A Better Medway

27/02/2026

MMRV is now part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme, replacing the MMR vaccine. It protects against measles, mumps, rubella - and now chickenpox.

Vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of serious illness and protect children as they grow.

Your GP will be in touch when your child is due their appointment

🔗 https://orlo.uk/aMj5B

26/02/2026

Local midwife Nicola Johnson explains why getting your maternal vaccines will protect you & your baby against flu, whooping cough & RSV. 👶

Talk to your pharmacy, GP or community midwife about the walk-in service at Maritime Hospital.

https://orlo.uk/P3QBq

Medway NHS Foundation Trust Medway Maternity

25/02/2026

🦷 Have you heard of the supervised toothbrushing programme?

We provide free training and resources allowing early years settings to support children with two minutes of independent toothbrushing in the setting each day, helping to normalise daily brushing and promote good oral health habits.

We’ve had some fantastic feedback from families saying the programme has also helped children brush more confidently at home.

Our Supervised Toothbrushing Programme is completely free and available to nurseries, preschools, childminders and reception classes in Medway with children aged 2–5. Staff receive training, resources and ongoing support.

✨ Parents:
If your child’s setting isn’t taking part yet, please ask them to get involved!

✨ Early years settings:
We’d love to support you to join. Email us to sign up and help create healthier smiles across Medway 😁

For more oral health information visit: https://www.medway.gov.uk/oralhealth

24/02/2026

Small checks can make a big difference.

Heart MOTSs are available through the Healthy Workplace Programme, helping staff understand their blood pressure and take positive steps towards better heart health.

Free support for Medway employers — and healthier outcomes for staff.

👉 Learn more: https://orlo.uk/ApZ3P

20/02/2026

🌟 Hey Medway parents‑to‑be! 🌟
Growing a tiny human?
Want to feel more confident, calm and prepared for life with your new baby — all from the comfort of your sofa? 🛋️👶

✨ Join BumpClub Online! ✨
Our FREE, friendly programme is here to help you learn all the good stuff about caring for your little one.
Get ready for:
🍼 Top tips on feeding your baby
😁 Keeping little gums and teeth healthy
😌 How to manage stress (yes, even when pregnancy brain kicks in!)
🥣 Weaning advice you’ll actually use
⛑️ Baby first aid basics
…and loads more helpful, feel‑good support from experts who get it.

No travel, no stress — just you, your bump, and some genuinely useful baby-care knowledge. 💛

📅 Join us online and start your BumpClub journey!
✨ Friendly faces. Real advice. Big support.
Starting 23 Feb
Sign up today — your future self (and your baby!) will thank you
👉 https://forms.office.com/r/UcBgC7f9XW

20/02/2026

🌟 Congratulations, Ruth! 🌟

A huge well done to Ruth for completing the FaME (Falls Management Exercise) class and receiving her certificate! 👏

FaME is designed to help improve strength, balance and confidence - supporting people to stay stronger for longer and reduce the risk of falls. Ruth has shown fantastic commitment throughout the course, and we're so proud of her achievement. 💪✨

Are you interested into what FaME has to offer?
👉 Fill in our referral form to get started: https://forms.office.com/e/jC4VhvRN4H

18/02/2026

Last week £650,000 worth of illegal to***co and vapes were seized by Trading Standards and Public Protection Officers in .

You can report the sale of illegal to***co here: https://www.medway.gov.uk/IllegalTobacco

17/02/2026

Is your teenager due the HPV jab?

The HPV vaccine helps protect young people from several types of cancers. All teens are offered it in Year 8 through their school’s vaccination programme, and parents/carers will need to complete an online consent form beforehand.

If you’d like to understand how the vaccine works and how to support your child, the HPV Inform website has evidence based information to help you feel confident and informed 👉 https://hpvinform.com/

Protecting my teenager from HPVThis film provides parents with information about HPV and the HPV vaccine.

16/02/2026

🧠 Have Your Say: Perinatal Mental Health in Medway

Medway Public Health want to hear from local residents about perinatal mental health — the emotional wellbeing of parents during pregnancy and after birth.

💬 Why your views matter

We want to understand:
• What people in Medway know about perinatal mental health
• How parents feel talking openly about their wellbeing
• Whether stigma or worries stop people seeking help
• What support families feel is needed

Your feedback will help us improve local services, so they are accessible, inclusive and right for all parents and families

🗓️ Survey deadline
The survey is open until 26 February 2026

🎁 Prize draw
Everyone who completes the survey can choose to enter a prize draw to win one of three £50 Amazon vouchers

👉 Take part here:
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/XK3JGZ/

15/02/2026

🌟 Pregnant in Medway? Let’s talk about feeling healthy, strong and full of energy! 🌟
Did you know that looking after your weight during pregnancy isn’t about dieting — it’s about nourishing you AND your growing baby? 💛
Small everyday choices can make a big difference, like…
🥗 Eating colourful, tasty meals
🚶 Enjoying gentle movement (a short walk totally counts!)
💧 Staying hydrated
😴 Getting plenty of rest
💬 Asking for support when you need it
Your body is doing something incredible — you deserve to feel your best while it does! 💖

If you’d love tips, support, and learn more about healthy habits in pregnancy, BumpClub Medway is here to help.
Join the next FREE evening online programme starting 23 Feb
Book your place now: https://forms.office.com/r/UcBgC7f9XW
✨ Healthy mum, healthy bump, happy you! ✨

15/02/2026

As comes to a close here are some top tips to support children and young people's mental health :

- Have a break from their mobile or screen
- Make time to exercise or get outdoors
- Have a set bedtime routine during the school week
- Find a hobby - mindfulness is a great way to escape from the stresses of the day
- Take time to check how your child is feeling
- Give your child praise to help boost the way they feel

However in an emergency call 999 if you or another person are in immediate danger or 111 (and select option 2 when asked) if you're experiencing a mental health crisis.
We want children to thrive in Medway and all our services are free and most are open 24/7.

13/02/2026

If your child or young person is feeling anxious, our Release the Pressure service can help.
Release the Pressure is a free, confidential 24-hour service. Support is available whenever they need it.

Text the word ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for confidential, expert support.
Alternatively, they can phone for free on 0800 107 0160 (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).