Buckinghamshire Council has developed a new multi-agency ‘Tackling and Preventing Domestic Abuse’ training catalogue.

The training is free and for all health and care staff in Bucks, Oxon and Berks West. The aim is to increase confidence in identifying the signs of abuse and give appropriate support and signposting to victims. Some courses are virtual and others are face to face at various sites within our health system.

Topics include:  

• Domestic abuse and child neglect 
• Incels and extreme misogyny 
• Local learning from homicides 
• Spiritual abuse  

For more information and to book sign up to the ‘Reducing the risk’ hub at: Reducing the Risk Hub

The government recently agreed to withdraw the universal winter fuel payment for pensioners. The payment will now only be available to those people aged 66 and over, who are receiving pension credit or a limited number of other benefits.

Pension credit offers support for a range of household expenses including the winter fuel payment, but many people are not aware and are not claiming the support that they are eligible for. According to the government, only about 60% of eligible pensioners are claiming pension credit countrywide. This means four out of 10 eligible pensioners are missing out on benefits of up to £3,900 a year. Are you one of them?

To find out all about pension credit, including whether you or someone you know could qualify and how to apply, go to: Pension Credit: Overview – GOV.UK

Additional support and advice may also available through your local councils. They can offer emergency support, practical guidance or supply contact details for other organisations that provide food support or specialist advice.

Pump it up! is a heart and blood pressure awareness drive in Buckinghamshire kicking off with the offer of free to use health stations in Aylesbury and Wycombe. Anyone can go along and measure their blood pressure over the next few weeks. 

Find out more: Love Your Heart Bucks | Buckinghamshire Council

Leaders from across the health and social care system want your experiences of health and social care and to find out what matters to you most.

As an Oxfordshire resident you are invited to share your experiences by meeting with senior figures in the NHS and county council at community events this summer. 

See events dates and venues here: Health and Social Care Connections | BOB ICB

The Managing Emotions Programme provides interactive group courses that teaches the skills you need to cope when faced with intense emotions.

Find out more: Managing Emotions Programme (MEP) | Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

If you struggle to sleep, there are a range of support options locally including the online tool ‘Sleepio’ which the NHS is offering free to Berkshire West residents.

Find out more: Free sleep support