April is Stress Awareness Month

Stress Awareness Month returns this April and Warwickshire County Council is encouraging residents and workplaces to move from awareness to action by focusing on small, everyday changes that can improve people’s wellbeing

This year’s national theme is Be the Change. It highlights the growing impact of stress and burnout and urges people to take practical steps to protect their mental health. The month offers an opportunity to pause, reflect and make manageable changes that support long‑term wellbeing. 

Stress Awareness Month has been marked every April since 1992 and is led nationally by the Stress Management Society. The campaign aims to reduce stigma around mental health and help people turn periods of stress into opportunities to build resilience. 

Five ways to wellbeing 

As part of the campaign, Warwickshire County Council is promoting the 5 Ways to Wellbeing – an evidence‑based framework that supports positive mental health and helps people manage stress more effectively:  

  • Connect – building strong relationships with family, friends and colleagues can help protect against stress and improve mood. 

  • Be Active – regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling or gardening, can reduce stress and boost energy levels. 

  • Take Notice – being present and paying attention to the moment can help manage anxious thoughts and improve emotional wellbeing. 

  • Keep Learning – learning new skills or rediscovering old interests can build confidence and give a sense of purpose. 

  • Give – small acts of kindness or volunteering can increase wellbeing and strengthen connections within communities.  

To take positive and committed action the council is also raising awareness of the Stress Awareness Month’s  2026 30‑day challenge, choosing one small action each day that supports their physical, mental or emotional wellbeing throughout the month. 

Wellbeing for Warwickshire  

Wellbeing for Warwickshire offers easy, confidential access to mental health support through online support, community drop‑in hubs, and one‑to‑one guidance, all designed to help if you're feeling stressed, anxious, isolated, or overwhelmed. The service also provides free workshops, wellbeing tools, and digital resources to help you understand your mental health, build resilience, and stay connected while navigating the challenges of student life.   

To find out more please visit www.wellbeingforwarwickshire.org.uk  

To find out about more services and how to access support in Warwickshire visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/wellness or go to www.warwickshire.gov.uk/mentalhealth   

More information about the Stress Management Society campaign is online at www.stress.org.uk/stress-awareness-month-2026/ 

Cervical screening results coming to you via the NHS App

From 24 March, cervical screening results (including those needing further checks) will be sent directly to you through the NHS App 📱

This means:

✔️ Faster access to your results  

✔️ Secure and confidential updates  

✔️ Less waiting for letters in the post  

If you don’t open your NHS App message, a letter will still be sent as a backup - so you won’t miss important information.

👉 Download the NHS App today and turn on notifications to stay informed about your health:

www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/

👉 AND DON'T FORGET TO SWITCH NOTIFICATIONS ON when using the App

Specialist counselling and art therapy sessions on offer by Safeline

There are specialist counselling and art therapy services offered by Safeline for survivors of sexual abuse across Warwickshire

Since 1994, Safeline has been providing specialist support for:

  • Survivors of sexual abuse

  • Affected others, including parents, carers, and family members

They accept referrals for children and young people aged 5 years and upwards, as well as adults. Sessions are available face-to-face and via telephone, ensuring accessible support across the county.

Their current waiting list for adults is approximately 8 weeks.  

 

Individuals are welcome to self-refer directly to the service via their website: Home - Safeline.

All of their services are fully funded and completely free of charge.

Vinyasa Yoga in Southam on Wednesdays and Saturdays

Mark won our competition in June 2023 for a membership at Everest Fit in Southam. Now he is a qualified yoga teacher and Reiki practitioner with his own business, Asana & Aura.

Mark is running classes at The Community Hub, Galanos House - Wednesday’s at 6pm and at Southam Community Centre on Saturday’s at 8am.

Mark says:

“I offer breath lead vinyasa yoga classes in Southam which is excellent for fitness both physical and mental. I am at Galanos House on a Wednesday evening and Southam Community Centre on Saturday morning.”

Classes last for 1 hour and cost £10. For more information, please visit www.asanaandaura.com or call 07349121116

Update regarding the recent meningococcal disease outbreak

The UK Health Security Agency is continuing to investigate an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent.

As of 5pm on 17 March, 9 laboratory cases are confirmed and 11 notifications remain under investigation, bringing the total to 20. Six of the confirmed cases are confirmed to be group B meningococcal disease.

Click on the link below for more information from the gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease-confirmed-in-kent

The Men B vaccine helps protect children against bacterial infections caused by meningococcal group B bacteria (Men B).

Men B was added to the schedule in 2015 as part of the primary immunisation programme for babies. 

Unless teenagers or adults have been vaccinated privately, then they will not have received this vaccine previously. 

Parents can find out if their children are up to date via the NHS app. 

The vaccine is available privately locally if you wished to access: 

Local Private MenB Vaccine Providers (Warwickshire/Midlands)

Start Your Career As a Phlebotomist at St Wulfstan Surgery

If you would like to join an incredible, award winning team as a Phlebotomist, please feel free to apply by clicking the button below.

Start your career in healthcare as a phlebotomist at an award-wining GP surgery. We are seeking to recruit a new phlebotomist. Full training can be given, so no experience is required.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive individual to join our busy team. This is an exciting time for the practice and the successful candidate will have a fantastic opportunity to use their skills to further develop this role whilst providing a high standard of care for our patients.

Salary will be dependent on experience.

About us

At St Wulfstan Surgery, we are committed to providing exceptional healthcare services to our patients. We are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission

In 2024, and again in 2025, we were delighted to be named by the Health Service Journal as ‘Primary and Community Provider of the Year’. This is a prestigious national award and reflects the quality of work done by the whole practice team.

Our mission is to deliver compassionate, patient-centred care with a focus on excellence. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients.

Southam is a lovely market town in South Warwickshire, only 10 minutes drive from Leamington Spa and 20 minutes from Coventry and Banbury.

We serve a wonderful community and treasure the great working relationship we have with our patients.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide high-quality care to patients under the supervision of the Nurse Manager

  • Perform phlebotomy, blood pressure and height, weight and diabetic foot checks.

  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date medical records and documentation in accordance with regulatory standards.

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

  • Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuous learning.

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary package based on experience and qualifications.

  • Supportive work environment

  • Comprehensive benefits package, including NHS pension scheme and free car parking

If you are passionate about providing exceptional care to patients, we would love to hear from you.

Don't miss out on this rewarding opportunity to join our team and contribute to the delivery of high-quality healthcare services. This is a part-time role and a fantastic opportunity to build a career in healthcare for the right candidate.

Apply Now

Prostate, Cholesterol, and Diabetes Health Testing for Men & Women

Stratford-on-Avon District Council is promoting Prostate, Cholesterol and Diabetes Health Testing for Men & Women

PSA testing is available for men aged 40+, Diabetes and Cholesterol testing is available for men and women aged 18 and over.

The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust run health testing events that enable men and women to have a number of health tests from a simple blood test, allowing them to, where necessary, seek further advice or action via their GP.

The events will run from 10am until 2pm at each of the locations and residents are able to book at a discounted rate of £14 for each test. (subsidised by Stratford-on-Avon District Council)

  • Saturday 21 March at Venture House, Avenue Farm Industrial Estate, Birmingham Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 0HR

  • Saturday 18 April at Lighthorne Heath Village Hall, Valiant Close, CV33 9UF

  • Saturday 9 May at Graham Adams Centre, St James Road, Southam, CV47 0LY

  • Saturday 30 May at Wellesbourne Village Hall, School Road, CV35 9NH

  • Saturday 20 June at Shipston Scout Hut, New Street, CV36 4EW

  • Saturday 18 July at the Greig Hall, Kinwarton Road, Alcester, B49 6AD

  • Saturday 19 September at Studley Village Hall, High Street, B80 7HJ

  • Saturday 17 October at Stratford Leisure Centre, Bridgeway, CV37 6YX

  • Saturday 7 November at Henley-in-Arden Memorial Hall, Station Road, B95 5JP

spaces are limited and need to be booked in advance, click here to book

Are you looking to make new friends, exercise and enjoy the countryside?

Southam Ramblers would be delighted to meet you

They can offer:

  • A regular programme of fortnightly walks on Wednesday mornings throughout the year, mostly 4-6 miles long

  • 6-8 evening walks in the summer, finishing at a local pub (optional)

  • Occasional longer walks, mostly in the Cotswolds

  • Other social gatherings, Christmas dinner, mulled wine walk, etc.

  • A warm welcome and good company

The first three walks are treated as ‘tasters’, and there is no charge. After three walks, they expect people to join The Ramblers, who charge a modest fee.

Most of the Southam Ramblers walks are in Warwickshire, but they also travel to Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire. They meet at the rear of Wood Street car park at 9.15am or 9.30am and share cars to the start of the walk. Alternatively, some people drive to the start.

If you let Richard know on 07969 960968 that you are joining them for a walk, they will look out for you, but you can just turn up.

Walks include a coffee stop, with the option of a pub lunch for those that want it at the end.

Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Sorry, no dogs except for assistance dogs. Suitable footwear, e.g. walking boots, must be worn, as walks are often muddy and cross uneven ground. All walks are listed on southamramblers.org.uk, with postings on Southam News & Views. Members receive updates by email and WhatsApp.

Recovery & Wellbeing Academy Courses Available: February 2026

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

Coventry Adult Education Service (CAES) - Dance Spring Term 2025/26. What's YOUR Next Move?

Coventry Adult Education offers courses in their Community Learning and Leisure Programmes

Their Community Learning Programme offers a range of courses to build confidence and improve health and wellbeing. The Leisure Programme offers competitively priced courses for personal interest and pleasure.

These no longer require as much tracking of progress and achievement while still developing skills and knowledge across a range of disciplines.

To find out more information and to enrol, go to www.coventry.gov.uk/adult-education or call them on 024 7697 5200