Plus: It's Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and do you want to learn how to grow fruit and veg?
View this email in your browser
Improving and protecting health and reducing health inequalities.
Newsletter header. Text: Health and wellbeing news and updates.
** Do you need mental health support or advice?
------------------------------------------------------------
NHS Connection is Dorset's round-the-clock 24/7 helpline for people of all ages, anywhere in Dorset, who need to talk to someone about their mental health.
You can also phone NHS Connection for support and advice about a friend or family member experiencing poor mental health. The friendly professionals at the helpline are on hand to listen, without judgement.
Call NHS Connection any time on 0800 652 0190.
In this video, the NHS shares step-by-step instructions on how to use the bowel cancer screening FIT kit and what the test detects.
** If you’re sent a bowel cancer screening kit, put it by the loo. Don't put it off.
------------------------------------------------------------
April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Bowel cancer
is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in the UK.
The NHS bowel cancer screening
'FIT' test is simple to complete and can be done in the privacy of your own home. The test detects blood in the poo which can be from many things including piles, polyps or sometimes cancer. Removing polyps in their early stages can prevent bowel cancer.
Anyone aged 60 to 74 who lives in England and is registered with a GP will be sent a test in the post automatically, every two years. The programme is also extending to include all 50 to 59 year olds by 2025.
If you’ve been sent a free bowel cancer screening test kit, take the test, and return it. Finding bowel cancer at its earliest stage means it’s treatable and beatable.
** Want to learn how to grow fruit and veg?
------------------------------------------------------------
Grounded Community is a food growing charity based in Boscombe, who provide residents with access to healthy, nutritious food. The charity grow fruit and veg for the local community, provide workshops and community events, redistribute food surplus and create networks to help others share food.
Based at their Secret Garden, behind St Clements Church in Boscombe, they also run weekly walk-in volunteer sessions every Monday and Friday morning from 9am-1pm. All are welcome to drop-in and learn about growing fruit and veg, as well as meet new people and connect with nature, no booking needed.
Grounded Community also offer many other fun and educational workshops, such as beekeeping, composting, food growing for advanced gardeners and nature play sessions for under 7's. For more information about the charity and to find out more about their projects and upcoming events, visit
** Are you worried about a loved one's drug or alcohol use?
------------------------------------------------------------
Our health and wellbeing can be heavily affected by alcohol and drug substance abuse, short-term and long-term. Addiction can also affect our relationships with loved ones.
If you're worried about your own or someone else's drinking or drug use, free and confidential support is available. Taking that first step to recovery is the hardest one, but no one has to do it alone.
* For Dorset Council residents, contact REACH
- 0800 043 4656
* For BCP Council residents, contact WithYou
- 01202 558855
** Are you looking for ways to improve your wellbeing and connect with nature?
------------------------------------------------------------
Join Bournemouth Parks in Mind this spring for a new six-week creativity, nature and wellbeing course.
On Tuesday mornings, starting on 23 April, this free course provides the opportunity to meet new people, discover simple ways to boost your wellbeing, enjoy creative activities and learn about the Five Ways to Wellbeing. Email peter@parksfoundation.org.uk to find out more and book your place.
For more information about the Parks in Mind project and to view their programme of events for April, visit parksfoundation.org.uk/parks-in-mind
.
============================================================
** Twitter
** Facebook
** Instagram
** LinkedIn
** Website
Copyright © 2023 Public Health Dorset, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this message because you subscribed to this e-newsletter topic.
Our mailing address is:
Public Health Dorset
County Hall
Colliton Park
Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1XJ
United Kingdom
Want to change how you receive these emails?
** Update your preferences or unsubscribe from this newsletter
** Unsubscribe from Dorset Councils News
** Sign up for other topics from Dorset Councils News