Dementia Workshops and Play

Arts Uplift are running Dementia Awareness Workshops in Coventry, Nuneaton and Rugby on the back of a play called ‘Navigating Margaret’ which is showing in Coventry and Leamington Spa in November

Based on real-life stories from people affected by dementia that we gathered from Arts Uplift’s successful Suitcase Stories project in partnership with Museums Worcestershire, Navigating Margaret, is an exciting theatre production about a Worcestershire woman’s journey living with dementia and how it affects her family.

The workshops use excerpts from the play, plus interactive activities to offer a low pressure, hands-on introduction to dementia.

Live performance

Pay what you can. All donations appreciated.

14 November 7pm – Sikh Cultural & Sports Centre, Leamington Spa, CV31 3LZ

17 November 10.30am – Indian Community Centre, Cross Rd, Coventry, CV6 5GP

21 November 7pm, Ecumenical Centre, Redditch,B97 4EX

There will be a Q&A session following each play.

 

Dementia Awareness Workshops

14 November 2.30-4.30pm – Sikh Cultural and Sports Centre, Leamington, CV31 3LZ- Pay what you can

17 November 3-5pm- Holy Trinity Church, Coventry, CV1 5EV-Pay what you can 

18 November 10-12 noon- Rugby Baptist Church, Rugby, CV21 2PJ- Pay what you can 

18 November 2.30-4.30pm- Nuneaton library, Nuneaton, CV11 4DR- Pay what you can

19 November 10-12pm- Hastings Care Home, Malvern, WR14 3NA- £10* including refreshments

19 November 2.30-4.30pm- Tolly Community Centre, Worcester, WR4 9QW- £10* including refreshments

20 November 10-12 noon- Deer Park Care Home, Ledbury, HR8 2XW- £10* including refreshments

20 November 2.30-4.30pm- Belmont Community Centre, Hereford, HR2 7UQ £10* including refreshments

21 November 2.30-4.30pm- Ecumenical Centre, Redditch, B97 4EX- Pay what you can

*plus £1.12 booking fee

 

BOOK NOW or find out more here

ROADWORKS & HEAVY TRAFFIC IN SOUTHAM

There are currently lots of roadworks and temporary traffic lights up around Southam, both on the Southam Bypass (roundabout) and on Market Hill

This is causing significant delays in travel, so please allow plenty of time to get to the surgery for your appointments, even if this means you have to leave 10 minutes earlier than planned.

Our waiting room is nice and warm should you arrive early!

Arc Woodland Wellbeing Course in Radford Semele

ARC (www.arccic.co.uk) are pleased to announce dates for three Woodland Wellbeing Courses, the first starting on Weds 5th November.

These 7-week courses of 1 day per week are aimed at people struggling with mental or physical health, loneliness or on an addiction recovery journey. The courses are held in a beautiful woodland outside Leamington Spa. Sessions guide people to deepen their connection to nature, feel supported by a community of peers, and explore ideas for new activities they might pursue after the course ends.

Recovery & Wellbeing Academy Courses Available: November 2025

The Academy offers a wide range of courses and workshops designed to empower your mental health and wellbeing, provided by a number of partner organisations working together

Courses are delivered face to face and online via Zoom. All Academy courses and workshops are completely FREE OF CHARGE and open to anyone over the age of 18 living in Coventry and Warwickshire who wants to better manage or understand their mental health and wellbeing.

To book visit: https://www.recoveryandwellbeing.co.uk/

Wear It Pink Day 2025

24th October 2025 is Wear It Pink Day, as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This year, the St Wulfstan Surgery Team are taking part and we are partnering with Coventry Building Society in Southam, where Dr Viswanathan will be to talk all things breast cancer from 10:30-11:30am!

Please pop in for a chat, there will be homemade cakes and drinks available too!

Coventry Recovery Alliance - 29th October 2025

Join the Coventry Recovery Alliance – Building a Stronger Recovery Community Together! 🌟

Do you live in Coventry and care about Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery — whether it’s your own journey, supporting a loved one, or simply wanting to make a difference? Then the Coventry Recovery Alliance is for you!

We’re all about bringing people together — individuals in recovery, lived experience groups, families, and supporters — to share experiences, strengthen connections, and create new opportunities across our community.

Whether you’ve just taken your first step into recovery, have years of experience, or simply have a passion for helping others, you’re welcome here.

💡 Why get involved?
The Coventry Recovery Alliance isn’t just about connecting — it’s about empowering.
There’s funding available for lived experience groups to help bring your ideas to life — from starting your own meeting space, running creative activities, or planning day trips that bring people together.

We’re also looking for community members to join our Recovery Panel, a team that helps review and approve funding opportunities for local groups. It’s a fantastic way to have your voice heard and help shape Coventry’s recovery community.

📅 Come and find out more!
Join us at the Coventry Council House
🗓 Wednesday 29th October
🕠 5:30pm – 6:45pm

Meet others, share ideas, and find out how you can be part of something that’s making a real difference in Coventry.

Let’s build a stronger, more connected recovery community — together. 💙

 Click the link below to book your slot!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coventry-recovery-alliance-launch-event-tickets-1813624713339?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

 

Support available for all this Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence (DV) Awareness Month. The month-long campaign gives anyone who needs encouragement to come forward. For this year, the theme is ‘With survivors, Always’, a nod to the solidarity held by many in Warwickshire

Domestic Abuse is recognised as a major public health issue in Warwickshire. Whilst women and children are recognised for high numbers of DA incidents, DA also impacts men, LGBT+ individuals and people with disabilities.  

Domestic Abuse is an offence, as such Warwickshire Police will act accordingly, and may result in a custodial sentence for the perpetrator. Victims can report domestic abuse by calling 999 or 101 in non-emergencies.  

If you are suspicious of your partner or an ex-partner, you can approach the Police to release information under Claire’s Law. Claires law, officially known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), allows individuals to request information from the police about whether a current or former partner has a history of abusive or violent behaviour, helping people make informed decisions about their safety.  

Warwickshire Police provides clear and compassionate guidance for anyone affected by domestic abuse. They define domestic abuse as any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, or violent behaviour between people who are or have been intimate partners or family members. This includes physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse. 

Under Clare's Law you can: 

  • apply for information about your current or ex-partner because you're worried, they may have a history of abuse and are a risk to you 

  • request information about the current or ex-partner of a friend or relative because you're worried, they might be at risk 

Please note: The Clare’s Law (DVDS) scheme does not replace: CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) Checks, DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks, subject access requests or FOI requests.

This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the message for anyone who is going through physical and emotional abuse, please seek out support via the Talk2someone website.

There is a variety of support across Warwickshire for everyone. Refuge provides the county’s Warwickshire Domestic Violence and Abuse Accommodation and Support Service, on behalf of Warwickshire County Council.

Refuge- Warwickshire Domestic Violence and Abuse Accommodation and Support  

Service Offering vital support to all genders and backgrounds, Refuge is able to help anyone affected by domestic abuse. This includes  

  • access to emergency refuge accommodation  

  • outreach support in the community  

  • an independent domestic violence advocate(IDVA) for those at high risk of harm.  

In addition to the above, Refuge also provides a pioneering model of dispersed accommodation, consisting of self-contained properties located throughout Warwickshire. The accommodation allows for safety and private spaces for anyone who may face barriers to a traditional refuge setting. These groups include: 

  • male victim-survivors 

  • LGBT+ victim-survivors 

  • larger families 

  • people with disabilities 

  • older individuals 

  • those with pets  

Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available on 0808 2000 247 for free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A live chat service is also available from 10am to 10pm, Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 6pm on weekends. For further information and advice, visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Safeline 

Safeline is a specialist charity based in Warwickshire that provides vital support to individuals affected by or at risk of sexual abuse, including those impacted by domestic abuse. Established in 1994, Safeline offers a comprehensive range of trauma-informed, person-centred services that are free, confidential, and available long-term. These services are accessible to anyone aged 3 and above and are designed to empower survivors to make informed choices about their lives. 

For those affected by sexual abuse or sexual violence, Safeline provides: 

  • Specialist counselling and therapeutic support tailored to survivors of sexual abuse and trauma. 

  • Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) who offer practical and emotional support, including guidance through the criminal justice system. 

  • Helpline and text support, as well as online services via email and live chat, ensuring accessibility for those who may not feel safe speaking in person. 

  • Prevention and education programmes aimed at reducing the risk of abuse and supporting recovery. 

Safeline’s services can be accessed face-to-face or remotely, depending on individual needs. Please contact them via phone at 01926 402498, text 07860 027573, or visit www.safeline.org.uk  

RoSA 

RoSA, a specialist organisation, provides trauma-informed counselling, Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) services, and holistic support to anyone affected by sexual violence—whether they reside in Warwickshire permanently or temporarily. In addition, RoSA ensures that survivors and their families or caregivers, regardless of age or gender, have access to specialised support, no matter when the abuse occurred. The ISVAs can support with reporting options, but you do not have to report to the police to access the service; any support you receive is always your choice. 

To find out more you can visit https://rosasupport.org/ or call  01788 551151. 

Sexual Abuse Referral Centre (SARC) 

The Blue-Sky Centre is one of the SARCs in Warwickshire, based in George Elliott Hospital, Nuneaton.  

The specialist trained team at the Blue-Sky Centre will take your initial call. If you have undergone assault and or abuse, you will need to contact the SARC within the first 7 days. If you are unsure of the dates, then please contact the SARC who will be able to advise you. 

A crisis worker will then listen to you and go through your options, you may decide you want to undergo a forensic medical examination. The examination will be undertaken by a Forensic Medical Nurse who will examine you and take some samples (swab/blood tests). The team will work at a pace that is comfortable to you. The team will also provide practical and emotional support and can refer you to a counsellor.  

The Blue-Sky Centre can be contacted on 0800 970 0370. All calls are confidential. To find out more go to www.blueskycentre.org.uk  

Help and advice is still available if you don’t want to undergo an examination or visit the SARC.  

World Mental Health Day – Community Walk in the Park, Friday 10th October

Join the Violet Project in Coventry for an evening walk to mark World Mental Health Day on Friday 10th October. Let’s come together as a community to support wellbeing, enjoy the fresh air, and connect with one another

All services welcome to come along on the walk and mingle!

✨ Free Event

🗓️ Friday 10th October 

⏰ 5.30pm start 

📍 War Memorial Park- CV3 6PT (Meet 5.15pm in main car park) 

 

💡 Free glowsticks provided

🥤 Refreshments available

🐾 Kids and dogs (on leads) welcome!

 

Whether you come to reflect, to chat, or just to enjoy a peaceful walk, you’ll be part of something special. 💚

 

Let’s walk together for mental health. 💬👣

AskSARA website supports healthy ageing

People looking to maintain independence and wellbeing as they age are encouraged to explore the AskSARA website

AskSARA is a free online self-help guide offering personalised advice and support for those facing mobility challenges, difficulties with personal care or pain management, looking to reduce reliance on others or simply wanting to stay safe and active at home.

check out asksara

Let’s quit smoking together this Stoptober!

Set your quit date for the 1 October and Smoke Free Coventry and Warwickshire will help you stop smoking

Smoke Free Coventry & Warwickshire will be with you throughout Stoptober, offering free support, stop smoking aids and medication. 

You’re five times more likely to quit for good after the 28 days of Stoptober - so make 1 October the first day of a smoke free life.  

quitting smoking starts here

World Alzheimer's Month 2025

All of September is the global campaign, World Alzheimer’s Month. The theme for 2025 is ‘Time to Act on Dementia, Time to Act on Alzheimer’s’.  The aim is to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Society identifies 10 early warning signs of dementia to look out for. These include:  

  • Memory loss – especially forgetting recent events 

  • Difficulty concentrating or solving problems 

  • Struggling with familiar tasks – like using appliances or managing money 

  • Confusion about time or place 

  • Problems with vision or spatial awareness 

  • Language difficulties – trouble finding the right words 

  • Misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps 

  • Poor judgment or decision-making 

  • Withdrawal from work or social activities 

  • Mood or personality changes – becoming anxious, irritable, or depressed 

It’s important to speak to a GP if any of the above are recognised symptoms.  Early diagnosis can lead to better outcomes, access to treatment, and more time to plan for the future. 

In Warwickshire, over 8,500 people are estimated to be living with dementia. Nationally, around 1 million people in the UK are living with dementia.

A recent survey from the 2025 Alzheimer’s Society survey highlighted that 42% of people with dementia feel ashamed or stigmatised by their symptoms and 73% feel anxious or worried about living with dementia.  

The Warwickshire County Council Living Well web-pages offer helpful resources for people with Alzheimer's by promoting mental stimulation through reading, puzzles, and brain training. You can also find the Gamechanger app, developed by the Alzheimer’s Society and the University of Oxford, which provides brain games that contribute to dementia research while supporting cognitive health. 

You can find out more about the services provided by Warwickshire County Council through Dementia Connect or Warwickshire’s Living Well with Dementia website. 

The Dementia Connect service in Warwickshire provides all the resources and support you need to understand the effects of dementia and how you can help provide care for someone with dementia. 
 
Warwickshire’s Living Well with Dementia offers all the support and resources you need in one place. Here you can find information about dementia, a map of services at district and borough level with details of all the services in the area: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/dementia 

Further details about services, support and living well with dementia can be found on Warwickshire’s Living Well with Dementia website, www.warwickshire.gov.uk/dementia or by emailing: dementia.connect@alzheimers.org.uk 

For more information if you have worries about your memory, visit the Alzheimer’s Society website: www.alzheimers.org.uk/memoryworry 
 
Find out more about the benefits of early diagnosis, www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/early-diagnosis-benefits 
 
For tips and advice about healthy ageing and tips to keep yourself mentally alert, visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/falls-prevention/brain-training 
 
For more information and support, visit: www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementiaconnect or call 0333 150 3456 
 
To find out more about Dementia Connect, please visit: https://api.warwickshire.gov.uk/documents/WCCC-684757548-673Tel: 0333 150 3456 or email: dementia.connect@alzheimers.org.uk