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 

Travel Vaccinations - Be Organised! ✈️ ☀️

As many of us plan to get away this year and next, it is really important to book your travel vaccinations in plenty of time

Our Nursing team would like to remind our patients of the following:

  • Please submit our travel questionnaire at least 6-8 weeks prior to travel

  • Allow at least 28 days for our reception team to get back to you

  • And bear in mind it takes at least 4 weeks prior to travel for vaccines to be effective

If your travel vaccination form is a late submission, it may unfortunately be too late for us to get you an appointment or offer vaccines. and we may have to signpost you to a private clinic. 

Further details can be found on our Travel Page.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

  1. Visit the NathNac website for details of what jabs you need

  2. Complete the Online Form by clicking HERE

  3. Allow up to 28 days to be contacted by our Reception Team who will then be able to book you into an appropriate clinic

We provide all the necessary vaccinations for travel worldwide and we are a registered Yellow Fever Centre.

Warwickshire CAVA and Stratford-on-Avon District Council online drop-in session for Southam residents

Warwickshire CAVA and Stratford-on-Avon District Council are hosting an online drop-in session for Southam residents who might be interested in finding out about what’s going on in your community, volunteering opportunities and can also provide support for any local groups around funding, volunteering and more

It will be on Wednesday 1st October at 7pm.

If you would like to join, please email socialinclusion@stratford-dc.gov.uk with your name and expressing your interest in joining the online Your Southam drop-in, and you will be sent a Teams invitation nearer the time.

Parenting Project Counselling Service – Now in Upper Lighthorne

The Parenting Project are delighted to share that their Counselling Service is now offering free 1:1 counselling for parents and carers at a new venue in Upper Lighthorne

They offer up to 18 weekly sessions with a counsellor. The service is available to parents and carers of children aged 0-19 (or up to 25 SEND) living in Warwickshire.

Counselling can help with a wide range of difficulties-from managing stress, anxiety or low mood, to coping with relationship difficulties, bereavement, or the ups and downs of family life. It can also provide support for those who have experienced challenges in the past, during childhood, or who simply need a safe space to talk and be heard without judgement.  

For more information and to complete the online referral form visit: parentingproject.org.uk/services/counselling [parentingproject.org.uk] or contact at counselling@parentingproject.org.uk

#gp #nhs #stwulfstan #southam #bishopsitchington #harbury #longitchington #stockton #napton #lighthorne

Recovery & Wellbeing Academy Courses Available: October 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/

winter vaccinations 2025

We are now gearing up to deliver Flu & COVID Vaccinations this winter - and those who are eligible will be able to have both vaccines at the same time

Flu vaccine eligibility:

From 1st September 2025:

  • pregnant women

  • all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025

  • primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)

  • secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)

  • all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years

From 1st October 2025:

  • those aged 65 years and over

  • those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book, Influenza chapter 19 )

  • those in long-stay residential care homes

  • carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person

  • close contacts of immunocompromised individuals

  • front-line workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants

Covid Vaccine eligibility

The eligibility for covid vaccines this year has changed, the focus of the programme is shifting towards targeted vaccination of those at highest risk of serious disease

For autumn 2025, COVID-19 vaccination will be offered to:

  • adults aged 75 years and over

  • residents in care homes for older adults

  • individuals who are immunosuppressed aged 6 months and over

We understand that having a weakened immune system (immunosuppression) is a lot less straight forward than the other criteria, so we've listed some of the groups here:

Organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant patients

  • Those being treated with systemic steroids for more than a month

  • Those living with HIV

  • Those receiving immunosuppressive or immunomodulating biological therapy, including children who are about to receive therapy

  • Those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy

  • Those requiring long-term treatment for immunosuppression

  • Those with a history of haematological malignancy including chronic leukaemia, lymphomas, and leukaemia

  • Those with genetic disorders affecting the immune system

ST WULFSTAN FLU & COVID CLINICS 2025

  • 27th September - 9am-1pm - FLU VACCINATIONS ONLY
    CLINIC FOR PREGNANT LADIES & CHILDREN 2-3 YEARS OLD

  • 4th October - 9am-4pm - FLU & COVID VACCINATIONS

  • 11th October - 9am-4pm - FLU & COVID VACCINATIONS

  • 18th October - 9am-1pm - FLU & COVID VACCINATIONS

  • 25th October - 9am-4pm - FLU & COVID VACCINATIONS

If you are eligible for the flu and/or covid vaccinations, you will receive an NHS App/SMS message or letter from St Wulfstan Surgery to inform you of this and to invite you to book an appointment.

Appointments can be booked:

  • Through the text message

  • By calling reception on 01926 810939, option 1

Emergency Alerts Test Sunday 7 September 2025 at 3pm

The Emergency Alerts system is used to warn if there’s a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather

Since the first national test of the system in April 2023, five alerts have been sent, including during major storms when lives were at risk. The government will be running a second national test on Sunday 7 September 2025 at 3pm

When it is tested (and used live time) it will send a loud, siren-like sound and a distinct vibration to all mobile phones, we just wanted to make you aware that this will be happening.

Chicken Pox Vaccinations

The BBC have put out a news article about chicken pox vaccinations being added to the routine schedule from January 2026 - but this is not confirmed to be happening as yet

If and/or when it is added to the schedule then we will invite patient’s appropriately, please do not call the surgery requesting the vaccination for your child.