Healthwatch West Berkshire

16/11/2025

This month is about to raise awareness of lung cancer - the UK’s biggest cancer killer and to remind everyone that early detection saves lives.

Key facts:

- Lung cancer can affect anyone; smokers and non-smokers alike.
- When found early, treatment is much more effective.
- Persistent coughs, breathlessness, or unexplained tiredness should never be ignored.

Be aware of the signs:

- A cough that won’t go away (lasting 3+ weeks)
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
- Coughing up blood

If you notice any of these symptoms, speak to your GP, even if you think it is nothing serious.

Have you or someone you know been impacted by lung cancer?
What do you think can help raise more awareness?

Share your thoughts below and help spread the message this Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

14/11/2025

November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month.

This month is a reminder that it’s okay not to be okay, and it’s always okay to talk about it. Too many men still suffer in silence, feeling they have to 'stay strong' instead of reaching out for help.

Did you know?

- 1 in 8 men experience a mental health problem such as anxiety or depression.
- Men are less likely to seek support, yet more likely to die by su***de.
- Talking, listening and checking in can make a huge difference.

What can help:

- Regularly check in on your friends, colleagues and family.
- Be open about your own struggles - it helps others feel less alone.
- Reach out for help early - from your GP, counselling, or local support groups.

No one should face mental health challenges alone.

What do you think helps men open up about their mental health?
How can we all do more to support each other?

Share your thoughts below and help raise awareness this Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month.

13/11/2025

Have your say on mental health care in Berkshire

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust want to hear from young adults aged 18–25 who have accessed or are currently accessing adult mental health services in Berkshire.
They would also like to hear from carers or relatives supporting someone in this age group who has, or is accessing mental health support.

Your experiences matter. By sharing your feedback, you’ll be helping them improve services and shape future support for others.

The survey is anonymous and takes just a few minutes to complete.

Take part now and help them make positive changes:

Thank you for taking part in this survey to help us understand and improve the experiences of younger adults accessing mental health services in Berkshire. Your feedback will help us make positive changes.  Please note, this questionnaire is anonymous. Questions are asked about your gender and....

13/11/2025

It is Movember - Men’s Health Awareness Month!

This November is about raising awareness of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s mental health. It’s a reminder that taking care of your health is just as important as taking care of everyone else’s.

Did you know?

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK.

1 in 8 men will be diagnosed in their lifetime.

Early detection can make treatment far more effective.

✅ Check in on yourself and others:

Know your risk - if you are over 50 (or 45 with family history), talk to your GP.

Don’t ignore changes or symptoms - early action saves lives.

And remember, it is okay to talk about how you are feeling - physically or mentally.

Whether you are growing a moustache, getting active, or simply starting a conversation - every action helps raise awareness and saves lives.

Have you or someone you know joined the Movember movement?
What does men’s health mean to you?

Share your thoughts in the comments and help us keep the conversation going!

13/11/2025

West Berkshire Council are having a series of 'Lets Talk sessions. Aimed at anyone who would like to ask questions, but not sure where or how to get the support they need.

The council say:

"We know that accessing council services and getting the right support can sometimes feel overwhelming. That's why we run regular Let's Talk events across West Berkshire - so you can speak to someone face-to-face, get advice, and find the help you need."

Drop in and chat to us next week:
• Monday, 17 November - 1pm to 3pm at Calcot Foodbank, Calcot Centre
• Monday, 17 November - 3.30pm to 5pm at Theale Library
• Tuesday, 18 November - 10am to 11.30am at Northcroft Lesure Centre
• Tuesday, 18 November - 1pm to 3pm at Newbury Foodbank at The Kennet Christian Centre
• Wednesday, 19 November - 9.30am to 12pm at Hungerford Town Hall
• Wednesday, 19 November - 1pm to 3pm at Hungerford Foodbank
• Thursday, 20 November - 9.30am to 11am at Thatcham Library
• Thursday, 20 November - 1pm to 3pm at Thatcham FoodBank
• Friday, 21 November - 1pm to 3pm at Foodbank, Salvation Army

Find out more at

Speak to someone face-to-face to get advice, and find the help you need at one of our Let's Talk drop-in sessions.

12/11/2025

The Cancer Rehab Team have a Eating Well: Diet & Cancer talk coming up soon.
If you wish to attend, please RSVP to the Cancer Rehab Team at: cancer.rehabilitation@nhs.net

12/11/2025

💜 November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month 💜

Pancreatic cancer is one of the toughest cancers to detect early. Symptoms can be vague and awareness is still too low. This month is about to shine a light on pancreatic cancer and encourage everyone to learn the signs, talk about it and help spread awareness.

Common symptoms to look out for:

- Persistent tummy or back pain
- Unexpected weight loss
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Loss of appetite or indigestion
- Changes in bowel habits or pale stools

Early diagnosis can make all the difference. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it and speak to your GP.

Let’s use this month to start the conversation!
Have you or someone you know been affected by pancreatic cancer?
What do you think can help raise more awareness?

Share your thoughts in the comments and help us spread the word

12/11/2025

*** NHS SCAM ALERT ***
Fraudsters are impersonating the NHS through automated phone calls claiming patients must update their GP records or risk being removed from their practice list.

⚠️ These calls are fake — the NHS will never:

Call you to demand updates to your records
Threaten to remove you from a GP list
Ask for personal or bank details over the phone

👉 If you receive such a call:

Hang up immediately
Contact your GP practice directly if unsure
Report it to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority: https://cfa.nhs.uk/report-fraud

Scammers use fear and urgency to trick you. Pause, think, and never share details from an unsolicited call.

You can report fraud against the NHS in England and Wales by using our online reporting form or calling our freephone line 0800 028 4060 (available 24/7).

11/11/2025

*** Doctor's Strike **
Industrial Action by resident doctor's will be happening from Friday 14th November to Wednesday 19th November.

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust have issued the following statement.
" Due to industrial action by resident doctor's, some appointments may need to be changed. You will be contacted if we need to reschedule your appointment. If you have not heard from us, please attend your appointment as planned.
Please choose services wisely during the industrial action to help ensure support is available to those who need it most."

11/11/2025

From 17th to 23rd of November 2025 is UK Malnutrition Awareness Week!

Many people across the UK may be malnourished or at risk without realising it.
This week is all about helping us Ask, Look and Listen - reach out if someone’s appetite, food access or weight seems off; spot subtle changes like looser belts or skipped meals; and tune in to what someone’s telling you about how they feel.

We would love to hear from you:

Have you noticed someone (a neighbour, friend or older family member) whose eating or drinking habits have changed?
What one simple step could you take this week to help someone stay nourished and well?

Share your thoughts below and let’s raise awareness together.

11/11/2025

📣 Urgent Appeal: Blood Donors Needed!
If you have O-, B- or Ro blood type: please book an appointment ASAP.

We’re sending out an emergency call for blood donations as the NHS Blood and Transplant team ramps up planned surgery in the run-up to Christmas.

NHS Blood Donation
🩸 Hospitals in England are ordering nearly 400 more units of blood each week than usual as they work to reduce the backlog of planned surgeries.

There are currently 136,000 appointment slots open over the next eight weeks – we need your help filling them. They especially need donors with these blood types: O negative (universal donor), B negative, and Ro subtype (more common among Black African & Black Caribbean heritage).

✨ Why your donation is so important:
A single donation takes about an hour, and it can save up to three lives. O negative blood, used in emergencies, is only found in ~8% of the population, yet accounts for over 16% of use in hospitals.

If you’ve never given blood before: consider signing up—it’s a powerful way to make a difference.

Use the website, the “GiveBlood” app or call 0300 123 23 23 to find your nearest donor centre.
NHS Blood Donation

🔗 Link to book & more info: NHS Blood Donation – Call for more donors
https://www.blood.co.uk/🙏 Please share this post to spread the word. Lives literally depend on it—and this winter demand is higher than ever.

Register to be a blood donor, give blood and save lives. Find out more about blood donation.

10/11/2025

This coming Tuesday the West Berkshire Mental Health Forum is inviting everyone to the Corn Exchange, Newbury to talk about mental health, and this session to discuss the topic of Men's Mental Health. Contact Rachel Johnson at rachel.johnson@westberks.gov.uk or see poster below for more information.