Healthwatch Tameside ebulletin 1 February 2021

If you have feedback about these topics, or any recent experiences about health or care services you think we should know about, give Healthwatch Tameside a call on 0161 667 2526. Or email info@healthwatchtameside.co.uk

There's also a chance to tell us about your experience of using (or trying to use) any health and care services recently.

Every Mind Matters

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has meant that life has changed for all of us for a while. It may cause you or your loved ones to feel anxious, stressed, worried or frustrated. It’s important to remember it is OK to feel this way and that everyone reacts differently.

In support of Public Health England’s Every Mind Matters campaign ‘Make Inside Feel Better’, NHS Tameside and Glossop Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) wants adults, especially those most at risk of mental health problems, to create a free NHS-approved ‘Mind Plan’ (a quick and free interactive tool offering tailored mental well-being advice) and to access the support available on their website.

Research shows that since the start of the pandemic there has been an increase in a range of mental health conditions for adults, from low wellbeing, sleep problems and anxiety to depression.

Dr Asad Ali, Co-Chair at NHS Tameside and Glossop CCG, said: “There are lots of things we can all do to look after our own mental health and help others, to prevent anxious, stressed, worried or frustrated feelings from becoming more serious. When things aren’t so good out there, make inside feel better – that’s the message we want to get across to local people in our communities.”

Tameside and Glossop Healthy Young Minds (HYM) would like people to complete this survey if they have experience of the HYM service. You could be a young person who has used the service, a family member or carer of someone who has used the service, or a professional who refers people into the service. This is to help them understand your experience of the service and ways in which they might improve their support.

Online communication courses for family carers of people living with dementia in Greater Manchester.

Did you know the Be Well team can help if you want free lifestyle support around stopping smoking, eating healthier, weight management and physical activity?

Covid-19 vaccine. The NHS will get in touch when it's your turn.

COVID-19 vaccinations

Information about the new vaccine is available at https://tamesideandglossop.nhsvaccinations.co.uk/ , www.tameside.gov.uk/covidvaccine and www.tameside.gov.uk/covidvaccine/faqs.

If you receive a letter inviting you to one of the national vaccination centres, please do not panic if this is too far to travel. You will also be invited to receive the vaccination closer to home by your GP, and it is OK to wait for this.

The vaccination is free - you will not be asked for payment or for your bank details. Watch out for scammers, please.

Additional information can be found on the government website at www.gov.uk/government/collections/covid-19-vaccination-programme

Tameside COVID-19 Rapid testing Are you eligible?

COVID-19 update

Rapid testing - this is targeted COVID-19 Rapid Testing for key workers with no symptoms. More information is available at www.tameside.gov.uk/rapidtesting

For information on the latest restrictions for Tameside, local support, advice and service changes, visit: www.tameside.gov.uk/coronavirus