borough to celebrate the biggest international sporting event ever to be held in the region. As part of the Games the borough is receiving the Queens Baton Relay on Sunday 24 July 2022 (1.30pm – 7.15pm). The relay will be visiting several locations in the borough culminating in a fabulous free celebration event at the Waterfront, Brierley Hill.Running from 12pm to 8pm, the event will include a huge range of family-fun activities. In addition, we are hosting a number of free festival events, which we have combined with our Play Week from 1 – 7 August, for all the family to enjoy and watch the games live on giant screens. For more information on the events in the borough please visit www.dudley.gov.uk/commonwealthgames The Communication and Public Affairs Team Dudley...