Healthwatch Derbyshire

Stopping smoking - Live Life Better Derbyshire Stopping smoking is one of the most important things you can do to help improve your health. Find out more about our free stop smoking support service

Today is national #NoSmoking day 🚭 If you're ready to #Quit then why not give your local, FREE, Live Life Better Derbyshire service a call? 0800 085 2299 or visit

Over 7,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the UK each year, two thirds late stage, with 11 dying every day.

To learn more about Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, symptoms and vital research:

targetovariancancer.org.uk/get-involved...

Did you know that 1 in 8 men receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime?

Early stage prostate cancer often shows no symptoms.

▪️ Check if you're at risk ➡️ prostatecanceruk.org/risk-checker
▪️ Information & Support ➡️ www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-aware...

We've been busy! Over the last few months, our team has been busy listening to your experiences, answering your calls, and sharing trusted health and care advice.

Share your experience in just 5 minutes and help make a difference to health and care in your area: 🔗 bit.ly/46czI3P

Eating Disorders currently affect around 1.25 million people in the UK.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026 is highlighting the importance of early intervention, access to treatment and helping reduce stigma.

For help and information visit: edaw.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

#EDAW

⏰ Next week the Derbyshire Mental Health Forum Countywide Market Stall Event takes place!

📍 Mon 23 Feb at Erewash Voluntary Action, Long Eaton.
💙 Meet local mental health & wellbeing services.
🕙 10am–3pm
👉 No booking needed

Chlamydia :: Your Sexual Health Matters Chlamydia is the most common STI. You will not always know if you have it but it’s easy to test and treat. If you’re under 25 you should get tested often.

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in young people. It can be passed on through all types of sexual contact. Getting tested is quick and easy.

You can get free, confidential tests sent to your home, from a community space, or from a clinic. Find out more: bit.ly/4hfrpda

📢 Help shape the future of adult learning in Derbyshire.

Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service is reviewing how learning is delivered across the county – and your views matter.

Now’s your chance to have your say. Take part by 22 Feb 2026 👉 www.derbyshire.gov.uk/council/have...

This week is #StudentVolunteeringWeek 🎉

We want to give a huge thank you to the students who volunteer with us and help make a real difference to health and care services in Derbyshire. Your time, energy and insight truly matter.

www.healthwatchderbyshire.co.uk/volunteer

Views on smoking from the people of Derby City and Derbyshire Between October and December 2025, we spoke to people across Derby City and Derbyshire about smoking, quitting, and awareness of local stop smoking support. The findings are being used to improve services and shape future stop smoking messaging.

New report alert! 📄

Our latest report explores people’s experiences of smoking and stop smoking support across Derby City and Derbyshire. It highlights what’s working, where improvements are needed, and what local people have told us about accessing help:

In case you missed it, take a look at our latest E-Bulletin! 🚨 This edition covers:

✅ Key reports we've recently published
✅ Upcoming events & opportunities to have your say
✅ New updates in health and care services

📩 Read it here: mailchi.mp/[xxxxxx]/hea...

💙 It's Children's Mental Health Week 2026! This year's theme, This is My Place, highlights how belonging supports kids' wellbeing. 🌟

Free resources for families & schools: www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/about/

What is SAD, and how can you manage it? Support and advice from Healthwatch Derbyshire - What is SAD, and how can you manage it? - Find out more now.

🌧 We know that winter can feel like it goes on forever, with the long nights and dark days impacting our wellbeing.

You’re not alone. SAD is a type of depression that typically occurs during the autumn and winter months due to reduced sunlight. Take a look at our advice on SAD and how to manage it

Many people living with HIV don’t have symptoms for years.
Testing is the only way to know and it’s free, quick and confidential 💙

Get a free home test 👉 freetesting.hiv

Local testing events are also taking place across Derbyshire. See poster for more details ⬇️

📍 We’ll be at the Derbyshire Mental Health Forum Countywide Market Stall Event on Mon 23 Feb at Erewash Voluntary Action, Long Eaton.

Meet local mental health & wellbeing organisations from across Derbyshire.
⏰ 10am–3pm
✅ No booking needed

The making of a Health Bill - Lord Hunt on the clashes to come HSJ Health Check · Episode

Lord Hunt recently appeared on HSJ's podcast, discussing the government’s proposed changes to health & social care. He spoke about plans that could affect #Healthwatch and questions about how public voice would be represented if these proposals go ahead.

🎧: open.spotify.com/episode/5CJD...

Keeping up with the digital world can be increasingly stressful and overwhelming for parents.

Tomorrow is Parent Mental Health Day. Need help? Find out more: bit.ly/3YN8RJn
#ScreenSmartParenting

Got the flu? 🤒 Here’s how to help yourself feel better faster!
Flu usually clears up on its own, but it can be serious for some people. The best protection is the flu vaccine if you’re eligible. 💉

➡️ Learn more: www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/

Help improve end of life care information in Derbyshire 💙

JUCD is updating the public End of Life Care Toolkit and wants your views on what information is helpful, missing or unclear.

Share your thoughts to help make information clearer and more accessible.

Take part: bit.ly/48NEirj

Kirk Hallam Connect - Active Lives Survey Kirk Hallam Connect is a local group bringing residents together to create positive change within the community. Supported by Active Derbyshire, Erewash Borough Council, and Sport England we are working together to make being active easier and more enjoyable for

Do you live in Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston? 🏡 Kirk Hallam Connect wants to hear from you!

This short 3–5 minute survey will help shape local opportunities to make being active easier and more enjoyable for everyone. Young people and adults are invited to take part: letstalk.erewash.gov.uk/kirk-hallam-...

Healthy Choices Quiz Take our quiz to see how you could improve your health and wellbeing. Take the first step today – let's do this!

Feeling better can start today. Take your first step with the free NHS Healthy Choices quiz. Whether you want to eat better, move more, drink less or sleep deeper, they've got a plan that can help.

Visit 👉 www.nhs.uk/hcquiz

Did you know cervical cancer is almost always preventable? 💙
Nearly all cases are caused by high-risk HPV – a very common virus that 80% of us will have at some point.

HPV vaccination + cervical screening = the best protection. Learn more this #CervicalCancerPreventionWeek 👉 eveappeal.org.uk/ccpw

Measles Find out about measles, a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications.

Fever, cough, runny nose, and a red rash – these could be signs of measles.

Measles is highly contagious but early detection can make all the difference, if you think you or your child might have measles, ring your GP or visit NHS 111 online for advice.

"Very grateful to Healthwatch for getting a resolution and addressing my concerns."💬

At Healthwatch Derbyshire, we are here to listen and to help. If you’re unsure where to turn for health or care advice & information, we can provide clear advice, and signpost to the right support!

bit.ly/4geXVuH

We’ll be at the FREE Ageing Well event tomorrow (17 Jan), 10am–2pm.

Support, healthier living tips, and local groups - everyone is welcome.

📍 Strutts Community Centre, Belper

Need urgent dental care? Urgent dental appointments are now available across Derby & Derbyshire – no dentist registration needed! 🦷

Call NHS 111 if you don’t have a regular dentist. They’ll guide you to urgent care if needed.

joinedupcarederbyshire.co.uk/news/thousan...

NHS vaccinations and when to have them A full list of the routine vaccinations offered on the NHS and when they should be given.

Do you know when your child needs their routine NHS vaccines?

This handy schedule shows all the recommended vaccinations from 8 weeks old to pre-school age.
Vaccines help protect your child from serious illnesses - keep their timeline on track.

👉 Find the full schedule here:

Home Care Workers’ Views on Infection Prevention and Flu Vaccines In November 2025, home care workers across Derbyshire shared their experiences of infection prevention and flu vaccination. While many understood the importance of protecting themselves and the people they support, barriers such as access, time, and information remained. We carried out this work to help improve support and uptake of infection prevention measures within home care services.

New report alert! 📝 Late last year home care workers across Derbyshire shared their views on infection prevention and flu vaccines.

While many understand the importance of staying safe, barriers like time, access, and workplace environment remain.

Read the full report here ➡️

The Palliative and End of Life Care Communities Driving Change workstream is updating the End of Life Care Toolkit for the public. Could you help give meaningful suggestions?

Share your thoughts to help make information clearer and more accessible.

👉 Take part here: bit.ly/48NEirj

Support for unpaid carers in Derbyshire If you're in Derbyshire and looking after somebody, join us for practical tips and the support of a community of unpaid carers who understand.

Do you care for someone such as your mum, dad, brother or sister?

Mobilise Online is the online platform for unpaid carers in Derbyshire. From dedicated carers coaches, to online support sessions with other carers, they have a wide range of resources available: bit.ly/3ikGCw4