Health in Herts

If you're pregnant, it's important to take up the Pertussis vaccine when offered. It helps to protect your baby in their first few weeks of life, as Whooping Cough can be life-threatening & require hospital treatment. More info: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/whooping-cough-vaccination/

One in four adults have high blood pressure, but only half are aware of it. NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex have launched a campaign to encourage people over 40 who don't know what their blood pressure is, to find out. It could save your life. Learn more: hertsandwestessex.ics.nhs.uk/bp

Are you a carer who supports someone with su***de ideation or su***de attempts? There is a support group delivered by Carers in Hertfordshire in partnership with Hector’s house for adults (18+). The group meets monthly alternating between online and face to face meetings.

Carers in Hertfordshire can cover travel expenses (car or public transport) and parking charges as we know that these costs may prevent some people from coming.

For more information and how to join visit www.carersinherts.org.uk/events

Check out our latest events With the variety of workshops, classes, courses and meetings that we host, there’s something for every carer! Whether you want to learn something new, meet other carers, or have your say…

This week, Hertfordshire County Council have been hosting their first across Hertfordshire Libraries. The free drop-in events provide older residents, people with a disability and unpaid carers with information and support to enable them to live life independently and take up the practical advice that partners across Hertfordshire offer.

Don't miss out! There's still more events taking place next week from 10:30am to 12:30pm at:

⭐ Stevenage Central Library: Monday, 10 June
⭐ Croxley Green Library: Wednesday, 12 June
⭐ Bishop’s Stortford Library: Thursday, 13 June

Find out more at: https://orlo.uk/AL5Qh

HAPpy Camps will be back once again for the summer school holiday.

Children and teens living in Hertfordshire who get benefits-related free school meals can attend this fully funded holiday activity provision. Get set by popping these key dates in your diary today:

👉 4 June – Unique booking codes go out to schools from this date for distribution to parents
👉 27 June – Bookings go live from midday on this day
👉 29 July to 30 August – HAPpy Camps Summer programme runs between these dates

This June, Hertfordshire County Council are hosting their first CareFest across Hertfordshire Libraries. The free drop-in events will provide older residents, people with a disability and unpaid carers with information and support to enable them to live life independently and take up the practical advice that partners across Hertfordshire offer.

The events take place in various locations across June, with all events being held from 10:30am to 12:30pm:

⭐ Hatfield Library: Tuesday, 4 June
⭐ Bushey Library: Wednesday, 5 June
⭐ Stevenage Central Library: Monday, 10 June
⭐ Croxley Green Library: Wednesday, 12 June
⭐ Bishop’s Stortford Library: Thursday, 13 June

Find out more at: https://orlo.uk/AL5Qh

Looking for volunteer opportunities in Hertfordshire? 👇

Living with and managing persistent pain, every single day can be exhausting. Unfortunately, there simply isn’t a medication that will remove all pain. If you are worried or would like to discuss your current pain medication prescription and how to manage persistent pain more effectively, please book a pain review at your GP practice.

If you’re worried that you or someone you know could be dependent on pain medication, visit https://painkillersdontexist.com/support/resources/

Want help to quit smoking? Healthy Hub Hertsmere with Communities 1st launched a stop smoking service earlier this year 👇

Need help to quit smoking?

Pop down to Your Community Hub at 5 Leeming Road in Borehamwood and start your journey to improved physical and mental health. If you're not able to visit us, just call 0800 389 3998 or refer yourself online to a session: https://buff.ly/3TwzTlh

A free drop in space for 10-18 year olds to get some emotional wellbeing support 👇

Herts Haven Cafés in & are open throughout half term for 10-18 year olds to get some emotional wellbeing support - just drop in for a safe space to talk, no need for a referral: https://buff.ly/45XIzqe Hertfordshire Mind Network Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust Health in Herts YCT Youth Talk Signpost Rephael House Counselling Centre

What is cuckooing?

As part of a campaign to raise awareness of ‘cuckooing’ Herts Police are working with organisations across to help people understand what is and how to spot if it is happening in your community.

Cuckooing is where criminals exploit vulnerable individuals to conduct illegal activities.

To find out more about cuckooing visit: https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/cuckooing

Report suspected cuckooing by calling 101.

Measles cases are increasing. Measles spreads easily and can cause serious problems. If your child is unwell and you think it could be measles, avoid mixing with other people and speak with your GP. Check symptoms and what to do if you think you or someone in your family has measles at www.nhs.uk/measles.

Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent measles, if you or your children have not had the MMR vaccine please contact your GP.

Fifty Thrifty adventures in Hertfordshire to keep you busy over half term 👇

With the school holidays around the corner, we’ve updated our fifty thrifty list of adventures and days out in Hertfordshire to keep children, young people and families entertained – without breaking the bank: https://orlo.uk/Q4bW0

Do you know what your blood pressure is? Take a sec to check: hertsandwestessex.ics.nhs.uk/bp

This month, we're highlighting maternal mental health. Here are a few places you can find additional support or information:

👉 Home-Start Hertfordshire have a specific project for new parents struggling with anxiety and depression called Out of the Blue. This offers more practical support through home visits using a mentor scheme.
👉 Hertfordshire Mind Network have a perinatal mental health support service called Mums Matter which is a peer support groups consisting of eight online sessions, developed by mums for mums.
👉 The charity Pandas Foundation (Pre And PostNatal Depression Advice and Support) offer a free helpline for those affected by perinatal mental illness. You can book a support call through their website alongside other support such as WhatsApp and email.
👉 Hertfordshire & Mid Essex Talking Therapies can offer support for perinatal mental health through therapy services.
👉 If you live or work in Hertfordshire, you can also join the Togetherall community today for free to talk to others who understand. It’s anonymous, moderated by professionals, and available 24/7.
👉 Lastly, please speak to your GP, health visitor or midwife (if pregnant) for more immediate assistance.

Did you know that 4 in 10 adults are currently not meeting the NHS recommended physical activity guidelines, but physical activity has many proven benefits for mental health.

Why not join a free Hertfordshire Health Walks? There are more than 100 walking opportunities listed and are graded between 20 minutes and 2 hour durations. Health Walks are a great way to meet new friends and look after your mental health, whilst moving more.

Find a walk near you and see the May – August timetables here: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/healthwalks

Want to improve your knowledge of Mental Health and Wellbeing starting from 6 June 👇

As the media spotlight focuses on , do you feel comfortable in your knowledge surrounding our and ?

We all have , just as we have and at different times in our life, we may have 'good' or 'poor' health.

Join our 5-week EVENING course which explores the basics; https://ow.ly/iuhA50RFrUW

Mental Health Foundation