Health and Wellbeing

People in certain vulnerable groups are eligible for a flu jab and COVID-19 booster this winter.

If you are eligible, the NHS will invite you when it’s your turn and you should make an appointment as soon as possible with your GP surgery or pharmacy for a flu jab. For your COVID-19 booster, call 119 or book through the NHS website when invited.

If you are offered both vaccines together, it’s safe to have them at the same time.

Every year, around a third of over 65s have a fall. Preventing falls should be everyone’s business, so we’re sharing some tips during Falls Prevention Awareness Week to help people stay steady.

You can do your bit for older people you know by checking their home for trip hazards, such as rugs or loose carpets. Or if you’re worried about staying steady, we have some helpful videos to help you improve your strength and balance.

Pop into Mansfield Town Football Club on Thursday 6 October (9.30am – 7.30pm) to find out more about opportunities to work with local care providers. Working in social care can be incredibly rewarding and there are roles available working with younger and older adults in care homes, home care and supported living organisations.

Bethan, who works for Caremark, said: “As soon as I did my first day, I loved it. I don’t think I could do anything else now. Every single day is different, but it’s always good fun. There’s loads of progression in the job. I love meeting my clients, helping them to stay at home and supporting them with anything they need and that’s what makes me proud to care.”

Join the thousands of people who are stopping smoking this October. If you can make it to 28 days smoke free, you’re five times more likely to quit for good.

It’s never too late to quit – stopping smoking brings immediate benefits to health, including for people with an existing smoking-related disease. On average smokers spend £38.59 a week on tobacco. So if you can quit this Stoptober, you could have around £2,000 more to spend a year.

Around one in 11 children and young people live with asthma – that’s roughly three in every classroom.

If you’re a parent, or work with children with asthma, sign up to FREE online training. It only takes 45 minutes to complete and can be revisited and completed at your own pace.